DOHA (Qatar): Talent and training are not enough to win medals at Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, but eagle-eye focus and a steely resolve can only boost chances to excel.
Belgium rider Olivier Philippaerts precisely did that on Thursday night in the feature class triumph at the magnificent Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.
The 27-year galloped to victory in the saddle of the 15-year-old H&M Legend of Love, and the win means Olivier had kicked off his outdoor on a winning note.
“If you look at the start list, you know that you have to ride fast if you want to play an important part. I didn’t let that distract me and wanted to ride my own round,” said Olivier, who in 2012 became the youngest rider ever to win the CN International Grand Prix. “It’s super that we can start again at the highest level here (Al Shaqab) at this location. So, I didn’t want to come to the start here unprepared.”
Olivier has prepared well for the Qatar championship by taking his horses and getting them ready for the challenges in Doha.
“In January, I rode in Oliva to get my horses optimally ready for the outdoor season and I seem to have succeeded pretty well,” he said.
“My horses already have some competitions in their legs and are in the rhythm. That certainly made a difference today,” added Oliver, who took part in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Olivier was the fastest as he rode a clear round in the saddle of the 15-year-old H&M Legend of Love and finished in 60.61 seconds.
Britain’s Scott Brash finished in second place with Hello Vincent, the Zangersheide stallion did not come close to the wood and clocked off in 60.85 seconds. Philipp Weishaupt and Coby 8 took home third place after a clear round in 61.07 seconds.
Pieter Devos (Jade vd Bisschop) and Olivier Robert (Vivaldi des Meneaux) followed in places four and five.
CHI Al Shaqab is being held for the eighth time, with a total of 85 riders from 27 countries and 138 horses competing in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage in this three-day competition.
In the opening class of the CSI5* competition, Frenchman Julien Epaillard topped the field in the 1.45m category astride Safari d’Auge in 32.19 seconds. Epaillard put on an impressive round to top the field which saw 39 riders competing for the top prize.
The rest of the top two places went to Swedish riders with Henrik Von Eckermann riding Carlotta 276 to second place. The duo left the wood untouched and finished in 33.06 seconds. Peder Fredricson and Hansson took home third place after a clear round in 33.34 seconds.
Penelope Leprevost (Verite Une Prince) and Jos Verlooy (Fabregas) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
