DOHA: Last year’s Amir’s Sword winner Hamad Nasser Al Qadi claimed the Big Tour class on the second day of HH The Amir Sword Equestrian Festival on Saturday.
At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena, Al Qadi produced a clear round with 14-year-old stallion Andreas SPB Z in 74.05 seconds to emerge victorious in the 135/145cm class.
Rashid Towaim Al Marri, astride nine-year-old Navaronne, had registered the fastest time of 72.33 seconds, but a four-second penalty for knocking down a hurdle pushed him to third place.
Nasser Al Ghazali, riding Quel Homme, was second after clocking 80.76 seconds.
After yesterday’s win, Al Qadi had his eyes set on Amir’s Sword as he looked for an encore. The 26-year-old, however, expected a tough fight from his rivals with Nasser Al Ghazali and his brother Saeed Nasser Al Qadi among the contenders.
“It was a good victory for me today, but the one that matters is tomorrow. There are two rounds of competition and all riders are ready to fight for the Amir’s Sword. I’ll give my best but it’ll be a difficult fight,” said Al Qadi.
Today’s Big Tour champion will be awarded the Amir’s Sword, QR65,000 and a luxury car. The Medium Tour has a total prize of QR75,000 and the Small Tour QR50,000.
Meanwhile, the Medium Tour was won by Mohamed Abdulla Juma astride 12-year-old stallion Lucratief. The two combined for a flawless two rounds in 69.52 & 40.28 seconds as Juma went home with a car for his effort. Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani in Serendipity was second, followed by Salman Mohamed al-Emadi in third with Gop Stop in the 135cm class.
Abdulrahman Eisa Al-Bukhari clinched the Small Tour with Irschi, with Leyla Asuman Unsal (Istrella Shk) coming second, followed by Mohamed Jabor Al Naimi (Naville Z) in third.
Big Tour | Table A, Two rounds against the clock, Art. 273.3.3.1 | 135/145cm | Prize Money: QR65,000 and car
1. Hamad Nasser Al Qadi; Horse: Andreas SPB Z; Time: 71.70 & 55.26 secs
2. Nasser Al Ghazali; Quel Homme; 71.34 & 53.22; Total faults: 8
3. Mohammed Khalifa Albaker; Verona; 79.57 & 55.80; 11
Medium Tour | Table A, Two rounds against the clock, Art. 273.3.3.1 | 120/135cm | Prize Money: QR45,000 & Car
1. Mohammed Abdulla Juma; Lucratief; 69.52 & 40.28 secs
2. Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani; Serendipity; 71.13 & 43.18 secs
3. Salman Mohammed Al Emadi; Gop Stop; 68.75 & 40.35 secs
Small Tour | Table A, Two rounds against the clock, Art. 273.3.3.1 | 100/120cm | Prize Money: QR30,000
1. Abdulrahman Eisa Al Bukhari; Irschi; 56.35 & 41.57
2. Leyla Asuman Unsal; Istrella Shk; 56.74 & 37.97; 4
3. Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi; Naville Z; 55.96 & 38.56; 4
Future Riders | Table A, Two Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | 85/100cm
1. Mariam Abdulkarim Abed; Animo’s Boy Van De Dennehoeve; 22.70 & 18.59 secs
2. Hadi Nasser Al Shahwani; Wadi Rum D D H; 25.59 & 19.13 secs
3. Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani; Calydor; 24.05 & 21.36 secs
Future Riders | Table A, Two Phases, Art. 274.1.5.3 | 70/85cm
1. Jassim Adel Al Saegh; Joly’s Arno; 24.25 & 17.28 secs
2. Jaber Mansour Al Shahwani; Whistler; 26.96 & 18.23 secs
3. Nawaf Ahmed Al Khaldi; Ilse; 24.63 & 18.87 secs