BY RIZWAN REHMAT
DOHA: Moroccan show jumper Abdelkebir Ouaddar yesterday upstaged world number one Britain’s Scott Brash in the CSI5* 1m55 class on day four at the CHI Al Shaqab.
Ouaddar clocked a time of 39.70 seconds with his ‘trustworthy’ ride Quickly de Kreisker. The 52-year-old bagged the top prize of €38,250 in the race against the clock with jump-off.
Brash, astride Hello Sanctos, could only post second-best time of 41.21 seconds. The Briton picked up €30,600 for his efforts.
German show jumper Daniel Deusser finished in third spot with ride Cornet d´Amour. Deusser, who clocked a time of 41.36 seconds, got richer by €22,950.
Earlier on day four, Great Britain’s show jumping star Laura Renwick nailed the win in the CSI5* 1m45 class against top riders.
Renwick posted the best time of 57.12 seconds in the speed and handiness class.
In second place was Emanuele Gaudiano who rode French Coffee (57.68) while Olivier Philippaerts - who was riding Carlito - grabbed the third spot with a time of 58.62.
Ouaddar was thrilled after beating the world number one.
“I feel I am on cloud nine. It is incredible that I have won against such a brilliant rider,” Ouaddar said.
“I think I can ask anything of this amazing horse and I can get it,” he added.
“I am very confident riding him. That’s why I was able to win against Scott.”
Ouaddar, who uses horses owned and trained by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, said he is ‘eyeing a spot in the Moroccan squad at the Rio Olympic Games’.
Renwick was the other star performer of the day. The Briton was full of praise for her ride Rembrandt Blue.
“He’s come for these sort of classes. I’ve had him for about 6-8 months now,” Renwick said with her trademark smile in place.
“He’s starting to jump bigger now. He’s always quick. These sort of classes are really good for him,” the world’s premier show jumper added.
“I don’t know how to describe him. I think he has the heart. (I) hope one day he will jump more. He really loves the job. He’s really a competitive horse at this level. I hope he continues like this,” the Renwick said.
Renwick, who is married to former elite show jumper John Renwick and is mother to a 9-year-old son Jack, was thrilled with the outcome yesterday.
“I was in the middle of the class so I could watch some horses. I saw Emanuelle (Gaudiano) go really fast. I tried to turn as tight as I could,” Renwick said.
“I tried to be as quick as I could. When I looked at the clock and when I saw the name, I was very, very happy,” she added.
“I thought I was a bit slow but it worked out well. Yeah, I hope this sets me up nicely for the other big jumps. I have a horse running in the next competition. He’s an eight-year-old. So yeah, I am looking forward to the competition,” Renwick said.
“Wow! It’s incredible and I am really happy to come back because two years ago it was my favourite show and this is a wonderful place for riding,” she added.
Earlier yesterday, Kuwait’s Rakan Al Hasawi triumphed at the race against the clock in the CSI3* event.
After finishing third on Wednesday at the Two Phases event on Vlacido, Al Hasawi was brilliant yesterday as well riding on the very same 2002 Dutch-bred mare.
Qatar’s Hamad Nasser Al Qadi was second on SIEC Lonnie with a time of 54:04 seconds, while another local rider, Salman Mohammed Al Emadi was third riding on Lucrate D’ Eau Grenou.
That was the second top three rank for Al Emadi following a second place along with SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z at a race against the clock competition on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia’s Nasser Shbbab Albagami on True Blue could have been placed inside the top-three hadn’t they hit the last fence.
His time of 53:52, was the second fastest among the 30 competitors, but their unfortunate last act denied them a top placing and let them lying in 14th place.
Kuwait’s Al Hassawi said: “I’m lost for words. It’s been really emotional for me. I tried to do my best and show my abilities at this amazing place. I am extremely happy all my efforts led to my victory.”
He added: “It’s pretty tough here with so many strong competitors taking part. The competition is serious which makes you concentrate and show your capabilities, and sometimes even more.”
Qatar’s Al Qadi said: “I am happy with what I have achieved today. It could’ve been better, of course, but let’s take one step at a time. I am looking forward to Saturday and looking forward to show my best qualities in full. This competition is very inspiring.”
Home rider Al Emadi said: “I am satisfied with the result as it was a strong show of force from other competitors. It’s a tough competition.
Everybody is trying really hard which makes it even more intriguing and exciting.”
The Peninsula
