German rider Ludger Beerbaum guides Mila over a fence during the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha, yesterday.
Doha: After a shaky build up to the new season, experienced rider Ludger Beerbaum didn’t expect to bag top prize in Doha. But, the German star underestimated his potential and the class of his ten-year-old grey mare Mila.
Yesterday, both combined to clinch the prestigious Grand Prix of Doha after a thrilling victory over in-form combinations to start the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) season with a bang at the spectacular Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, which was filled with spectators on the final day. The victory also ensured a golden ticket for Beerbaum in November’s Prague Play-off.
President of Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani with the podium winners of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha - Ludger Beerbaum, Henrik von Eckermann and Jur Vrieling - during the presentation ceremony at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, yesterday.
In the jump off for CSI5* 1.60m class, Beerbaum and Mila showed a lightning speed, clocking 38.18 secs to beat Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, who were leading with a time of 38.74 secs.
While Von Eckermann ended runner-up, Jur Vrieling, who was astride Long John Silver, claimed third position with a time of 40.02 secs after eight combinations managed to qualify for the jump-off.
“I am very happy also because the horse (Mila) is not very experienced. Today, the way he jumped the combinations I am really, really happy,” Beerbaum, said after receiving the trophy from the Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
The podium winners of Longines Global Champions League of Doha team event, Stockholm Hearts, Hamburg Giants and Madrid In Motion riders celebrate at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, yesterday.
“Honestly, I did not expect to end on the top of the podium. The occasion, this show and my fears, all make this as one of my most emotional wins. Believe me, when I woke up this morning I didn’t expect to win,” the 58-year-old said.
“My last big show was Prague last year, then I broke my little finger, a few weeks later I fell from a horse and broke my ribs and didn’t ride for three weeks. Last week, I felt we are not ready at 5-star level. I also didn’t have my horses ready. But Mila is a quality horse, she jumped all clear and amazingly. My goal now for the season will be Prague,” the multiple-time FEI showjumping champion and four-time Olympic Gold medalist, added.
Earlier, Briton Scott Brash won the CSI5* (Against the Clock) with Hello Mr President after a time of 65.03 secs. Frenchman Kevin Staut was kept from victory by Brash and finished second with Visconti du Telman with a time of 65.83 seconds.
Swiss Martin Fuchs with Leone Jei took the bronze. He crossed the finish line in 66.61 seconds with the 10-year-old KWPN horse.
Meanwhile, Stockholm Hearts Powered by H&M We Love Horses nailed their debut performance as a team, winning the GCL opening event on a clean sheet with power pairing Peder Fredricson and Malin Baryard-Johnsson.
“It was fantastic and a great start. We have been a team (of riders) since 2002 and done a lot together. But this win is fantastic of course,” said Baryard-Johnsson.
World champion Peder Fredericson said: “It is one thing to be very good on paper, it is a different challenge when you have to do it. There’s always a bit of pressure and you want to do well. That’s what is so exciting. This pressure is a fantastic feeling when it goes well.”
Amazing two weekends, says Al Mannai
Meanwhile, Event Director Omar Al Mannai expressed his delight over the success of LGCT’s first meet, a week after Al Shaqab hosted the CHI Al Shaqab.
“We had two amazing two weekends. The crowds were also very interactive with the action. Everything was wonderful and up to the expectations,” said Al Mannai.
“At the moment the level is so high and every year it is improving. All the international riders had been preparing for long for this week in Doha. In the GCL competition, Stockholm debuted their new team “Stockholm Hearts” and they put the mark out in the first show. Congratulations to all winners.”
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khalifa Albaker astride Verona emerged best in 59.66 secs in the Longines Hathab competition (1.30/1.45 m) Against the Clock.
In the (1.15/1.25 m) Two Phases, Mohamed Rashid Al Amri excelled on Cornett Des Forrets to win in the jump-off, clocking 23.14 secs.
Results
Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha with jump-off (1.60m) - CSI5*
1. Ludger Beerbaum (GER); Horse: Mila; Time: 73.05 secs; Jump-off time: 38.18 secs; Prize money: €123,750
2. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE); King Edward; 72.46 secs & 38.74 secs; €75,000
3. Jur Vrieling (NED); Long John Silver; 77.30 secs & 40.02 secs; €56,250
CSI5* - Int. jumping competition (1.55m) Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 - against the clock
1. Scott Brash (GBR); Horse: Hello Mr President; Time: 65.03 secs; Prize money: €23,800
2. Kevin Staut (FRA); Visconti du Telman; 65.83 secs; €19,040
3. Martin Fuchs (SUI); Leone Jei; 66.61 secs; €14,280
GCL of Doha - Second GCL Competition: Team Competition
1: Stockholm Hearts - Time 139.42 secs, Team Penalties 0, Prize Money €19,055
Rider: Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Horse: H&M Indiana, Round 1 Penalties: 0.00, Round 2 penalties: 0.00, Time: 70.03 secs
Peder Fredricson, Hansson Wl, 0, 69.39
Olivier Philippaerts, H&M Legend Of Love, 0
2: Hamburg Giants - 146.96, Team Penalties 0, Prize Money €15,879
Jur Vrieling, Long John Silver, 0, 0, 74.71
Bart Bles, Comme-Laude W, 0, 0, 72.25
3: Madrid In Motion - 141.32, Team Penalties 4, €13,339
Jack Whitaker, Equine America Valmy De La Lande, 0, 4.00, 71.31
Maikel Van Der Vleuten, Beauville Z, 0, 70.01
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, Bentley De Sury, 0
Longines Hathab competition (1.15/1.25 m) Table A, Art. 274.1.5.3 - in two phases
1. Mohamed Rashid Al Amri; Horse: Cornett Des Forrets; Time: 23.14 secs; Prize money: QR6,250
2. Hamad Nasser Al Qadi; Callisto; 23.20 secs; QR5,000
3. Hussain Saeed Haidan; Viahipi D'Auzay; 23.32 secs; QR3,750
Longines Hathab competition (1.30/1.45 m) Table A, Art.238.2.1 - against the clock
1. Mohamed Khalifa Albaker; Verona; Time: 59.66 secs; Prize money: QR11,250
2. Cyrine Cherif; Brennus Villelongue; 60.52 secs; QR9,000
3. Mohamed Khalifa Albaker; Demilion; 66.99 secs; QR6,750
