BY RIZWAN REHMAT
DOHA: Qatari showjumper Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi yesterday produced a faultless routine with Tamira IV to successfully defend the Emir’s Sword title, which he won last year.
Al Emadi was the last man in and finished the 140/145cm jump-off round in a time of 44.82 seconds.
Qatar national squad rider Bassam Hassan Saif finished in second spot with his ride Imperio Egipcio Milton while Castiglionel — ridden by Mubarak Yousef Al Rumaihi — ended the competition in third place.
Earlier in the day, Hussain Saeed Hidan surprised everyone by winning the Emir Cup after a neat routine with Born To Joy in the 130/140cm round with jump-off.
Hidan topped the field with a time of 41.62 seconds. Golden, ridden by Jaber Rashed Al Marri, finished second with a time of 49.81 seconds. Hamid Nasir Al Qadi and his ride Sieclonnie finished third with a time of 39.87 seconds but dropped a bar during the routine.
Qatar Armed Forces rider Al Emadi threw his helmet up in the air when he cleared the final obstacle in the Emir’s Sword competition at the Outdoor Arena of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC).
After receiving the Golden Sword from Qatar’s Minister of Youth and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, and QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah — Al Emadi said winning became easier as he was the last rider to compete.
“I am happy with my performance today,” Al Emadi said. “I guess I had the advantage of knowing the time to beat. But I give credit to my horse as he managed a great routine,” Al Emadi said.
“I was under pressure also but I and Tamira managed a good performance; something that makes me so happy,” the defending champion said.
Second-placed Saif said: “Actually most of us compete and train together so we know each other’s styles. But it was still a great day for me. I am happy with how I performed today.”
Earlier Hidan topped the Emir Cup field as his ride Born To Joy looked in fine touch during the 130/140cm event.
“I feel like I am up in the sky ... like I am flying,” Hidan said. “I am so happy to win this competition Yesterday we got third position in the team event and now I managed this victory. It feels really nice.”
“It is not something that I wanted to so bad because I have won this title before in 2013. I just wanted to prove myself against the best riders. This was a tougher competition compared to the one two years ago. Then I had the best horse and I did well. Right now I need to win the Emir’s Sword title,” Hidan said of his future plans.
“What I want to do all the time is I want to improve my skills. Our team is still young. The average age is between 16 and 24. Basically, we are young riders. We get amazing support from my team Lekhwiya. I would like to thank the Prime Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, and our manager Abdullah bin Nasser Al Naimi. We get the best of support from our team,” Hidan said.
Hidan’s Lekhwiya team-mate Rashid Al Towaim Al Marri, astride Kannada, finished in fifth spot with a time of 36.82 seconds but the top Qatari rider dropped a couple of bars.
Second-placed Al Marri said: “I did well. It was tough out there. I have been working very hard. I guess it was God’s will that I would finish so I can’t complain.”
Lekhwiya’s Assistant Manager, Abdullah Al Marri, was also delighted with his rider’s victory.
“I’m extremely pleased with the victory of my rider. I want to thank the Prime Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Team Head Abdulla bin Nasser Al Nuaimi for their huge support to the team.”
“Our team is quite young. It consists of four riders from Lekhwiya and one from the QEF. That is why I’m particularly delighted with the performance. Lekhwiya are supporting the riders in all possible ways — from buying top horses to coaching and their participation in the events,” he added.
Earlier, Mohammed Khalid Qashouti produced a flawless routine with Ali Baba Z to grab the top spot in the Juniors Cup.
Al Qashouti clocked a time of 36.07 seconds in the 105/110cm class. Al Bareq, ridden by Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi, finished in second spot with a time of 36.07 seconds.
Ahmed Mohammed Hamad finished in third spot with a time of 37.01 seconds at the sand turf at QEF’s Outdoor Arena.
THE PENINSULA
