Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed, aboard F One Usa, celebrates his victory.
DOHA: Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed sent home fans into raptures with a dazzling performance, clinching the marquee CSI5* 1.50m title as the third and final round of the Doha International Equestrian Tour got off to an electrifying start at Al Shaqab yesterday.
Riding 15-year-old gelding F One Usa, Bassem clocked an impressive 62.78 seconds to outshine a star-studded field and claim the coveted crown. Britain’s Scott Brash, aboard Hello Valentino, settled for second with a time of 63.24 seconds while Portugal’s Duarte Seabra finished third in 70.95 seconds.
Buoyed by his triumph, Bassem is now eyeing tomorrow’s prestigious CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix.
Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of Doha International Equestrian Tour Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish honoured the podium winners of CSI5* 1.50m event.
“I’m really happy, my horse gave everything today. This is our first five-star win together and it’s a huge boost ahead of Saturday’s Grand Prix. It’s going to be a big challenge with high fences,” Bassem said after his victory lap at Longines Outdoor Arena.
He also extended his gratitude to the home fans and organisers.
“A big thanks to the home fans for their incredible support and to Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab for staging such an amazing event.”
Gaudiano, Lazarus and Al Baker among standout performers
Earlier, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano dominated the CSI5* 1.45m event, claiming two podium spots. He stormed to victory with Chalou in 29.62 seconds and secured third place with Chalou’s Love PS in 29.86 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly, riding Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, clinched second place in 29.73 seconds.
In the CSI3* 1.45m event, South Africa’s Oliver Lazarus and Butterfly Ennemmel topped the podium with a flawless 65.83 seconds, edging Spain’s Mariano Martinez Bastida, who clocked 65.88 seconds aboard Belano Vd Wijnhoeve Z. Qatar’s Khalid Mohammed A S Al Emadi, riding Chikita O, secured third place in 66.47 seconds.
Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano dominated the CSI5* 1.45m event, claiming first and third positions.
Qatar’s Mohammed Khalifa A Al Baker shone in the CSI3* 1.30m category, guiding Dukhan 3 to a commanding win with a time of 30.56 seconds in the second phase. Saudi Arabia’s Bader Alfard (Hw Cosette) followed with 31.02 seconds, while Egypt’s Nour Hazem (Lablue) secured third place in 31.22 seconds.
Qatari riders dominate CSI1*
The Longines Indoor Arena also saw thrilling action with Qatari riders excelling in the CSI1* 1.20m event. Faris Saad A H Al Qahtani, astride Hidiene, clinched victory with a time of 32.44 seconds. Ibrahim Yousuf Al Mahmoud (Hero) and Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (Happy Tina) secured second and third spots with times of 32.94 and 33.41 seconds, respectively.
In the CSI1* 1.10m class, Saudi Arabia’s Abed Sanosy, riding Nina Rite E Z, took top honours with a swift 25.01 seconds. Qatar’s Mohammed Hamza M A Al Kuwari (Carte Blanche) finished second in 25.20 seconds, while Saudi rider Fonoon Alhumaidan (Matcho van de Maashorst) claimed third with a time of 25.90 seconds.
Qatar’s Alya Hamad J Al Thani captured the National Competition (0.60m) title, completing the course with Geale in 52.22 seconds. Qatar’s Al Najla Abdulla M Al Khulaifi, riding Peter, secured second in 51.63 seconds, while USA’s Mohammed Talal K Talal finished third aboard Cascade Sammy in 52.39 seconds.
Sports Director of the Doha International Equestrian Tour, Nasser Al Hajri, presented trophies to the top six finishers of the National Competition (0.60m), with Alya Hamad J Al Thani taking first place, followed by Al Najla Abdulla M Al Khulaifi, Mohammed Talal K Talal, Rodha Tamim Al Thani, Khalifa Joaan Al Thani and Salman Faisal Al Marri.
Seven more titles will be decided today, with the action starting at 9:00am with the CSI3* 1.45m and concluding with the CSI5* 1.50m jump-off at 7:45pm.
“The championship is progressing as planned with many prominent riders in both the CSI3* and CSI5* classes, promising more excitement for Saturday’s Grand Prix,” said Omar Al Buainain, Deputy Event Director of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025.
He also highlighted the significance of maintaining the high standards for upcoming events like the H H The Amir’s Sword for Showjumping.
He praised the strong performance of Qatari riders, noting their consistent podium finishes, which will positively impact the National team’s upcoming continental competitions.
