Doha: Under the patronage of H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has announced the top riders set to participate in Chi Al Shaqab 2016, taking place from March 2 to 5 in Doha, Qatar.
As the only event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia, the fourth edition of the prestigious equestrian competition will see more than 130 riders from more than 20 countries competing in Show Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 3*, Dressage CDI 5* and Para-Dressage disciplines.
Confirmed entries for the Show Jumping category include the world’s highest ranked show jumper, Scott Brash, along with world-ranking riders Abdullah Alsharbatly, Edwina Tops- Alexander, and, our very own, Sheikh Ali bin Khalid.
World Number One Show Jumper, Scott Brash, said: “I am very excited to be once again participating in Chi Al Shaqab in Qatar, particularly the same year that the Olympics are taking place. It is always thrilling to compete with riders of the highest calibre, and I look forward to competing in one of the best equestrian facilities in the world”.
Hayley Watson Graves, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Patrik Kittel are among the top riders set to compete in the Dressage category.
Featuring Para-Dressage for the second year running, top riders confirmed for this discipline include Pep Puch, Nicole Den Dulk and Rixt van der Horst. Chi Al Shaqab 2016 is one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcase more than three equestrian disciplines in one event. By hosting events such as this, Al Shaqab supports Qatar Foundation’s Vision 2030, which includes the aim to promote Qatar as a premier international sports destination.
Created in 2013, Chi Al Shaqab is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, one of only four of its kind in the Middle East and Asia. And, in its scope and dimensions, it is comparable to just three other events worldwide.
Every year, Chi Al Shaqab welcomes the world’s top-ranking riders, including regional and local competitors in various equestrian disciplines. The event generates enormous interest from horse lovers around the world, who have come to admire the strong bond between riders and their horses.
Through the organisation of this competition, Al Shaqab strives to cement its position as a leading centre in equestrian activities on both a regional and global level, and seeks to bolster Qatar’s position as a preeminent sports hub across Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region.The Peninsula
