Dubai: Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdullah Bin Metab launched his bid to qualify for the FEI World Cup in Germany with a flawless performance on the opening day of the Dubai Show Jumping Championships 2011 at the Dubai International Endurance City yesterday.
Riding Mobily Reyyen Poco, Prince Abdullah achieved a clear round in Class 2 of the competition to bag the top spot and a cash prize of Dh20,000. His winning time was a smart 27.49 seconds.
Qatar's Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, riding Winner Zanorshof, denied Saudi Arabia a one-two finish in the event when he edged out the talented Abdulla Al Sharbatly to take second place in a time of 30.07 seconds.
Al Sharbatly, who like Al Qadi had zero faults aboard his horse Columbia 11, was clocked at 32.12 seconds.
Riders in action
A total of 45 riders were in action yesterday as they prepared to earn qualification for Saturday's Dubai Equestrian Club Grand Prix, a qualifier for the FEI World Cup in Germany in May.
Saudi Arabia also stole the show in the Longiness Welcome Stakes where experienced show jumper Khalid Al Eid held off strong competition from European riders to win event.
Riding Van Hoeve, Al Eid executed an error free round in a time of 43.72 seconds. His effort earned him a top prize of Dh12,000.
Italy's Andre Sakakini, riding Miss Corlend, finished in second place with a time of 45.9 seconds while French hopeful Frederic David was third aboard the mare Oman de St Maudam.
He stopped the clock at 51.6 seconds.
Al Eid was a star performer for Saudi Arabia at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA, last year.
Prize money totalling Dh600,000 is up for grabs at the three-day showpiece.
The Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2011 also features family entertainment and activities, including food and beverage stands, pony rides, and activities for children.
Array of prizes
There is also the chance to win an array of prizes from Knights and Walker, Dreamland Aqua Park, and Madinat Jumeirah Resort.
Prizes on offer will also be from the Crystal Gallery, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, The Meydan Hotel, Al Fardan, Emirates Equestrian Centre, Jebel Ali International Hotels, Bateaux Dubai and Towers Rotana.
Admission to the event is free. Gates will open from 1pm today.
RESULTS
Class 2 Dubai Equetrian Club 2 Phases: 1. Prince Abdullah Bin Metab (Saudi Arabia/ Mobily Reyyen Poco) 0 faults. Time: 27.49secs; 2. Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (Qatar/ Winner Zanorshof) 0 faults. Time: 30.70; 3, Abdulla Al Sharbatly (Saudi Arabia/ Columbia 11) 0 faults. Time: 32.12.
Longiness Welcome Stakes: Khalid Al Eid (Saudi Arabia/ Van Hoeve) 0 faults. Time: 43.27secs; 2. Andre Skakini (Italy/ Miss Corelend) 0 faults. Time: 45.9 9; 3. Frederic David (France/ Oman de St. Maudam) 0 faults. Time: 51.6.
