Dubai: The Gulf News Dubai Cup headlined the second day of the Dubai Showjumping Championship 2014 CSI3* and the combination of Abdullah Al Sharbatli and his horse Andrea emerged victorious with a time of 72.84 seconds in the event that serves as a qualifier for Saturday’s Dubai Grand Prix FEI World Cup Qualifier.
A three-time Dubai Showjumping champion and winner of consecutive titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012, Sharbatli now heads the field that will compete in the prestigious Dubai Grand Prix at the Emirates Equestrian Centre.
Second place went to Michel Hecart of France who completed the jumps aboard Nokia De Brekka in 73.23 seconds.
Abdelkebir Ouaddar of Morroco astride Quickly De Kreisker was close behind in third with a time of 73.41 seconds.
Sharbatli is the 2010 World Equestrian Games silver medal winner and 2012 Olympic Team Bronze Medialist.
The Gulf News Dubai Cup offered prize money of Dh150,000 and attracted a competitive field of 67 rides.
The schedule for Saturday’s three classes will be the Dh100,000 Longines Accumulator at 12.00pm; the Dh240,000 Emirates Airline Dubai Grand Prix FEI World Cup Qualifier at 3pm; and the Dh30,000 Emirates Equestrian Centre Trophy at 6.15pm.
Top regional show jumpers included Dubai Equestrian Club’s Longines FEI World Cup and Asian Games rider, Abdullah Al Merri, and fellow team members, Arif Ahmad, Omar Khoury, Mohammad Ketait and Ahmad Falaknaz.
Entrance is free and there will be entertainment for the entire family including pony rides, bouncy castles, children’s play area, face painting and drill rides by Dubai Pony Club and as well as dressage displays.
