Ghantoot : Gerco Schroder from the Netherlands and 2002 world champion Dermot Lennon of Ireland were the two international riders who shared honours with regional jumpers halfway through the President of the UAE Cup show jumping championships being staged at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
Schroder won the Class 3 Dubai Racing Speed Cup with a clear round on Eurocommerce Milano in 63.11 seconds to outshine Jordan's Hani Bisharat on Trouble Maker.
Earlier on Thursday night former world champion Lennon claimed the top spot in the Class One Emirates Equestrian Federation event. Riding Tolett, Lennon beat Switzerland's Clarissa Crotta to win the Class 1 event.
Prize shared
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council Class 2 event was abandoned with 10 more horses left to compete and at that stage Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Al Sharbatly was ahead of Crotta. However, all riders shared the prize purse for this event.
Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and FEI President, inaugurated the championship and watched an impressive opening ceremony along with Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman, Emirates Equestrian Federation.
Princess Haya in a message said, "It is always a joy being with horses as they bring people in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.
"It makes me very proud that the United Arab Emirates, in accordance with the FEI's rules and regulations, is hosting The President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup," said Princess Haya, who has competed in the world championships and Olympics as a show jumper.
Today's final day starts with the Meydan Mini Grand Prix at 10am and will be followed by the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club 5-star event at 12.30pm.
Class 8 Ghantoot Trophy
1. Abdullah Al Marri -UAE- (Vallee D'Alezan Vd Blauwaert) 51.70 secs; 2. Abdul Rahman Al Kaabi -UAE-(Feline S) 52.83; 3. Abdul Rahman Al Habsi -UAE- (Nemesis Balliere) 53.08.
Class 3 Dubai Racing Speed Cup
1. Gerco Schroder -Ned- (Eurocommerce Milano) 63.11secs; 2. Hani Bisharat-Jor- (Trouble Maker) 63.21; 3. Gertjan Bruggink-Ned-(Cash Junior) 63.54
Class 2 Prize of Abu Dhabi Sports Council: 1. Abdullah Al Sharbatly-KSA- (Goldex) 69.56 secs; 2. Clarissa Crotta-Sui-(West Side V. Meerputhoeve) 75.41 3. Henrik Von Eckermann-Swe-(Rocketman) 77.81.
Class 1 Emirates Equestrian Federation
1. Dermott Lennon-IRL- (Tolett) 32.54 secs; 2. Clarissa Crotta-Sui-(Made In Margot) 33.09; 3. Robert Smith-GBR-(Talan) 33.64.
