Dubai: The Gulf News Dubai Cup-Qualifier headlined the second day’s action on Friday at the CSI3* Dubai Showjumping Championship and the double Olympic gold medal winner Lars Nieberg from Germany triumphed when delivering a dominating performance at the Emirates Equestrian Centre.
A member of Germany’s victorious teams at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney, the talented 52-year-old horseman executed a top-notch ride aboard Nabab De Revel to post a winning time of 70.32 seconds.
The event serves as a qualifier for Saturday’s Dh245,000 Emirates Airline Dubai Grand Prix FEI World Cup Qualifier, the event’s showpiece and one of the highlights of the Arab League Show Jumping Tour.
The class included a field of 56 entries competing for the AED152,000 in prize money and Nieberg leads the riders who will compete in today’s finale.
Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar, who finished third in this event last year, took second astride Quickly De Kreisker with a time of 72.01.
Third place was secured by Vladimir Tuganov of Russia who completed the course aboard Bluebuster in 73.89 seconds.
The schedule for Saturday’s three classes will be the Longines Accumulator at 12pm; the Emirates Airline Dubai Grand Prix FEI World Cup Qualifier at 3pm; and the Emirates Equestrian Centre Trophy at 6:15pm.
Gates Open at 11am and entrance is free with entertainment for the entire family including pony rides, inflatable-bouncy rides, children’s play area, face painting and displays and drill rides by the Dubai Pony Club. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
For further information: www:emiratesequestriancentre.com
