Dubai: Top competitors from around the world are set to compete against the best local talent at the CSI3*-W Dubai Show Jumping Championship, which takes place at the Emirates Equestrian Centre from Thursday.
The three-day championship, supported by Emirates airline, Longines and Gulf News, is the highlight of the Dubai show jumping scene and one of the premier events of the Arab League Show Jumping Tour.
Qatar’s reigning Emirates Dubai Grand Prix winner Hamad Ali Al Attiyah of Qatar, who returns to defend the title he won 12 months ago, will have to be at the top of his game as he comes up against a UAE squad led by Olympian Shaikha Latifa Bint Juma Al Maktoum that also includes Abdullah Al Merri, Arif Ahmad, Omar Khoury, Mohammad Ketait and Ahmad Falaknaz.
The local team will be looking to build on their strong fourth place finish at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, when they go through their paces in the Dh150,000 Gulf News Dubai Cup, a qualifier for the Dubai Grand Prix, the adrenaline-charged Dh65,000 Longines Speed Stakes and the Dh100,000 Longines Accumulator.
All three competitions build up to the final-day Dh245,000 Emirates Airline Dubai Grand Prix, when successful riders can win prized Longines FEI World Cup Jumping qualification points.
Duleep George, Executive Director Strategy and Marketing for Gulf News, said: “We are proud to have been associated with the Dubai Show Jumping Championship since its inception. The event guarantees three days of thrills and fun for the show jumping enthusiasts and also provides plenty of entertainment and activity for the children as well, making it a truly family event.
“The championship is one of the highlights of the annual sporting calendar and we look forward to it with great pleasure.”
Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab, General Manager of Meydan Group’s Dubai Equestrian Club, which oversees operations at Emirates Equestrian Centre, said: “Since it began in 2007, the Dubai Show Jumping Championship has offered its spectators the chance to view top class international show jumping free of charge.
“The event continuously grows in stature and is now one of the highlights of the Arab League Show Jumping Tour. We are justifiably proud of this three-day show and encourage anyone interested in horse sport to come along and see for themselves what a great day out this is.
“None of this would be possible without our long-time sponsors and we send our thanks to Emirates, Longines and Gulf News, whose support ensures the continued development of this excellent event as well as the progression of the sport.”
Visitors to the show ground can take advantage of the free family entertainment, which includes bouncy castles, pony rides, a Dubai Pony Club display and a spectacular riding display by Z7 Entertainment.
