Uchoa, Smaill shine at JAEC Challenge

Sofia Uchoa, Rebecca Smaill and Mohammed Al Tayebey all hogged the limelight at the inaugural Show Jumping Challenge held at the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club (JAEC), on Thursday.

Representing the home club, Uchoa rode her horse Brambles to victory in the Class 1 Two Phase competition with a time of 39.23 seconds.

The young Brazilian finished ahead of Karin Ayanian aboard Nicolas Poppet from the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) and younger sibling Eric Uchoa astride Silver.

"It feels great to win against such a field of riders," Sofia Uchoa gushed. "Brambles is my favourite horse and we've been together for the past two years," she confided.

Finishing further down the standings in the Two Phase competition were Amy Sheldon and Ahmed Al Zaadi from ADEC and Karl Berger of JAEC.

Honours in the Class 2 Jump Off contest were reserved for JAEC rider Rebecca Smaill on her horse, Abeer. The promising Karin Ayanian once again failed to break through to settle for a second runners-up position on the podium for the evening.

Ending in third was Jessi Solaman from JAEC on board Shimgaan. Amy Sheldon of ADEC was placed third with her horse Boughdoon Boy. The Class 3 Jump Off title was the only one to evade the home club riders as ADEC star Al Tayebey rode Smokey Lady to victory.

In second place was Rebecca Smaill on board Abeer and completing the space on the podium was ADEC's Emilie Suc on Ivan.

JAEC riders Romina Amarente and Helle Clausen rounded off the other positions in the fray.
As many as 46 riders took part in this competition, being held by the JAEC after a long lapse.

"The response has been good and we are hopeful our next competition will be bigger and better," stated JAEC manager Farhang Sedeghi.

Results: Class 1 Two Phase: 1. Sofia Uchoa (Brambles), 2. Karin Ayanian (Nicolas Poppet), 3. Eric Uchoa (Silver), 4. Amy Sheldon (Boughdoon Boy), 5. Ahmed Al Zaadi (Mill Maiden), 6. Karl Berger (Apache).
Class 2 Jump Off: 1. Rebecca Smaill (Abeer), 2. Karin Ayanian (Nicolas Poppet), 3. Jessi Solaman (Shimgaan), 4. Amy Sheldon (Boughdoon Boy).
Class 3 Jump Off: 1. Mohammed Al Tayebey (Smokey Lady), 2. Rebecca Smaill (Abeer), 3. Emilie Suc (Ivan), 4. Romina Amarente (Armani), 5. Helle Clausen (Al Fara), 6. Romina Amarente (Piston).