The CSI4* Al Shira'aa International Horse Show in Abu Dhabi concluded on Saturday with the 62,000 Euro Grand Prix presented by Longines and Al Shira'aa Stables. The beautiful Al Forsan Village was full of curious spectators, with 40 horse-and-rider combinations lining up for the challenge. The 1.50-1.60m track set by Bernardo Costa Cabral counted 13 obstacles and 16 efforts in the first round and proved tricky enough, with 12 pairs setting a clear score and joining the second round.

In round two, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and the 11-year-old gelding Chacanno (Chacco Blue x Kannan) clocked a time of 39,65 seconds – that in the end proved unbeatable. Henrik’s former colleague, Ludger Beerbaum Stable's Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on the 9-year-old mare Che Fantastica (Check In 2 x Pablo) got close though, taking the runner-up position with a time of 40,86.

"My horse is amazing," Henrik von Eckermann said about his winning ride. "I've had him for quite a while now and he is just a great personality. And he is very fast! I must say I am very happy with my decision to spend these weeks here in the Middle East. My horses seem to enjoy it here and everything has been well taken care of. Al Shira'aa has put together an amazing event here in Abu Dhabi and it is not only what we see here – what they do for the sport in general is fantastic. I am very happy to be here." 

Weishaupt was perhaps beaten, but not disappointed: "I am very happy with my fairly unexperienced horse," Philipp commented afterwards. "Al Shira'aa has done an amazing job organizing this event," he continued. 

Natale Chiudani (ITA) and the 19-year-old gelding Almero (Asti Spumante 7 x Gajus) had the last double clear of the evening, taking the third spot with a time of 46,92 seconds. With lots of support from the audience, Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA) on the 10-year-old gelding Ted (Waranta x Jalisco B) clocked a fast time of 41,34 seconds, but had to settle for the fourth place after a fence went down. His fellow country man Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) on the 13-year-old gelding Crazy Quick (Chacco Blue x Quick Star) also gave it his best go, clocking a time of 44,48 seconds but also saw a pole fall, ending fifth.

Mohammed Al Kumeiti (UAE) on the 12-year-old gelding Newton Abbot (Converter x Indoctro) was the best of the hosts', taking the 14th place after having an unfortunate fence down in the first round. 

Earlier during the day Shane Breen (IRL) continued his great form, taking top honours in the 1.45m presented by Sheikh Zayed Bin Hazza Al Nahyan. Riding the 11-year-old stallion Laith (Lord Z x Weinberg), the Irish rider clocked the winning time of 33,63 seconds in the jump-off. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) on the 12-year-old gelding Artiste de l'Abbaye d'Aulne (Conquest van de Helle x Idem d'Azur) took the runner-up position with a time of 35,15 seconds. Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) on the 11-year-old stallion Teck de Riverland (Quick Star x Cincaba Rouge) took the third spot with a time of 35,19, while Khalid Hilal Al Khatri (BRN) on the 13-year-old mare Sierra (Silvio) took the fourth place. The fifth spot went to Said Saad (EGY) on the 12-year-old gelding Saphir du Valon (Quidam de Revel x Orgueil Du Donjon).