Edited press release from Al Shira'aa Horse Show

Thursday marked the start of the Al Shira’aa Horse Show, which will span the next two weekends at the recently renovated Abu Dhabi Equestrian Centre. The event, which is now in its 8th season, remains a firm favourite of the Middle Eastern season, attracting top international riders and emerging local talent.

Arena One’s final class of the day saw the top two spots go to Belgian riders in the FMBA CSI3* 1.45m Two-Phase. Constant Van Paesschen, 97th in the FEI world ranking, went clear in 28.32s, riding Diaz du Thot (Ready Boy des Forets x Diams du Grasset) to secure first place and a €7,050 prize. Talented Celine Schoonbroodt-De Azevedo finished just behind in 28.57s on Deesse des Embruns (Mylord Carthago x Orame), a 12-year-old mare that she rode to victory in the CSI4* GP last December in Abu Dhabi. Third place went to seasoned Saudi rider Ramzy Al Duhami, who finished milliseconds behind in 29.00s on the talented H-Secret by Boris (Kannan x Cassini I).

The 3* competition continues until the 12th of January and culminates with the Al Shira’aa Grand Prix on Sunday evening, seeing the top riders battle for a place on the podium and a share of the €105,500 prize purse. The show then resumes on the 16th for another four days of thrilling sport, including the fun CSI4*-W Mother of Nation Costume Class and €164,699 CSI4*-W Longines World Cup Grand Prix.