Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT) showed top form on home soil in Saturday's CSI5* HH Emir's Sword Grand Prix at Al Rayyan, Doha. 

Aboard the 11-year-old mare Carolina 31 (Colman x Ramirado), Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani produced the only treble clear in this 1.60m Grand Prix competition worth 153,700 Euro also counting as a qualifier for the European Championships 2017 as well as the World Equestrian Games in 2018. 

Although Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) and Domingo (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Brownboy) were faster in the jump-off that counted two men only, the speed came on the expense of a rail down and the pair had to settle for the second place this time around. Derin Demirsoy (TUR) finished third aboard Harry K (Equest Carnute x Robin Z II) with four faults recorded in round two, while Janika Sprunger (SUI) on Aris CM S (Nassau x Amethist) were fourth and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) on California (L’Esprit x Libero H) fifth – also with four faults each.

It was a good weekend for Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), who won both 1.55m classes at the event – first on Friday riding Chalou (Chacco-Blue x Baloubet du Rouet) and then on Saturday aboard Caspar 232 (Casper x Padarco). In Friday's 1.55m competition, Janika Sprunger on Aris CSM finished second and Derin Demirsoy third with Harry K while in today's 1.55m class it was Pilar Cordon (ESP) that was runner-up on Armani des Maraichers (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Quater) and Abdullah Al Sharbatly third on Woulon L (Toulon x G.Ramiro Z).

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson