Press release from CHI AL SHAQAB 2019 

CHI AL SHAQAB 2019, the signature event of Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, witnessed an action-packed opening day on March 7.

It is the sixth edition of CHI Al SHAQAB, which comprises the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage and para dressage, and has attracted the leading riders from Qatar and around the world to take part in the three-day event, which ends March 9.

It was a great day for Julien Epaillard of France, who emerged the clear winner in the CSI5* 1.50m class. His victory follows his triumph at the Longines Global Champions Tour 2019 that concluded last weekend at Al Shaqab. Together with his stallion Virtuose Champeix (Rubins des Bruyeres x Avec Espoir), he clinched first place in 58.86 sec, adding 23.375,00 Euro to his winnings.

Epaillard said: “I am very happy. I saw Yuri Mansur in the lead and so tried to be faster. It worked and it is a fantastic day for me. I took a risk and it worked. Al Shaqab has one of the best facilities for horses and riders and I enjoy competing here.”

Jos Verlooy of Belgium jumped to first place in the CSI5* 1.45m showjumping class. Verlooy and his stallion Caracas (Casall x Colman), completed the two phases with no faults, finishing in 33.77 seconds to take the first place and prize money of 6,250 Euro. 

Verlooy said: “It was great to win. My horse jumped super. He decided to go faster the first day – that was my plan, so that was good. Al Shaqab has an unbelievable stadium, the facilities are super for the riders and horses. It’s my fourth time here and I really like to come here (to participate). I’m looking forward to the Grand Prix on Saturday.”