Edited press release from CHI Al Shaqab

Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines 2021, the signature event of Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, got off to an exciting start at the iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab on Thursday.  

The eighth edition of the international event organized by Al Shaqab is being held from February 25-27. A total of 85 riders from 27 countries are competing in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.

Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and the 15-year-old mare H&M Legend of Love (Landzauber x Corgraf) were the best in the CSI5* 1.50m class against the clock with a time of 60.61 seconds. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Vincent (Consul de la Vie Z x Fergar Mail) followed close behind in 60.85 seconds to take runner-up position, while Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Coby (Contagio x Escudo 19) finished third in 61.07 seconds. A total of 22 horse-and-rider combinations out of the 43 in the class delivered clear rounds.

Earlier on, Julien Eppilard (FRA) enjoyed a triumphant return to Al Shaqab, repeating his first-day heroics of last year’s event, when he won two classes. Riding Safari d ‘Auge (Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge), he emerged victorious in the CSI5* 1.45m two-phases special in 32.19 seconds. Henrik von Eckerman (SWE) finished second on Carlotta (Cornet Obolensky x Arpeggio) in 33.06 seconds, followed by his compatriot Peder Fredricson who rode Hansson WL (Hip Hop x Iowa) to third place in 33.34 seconds. 

In line with the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, the venue is being restricted to 10 percent of its capacity. As a further precautionary measure, there isn’t a Festival Area this year.