Text © World of Showjumping
The 2023-edition of Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines in Doha, Qatar, kicked off on Thursday with a German victory in the CSI5* 1.50m speed class, as Marcus Ehning and Stargold (Stakkato Gold x Lord Weingard) took the top honours after the clock stopped on 63.52.
“My horse loves this arena," Ehning - who won the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix presented by Longines with Stargold in 2022 - said after his victory. "Today he made a very good start and we were able to build on that and go on to win. I’m very pleased. Stargold is an 11-year-old stallion with a strong personality and I’m so proud of him and his achievements.”
Brazil's Francisco José Mesquita Musa and Catch Me Marathon (Contagio x Werther) followed in second in 63.37, while France's Kevin Staut and Cheppetta (Chepetto x Cash) took the third place in 64.24. Germany's Hans-Dieter Dreher and Vestmalle des Cotis (Baloubet du Rouet x Landor S) finished fourth in 65.18 and Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano and Crack Balou (Balou du Reventon x Chacco-Blue) fifth in 65.39.
The second CSI5* class of the day, a 1.45m in two phases, went to Ireland's Shane Breen and Haya (Mylord Carthago x For Pleasure). With a time of 30.84 in the second phase, the Irish rider took the win ahead of France’s Kevin Staut and Dialou Blue PS (Diarado's Boy x Chacco-Blue) in the runner-up position in 31.12. “I am delighted with this result," Breen said after his victory. "Since Haya is quick and has a long stride, I felt this well-spread course layout would suit her. She has the heart of a lion and is super smart, super careful. I have to say that the facilities and canter track here are second-to-none. It’s a great venue, with perfect weather!”
Brazil's Francisco José Mesquita Musa and Carte de Blue PS Marathon (Cartoon 21 x Chacco-Blue) took the third place in 31.60, while Sweden's Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Harley Davidson (Hip Hop x Calypso III) finished fourth in 32.06 and Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander fifth in 32.68 aboard Catenda (Casall x Contender).