Text © World of Showjumping

The Longines League of Nations™ series kicks off in Abu Dhabi (UAE) this weekend, and the action at the 2024-edition of The President of the UAE Showjumping Cup at the Al Forsan resort got underway on Thursday with an Irish victory in the CSIO5* 1.50m Longines Grand Prix qualifier. 

It was Richad Howley (IRL) and the 9-year-old Zodiak du Buisson Z (VDL Zirocco Blue x Dutch Capitol) that took the top honours in the 1.50m class – counting for Longines Ranking Group B – after stopping the clock on 38.94 in a jump-off between 19 horse-and-rider-combinations.

It was Richard Howley (IRL) and the 9-year-old Zodiak du Buisson Z (VDL Zirocco Blue x Dutch Capitol) that took the top honours in the 1.50m class – counting for Longines Ranking Group B – after stopping the clock on 38.94 in a jump-off between 19 horse-and-rider-combinations. 

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) and the 13-year-old Like A Diamond van het Schaeck (Diamant de Semilly x Bamako de Muze) took the runner-up spot with a time of 40.08 seconds, while world no. one Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) placed third with Iliana (Cardento x Gentleman) in 40.39. Jörne Sprehe (GER) and Toys (Toulon x Quidam de Revel) finished fourth after crossing the timers in 41.57 seconds, followed by Peder Fredricson (SWE) aboard his new ride Alcapone des Carmille (Diamant de Semilly x Heartbreaker) in fifth in 42.16

Earlier during the day, the CSIO5* 1.45m Al Shira'aa Welcome Stakes went to Duarte Seabra (POR) and HHS Washington (Tinaranas Inspector x Cavalier Royale) ahead of Aaron Vale (USA) and I. Adermie R 4 (Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R) in second and Olivier Perreau (FRA) aboard Bresil de Carnaval Santa Rosa (Mylord Carthago x Rosire) in third.