Press release from UAEERF, edited by World of Showjumping

Five-star competition is building at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi (UAE), as Friday afternoon’s CSIO5* 1.50m CISM Speed Stakes delivered a thrilling and technical contest ahead of the evening’s Longines League of Nations™ team competition. A field of 24 horse-and-rider combinations came forward to tackle the speed and handiness track, where tight turns and a fast pace proved decisive.

The UAE’s Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi was second to go aboard Lyon van de Plataan (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Heartbreaker), jumping one of the 8 clear rounds in 65.41 seconds. He held the lead until the halfway point, when Swiss rider and Longines League of Nations™ team member Romain Duguet guided Bel Canto de Boguin (Grenat de Grez HN x Arpege Pierreville) to a faultless and fast clear in 63.36 to take the win.

Belgium’s Wilm Vermeir entered the arena shortly afterwards, producing the fastest round of the class in 61.18, but an unfortunate pole down added four seconds to his time for a total of 65.18. That effort was enough to secure second place aboard Magic van’t Hulgenrode Z (Midas vh Endhouse x Vigo d’Arsouilles), relegating Al Kirbi to third, where he ultimately finished.

“I’m really happy,” Duguet said afterwards. “He’s a lovely horse and we’ve been together for a long time now. He’s a fantastic partner and has won a lot of speed classes, so I’m very pleased with him today. The owners are here as well, so I’m especially happy for them. It’s always a pleasure to come to Abu Dhabi — the conditions are superb, the ground is perfect and the weather is fantastic. Everything is great, and I’m very happy to be back here after last year.”