Press release from Al Shira’aa International Horse Show, edited by World of Showjumping

The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show 2026 in Abu Dhabi (UAE) reached its halfway point on Friday.

Alexander McLean (GBR) and Calixte Heartbreaker Z (Cicero Z x Heartbreaker) topped the CSI4*-W 1.50m presented by AMEA Power, where the riders faced a demanding 1.50m track against the clock, serving as a qualifier for Sunday’s Grand Prix and counting for the Longines Rankings Group C. Producing a faultless round in 68.71 seconds, the 24-year-old British rider took the win ahead of Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann following in second place aboard Qasirah van de Reistenhoek (Emerald x Kannan), while Germany’s Christian Ahlmann rode Vivario JLZ (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Heartbreaker) into third.

The second CSI4*-W class of the day, a 1.45m presented by Equitrans, went to Al Shira’aa’s young Olympian Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE), who claimed top honours aboard Emeraude de Zabala (Emerald x Calvaro F.C.), producing a quick clear in 37.50 seconds. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann gave it his all aboard Sheeran WL (Codex One x Mozart des Hayettes), but had to settle for second place in 37.71 seconds, while fellow German Maximilian Lill, in the midst of his debut UAE season, piloted Viverter PS (Vivant x Conthargos) into third.