A FEI World Cup win on the 24th of December: Turkey's Derin Demirsoy has kicked off his Christmas in the best possible way. Riding the 12-year-old Harry K (Equest Carnute x Robin Z II), Demirsoy was one of four riders going double clear in this 650,000 QAR competition that counted 23 riders. 

With a time of 44.55 seconds, Demirsoy had almost two seconds separating him from runner-up Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA) on Garlic vh Kapelhof (Tauber van het Kapelhof x Orlando). In third place came Khalid Al Emadi (QAT) on Tamira IV (Damiro x Corleone) while Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) finished fourth on Florette van het Lambroeck (For Pleasure x Baloubet du Rouet). The fastest time of the class belonged to Ibrahim Bisharat (JOR) on Bowie Z (Balou du Rouet x Jumpilot), but one rail down meant the pair had to settle for fifth.

"I am very happy about this win! It is a great privilege to ride such an amazing horse as Harry K," said Derin Demirsoy after his victory. 

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Lotfi Garsi / Qatar Equestrian Federation