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Electrifying win for Guido Grimaldi and Gentleman in the CSI4*-W 1.55m FEI Jumping World Cup™ Grand Prix presented by Longines in Abu Dhabi

Sunday, 19 January 2025
CSI4*-W Al Shira'aa International Horse Show 2025

Photo © Helen Cruden Guido Grimaldi and Gentleman won the CSI4*-W 1.55m FEI Jumping World Cup™ Grand Prix presented by Longines in Abu Dhabi. Photo © Helen Cruden.

 

Edited press release from Al Shira’aa Horse Show

 


 

The thrilling final day of the Al Shira’aa Horse Show 2025 reached its crescendo with the CSI4*-W 1.55m FEI Jumping World Cup™ Grand Prix — presented by Longines — delivering an unforgettable conclusion to two weeks of world-class equestrian sport. 

The 1.55m track, devised by Italian course designer Elio Travagliati, proved challenging for many, seeing only five jump clear in the first round. With 11 riders through to the nail-biting jump-off, spectators were treated to a masterful display as Guido Grimaldi from Italy took his first-ever Grand Prix win aboard the aptly named Gentleman (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Oklund) with a double clear in 39.67 seconds. The host nation's own Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi also rode two faultless rounds aboard Chacolu (Chaccomo x Baloubet du Rouet) to secure second place in a time of 40.63 seconds. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, no stranger to the podium, settled on third place following one time penalty in the first round and a quick clear in the jump-off aboard D’Aganix 2000 Z (Dominator 2000 Z x Aganix du Seigneur).

“This is my first time here at the Al Shira’aa Show, and it’s a moment I will never forget. To be on the podium with such fantastic sportsmen and athletes, for me, is an honour. And considering riding is not my full-time job, this is just like I’m living in a dream. I always try to do my best, and this is such a special night,” said Grimaldi of this win. 

When asked about his preparations for the show, he added, “From Monday to Wednesday last week, I was in Istanbul for business, so I have to thank Luiz Felipe Cortizo Gonçalves De Azevedo Filho for preparing the horses over the past few days. He’s been training me for many months, and I consider their team a second family. More than anyone, I have to thank my wife for always supporting me.” 

Patrick Aoun, Regional Brand Manager of Longines, praised the event, commenting, “This flagship-class showcased the pinnacle of equestrian sport, and we’re honoured to be here tonight to present to the winners. We wish all of the riders the best of luck with the upcoming qualifiers ahead of the final this April in Basel, Switzerland.”

The Al Shira’aa Tour continues through 2025 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa Farms. New locations include Umbria in Italy and Hamburg in Germany, as well as returning venues of Bolesworth Castle and Hickstead in the United Kingdom. Al Shira’aa’s vision to preserve the sport’s rich history through support of legacy shows and create an equitable and accessible playing field remains steadfast, as is evident in the tour’s structure.

 



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