Text © World of Showjumping

Ireland's Shane Breen and Ipswich van de Wolfsakker (Carembar de Muze x Quick Star) got 2020 off to a good start when taking the top honours in Saturday's CSI4* Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FEI Jumping World Cup™ counting for the Arab League. 

Ten of the 35 horse-and-rider combinations in the 1.45-1.60m Grand Prix moved on to the second round against the clock, where Breen and his 12-year-old gelding were the fastest with their time of 45.23 seconds. Following in runner-up position were Gerfried Puck (AUT) and Bingo du Parc (Mylord Carthago x Diamant de Semilly), after stopping the clock on 45.90 seconds. Third place went to Osama Al Zabibi (SYR) on Flash Gordon (For Keeps x Polydor) with a time of 52.83 seconds. Fastest of all was Abdel Saïd (EGY) on his new ride Alanine de Vains (Allegreto x Adelfos), but with one rail down the pair had to settle for fourth followed by Jack Ryan (IRL) on Essenar High Hopes (Phin Phin x Indoctro) in fifth.

"I am delighted with the win, Ipswich jumped fantastic," Breen comments to World of Showjumping. "I would like to thank all my owners and especially Team Z7. It's wonderful to be back competing in the UAE!"