Moneer Al Shaqab, a progeny of Marwan Al Shaqab, clinched the first place in Class 4A for Yearling Colts with a tally of 92 points during the second day of the 24th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show at the outdoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation yesterday.
Bred by Al Shaqab, Moneer Al Shaqab mesmerised the judges with his looks and was a clear winner ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Rashid Al Mansourana who garnered 89.63 points for second place. Ghanem bin Ali al-Mohannadi owned Baraka El Khaleej (89.00) was third.
Qatar’s domination continued with Al Nasser Stud’s Ammar Al Nasser taking the top honours in Class 4B for Yearling Colts with 92.00 points. Kuwait’s Taj Al Fayyad was a close second with 91.63 points, while Al Muawd Stud’s Mujaher Al Muawd was third with 91.13points.
Al Shaqab took their second win for the day when Gazal Al Shaqab progeny, Hadidy Al Shaqab was adjudged the winner in Class 6 for three-year-old Colts with a tally of 92.13 points. Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalid al-Thani owned Asfoor Al Waab (91.88) and Rotal Cavalry of Oman’s Munir Al Adeyat (91.63) finished second and third respectively.
Saudi Arabia’s HRPH Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also took a win with Loay Al Khalediah Al Thani edging out Ajman Stud’s AJ Marzan in Class 5 for two year Colts. Loay Al Khalediah Al Thani gained the judges nod with 92.13 points, while AJ Marzan was a close second with 91.96 points. Qatar’s Abdul Hadi Manaa Abdul Hadi al-Hajri owned Nader Bu Thaila also impressed to take the third place with 90.38 points.
Meanwhile, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain declared open the eight day HH The Emir 24th International Equestrian Sword Festival held under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on Thursday.
The Qatari Armed Forces band began the day’s proceedings with their performance which ended with the playing of the Qatar National Anthem.
The world famous ‘Flying Frenchman’, Lorenzo mesmerised the packed galleries with his scintillating performances. With his troop of 12 grey Lusitano horses. With no bridles, Lorenzo’s new show for Adrenaline showcased his natural horsemanship and extreme riding skills while galloping and jumping around the arena standing on the back of his horses.
Gruppo Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro, an Italian group made up of flag-wavers, drummers and trumpeters, used hand-painted flags and wore costumes made by professional theatrical costumers also put in a splendid performance much to the delight of the spectators.
They come from a place in the middle of Italy near Assisi which is between Rome and Florence and the group is made up of many professions including teachers, accountants, farmers, doctors and they’ ve performed at the opening ceremony at the Olympic Games.
Olivie Garcia from Avignon was another performer who thrilled the audience with a dressage performance astride 18-year-old Arabian stallion Jigit inside a bubble.
When she was a little girl clown, the 36-year-old had a dream. She dreamt about a horse in a bubble. With the help of his assistant Colleen, Garcia went on to prove that dreams can become a reality with a flawless performance inside the bubble.
The Wild Drummers from Austria had the crowd tapping to their music as well.
The eight day festival will culminate with the running of the HH The Emir’s Sword on Thursday, February 26. The QR three million event is a Group I race for Pure Arabians and a top class field is assembled for the blue riband of the season. The Group I HH The Emir’s Trophy for Thoroughbreds carries a purse of QR two million and this race has attracted runners from all over the world.