Al Ain (Aletihad)
In Saturday’s first class, the CSI2* Majesticq Royal Care Silver Tour (Hazza Hamad Aldhaheri riding Eloy) emerged victorious, jumping clear to secure a spot in the jump-off, followed by another clear round in a fast time of 34.28s.
Aya Hamcho from Syria was again in the placings aboard Dxb Legend, coming second in this 1.30m class.
Third place went to Simone Coata from Italy riding Coconut 53, who finished just behind Aya in a time of 37.92s.
Premier Motors Ride & Drive class
Spectators were enthraled as professional riders and class sponsors sped around a course behind the wheel of the awaiting Defender. The 20-strong class saw qualified riders tackle a short course of jumps, before dismounting and running towards the awaiting vehicle, where their driving partner attempted to complete the course with speed and accuracy.
As with show jumping, the drivers received four faults in the form of time penalties for knocking any cones on the twisty course.
First place went to Mohammad Saeed Al Ghurair from the UAE, who was partnered with top German rider Christian Ahlmann. The pair completed the round clear in 83.59s.
Course designer Elio Travagliati from Italy designed a challenging course for the riders in the CSI2* Abu Dhabi Sports Council Gold Tour Grand Prix - 41 riders started, but only six riders jumped clear and went through to the jump-off.
Out of those, it was Belgian rider Abdul Saïd riding Figueras de Laume, who recorded the fastest time to clinch first place, jumping clear in 36.81s. Michael Pender took second place for Ireland on Hhs Los Angeles in a time of 37.01s.
The10-year-old Irish Sports Horse was bred by former Olympic team rider Marion Hughes.
Sophie Hinners came in third for Germany on Special Life in 38.98s.
The show concludes on Sunday with the CSIYH1* finals in the morning, followed by the Al Shira’aa Longines Grand Prix with a 155,000 euros prize fund.