Today's Edition
Dubai (Aletihad)
Aisha Al Mazrouei made eventing history by becoming the first-ever winner of an FEI-sanctioned eventing competition in Dubai when claiming a dominant victory in the FEI WEC – Category A and National One Day Event (95-100cm) at Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) on Saturday.
Representing EEC and riding Brackenspa Sam I EL, Al Mazrouei topped the dressage phase of the competition, was fastest over the obstacles in the showjumping phase and turned out to be one of two riders to ride without a jump penalty during the cross-country phase.
The only blemish against Al Mazrouei's record might have been finishing second behind Amanda Gravitis (Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club), who was quickest during the cross country phase of the event.
Gravitas and her mount Novoman, however, had to be content with second place overall after claiming 61.74 penalty points compared to Al Mazrouei's 43.85. Only just beaten into third with 62.14 penalty points was Al Wathba Stables rider Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, who rode Hyrano.
In eventing, the individual winner is decided by tallying the penalty points acquired in each of the dressage, jumping and cross-country phases competitions, with the rider accumulating the least total penalty points winning.
The inaugural Category A event was sponsored and organised by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) along with EEC with the intention of enhancing the quality of Emirati riders and getting them the necessary points and experience needed to qualify for international eventing competitions, with the Olympic Games, the ultimate target eventually.
Eventing has been part of the Olympics' schedule since the 1912 Stockholm Games, and this first-ever championship shows the UAE's ambition in wanting to secure more spots for its athletes at the quadrennial games. Eventing consists of a formidable combination of the three major equestrian events of dressage, showjumping, and cross-country and blends athleticism with artistry and precision, whilst celebrating the synergy between horse and rider.
Tahra Ahmad, the EEC manager, said: "We would like to congratulate the winner, and it makes us especially proud that Aisha Al Mazrouei represents EEC. Equestrian sport is an integral part of UAE culture and is steeped in the traditions of our country, with our riders doing the country proud over the years. We hope to do our best to ensure that eventing is another sphere in which the UAE's riders excel."
Meanwhile, the 70-80cm category witnessed a clean sweep by riders representing Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, with Nicolette Ligouri (Raayaat USA) leading home Manon Kerenfort (Hidalgo) and Gemma Briggs (Quaetano D Orange), who finished second and third respectively.
