Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
International and Emirati riders showcased their skills as the 13th FBMA International Showjumping Cup got under way on Tuesday at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and under the guidance and supervision of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club, the event is being organised by FBMA.
The opening day of the event, which has a prize money of Dh1 million across the international and national competitions, saw some impressive performances with the event attracting a competitive line-up of male and female riders.
Among the riders to claim victory was Syria’s Layth Ghrayeb, riding Elite De Ponts, who finished ahead of UAE’s Saif Alkarbi, and USA’s Talya Mounjad in the Class 1 Special Two Phase category (120cm).
It was one of two victories for Ghrayeb, 18, after also winning the Special Two Phases category. He said: “It is very nice to win twice today and everything went well. It has been a great opportunity to compete here as I’ve been taking part for a long time over the years and it has helped me in my development.”
Another rider to stand top of the podium was Mohammed Al Kirbi from Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club. He triumphed in the One Round Against The Clock (140cm) category on Lyon van de Plataan, while Uzbekistan’s Abdurakhmon Abdulla and UAE’s Abdalla Al Kirbi came second and third. “I feel really happy to win today. It was tough and I had to be at my very best and this is a great start for the rest of the competition,” said Al Kirbi.
Other winners on the first day were Zaid Khalaf of Jordan, who won the Special Two Phases (105cm) category with Chico, and UAE’s Ali Al Rahman who claimed victory with Let it be Again in the Special Two Phases (125cm) category.
