Final Day of Competition at CHI AL SHAQAB

Doha , March 30 (QNA) - Today sees the final stage of CHI AL SHAQAB get underway after three days of exciting competition. The Dressage CDI4*- AL SHAQAB Grand Prix was a fitting climax to Friday evening, with fourteen competitors coming before the five judges. It was a tense competition with Natalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (DEN) riding Digby taking the title (75.43%), closely followed by Patick Kittel (SWE) on Toy Story (71.83%). Natalie commented, "Digby had a good winter break but he does hate the cold so it was a great opportunity to bring him here to enjoy the sun and warmth. He made the journey well, is happy, and I was very satisfied with his performance. The arena is amazing and gives you a very cosy feeling so lets hope all continues well for the Individual Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday". Saturdays programme is packed with some excellent competitions. The day started early as riders gathered at the Endurance Village in Mesaieed to take part in the Endurance CEI2*, a 120km race through the desert that tested the stamina of both the horse and the rider. Saif Ahmed Al Mazroui from the United Arab Emirates took home first place with Aldjani Safinat followed by the Italian Marco Sardo riding Ningadoo Kamikaze. Following the race, the Small Tour-CSI3* kicked off the rest of the days activities at AL SHAQAB, where forty-four riders were out to prove who was the top competitor of the day. A two round competition with the best riders in the world competing, it proved to be a testing competition. Jur Vrieling (NED) took first place, followed by Laura Renwick (GBR). Jur Vrieling riding Sissi Van Schuttershof said on his win "Unbelievable, we had wings particularly at the last fence!" Laura Renwick riding Parvati de Breve, who led until the very last competitor went, commented "She did everything I asked, someone just went faster". The Dressage CDI4* Al SHAQAB Grand Prix Freestyle starts at 2.00pm which will provide an enjoyable afternoon of competition followed by the Show Jumping CSI5* - Grand Prix 5* at 18.00hours. The CSI5* track, designed and built by Leopoldo Palacios, sees the riders jumping two different tracks. Participants who clear both rounds will go forward to the jump off. (QNA)