 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Following the remarkable success of the 2024 Doha International Equestrian Tour Championship, the organizing committee has officially announced its decision to host the event continuously in the upcoming years, starting from 2025. The future editions aim to attract an even higher caliber of riders from local, regional, and international arenas, featuring diverse categories with varying grades, multiple heights, and a total prize fund exceeding Euros 2 million.
Conducted over three rounds, the 2024 Doha Tour was organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) in collaboration with the Qatar Olympic Committee and Al Shaqab. The tournament concluded at Al Shaqab’s Longines outdoor arena on 27th January, achieving resounding success. The public turnout was remarkable, with over 15,000 tickets sold. A total of 201 riders, hailing from 21 countries, participated in the opening round, including 93 Qatari riders and 32 from GCC countries. The second round featured 248 male and female riders, including 89 internationally ranked participants. The third and final round saw the highest participation, with 265 riders, including 93 internationally ranked competitors.
The Tour comprised three international rounds, with the first and second rounds dedicated to the two-star and four-star categories, while the third round focused on the five-star and two-star categories. Additionally, the Tour provided opportunities for future riders, allowing them to compete at the international level.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah Al Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, lauded the tremendous success of the Doha Tour, emphasizing that this accomplishment played a pivotal role in the decision to extend the contract for organizing the championship. He highlighted that the event aligns with a crucial strategic goal of the QEF, aiming to develop and elevate riders' performance, providing them with valuable experience and the chance to engage with top riders globally in the field of show jumping.
He stated, “We look forward to organizing the next edition with higher financial prizes with an increase in the number of riders and the number of rounds. All of this will be after an evaluation study of the current edition by the relevant work teams of the organizing committee. The Doha International Equestrian Tour has become a tournament approved on the federation’s calendar.
“The International Equestrian Club will give participating riders the opportunity to earn points that will enhance their international ranking,” he added
The Doha International Equestrian Tours underscore the collaborative endeavors of the QEF, working in conjunction with pertinent authorities, to boost sports tourism and establish Doha as the sports capital.
In the Grand Prix event of the five-star category at the 2024 Doha Tour, Saudi rider Abdullah Al Sharbatly emerged victorious after a thrilling round featuring four competitors. Al Sharbatly clocked an impressive time of 39.43 seconds, securing the top spot. Brazilian rider Santiago Lamber claimed the second position, while Denmark’s Rikki Belinda Parker secured the third spot in this highly competitive event.