Doha: Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi warmed-up for today’s HH The Amir Sword in style after winning yesterday’s Big Tour class on day two of the prestigious Showjumping and Dressage championship yesterday. At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena, al-Qadi and his 15-year-old stallion Morocco were comfortable winners in the 145cm class as the pair zipped through the course in 66.82 seconds.

Their winning time was more than six seconds faster than the runner-up combination of Mohamed Khalifa Albaker and his veteran mare Verona.

Albaker also finished third yesterday, with his another horse Lissabon 56. The pair, in fact, was the second fastest in the field with a time of 69.15 seconds, but a penalty meant they had to settle for final podium spot.

Today, the riders will be eyeing for their dream title – The Amir Sword. The Big Tour, which will commence at 1:35pm, will consist of two rounds and carries a prize money of QR90,000, besides a car for the winning rider.

Yesterday, the Medium Tour won by Rashid Towaim al-Marri, with Hamad Ali al-Attiyah and Khalid Sanad al-Nuaimi finishing second and third respectively. Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi emerged triumphant in the Small Tour. Sultan Salem Badi al-Naemi was second, while Maryam Ahmad al-Boinin was third.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee and Secretary-General of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah al-Thani said HH The Amir Sword is most important event organised by the sport’s governing body. Sheikh Ahmed said QEF every year aims to host the championship in a distinctive way, while also focusing on modernisation, development and expansion. He said the prestigious event has unearthed new exciting riders in the past and QEF through this event wants to raise the level of Qatari riders. Sheikh Ahmed wished that the tournament would serve as an incentive to perseverance and excellence for the Qatari riders, and that it would be an inspiration for future generations of riders.

Source: Qatar Olympic Committee