Ahlmann Dominates Longines 2021 Grand Prix at Al Shaqab

German Christian Ahlmann on Dominator 2000 Z reigned supreme against the best of the best in a spectacular Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2021 Grand Prix finale, at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.

The victorious pair dazzled in the CSI5* Grand Prix two rounds + jump-off 1.60 m showjumping class, clocking 36.17 secs without any faults in the jump-off to claim top honors.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, awarded Ahlmann the prestigious winner’s trophy.

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Eric Lamaze and Dieu Merci van T & L. (Stefano Grasso photo)

Olivier Robert of France on Vivaldi des Meneaux rode into second place in 36.27 secs. Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels, on Delux van T & L, finished third in 36.82 secs. Canada’s Eric Lamaze had 4 faults aboard Dieu Merci van T & L, owned by Torrey Pines Stable and the Rein family, to finish 24th.

A jubilant Ahlmann said: “I’m really happy and proud to be here at Al Shaqab, especially during these difficult times. Thanks to the Al Shaqab team for making this event happen. We all feel very safe here in Qatar.

“I had a very good day in the Grand Prix. My horse jumped an amazing three rounds. It was a good performance and I hope I can keep up this form.”

Julien Epaillard of France, on Safai d’ Auge of France, jumped to the top spot in the CSI5* 1.45m Table C Showjumping Class with a time of 67.99 secs. Eduardo Alvarez, of Spain, on Legend, claimed second place in 70.53 secs. Maikel Van Der Vleuten, of the Netherlands, on Kamara v’ant Heike, rounded out the winners’ podium with a time of 72.25 secs.

Results here.

Dressage

There were a number of graceful performances in the CDI5* Dressage – Grand Prix Free Style, with Germany taking the top three spots on the podium. Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl, astride Zaire-E, won first place, while Helen Langehanenberg, on Damsey FRH, took second, and Dorothee Schneider, on Faustus, finished third.

Von Bredow-Werndl said: “I’m trying to be the strongest competitor I can be, and I keep on improving, and I also have the best horses to dance with.
“The conditions here (at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab) are perfect for riders and horses. A big thank you to the organizers, for giving us such a warm welcome.”

In the CDI5* Dressage Grand Prix Special Test, Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger, of Luxembourg, riding Quater Back Junior FRH, clinched victory with an impressive performance. Denmark’s Dennis Fisker, on Delati, placed second, while Tatyana Kosterina of Russia, on Diavolessa VA, finished third.

Para-Dressage

The Para Dressage CPEDI3* Freestyle winners were Ana Isabel Mota Veiga of Portugal (Grade I), Pepo Puch of Austria (Grade II), Rixt van der Horst of Netherlands (Grade III), Rodolpho Riskalla of Brazil (Grade IV) and Amelia White of Austria (Grade V).

National Tour

Tour 10 of Season 4 of Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab Supported By The Social & Sport Fund (Daam), Qatar’s premier local horse-riding series, also took place alongside Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines. In the Big Tour 1.45m class, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, on Gibria -B claimed the winner’s spot, clocking 33.96 sec. Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, on Ulano, finished second in a time of 37.10 secs, while Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, on Andreas SPB Z, was placed third with four faults and a time of 31.71secs.

Mohammed Saeed Haidan, on Quick Step claimed top spot in the Open Class, 1.20 m competition in a time of 58.12 secs. Salmen Sultan A M Al Suwaidi, on Guilder’s Empire of the Sun earned second place with 59.06 secs., and Ali Mohammed Al Marri, on Apollon du Banney, won third place in a time of 59.86 secs.