January 9th marked the start of the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show, which will span the next two weekends at the recently-renovated Abu Dhabi Equestrian Centre in the UAE. The event, which is now in its 8th season, remains a firm favourite of the Middle Eastern season, attracting top international riders and emerging local talent.

A number of Canadians participated in this event, including Hamzah Almahamid, Fares Azouni, Ella Christiani, Noor Rawji, Lea Rucker and Setareh Sadeghi. Their top-10 results included:

  • CSI3* 1.20m, presented by Majestic – 6. Fares Azouni and Tourano
  • CSICh-A 1.05m, presented by Mandara – 1. Hamzah Al Mahamid and Amadeus Z; 2. Star Sadegh and Alesi
  • CSIU25-A 1.40m, presented by Al Shira’aa Tour – 3. Lea Rucker and Macarena 42; 5. Lea Rucker and Firefly 66
  • CSI3* 1.30m, presented by Bolesworth International – 2. Fares Azouni and Tourano; 8. Lea Rucker and Barcelona
  • CSICh-A 1.05m, presented by Mandara – 1. Star Sadegh and Alesi; 2. Hamzah Al Mahamid and Amadeus Z; 8. Noor Rawji and Clinturo
  • CSI3* 1.35m presented by ADSC – 1. Lea Rucker and Barcelona
  • CSICh-A 1.10m, presented by Mandara – 1. Star Sadegh and Alesi; 9. Hamzah Al Mahamid and Amadeus Z
  • CSIU25-A, presented by Al Shira’aa Tour – 8. Lea Rucker and Macarena 42; 9. Lea Rucker and Firefly 66
  • CSIU25 1.45m, presented by Presidential Court – 3. Lea Rucker and Macarena 42; 6. Lea Rucker and Firefly 66

It was a big win for Canadian rider Lea Rucker in the CSI3* Abu Dhabi Sports Council 1.35cm Speed Class. The only combination to jump a double clear, she rode her talented 12-year-old bay mare Barcelona to victory. In the CSIU25-A Presidential Court Final, Rucker clinched another podium finish, third place riding Macarena 42.

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