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Princess Haya opens UAE President Show Jumping Cup HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, FEI President and wife of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler, inaugurated the first-ever CSIO5* The President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Thursday evening. The ceremony, reflecting the rich UAE heritage and culture, was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman, Emirates Equestrian Federation, organisers of the event. The event was attended by several sheikhs, dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps and senior officials. In a forward before the inauguration of the event HRH Princess Haya said it is always a joy being with horses as they bring people in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire. She also added that as the President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), “it makes me very proud that the United Arab Emirates, in accordance to the FEI’s rules and regulations, is hosting The President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup.” Meanwhile, the opening class in the CSIO***** on Thursday afternoon was won by former World Champion Dermott Lennon who beat 45 others to win the Euros 5600 first prize astride 10-year-old bay Tolett. Dermott cleared the Emirates Equestrian Federation Trophy- Two Phases Jumping in 32.54 seconds with no penalties. Lone Swiss champion Clarissa Crotta, representing her country in the UAE, made it second partnering 10-year-old bay Made in Margot (33.09 secs) and Great Britain's Robert Smith was third was third riding 10-year-old bay Talan and clocked 33.64 seconds. As many as 46 riders from 15 countries including the UAE were in the field, including Qatar, Libya, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ireland, Switzerland, Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium. This seemed a just reward for one of the team who have decided to donate any prize money they win in the Nations Cup to the Haiti earthquake appeal. “I have competed in Abu Dhabi before and as usual, although this is a new venue they have done their best to make everything perfect. The ground and the stabling are excellent.” Robert Smith said: “It is a lovely show and the first time I have competed in the area. And obviously I hope we do well in the Nations Cup.” Clarissa featured again in the second five star class, Grand Prix Qualifier Prize of Maximus Air Cargo - when she was fourth to go with Westside Van Meerputhoeve. Not appearing to be travelling fast the chestnut showed no signs of being affected by his journey from Zurich when setting a time of 75.41 over Olaf Peterson's 1.50m track. Another 30 horses had jumped before anyone got in front of her and to the delight of the crowd, that person was Abdullah al Sharbatly from Saudi Arabia who steered Goldex to a clear round in 69.56 seconds. As many as 34 riders started in the Euro 20,000 competition. However, due to a technical snag, the class was abandoned with ten horses left in the field to compete. An Official spokesperson said: “It was very unfortunate. But we consulted with the riders and the chef d'equipes as well as the officials and it was decided in the interests of safety to abandon the class.” The riders decided to split the prize money equally between them although Abdullah was announced as the winner, because there were still ten horses left to jump when the stoppage occurred. In the Class 3 Dubai Racing Speed Cup which started off the second day’s events on a chilly rainy Friday morning, Gerco Schroder from the Netherlands finished in the first place with his 16-year-old Eurocommerce Milano in a timing of 63.11 seconds. Hani Bisharat came second with Trouble Maker in 63.21 seconds. Jan-Gert Bruggink from The Netherlands finished third partnering Junior Crash and clocked 63.54 seconds. All the top three jumpers had clear rounds. As many as 43 riders from different countries participated in this class which offered a prize amount of Euros 25,000.   View Photo 1View Photo 2View Photo 3View Photo 4