Emirates Equestrian Federation

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Reigning world champion Jos Lansink of Belgium lived up to his reputation as the world's best by winning The President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup Grand Prix on Saturday night at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Abu Dhabi.

With Belgium taking the top honours, Lars Neeberg from Germany and Ben Maher from Great Britain had to be content with the second and third places respectively.

His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman, Emirates Equestrian Federation, organizers of the event, gave away the trophies. The President of the UAE Show Jumping Cup carried a purse of Euros 300,000 and Lansink walked away with Euros 90,000. The UAE President Cup was the richest Grand Prix in the world, exceeded only by the Global Champions Tour shows and the CN Grand Prix in Canada. 
 
Riding his 12-year-old Chestnut mare Valentina van'T Heike, the Gucci Masters winner, the World Champion rode a perfect jump-off round to prevail in the rich event in a timing of 36.43 seconds.

Lars Neeberg (riding 12-year-old Lord Luis) clocked 36.62 and Ben Maher (with 12-year-old bay Robin Hood W) finished in 36.69 seconds.

There were 47 riders in the field for the coveted UAE President's Cup, from countries from Europe and the Middle East region, including the UAE. The CSIO5* was organized by the Emirates Equestrian Federation,  and the four-day event was held from February 3-6, 2010.

At the end of the first round, out of the 47, eleven qualified for the jump- off and the biggest casualty of the first round was the lone Swiss rider Clarissa Crotta whose 10-year-old bay West Side van Meerputhoeve got into a bit of trouble coming out of a one stride and jumped his rider off.  The Swiss team member suffered a minor fracture of the ankle.

The President Cup was sponsored by Emaar, Longines, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Masaood Automobiles, Maximums Air Cargo, Meydan and Dubai Racing. 

Jos said at a press conference after the event: "I am a pretty happy man today. I bought Valentina as a six year old from her breeder but only half as I am only a poor farmer! She was spirited and I did not have time for her at first so I gave her a year off and then used her for Nations Cups which have taught her her business. She is a very sensitive horse but did a fantastic job at the event today. I hope I will be able to come back to the UAE next year with the same horse."

When asked whether he would be taking the same horse to the  FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held in Kentucky, USA, from September 25 to October 10, 2010, Jos said he had not decided because Kentucky is completely different championship altogether.

Second placed Lars Neiburg said: "I was second in Zurich last week and second here but as Lord Luis is not fast, I think it is fair to say I am a lucky loser!  I think Lord Luis needs more time I tried my best to finish first at the UAE Cup but with champions like Jos around, it is not easy 
Ben Maher My horse is also not the fastest but he is super consistent and we did slip slightly on one turn but I am thrilled with both my horses, this has been such a good week. And I hope a boost for British show jumping.  
British rider Ben Maher said: "My horse is also not the fastest but he is super consistent and we did slip slightly on one turn but I am thrilled with both my horses, this has been such a good week. And I hope a boost for British show jumping." Great Britain won the Nations Cup at the same venue on Friday night.  

Longines, one of the main sponsors of the event, presented UAE rider Sheikh Shakboot Nahyan Al Nahyan the "Best UAE rider of the year" award, Egyptian rider Abdel Kader Said won the "Rider of the region" award and Lars Nieberg European Best Rider of the Year".

Sheikh Shakboot said that the UAE team has been qualified to take part in the Promotional League to be held in Barcelona in Spain in September, after they finished fourth at the Nations Cup in Abu Dhabi. "We will have to go step by step to climb the ladder of success and if we do well in Barcelona, we will be able to take part in the Nations Cup 2011."

Speaking on the occasion, a Longines spokesperson said that their company has been involved in show jumping from eight years as it goes with their catchword "Elegance is an attitude" which ideally suits the jumping discipline which is an elegant sport and time precision is extremely important.

Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation was elated with the success of the championship. He thanked His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan for his continuous support for the equestrian discipline and jumping in particular and he hoped the next year will be even more eventful. "Considering that this was the first-time ever for the UAE to host the Nations Cup Series, I am very happy with the results and the representation from different European countries and the Middle East. It was good to see the world champions in one arena and we hope to make it a bigger event with more prize amount next year."
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