At the Al Shira'aa International Horse Show in Abu Dhabi, the CSI4*-W Al Shira'aa Longines Diamond Tour FEI World Cup Grand Prix just came to a thrilling close. Over a height of 1.50m/ 1.60m, the riders were challenged to ride a double clear, ridden over two separate rounds. The challenge to stay within the time and record a double clear, seemed to be hard task. In the end, it was David Will who proved to be the strongest today in this World Cup of Abu Dhabi!
David Will appeared to be in good shape. He could count on Babalou HD (by Balous Bellini) to stay double clear within the time limit and on top of that set the winning time of 39.86 seconds. Constant van Paesschen was right behind Will. Riding the fourteen-year-old BWP stallion, Isidoor van de Helle (by Canturo), van Paesschen rode a fast second round in 41.77 seconds which earned him silver in this World Cup competition. The top three placings were completed by Irishman David Simpson with Foudre F (by Namelus R). He recorded one time fault in the first round and dragged it with him into the second round. There he crossed the finish line in 48.50 seconds and went home with the bronze.
Ali Hamad Al Kirbi (Dalida van de Zuuthoeve) left the poles untouched but saw three time faults in the first round. This put him in fourth place. Henrik von Eckermann (Glamour Girl) was extremely fast and therefore recorded the fastest time in the second round but he still dragged along four faults from the first course so he finished fifth.
Picture: Al Shira'aa International Horse Show