Four combinations qualified for the jump-off in the Riyadh 1.60m World Cup class. Riding his own BWP mare, Qmusic-K van 't Kattenheye ( Le Blue Diamond van 't Ruytershof), Vermeiren secured the win with a time of 43.51 seconds.

"When I was walking the course, I thought it was a very big and difficult class," Jan told our editors. "I have to admit that after the Belgian Championship in September, both Qmusic and I have gained a lot of experience. Right after the line from fence 1 to 2, my mare was pulling well and I could just go for it. All in all, I thought it was a difficult but fair course, built with several options."

For Jan Vermeiren, competing in the Middle East is about seizing opportunities to break through to the highest level. "My only option to jump at this level and earn a selection was to compete in the Middle East. Qmusic-K has simply felt ready for a while, so I really wanted to take the chance to come here."

The pair finished a few tenths of a second faster than Khaled Almobty and the M. Palm-bred Diana du Plevau Z (Dieu Merci van T&L).

In front of a home crowd, Abdulrahman Alrajhi completed the top three with the 12-year-old Ventago (Van Helsing). The duo relegated Emanuele Camilli with Chacareno PS (Chacco-Blue) to fourth place. The top five was rounded off by David Will and Xixo Borgia, a 10-year-old son of Big Star.

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