Today the Doha Equestrian Tour continued with the kick-off of the CSI5*. In the 1.50m opning class USA's Kristen Vanderveen set the Longines Arena ablaze, guiding her trusted partner Bull Run’s Jireh to a commanding victory. In a field packed with Olympic veterans and championship riders, Vanderveen’s signature speed proved untouchable.
Vanderveen found the shortest lines with the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, stopping the timers at 66.77 seconds. The winning mount, Bull Run’s Jireh, is a 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Uriko x Colman) bred by Timm Peters. His sire, Uriko (Untouchable), is renowned for passing on exceptional reflexes and a competitive "blood" type.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly came closest to the American leader. Riding Niels Bruynseels' former mare Frenchy Vds (Cornet Obolensky x Quidam de Revel), Alsharbatly delivered a typically bold round but crossed the finish in 69.38 seconds, over two seconds shy of Vanderveen’s mark.
Austria’s Gerfried Puck secured the third spot on the podium with BWP stallion Equitron Naxcel V (Balou du Rouet x Landetto). The pair prioritized a rhythmic clear over flat-out speed, finishing in 73.48 seconds.
The top five was rounded out by Mohamad Mogheeth Alshehab (SYR) aboard Saphir Z (Sandro Boy) and Qatar’s own Faleh Suwead Al Ajami with Wathnan Karmalensky (Cornet Obolensky), both producing clean sheets in front of the home crowd.
