The CSI4*-W Diamond Tour over 1.45m, counting for the Longines Ranking, at the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show in Abu Dhabi delivered a high-quality contest, featuring a strong international field and a demanding course that rewarded speed and accuracy. With many combinations producing clear rounds, the final rankings were decided by fine margins in the second phase.
Victory went to Shady Ghrayeb, who guided Cabernet de Mars (Baloubet du Rouet) to two faultless rounds and set the fastest time of the class, stopping the clock at 35.50s in the second phase. His efficient and forward ride proved just enough to secure the win in a closely contested finish.
Ireland’s Michael Pender followed in second place with HHS Orchidee (Le Roi) after also delivering a double clear performance. His time of 35.54s kept him firmly in contention until the very end, underlining the tight competition at the top of the leaderboard.
Third place was claimed by Constant van Paesschen aboard Kannavara Z (Kannan). The pair produced another smooth double clear round and crossed the finish in 35.82s, securing a place on the podium in a field packed with experienced riders.
Just outside the top three, Portugal’s Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida placed fourth with Comme le Coeur (Comme Il Faut) after stopping the clock at 36.27s without faults. Germany’s Maximilian Lill completed the top five with Casallco’s George PS (Casallco), also double clear in 36.70s.
