At the Al Shaqab stadium in Doha, there was no stopping Bassem Mohammed. Riding F One USA (bred by Th.H.W Ten Brinke), the former KWPN gelding of Lorenzo De Luca, he edged out Scott Brash to take first place in the 1.50m CSI5* main event.
"My horse was absolutely fantastic today. This horse always gives everything in the ring," the winner said after the event. "For us, this is our first-ever CSI5* win. I'm already looking forward to - hopefully - many more to come. Without a doubt, this gives me some extra confidence for the Grand Prix on Saturday!"
Bassem Mohammed and the 15-year-old son of Toulon were the only pair to go clear under the 63-second mark. They finished just under half a second ahead of Brit Scott Brash and the 11-year-old Hello Valentino (Diamantino). Duarte Seabra claimed third place with the 9-year-old Cooper LB (Colman) under his saddle.
Just outside the top three was Jennifer Hochstaedter with the Dutch mare Golden Lady (Cassini Gold), followed by Marit Haarr Skollerud Cox on the BWP gelding Nelson van 't Roosakker (Kashmir van Schuttershof).
Emanuele Gaudiano Unstoppable!
Earlier, Emanuele Gaudiano claimed victory in the CSI5* 1.45m class. Riding Paul Schockemöhle's bred Chalou (Chacco-Blue), the Italian narrowly beat Abdullah Alsharbatly on Lord Pezi Junior (Lord Pezi). Gaudiano topped off the day by also securing third place, riding Chalou's Love PS (Diablo Blanco) to complete the podium.
