Day 2 at The Al Shaqab in Doha, concluded with the feature CSI5* 1.55m Jump-Off, where Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (QAT) and Wathnan Qapella (Toulon) took top honours in the Longines Outdoor Arena.
Under the dazzling lights of one of the world's premier equestrian venues, Al Ajami and the Toulon-mare Wathnan Qapella proved to be the duo to beat. In a high-stakes jump-off that tested both speed and precision, the pair navigated the technical course with a grit that brought the local crowd to its feet.
Al Ajami’s path to the winner’s circle wasn't easy. Entering the second round on a clean sheet, he faced a jump-off field hungry for the podium. Despite catching a rail for 4 faults, Al Ajami’s blistering time of 44.10 seconds was enough to secure the win and the lion's share of the prize pool, taking home €26,500.
“Things came together well for me. I managed to produce a clear round in the first round, and in the jump-off I tried to put pressure on the riders who came after me. In the end, it worked out well and I was able to take first place.”
The Brazilian flag flew high as South American riders locked in the second and third spots. Sérgio Neuppmann Júnior gave the leader a serious run for his money aboard Corina Blue. The pair mirrored Al Ajami’s 4-fault jump-off score but stopped the clock just over a second slower at 45.12 seconds, earning a well-deserved second place and €21,200.
Their compatriot, the ever-consistent Santiago Lambre, rounded out the podium. Riding Zeusz, Lambre showed great form in the initial round but found trouble in the jump-off, finishing with 8 faults in 48.49 seconds. The third-place finish added €15,900 to his season earnings.