In the 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier of Sharjah it seemed like a done deal for Italy's speed-rider, Emanuele Gaudiano. Until Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann took the start aboard his 11-year-old Glamour Girl (VDL Zirocco Blue). Von Eckermann crossed the finish in over a second faster as Gaudiano and claimed the win.
Eventually Gaudiano settled as runner-up aboard the 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood horse, Nikolaj de Music (Kannan). On stage Belgium's Constant van Paesschen followed in a third place with the 9-year-old daughter of Ready Boy des Forets 'Hn', Diaz du Thot.
At the end of last year, the 12-year-old Frenchy VDS (Cornet Obolensky) moved from Niels Bruynseels to Ahmad Saber Hamcho. The new combination proved to be one to watch as they placed fourth in this class. Aboard the 10-year-old Hollywood V (Mylord Carthago) von Eckermann also placed fifth.