Syrian equestrian Osama Al-Zbeebi, riding his horse “BE Hugho,” secured the lead in the initial qualifying round of the Grand Prix at the Kalba International Hurdles Championship’s second day.

The competition was attended by Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler’s Office in Kalba, Sheikh Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyai, President of the Regional Group 7 of the International Equestrian Federation, and a large audience.

Al-Zbeebi’s remarkable performance on “Hugho” resulted in a winning time of 61.16 seconds, earning him the first-place honour. Emirati rider Haza Hamad Al Dhaheri secured the second position with his horse “Eloway,” completing the round in 65.34 seconds. The third-place accolade went to rider Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri, accompanied by the horse “GS Fabian,” who completed the round in 66.77 seconds.

The upcoming second qualifying round for the Grand Prix, featuring 145 cm hurdles, promises anoth
er exciting competition. Additionally, the Longines Kalba Grand Prize, with similar specifications, is scheduled to conclude the championship on Sunday evening.

In the third competition of the championship, UAE rider Nawaf Salem Al Kerbi claimed the first-place award, leading a trio of UAE riders in the top positions. The competition, featuring hurdles at a height of 130 cm in two special stages, showcased the dominance of local riders.

In the “Joker” points accumulation competition on Saturday morning, sponsored by the Sharjah Sports Council, Syrian young rider Laith Shadi Gharib emerged victorious riding the horse “Idole du Marais,” amassing full points in a commendable time of 47.18 seconds.

Source: Emirates News Agency