Action during the CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines, in this file photo.
Doha: The Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation (QF), will come alive from February 24 to 26, when the ninth edition of the spectacular Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines takes place at the world-class equestrian venue.
CHI Al Shaqab brings the world’s best riders and horses to Qatar to compete over three days in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage and para dressage.
Tickets to Al Shaqab’s signature event are available now at www.alshaqab.comand www.q-tickets.com.
Equestrian fans will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s thrilling event, which culminated in a dramatic victory for Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, astride Dominator 2000 Z, in the showpiece Grand Prix jumping finale.
In a titanic battle for top honors, a masterful Ahlmann reigned supreme against the world’s showjumping elite. Austria’s Olivier Robert, on Vivaldi des Meneaux, rode bravely into second place after a tremendous performance, while Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels on Delux van T &L, clinched third place and the final spot on the podium.
H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, awarded a jubilant Ahlmann the prestigious winner’s trophy.
Adding to the allure of CHI Al Shaqab is that it is one of just five CHI events worldwide, and the only of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region. The other four CHI events take place in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Khalifa Al Attiya, Vice Chairman, Supreme Organising Committee Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines, and Executive Director, Al Shaqab, said: “Participants, spectators, and guests will once again enjoy the thrills and excitement of an outstanding equestrian competition and safe family entertainment.
“Al Shaqab is proud that CHI Al Shaqab has become a signature annual event for the local community. The Arab world has a very rich equestrian heritage, and through events such as this, Al Shaqab preserves and perpetuates that aspect of Qatari tradition and culture.
“Further proof of the growing success of this magnificent event can be seen in the quality of partners and sponsors it continues to attract, and Al Shaqab thanks them for their sterling support of equestrian sport in Qatar.”
