Marco Danese, Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Sports Director, Jan Tops, Founder and President of the LGCT, Ali Al Rumaihi, Event Director and Qatari rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani pose for a photograph during a press conference held in Doha,
DOHA: The world’s premier riders will be joined by three of Qatar’s top entries at this week’s final round of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) to be held at Al Shaqab Arena.
Last year’s champion Bassem Mohammed, Asian Games bronze medallist Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani and Hamad Nasser Al Qadi will be the home favourites as the battle for the second spot will be among a group of seven riders at the Nov 8-10 event.
Ali Al Rumaihi, the Event Director, yesterday said the wait for the star of the hugely popular three-day event ends tomorrow.
“I welcome riders from around the world for this final leg of the LGCT season. This event takes place in 15 cities but this week’s edition will be the 6th season for us here in Doha. We have the world’s best riders including Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani who will be competing for top honours,” Al Rumaihi said at a press conference yesterday.
He added: “This event is organised by Al Shaqab. We are working hard to keep the tradition of equestrian growing in this country. I had to say that the interest just keeps growing. We have another top event taking place in Qatar. The QOC Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani takes special interest in such events for young riders. We would like to encourage people to come and enjoy top class events.”
Sheikh Ali, Qatar’s premier rider, yesterday said at a pre-event press conference: “This event like the Champions League of show jumping. The riding business in Qatar is in good health. We are hoping to have a good event. Last year a Qatari won the championship. Hopefully these events become more beneficial to home riders.”
He added: “I am using a horse with less experience. But I must say that my horse has a lot of potential. We had won the bronze at the Asian Games. It will a big test this week for us. We will be putting a lot of pressure on this horse.”
The popular Qatari rider said riding was becoming popular with each passing day.
“We need a good foundation for riders and we are giving the youngster exactly that. The local events have been special for them. We need such competitions. The organisation is of a high level as well. The media coverage has been very important too,” Sheikh Ali said.
“All in all, we have a great series of competition in Qatar.”
Jan Tops, founder of LGCT, yesterday said: “It feels great to be back for another high profile event Al Shaqab, This is a place where we see the world’s riders putting on special shows every time they compete here.”
Tops added: “The Qatari riders have become better over the years. They look in shape and promise much. I am sure with field open for riders to grab the second spot this week, we will see some exciting battles. Al Shaqab Arena will once again by the place to be this week.”
