ABU DHABI // Abdullah Al Marri looked to take the positives from an impressive performance at the CSI 4 Star Grand Prix after a mistake at the final fence ended his hopes of winning the event.
The grand prix had been part of the inaugural Al Shira’aa International Horse Show at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, and going to the final fence of the course the Emirati, competing on Sama Dubai, had been perfect over the obstacles, while holding the best timing.
But they picked up four penalty points at the final fence and that dropped him to fourth in the final standings.
“It happens in this sport. You never know what to expect at the next fence,” Al Marri said when asked what was going through his mind as he approached the finish.
“We missed on an opportunity tonight but I’m quite satisfied with the result and the performance of my mare. We have a few more big events in Dubai and the President’s Cup in Al Ain, and aim to win some of those prizes.”
Adeline Hecart of France on Pasha Du Gue won the bigger share of the Dh1million prize with two flawless round in a time of 52 seconds.
“This is my first time in Abu Dhabi and the best ever performance,” said Hecart, who has arrived with three of her horses and will be heading to a similar competition in Sharjah next week.
Khaled Abdulrahman Al Mobty of Saudi Arabia on Zypern 4 in a time of 54.31 took second spot from Khalid Hilal Al Khatri of Bahrain astride Awal BDF (56.96).
Al Marri completed the course in 50.04 but the four penalty points dropped him down the final standings.
However, it was not all bad news for Al Marri as the result was enough to earn him a spot at next year’s World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina, in the United States.
Despite the achievement, Al Marri said he would not be allowing himself to think to far ahead for the time being, although he was pleased to be joining the growing ranks of UAE riders who will be competing at the event, which is scheduled to start on September 10 next year.
“I’m not thinking of the World Games because we still have 18 months and anything can happen to the horse from now until then,” Al Marri said.
“We already have five riders qualified for that including Sheikh Majid Al Qassimi and his brother Sheikh Ali. We are all working together and hopeful to keep competing at top level competitions.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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