Course leaves Muftah Al Dhahiri and UAE team outside of Olympic qualifying at Ghantoot event

GHANTOOT // If this was four years ago, Muftah Al Dhahiri might have qualified for the Rio Olympics on Thursday in showjumping. But new rules limiting qualification to one team from the region sent four Qataris to the 2016 Games.

Al Dhahiri and his mount, Jameelaty, knocked over only one part of a double combination, but his teammates had a more difficult time at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club as the UAE finished fifth among six teams from North Africa and the Middle East in the CSIO5* Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup.

Two teams and three individual riders qualified from the region for the 2012 Games. Under those rules, Al Dhahiri would have gone out on the course a second time with a chance to advance as an individual.

Individuals can win places later, but Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed, who rode for the UAE at the 2008 Olympics, said it would be hard for herself and her horse, Peanuts de Beaufour.

“There is only a small chance to qualify,” she said. “I don’t find it realistic as I have not done too many shows with my horse Peanuts up until now, in order to have had some points.

“I found the qualifying course fair, but my mare was slightly rusty in the beginning of it. Peanuts hasn’t been to a show for an entire month so, overall, I am happy with her performance. She jumped amazing.”

The other members of the UAE team were Khaled Al Junaibi, on Energy Al Baryia, and Mohammed Al Hajri, riding Catan.

The course proved to be a challenge, but the Qatar team had one fence down and one time fault to win by a wide margin.

Individual points can be earned in various competitions into March 2016. Also, an Olympic qualifier for individuals will be held next March 16, at a location as yet undetermined.

Showjumping at Ghantoot resumes on Saturday with the CSIO5* President’s Cup, with riders from 13 nations competing in a Grand Prix. The competition is open to the public and is scheduled to begin at 4pm.

sports@thenational.ae

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Started: 2021

Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid

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9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Zorion, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi

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Current number of staff: 47

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Know before you go

Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

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