ABU DHABI // Noemi Oggioni, a riding instructor, and Maria Laguillo, a veterinary doctor, shared the first day’s honours at the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy International Showjumping Cup.
Oggioni rode a flawless round on Payse Heutiere to claim the CSIL 2-Star Special Two Phase and Laguillo on Oman De St Maudan took the CSIL 2-Star One Round Against the Clock.
“These two competitions exclusively for ladies is a wonderful concept and I’m delighted,” Oggioni said after claiming the biggest share of the Dh85,000 prize fund at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Friday.
“Winning gives you an amazing feeling. Obviously, everyone want to win and I guess I was the lucky one on the night. It was two phases, I did a clear round and then pushed for a good time.”
Oggioni travels to Dubai and Doha for both training and riding horses. It was her second participation in the FBMA Cup and she was the winner of the Accumulator last year.
Alice Clero of the United States on Amareusa and Maria Perez of Puerto Rico onboard Quitana II finished behind Oggioni.
The Emirati riders Maitha Al Hajri on Alaska and Nadia Taryam on Cortado finished sixth and seventh respectively from a field of 17.
Laguillo who shuttles between Dubai and her native Spain made a winning bow at Abu Dhabi, clocking 55.82 seconds on Oman De St Maudan to emerge the best of the 32 riders.
“I was on a very experienced horse and he gave me all the confidence that I wanted and he gave me a great round,” Laguillo said.
“I have been riding and taking part in competitions from a young age and now I have to divide my time with my work and riding. I don’t have not much time for competitions but will do whenever time permits.
“I have been living in Dubai for the past four years and my first time in a competition in Abu Dhabi, and it turned out to be a fantastic one.”
Laguillo, 27, was a member of Spain’s junior national team but now she must divide her time between work and riding.
“I’m in the UAE during the racing season and it’s a busy time for me,” she said. “I have more time when I’m back in Europe. Tonight, I enjoyed my time and enjoyed the success in Abu Dhabi.”
The CSI Children’s Class was won by Canadian Omar Al Haj on Stella 514, and Ireland’s Michael Pender on Z Seven Canya Dance took the CSI Young Horse 1-Star.
Abdulrahman Ameen on Corando 11 bagged the CSIY category for riders aged between 16-21. Sultan Fadel Al Kaabi on Inka’s Girl took the CSIY for riders aged 14-18. Lauren Allport on VIP Delle Roane won the National Special class.
apassela@thenational.ae
