Abu Dhabi: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Sharbatly on Crazy Quick came out with an impressive show when it mattered most in the CSI4-ranking class of the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show to clinch a sensational jump-off win at Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
Sharbatly clocked the fastest time of 36.73 seconds to pip Belgium’s Pieter Clemens on Corelli. The third place was clinched by Ramzy Al Duhami on Ted.
The competition also counted as the second Grand Prix qualification of the weekend.
“I’m really happy today and very glad,” said Sharbatly, who was given a tough challenge by Clemens on 11-year-old stallion Corelli with his time of 37.88 seconds after going first in the jump-off.
“I bought the horse a couple of months ago and I rode him only in five or six shows. We are a perfect match together. The first class I rode him in was a ranking class in Morocco and he immediately won it and I feel unbeatable with him, like if I’m clear, nobody can catch me.”
It looked like Clemens would run away with the title but Sharbatly upped the tempo and led his 13-year-old gelding to take nearly a second off his time. Al Duhami ensured that his 10-year-old gelding Ted was in the top three with a time of 38.41 seconds.
UAE’s Mohammad Al Kumeiti on 12-year-old gelding Newton Abbot had to be content with fourth spot with 38.69 seconds. Frenchman David on Equador van’t Roosakker was fifth with 42.52 seconds, while Shaikha Latifa Al Maktoum on 10-year-old stallion Cobolt claimed sixth spot.
A jubilant Sharbatly went on to herald that Crazy Quick will be his horse for the World Equestrian Games, to be held this September in North Carolina. “Yes, I think he will be my horse for the Games, I really get such a good feeling from him. We are a perfect partnership.”
Irish rider Shane Breen also continued his fine run of form in the UAE by clinching his third win in two days.
Breen, who won the Young Horse class and the Grand Prix-qualifying class on Thursday was again at the helm on Friday.
Been led Z Seven Canya Dance to victory in the international jumping competition (1.30m - 1.35m, Table A, FEI Art, 238.2.2 - CSIYH1* - 2 horses per athlete) with a time of 30.19 seconds.
The UAE’s Sultan Majed Al Awani on Cassiana also clinched the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy presents Int. jumping competition (1.30m, Table A, FEI Art, 238.2.2 - CSIJ-A - 1 horse per athlete) with a time of 39,74 seconds.
