Doha, Qatar – March 07, 2019 – The 2019 CHI Al Shaqab 5*, the signature event of Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, witnessed an action-packed opening day last Thursday.

It is the sixth edition of CHI Al Shaqab, which comprises the Olympic disciples of showjumping, dressage and para dressage, and has attracted the leading riders from Qatar and around the world to take part in the three-day event, which ends on the ninth of March.

Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Virtuose Champeix

It was a great day for Julien Epaillard (FRA), who emerged the clear winners in the €93,500 Speed Class CSI 5*. The Frenchman’s victory followed his triumph in the €375,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha CSI 5* during the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) CSI 5* last week at Al Shaqab. Together with Virtuose Champeix, his 10-year-old Selle Français stallion (Rubins des Bruyeres x Avec Espoir), he clinched first placed backed by a penalty-free performance in 58.86 seconds, adding €23,375 to his winnings.

Yuri Mansur (BRA) & Carlson

Yuri Mansur (BRA) and Carlson (Calido I x Silvio) claimed silver honors, registering no penalties and a time of 61.19 seconds.

Kevin Staut (FRA) & Viking d’La Rousserie

Kevin Staut (FRA) and Viking d’La Rousserie (Quincy / Quaprice x Apache d’Adriers) completed the podium after a clear run in 61.43 seconds.

Winner’s Circle

Julien Epaillard 

“I am very happy. I saw Yuri Mansur in the lead and so I tried to be faster. It worked and it is a fantastic day for me. I took a risk and it worked. Al Shaqab has one of the best facilities for horses and riders and I enjoy competing here.”