Doha, Qatar – February 29, 2020 – The first day of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab 5* was an exciting one, with 88 riders from 23 countries competing in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage. Fans enjoyed a mix of equestrian action during the world-class international equestrian competition.

It was a double victory for Flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard (FRA), the first of them being the €25,400 Two-Phase Class CSI 5*. Epaillard and Alibi de la Roque, a 10-year-old chestnut Selle Français gelding (Mylord Carthago*HN x Kannan*Gfe), advanced to and completed both phases of the 1.45m contest without having any penalties attributed to them, stopping the final timers in clocked 25.10 seconds for the victory.

Maikel Van der Vleuten (NED) & Edinburgh

Maikel Van der Vleuten (NED) and Edinburgh (Vleut x Darco) were placed second, the only difference being their final time of 26.18 seconds.

Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) & Kingston van het Eikenhof

Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) and Kingston van het Eikenhof (Epleaser Van T Heike x Alexis Z) claimed third place after registering a clear scorecard and crossing the finish line in 26.27 seconds.

Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Alibi de La Roque during the awards ceremony