Sharjah, The United Arab Emirates – February 15, 2022 – Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) and Valour showed their value against fierce competition to win the €150,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Grand Prix of Sharjah CSI 5*-W valid for the H.H. Ruler of Sharjah Cup on Sunday during the H.H. Ruler of Sharjah Cup International Show CSI 5*-W & 2* at the Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club.

Run under a two round format, a total of 37 combinations entered the ring looking to clear all the obstacles and complete the first-round course within the time allowed of 74 seconds. The Latvian rider is used to the winner’s circle and it was no different in the final class of the week. After being one of the seven combinations that registered a clean scorecared after the first round, Neretnieks and the 12-year-old Westphalian gelding (Verdi x Calido) were both quick enough while still leaving all the poles of the 1.45-1.60m challenge on their cups, crossing the finish line in 48.95 seconds for top honors.

Despite having one time-penalty in the first round, Jack Ryan (IRL) made the Irish proud, securing silver honors aboard BBS McGregor (Cardento 933 x Mark Twain). The duo’s second performance was flawless, being time in 50.90 seconds.

Another young rider claimed a spot on the podium as Evelina Tovek (SWE) and Winnetou de La Hamente Z were the only other horse-and-rider combination to leave all the poles up in the two rounds. After carrying 2 time penalties from the first round, the young Swede managed to complete the second-round course well within the time allowed, a performance that secured her the third place on the podium.

Final Results – €150,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup of Sharjah – H.H. Ruler of Sharjah Cup CSI 5*-W

1) Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) & Valour – 0 / 0 – 48.95

2) Jack Ryan (IRL) & BBS McGregor – 1 / 0 – 50.90

3) Evelina Tovek (SWE) & Winnetou de La Hamente Z – 2 / 0 – 49.67

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permisssion.

Photos: © Emirates Longines Showjumping