Doha, Qatar – February 26, 2022 – Marcus Ehning (GER) delivered a spectacular display of showjumping under intense pressure – riding Stargold to a gripping win in the jump-off before being crowned the champion of the €410,000 Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Longines.
The dazzling rider and the 11-year-old Oldenburg (Stakkato Gold x Lord Weingard) produced a majestic performance in the climactic competition with two rounds and jump-off (1.60m), which brought the scintillating Doha event to a close. They had the crowd on their feet and roaring with their support during the 6-rider jump-off at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, clocking a fault-free performance in 33.98 seconds to claim victory and the ultimate prize.
Evelina Tovek (SWE) and Winnetou de La Hamente Z (Winningmood x Socrate de Chivre), rode towards a superb second place in 36.51 seconds.
Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Beauville Z (Bustique x Jumpy des Fontaines) rounded out the top three with no penalties after the two rounds and the jump-off, doing so in 36.73 seconds.
The winners were awarded by H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab, presented by Longines Supreme Organizing Committee, and the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
An ecstatic Ehning, who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics said:
“From the start, it was an incredible feeling and that made it very easy for me. Stargold is a very fast horse, but I knew from the way it was going that this is something that only happens maybe once in every 20 years, and it was one of the best jump-offs in my career. I’m really, really proud of my horse. And I really love this show. I have been here every year, and every year I look forward to coming back. The facilities for the horses are amazing.”
Final Results – €410,000 Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix CSI 5*
1) Marcus Ehning (GER) & Stargold – 0 / 0 / 0 – 33.98
2) Evelina Tovek (SWE) & Winnetou de La Hamente Z – 0 / 0 – 29.47
3) Maikel van der Vleuten (DEN) & Beauville Z – 0 / 0 / 0 – 36.73
Source: Press Release (edited) by Ridwan Baawa / Gema Advertising for CHI Al Shaqab
Photos: © CHI Al Shaqab / Stefano Grasso
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Deutschland
