Bassem Hassan Mohammed Makes the Home Crowd Proud at the CHI Al Shaqab CSI 2*

By Jumper News on 24 24America/Sao_Paulo February 24America/Sao_Paulo 2023

Doha, Qatar – February 23, 2023 – The 2023 CHI Al Shaqab got underway on Thursday at Al Shaqab and the first FEI-level class was claimed by a national equestrian hero. In the €26,200 Speed Challenge CSI 2*, top honours was claimed by Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed on his 12-year-old bay Hanoverian stallion, Asia. The dynamic duo completed their winning performance in 61.39 seconds.

**Kamal Abdullah** **Bahamdan** (KSA) & **Kwikly**

Just behind the eventual winners were Saudi Arabia’s Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan (KSA) and Kwikly, despite being almost a second and half slower (63.91 seconds) than the victorious combination in the 1.45m contest.

Fellow Qatari, Faleh Suwaed Al Ajamai (QAT) completed the podium with Ghana (Vigo D Arsouilles Stx x Cash) after stopping the timers just shy of 65 seconds.

**Bassem Hassan Mohammed** (QAT) & **Aslan 69**

Winner’s Circle: Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT)

The winner, Bassem, spoke after the event: “This horse is a new ride for me, so I was pleased to do so well today. He’s a good horse – we really ‘clicked’ and he made my life easy. CHI AL SHAQAB is one of my favourite competitions, being at home in Doha. So, to win here means a lot to me.”

In addition to the great sporting action, guests enjoyed a wide range of entertainments, including stilt-walkers, street performers and a supercar exhibition, as well as high-quality food and beverage options from the various restaurants and cafés present.

All of this added to an exciting festival atmosphere at the Longines Arena – which also welcomed parties from seven local schools, whose pupils enjoyed the equestrian competition, as well as games in the entertainment area.