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.

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.

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.

Final Results – €26,200 Speed Challenge CSI 2*

1) Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) & Aslan 69 – 0 – 61.39

2) Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan (KSA) & Kwikly – 0 – 63.91

3) Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (QAT) & Ghana – 0 – 64.99

Source: Press Release (edited) from  CHI Al Shaqab

Photos: © CHI Al Shaqab

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