
Doha, Qatar – February 24, 2023 – A fantastic Friday that crowned champions of the CHI Al Shaqab 5* also featured two five-star competitions. In the final event, the feature class of the day, this time the €152,500 Jump-off Challenge CSI 5* over 1.55m fences with victory being conquered by Germany’s Christian Kukuk (GER) and Mumbai.

After a clean performance in the first round, Christian duplicated the feat aboard the the 11-year-old grey Belgian Warmblood stallion (Diamant de Semilly x Nabab de Reve), securing the win in 41.36 seconds.

Second place was claimed by Ireland’s Mark McAuley on GRS Lady Amaro (Amaretto D Arco x Over the River), matching the final fault-free performance of the eventual winners but in 41.42 seconds.

The most consistent rider of the event so far, Kevin Staut (FRA) found himself on the podium for the third time in two days. After second-place finish in Friday’s 1.45m event with the same mount, the Frenchman teamed up with Dialou Blue PS for bronze honors, doing so backed by a final penalty-free effort in 41.59 seconds.

Winner’s Circle: Christian Kukuk (GER)
“Many things came together in what was our first show of the year. I changed a few things – changed the bit, removed his shoes – and it all worked well. The horse and I are a very good match, and he can still improve more. That makes me very happy.”

Final Results – €152,500 Jump-off Challenge CSI 5*
1) Christian Kukuk (GER) & Mumbai – 0 / 0 – 41.36
2) Mark McAuley (IRL) & GRS Lady Amaro – 0 / 0 – 41.42
3) Kevin Staut (FRA) & Dialou Blue PS – 0 / 0 – 41.59
Source: Press Release (edited) from CHI Al Shaqab
Photos: © CHI Al Shaqab
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Deutschland