CSI 5*

Simon Delestre Dares to Go Faster than the Rest in €52,600 Speed Challenge CSI 5* at Doha

Doha, Qatar – February 24, 2023 – The 2023 edition of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab CSI 5* concluded last Saturday with three FEI-classes. Right after the Grand Prix CSI 2* and serving as the prelude to the €410,000 Commercial Bank Grand Prix CSI 5*, presesnted by Longines, twenty-eight combinations entered the stunning Al Shaqab Arena for the €52,600 Speed Challenge CSI 5* but it was the French flag who flew higher than the rest in the end of the 1.50m contest.

Simon Delestre (FRA) & I Amelusina R

Riding the 10-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse / Dutch Warmblood chestnut stallion, Simon Delestre (FRA) was supreme on I Amelusina R (Dexter R x Chin Chin) showed both speed and scope, clearing all the obstacles before speeding across the finish line in 57.66 seconds for the win.

Jack Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Valmy de La Lande

Jack Whitaker (GBR) and Equine America Valmy de La Lande (Mylord Carthago x Starter ) were the closest ones to the winning mark, completing their fault-free performance over 2 seconds slower than the eventual winners but still good enough for second place on the podium.

Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) & Vestmalle des Cotis

Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) and Vestmalle des Cotis (Baloubet du Rouet x Landor S) put on a valiant effort too, rounding out the top three in 60.40 seconds.

Final Results – €52,600 Speed Challenge CSI 5*

1) Simon Delestre (FRA) & I Amelusina R – 0 – 57.66

2) Jack Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Valmy de La Lande – 0 – 60.03

3) Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) & Vestmalle des Cotis – 0 / 0 – 60.40

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photos: © CHI Al Shaqab / Stefano Grasso