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.

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) 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) 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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube