Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 09, 2024 – Day two of the President’s Cup unfolded with a series of riveting classes, each demanding precision, agility and unwavering determination from both horse and rider. As the sun graced the arena, the stage was set for a day of intense competition and memorable moments at Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

The second day of the show finished with the prestigious President of the UAE Showjumping Cup CSIO 5* presented by Longines. Course designer Santiago Varela (ESP) devised a complex 1.60m track that saw 13 of the 38 starters jump clear. The top ten riders went through to the jump-off, but it was Germany’s David Will (GER) riding Zinedream that stormed into first place, jumping an incredible clear in 44.68 seconds on this impressive 10-year-old bay stallion. Only three riders finished the jump-off penalty-free, with 2^nd and 3^rd places both going to Swedish team riders.

Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), the current World number one, gave it his all, but he couldn’t quite catch Will’s time and had to settle for second place on King Edward, doing so in 46.10 seconds.

Teammate Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) finished in 3^rd place on Zuccero HV in a time of 50.79 seconds.

Will said of his victory, “I’m delighted with this win. Zinedream is still stepping up to this level, and with saving my more experienced horse for Sunday’s Longines League of Nations™, I thought we’d see how he does today – and he did not disappoint! He surprised us all and we couldn’t be happier.“

Final Results – €308,600 President of the UAE Showjumping Cup CSIO 5*, presented by Longines

1) David Will (GER) & Zinedream – 0 / 0 – 44.68

2) Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & King Edward – 0 / 0 – 46.10

3) Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) & Zuccero HV – 0 / 0 – 50.79

Source: Press Release by Hannah McCabe / Dark Horse Communications for The President of the UAE Showjumping Cup

Photos: © UAEERF / Nour Al Masri

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