Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 12, 2025 – The highly anticipated Emirates Jumping Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion, setting the tone for an electrifying four days of top-tier show jumping at Al Forsan International Sports Resort. The Abu Dhabi Police Band officially opened the event during an early-evening ceremony, featuring a breathtaking liberty display by Z7 Show Horses and a luminous light show ahead of the Grand Prix qualifier.

This year’s edition features the first qualifying round of the Longines League of Nations™ on Saturday afternoon, elevating the event to new heights as elite riders from around the world compete for a place in the final stage in Barcelona this October.

The highlight of the day was the €105,600 Longines Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO 5* – 1.50m, in which Dutch rider Jur Vrieling (NED) jumped a quick clear in 35.58s on the 10-year-old stallion Clear Heart to take the top spot on the podium. Seventeen of the 50 starters jumped clear to qualify for the jump-off, however, only 14 opted to jump the second round, with the others choosing to retire.

Germany’s Katrin Eckermann (GER) followed in second place, riding Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS clear in 35.73s. The UAE’s Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) followed in third place on Al Shira’aa Stables-owned Chacco Bay with a beautiful clear in 35.90s.

Final Results – €105,600 Longines Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO 5* – 1.50m

1) Jur Vrieling (NED) & Clear Heart – 0 / 0 – 35.58

2) Katrin Eckermann (GER) & Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS – 0 / 0 – 35.73

3) Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) & Chacco Bay – 0 / 0 – 35.90

Source: Press Release by Hannah McCabe / Dark Horse Communications for the Emirates Jumping Cup / UAEERF – United Arab Emirates Equestrian & Racing Federation

Photos: © UAEERF / Helen Cruden

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