Doha, Qatar – February 20, 2025 – Simon Delestre (FRA) soared to victory on opening day of the 2025 CHI Al Shaqab, teaming up with Dexter Fontenis Z in the €107,500 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 5*. Fifty-five combinations took part in the 1.50m speed challenge but it was the Frenchman and the 2013 black Zangersheide gelding (Diarado x Voltaire Pref) who prevailed, backed by a penalty-free round in 56.01 seconds.

A regular presence on the podium at the 2025 Doha Tour, Abdel Saïd (BEL) was up to his old tricks on Arpege du Ru. This time, dynamic duo dashed towards second place, doing so in 57.61 seconds.

French riders managed to bookend the podium as Julien Anquetin (FRA) guided Farah Tame in flawless fashion across the finish line, doing so just one-hundredth of a second slower than the latter combination, thus securing the third spot on the podium.

Final Results – €107,500 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 5*

1) Simon Delestre (FRA) & Dexter Fontenis Z – 0 – 56.01

2) Abdel Saïd (BEL) & Arpege du Ru – 0 – 57.61

3) Julien Anquetin (FRA) & Farah Tame – 0 – 57.62

Source: CHI Al Shaqab

Photos: © Al Shaqab

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Tumblr