Beating the Odds! Christopher Kläsener is in a Class of His Own at Al Shaqab in Doha

By Jumper News on 2026-01-24

Doha, Qatar – January 23, 2026 – The third week of H.H. The Father Amir’s Prix 2026 continued at the Longines Arena with a full second day featuring classes across CSI 5* CSI 3*, CSI 1* , CSIJ and National competition. A fantastic Friday featured three important FEI-level classes at Al Shaqab but it was Christopher Kläsener (GER) and Popeye vd Bisschop who showed their might, topping the €106,000 Jump-off Challenge CSI 5*.

Some of the best riders and horses took part in the 1.55m challenge with a total of 32 combinations entering the ring in the first round. Familiar names were in the hunt for lion’s share of the jackpot, highlighted by the likes of: Scott Brash (GBR), Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Max Kuhner (AUT), Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), Marlon Zanotelli (BRA), Megane Moissonnier (FRA), Millie Allen (GBR), Abdulrahman Al Rajhi (KSA), Roberto Previtali (ITA), Sienna Charles (GBR), all of them the finalists who had qualified for the tiebreaker with their top mounts.

**Christopher Kläsener** (GER) & **Popeye vd Bisschop**

Considered by many one of the underdogs, it was Kläsener (GER) who rose to the occasion on the 2015 bay Belgian Warmblood gelding (Lector vd Bisschop x Nabab de Reve), posting an impecable performance that could not be matched by any other duo, being timed in 35.92 seconds.

**Scott Brash** (GBR) & **Hello Chadora Lady**

After having both the CSI 5* and CSI 3* grands prix at the venue less than two weeks ago, Scott Brash (GBR) came close to notching another major victory. This time the Brit had to settle for second place with Hello Chadora Lady, registering a clean scorecard on their way to crossing the jump-off timers in 36.53 seconds.

**Nadja Peter Steiner** (SUI) & **Clearround Il Mondo**

Nadja Peter Steiner (SUI) and Clearround Il Mondo put on a valiant effort too, rounding out the top three with no penalties in 38.46 seconds.

Winner’s Circle: Christopher Kläsener (GER)

“Popeye is unbelievable. I don’t have any words for him. Every time he goes to the arena, he shows his quality. Now we’ve figured out the speed, and there’s a lot more to come.”