Romain Duguet Dashes to Claim the CSIM Speed Stakes CSIO 5* at Abu Dhabi

By Jumper News on 2026-02-13

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 13, 2026 – Five-star competition is building at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club as Friday afternoon’s €28,200 CISM Speed Stakes CSIO 5* -1.50m delivered a thrilling and technical contest ahead of the evening’s Longines League of Nations™ team competition. A field of 24 combinations came forward to tackle the speed and handiness track, where tight turns and a fast pace proved decisive.

**Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi** (UAE) & **Lyon van de Plataan**

Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (UAE) was second to go aboard Lyon van de Plataan, jumping one of the 8 clear rounds in 65.41 seconds.

He held the lead until the halfway point, when Swiss rider and Longines League of Nations™ team member Romain Duguet (SUI) guided Bel Canto de Boguin to a faultless and fast clear in 63.36 seconds to take the win. The Olympic rider made the course look effortless on Jean-Pierre Fasel’s scopey 15-year-old gelding, further underlining the pair’s form following their CSI 5*-W victory in Basel last month.

**Wilm Vermeir** (BEL) & **Magic van’t Hulgenrode Z**

Belgium’s Wilm Vermeir (BEL) entered the arena shortly afterwards, producing the fastest round of the class in 61.18 seconds, but an unfortunate pole down added four seconds to his time for a total of 65.18 seconds. That effort was enough to secure second place aboard Magic van’t Hulgenrode Z, relegating Al Kirbi to third, where he ultimately finished.

**Romain Duguet** (SUI) & **Bel Canto de Boguin** *during the awards ceremony*

Speaking after his victory, Duguet said, “I’m really happy. He’s a lovely horse and we’ve been together for a long time now. He’s a fantastic partner and has won a lot of speed classes, so I’m very pleased with him today.” He went on to add, “The owners are here as well, so I’m especially happy for them. It’s always a pleasure to come to Abu Dhabi — the conditions are superb, the ground is perfect and the weather is fantastic. Everything is great, and I’m very happy to be back here after last year.”

Final Results – €28,200 CISM Speed Stakes CSIO 5*

1) Romain Duguet (SUI) & Bel Canto de Boguin – 0 / 0 – 63.36

2) Wilm Vermeir (BEL) & Magic van’t Hulgenrode Z – 4 – 61.18 + 4 = 65.18

3) Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (UAE) & Lyon van de Plataan – 0 – 65.41

FULL RESULTS

Source: Press Release by Hannah McCabe / Dark Horse Communications (edited) for The Emirates Jumping Cup / UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation