His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Crowns Marlon Zanotelli – Winner of the €575,000 CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 2026-02-24

Doha, Qatar – February 21, 2026 – His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Organizing Committee of the Doha Equestrian Tour and Chairman of Al Shaqab, crowned the top three riders of the €575,000 CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Longines last Saturday in the Qatari capital.

The final day blended championship-level precision in dressage and para dressage with high-tempo showjumping and the grand finale at the Longines Outdoor Arena. Saturday’s peaked in prime-time fashion, delivering the kind of high-pressure theatre that defines the sport at its very best.

**Marlon Módolo Zanotelli** (BRA) & **Charly Heart**

Held under the lights at the Longines Outdoor Arena, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) and Charly Heart were amongst the eleven combinations that cleared all the 1.60m obstacles and completed Uliano Vezzani‘s (ITA) first-round course within the time allowed of 84 seconds to advance to the tiebreaker.

Amongst the other stellar finalists were were representives from Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Denmark, Greece and Lebanon. The odds were in favor of the Saudis, as they managed to put three pairs in the final, perhaps a repeat of the €1,500,000 Grand Prix CSI 5* for H.H. The Amir’s Sword, won by Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) the previous Saturday. Brazil, Belgium and Denmark were not far behind either, each having qualified two combinations of their own.

In the end, Zanotelli and the 2016 grey Nowergian Warmblood (NWB) mare produced the decisive performance of the day, registering no penalties in 36.65 seconds.

One of the favorites to claim the coveted title, Pieter Devos (BEL) and Casual DV Z lived up to expectations, pushing hard to secure second place after their second clean performance of the class, crossing the wire in 37.84 seconds.

**Roger Chammas** (LBN) & **Glondon di San Giovanni**

In contrast to Devos, Roger Chammas (LBN) was a pleasant surprise. Considered by many an underdog, the Lebanese rider lit up on and Glondon di San Giovanni, completing the podium after their jump-off performance in 39.64 seconds.

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA)

“I couldn’tbe happier to win this week. My mare is naturally a quick horse, and that helped a lot. We brought her here with the goal of building up to this Grand Prix, and throughout the Tour she was consistently in the top five in the big classesshe jumped. She learned a lot here and gained confidence. The arena and the facilities really helped with that.”

Pieter Devos (BEL)

“I’m very happywith my horse again. Last week she jumped three clear rounds in the Grand Prix, and today she was double-clear once more. I’mreally pleased with how well my mare jumped, it’sthe beginning of the season, and she has learned so much here. This venue gives you so much support for good horses to develop week by week. She jumped even better than last week. The fences and the arena here push horses to progress step by step.”

Roger Chammas (LBN)

“I’m happy with my performance and my horse’s performance. We just kept getting better week after week, and to finish in third place now is a great feeling.”

Salmeen Al Suwaidi, Sport Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour:

“It was a clean sport today. I want to congratulate Marlon, Pieterand Roger,it was a great jump-off. It was really goodto watch them win.And it’salways great for the younger generation to see riders they can be inspired by.”