Doha, Qatar – April 02, 2026 – The opening day of the 2026 Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup CSI 5* & CSI 3* delivered a major international result alongside strong home and regional performances at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. A total of 166 riders from 22 nations competed at the event, which offered an overall prize money of €784,000.

Day 1 concluded with the feature €57,000 Speed Challenge CSI 5* in which Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Starbuks 27 rose to the occasion. The American and the 2016 bay Holsteiner gelding (Stakkato x Colman) delivered the fastest clean round of the class to take top honours in 71.31 seconds.

A familiar duo on the podium, Gerfried Puck (AUT) and Equitron Naxcel V were back to their old tricks, finishing second in 72.95 seconds.

Nasouh Kayali (JOR) and Kamacho P.S. posted the third-fastest fault-free performance of the 1.50m constest, thus rounding out the top three.

Final Results – €57,000 Speed Challenge CSI 5*

1) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Starbuks 27 – 0 – 71.31

2) Gerfried Puck (AUT) & Equitron Naxcel V – 0 – 72.95

3) Nasouh Kayali (JOR) & Kamacho P.S. – 0 – 77.24

Source: Press Release from Doha Equestrian Tour

Photos: © DET / Lukasz Kowalski

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