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NATIONAL Day was celebrated by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) at the BDF Equestrian Arena. This event was sponsored by Horse Pride and Titolo with the former presenting a fashion show during the event, including prizes for spectators!
There was also a big area for the younger members to enjoy various rides along with games, family activities, henna and face painting.
The first Junior One class, sponsored by Horse Pride, was one round with jump-off with fences between 85-95cm. With 25 riders in the fray, it was the talented Hussain Mohammed Dadulla astride My Baby that fended off stiff competition to take the first prize. Hot on his hooves was Ahmed Isa who, with Lucy, gave an impressive performance to clinch the runner-up prize and Mariella Forward took No Trix into third position.
This was followed by the second of the junior classes, sponsored by Titolo, a special two-phase class, with fences 95-105cm. With 20 competitors starting out, it was the talents of Ahmed Isa and Lucy who once again took a podium place. The pair were the only ones to complete the two-phase course with no penalties which, even though he had a slower time than Mayoof Al Rumaihi riding Granus, put Ahmed in first place. Mayoof claimed the runner-up spot, with Fahad Hilal Al Khateri riding Venous into third place.
The first of the adult classes followed, sponsored by Horse Pride. Another special two-phase class, this had a start-up of 50 competitors.
Fifteen pairs completed both the phases, with eight clear in both rounds. It was down to speed, and in a spectacular time of 27.13sec Ali Essa and Colin won the class, followed closely by Mohamed Jassim riding Al Yabes in 28.35sec, while Muslim Ali rode Bart into third place in 33.47sec.
In the second adult class, sponsored by Titolo, fences were raised to 110-115cm. Again there was a good turnout with 40 riders in the fray. This was right up Fairooz’s street for Sami Ghazwan as the pair flew home to victory, in a magnificent time of 51.34sec. Abbas Al Ghuraifi skilfully steered Champagne into runner-up position, while Ahmed Mansoor rode Edward Du Sud into third place — the only three riders to complete the technical course with no jumping penalties.
The final class — Grand Prix, sponsored by HorsePride, saw some spectacular riding to conclude the skilful performances of the day. Ali Essa pulled out all the stops clinching not just first place with the talented Barelo, but also third place with F16, making it a double, a first for this show jumping event. Ghazwan and the lovely Fairooz, were again on the podium in runne-up position. All riders executed the course with immense skill, dexterity and determination.
A brilliant way to close off 2014, leaving everyone eager to see what the year 2015 will hold.
Meanwhile, the BREEF has informed all riders that discussions have been taking place with the BDF Equestrian Centre management to allow the stakeholders of the Bahrain show jumping community to train and use the show ground facility two days a week (to be chosen by the centre).
Interested riders should email breefshowjumping@gmail.com with their CPR numbers immediately, following the receipt of which the riders will be informed accordingly.
Results
BREEF National Day Show Jumping Championships
Sheikh Rashid Equestrian Centre at Al Rafah Sakir – Every Friday starting at 2pm.
Don’t forget to get your gladrags on and go to the races on Friday afternoon, a fantastic afternoon for all the family, with entertainment and attractions for everyone. Entrance is free, racing starts at 2pm.
