Doha: The Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 drew to a spectacular close on Saturday evening at the iconic Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, capping a high-calibre four-day international show jumping competition that attracted more than 170 riders from 21 countries.
Organised under the umbrella of the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup, the event featured categories ranging from one-star to five-star levels, with a total prize purse of €784,000. The competition highlighted the depth of talent on the global equestrian circuit and reinforced Qatar’s position as a premier destination for world-class show jumping.
In the prestigious CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix, American rider Kristen Vanderveen clinched victory with a sharp time of 44.07 seconds aboard her horse Gereh. Qatari rider Bassem Mohammed finished a close second with 44.13 seconds on Wathnan Isim, while Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly took third place in 43.52 seconds riding Scorflets. The winners were crowned by Mr. Rashid Nasser Saree Al Kaabi, member of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 Organising Committee and Al Shaqab Board of Directors, and Mr. Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation and member of the Tour’s Organising Committee.
British rider Scott Brash emerged as the standout performer of the Tour, topping the overall standings in the combined CSI4* and CSI5* categories with an impressive 199 points. Saudi rider Abdullah Al Sharbatly followed closely in second with 197 points, while fellow Briton Harry Charles placed third with 144 points.
In the CSI1* category, Qatari rider Saad Ahmed Al Saad claimed the overall title with 90 points. His compatriot Khalid Jassim Al Suwaidi finished second with 89 points, and Qatari rider Hussein Saeed Haidan took third with 69 points. The overall champions were also honoured by Al Kaabi and Al Darwish.
The final day delivered intense competition across five rounds. In the CSI3* 1.35m class, Vanderveen again shone, securing first place with a time of 58.67 seconds on Lyones. Qatari rider Saeed Hamad Jumaa placed second in 63.86 seconds aboard Wathnan Diesel, while Mohammed Yousef Al Jaber finished third in 64.56 seconds on Krista 27. Winners were presented with their prizes by Mohammed Al Suwaidi, stable manager for the championship.
The CSI3* 1.40m class saw Egyptian rider Zayed Ali triumph with a time of 64.97 seconds on Quierani. Saudi rider Khalid Al Hadi took second in 65 seconds riding Capion, and Qatari rider Sultan Salem Al Nuaimi placed third in 68.3 seconds on Janan. Engineer Lahdan Al Buainain, the tournament’s venue manager, crowned the winners.
Qatari rider Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker delivered a strong performance to win the CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix in a jump-off, clocking 44.86 seconds on Dukhan 3. Abdullah Al Sharbatly finished second in 45.73 seconds on Quesandro, and Hussein Saeed Haidan placed third in 48.62 seconds on Ekaterina. Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish presented the awards.
In the CSI5* 1.50m class, Kristen Vanderveencontinued her successful campaign, winning with a time of 73.89 seconds aboard Starbucks. Egyptian rider Zein Shady Samir took second in 81.27 seconds on Lee Boss, while Qatari rider Bassem Mohammed placed third in 73.48 seconds on Wathnan Zodiac. Mohammed Al Suwaidi honoured the top three.
Al Attiyah highlighted the introduction of new championships that expanded the scope of competition and enhanced the event’s international appeal. The Tour offered more than €10 million in prizes across the season, further cementing Doha’s status as a preferred destination for the world’s leading riders and horses.
He noted that the success was particularly significant given recent challenges in the international sporting landscape, with some countries suspending events. Qatar’s ability to host uninterrupted high-level competition reflected the resilience of its sports infrastructure and its readiness to organise major events to the highest international standards.
Mohammed Jaber Al-Khayarin, Deputy Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour, described the season as a major step in establishing Qatar as a global hub for equestrian sports. The comprehensive programme, spanning several months at the world-class facilities of Al Shaqab, attracted elite riders in a professional and welcoming environment.
He emphasised that the final rounds gained added regional and international importance as they proceeded smoothly while other nations faced disruptions. This demonstrated Qatar’s organisational excellence and technical capabilities in ensuring the continuity of major sporting events.
The Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 once again showcased Al Shaqab’s state-of-the-art venues and Qatar’s commitment to developing equestrian sports. The event not only provided thrilling competition but also contributed to the growth of the sport locally by offering valuable experience to Qatari riders alongside international stars.
With strong performances from home riders, including podium finishes by Bassem Mohammed, Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker, Saad Al Saad and others, the Tour highlighted the rising standard of Qatari equestrian talent. Organisers expressed confidence that the momentum generated will support long-term development goals aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The successful staging of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 has further strengthened the country’s reputation as a reliable and prestigious host for global sporting events, even amid complex international circumstances. As the curtain fell at the Longines Arena, participants and officials alike looked ahead to future editions with heightened anticipation.
