Ayo Victor
Doha: The finals of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Group VII Championships for junior, youth, and young riders continued on Friday at the prestigious Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, drawing more than 100 talented riders from across the region. The high-stakes competition, part of the 2025-2026 equestrian season, offers a total prize fund of €318,000.
Action opened with the local junior round at 110cm heights. Qatari rider Alia Al Khater claimed gold with a blistering clear round in 25.34 seconds aboard Fahin. She was followed by fellow Qatari Mohammed Hamza Al Kuwari in second (26.05 seconds on Hanin) and Shereeda Nasser Al Kaabi in third (27.58 seconds on Kranchweef). The winners were crowned by Mr. Lahdan Al Buainain, Director of Championship Venues.
In the junior 120cm class, 18 riders advanced to the next individual round. The team final saw the United Arab Emirates secure the title, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia taking silver and the State of Kuwait bronze. Individual qualifiers were presented their sashes by Mr. Saeed Salem Al-Aida, Director of the Office of the Chairman of Al Shaqab’s Board, while team medals were awarded by His Excellency Sultan Mohammed Al-Yahyaei, President of FEI Regional Group VII, Tournament Director Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al Thani, and Mr. Waleed Al-Jassem, Technical Director of the Kuwait Equestrian Federation.
The youth 130cm category proved equally competitive, with 14 riders qualifying for the individual final. The UAE team once again shone brightly, claiming gold, while the Qatari team earned silver and Saudi Arabia took bronze. Individual awards were presented by Mr. Khalid Abdullah Al-Hitmi, Executive Vice President of Al Shaqab, and team honours by Mr. Bader bin Mohammed Al-Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, alongside HE Sultan Mohammed Al-Yahyaei and Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al Thani.
The day culminated in the Grand Prix for riders under 25 at 145cm. Emirati rider Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi stormed to victory in 50.67 seconds on Billy Martini. His compatriot Abdullah Hamad Al Karbi placed second (47.61 seconds on Quintino), with Saudi rider Abdulaziz Fahad Al Eid finishing third (49.73 seconds on Q Lin). The podium was crowned by HE Sultan Mohammed Al-Yahyaei, Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al Thani, and Mr. Zaid Abu Zaid, President of the Syrian Arab Equestrian Federation.
The championships continue to showcase the rising talent of Group VII nations and Al Shaqab’s status as a world-class equestrian hub.
