Lausanne (SUI), 16 January 2017 – The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in the case involving Dr Pasha Syed Kamaal (IND), identified as support personnel in the 2012 equine anti-doping case of Glenmorgan (FEI ID UAE40813).
Samples taken from the horse, which was ridden by HH Sheik Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE) in the CEI3* 160 km at Al Wathba (UAE) on 10 February 2012, returned positive for the Banned Substance Propoxyphene, an opioid analgaesic, and its metabolite Norpropoxyphene.
In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal has imposed a two-year suspension on Dr Kamaal as a member of the Support Personnel, in accordance with Article 169 of the FEI General Regulations and Article 10 of the Equine Anti-Doping Rules. The period of Provisional Suspension, effective from 16 November 2015, has been credited against the period of ineligibility, meaning that Dr Kamaal will be ineligible through to 15 November 2017.
The Tribunal also imposed a fine of CHF 2,500 and costs of CHF 1,000.
Dr Kamaal has 30 days from the date of notification (13 January 2017) to appeal the decision to the CAS.
The FEI Tribunal had previously imposed a 27-month suspension on HH Sheik Hazza as the Person Responsible. This was reduced to 18 months on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), although the CAS upheld the FEI’s principle of strict liability in the application of its equine anti-doping rules. During the FEI Tribunal and CAS proceedings, Dr Kamaal stated that he had administered the product Fustex to the horse the night before the event. Fustex contains Propoxyphene, although it is not listed as an ingredient.
Following the original case, the FEI issued a communique to stakeholders in July 2015 urging caution over the use of Fustex, an Argentinian product used to promote muscle growth. The communique stated that lack of knowledge regarding the ingredients of Fustex would not be a valid excuse in any equine anti-doping procedures.
The FEI’s Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections – Controlled Medication and Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned (doping) substances should never be found in the body of the horse.
As part of FEI Clean Sport, the live Prohibited Substances Database provides an easily accessible online platform on which Banned Substances and Controlled Medications are clearly distinguished.
The FEI’s General Regulations are here and the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations are here.
Tokyo (JPN), 19 November 2016 – The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals for the years 2020 and 2021 and the FEI European Championships 2019 in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage were among the key events allocated by the FEI Bureau in Tokyo (JPN).
Following the success of the 2015 Finals, the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals will return to Las Vegas (USA) in 2020 when the Finals will be hosted at a new venue, the MGM Grand Garden Arena from 15 to 19 April. Las Vegas has previously hosted six FEI World Cup™ Finals, two in Jumping and four combined Jumping and Dressage Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015).
The new venue, located in the MGM Grand Hotel on the famous Las Vegas Strip, is world renowned for hosting high-profile sporting events such as boxing and basketball, as well as live performances from global superstars like Celine Dion, Elton John and Britney Spears.
Gothenburg’s Scandinavium Arena, spiritual home of the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final since playing host to the inaugural Final back in 1979, has been awarded the 2021 Finals. The Swedish sporting capital, which has already organised 22 FEI World Cup™ Finals including joint-Finals in 2013 and 2016, will host the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals 2021 from 31 March to 5 April.
The 2021 double FEI World Cup™ Finals will kick-start celebrations of the City of Gothenburg’s 400th birthday celebrations.
Rotterdam (NED), another city with a long-standing tradition of hosting major equestrian championships, was announced as host for the triple FEI European Championships 2019 in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage from 19-25 August.
“We are delighted to confirm the allocation of some of our major Finals and Championships to major global cities like Las Vegas, Gothenburg and Rotterdam,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The organising committees for all these top events have such hands-on practical experience, and understand the process, commitment and dedication involved in organising these important fixtures on the FEI Calendar. We are very grateful to all the organisers who put in bids for these key events and are extremely happy to have the opportunity to showcase our sport in major global cities.”
The allocations were made at the FEI Bureau in-person meeting in Tokyo, prior to the FEI General Assembly (22 November). The Bureau also allocated the following FEI Championships and Finals:
2017
Jumping: FEI South America Jumping Championships for Young Riders, Juniors, Pre-Juniors & Children, Buenos Aires (ARG) 2-8 October 2017
FEI World Jumping Challenge Final, Algiers (ALG) 26-29 April or 3-6 May (dates to be confirmed)
FEI Balkan Jumping Championships for Seniors, Young Riders, Juniors & Children, Zhitnica (BUL), 31 August – 3 September
Dressage: FEI European Dressage Championships for Young Riders, Juniors. & Children, Roosendaal (NED), (dates to be confirmed)
FEI Balkan Dressage Championships for Seniors, Young Riders, Juniors & Children, Zagreb (CRO), 30 June – 2 July
Driving: FEI World Driving Championship for Young Horses, Mezöhegyes (HUN), 7-10 September
FEI Balkan Driving Championship, Floresti (ROU), 29 September – 1 October
FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championship for Singles, Izsák (HUN), 28 September – 1 October
Endurance: FEI Balkan Endurance Championship, Salcioara (ROU), 29-30 September
Reining: FEI European Reining Championship, Givrins (SUI), 2-5 or 9-12 August (dates to be confirmed)
2018
Dressage: FEI European Dressage Championship U25, Roosendaal (NED), 25-29 July
Driving: FEI World Cup™ Driving Final, Bordeaux (FRA), 2-4 February
FEI World Driving Championship for Young Horses, Mezöhegyes (HUN), 13-16 September
Vaulting: FEI World Cup™ Vaulting Final, Dortmund (GER), 1-4 March
2019
Multi-discipline: FEI European Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships, Rotterdam (NED), 19-25 August
Driving: FEI European Driving Championship, Donaueschingen (GER), 20-22 September
2020
Multi-discipline: Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals – Las Vegas (USA), 15-19 April
Driving: FEI World Cup™ Driving Final, Bordeaux (FRA), 7-9 February
2021
Multi-discipline: Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals – Gothenburg (SWE), 31 March – 5 April
The FEI Bureau was also informed about the Secretary General’s decision to open a multi-year application process for the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Dressage and Eventing for 2019 and 2020 in order to align the bidding process with Jumping.
Details on the bidding process for FEI events can be found here.
For further information about the FEI Bureau, its role and composition, please click here.
Paula Muntala Sanchez (ESP), riding Echo Falls. (FEI/Endurance in the World)
Lausanne (SUI), 5 September 2016 – The Spanish athlete Paula Muntala Sanchez riding 10-year-old part-Arabian Echo Falls emerged victorious after the 120km Meydan FEI European Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Portugal, leading the Spanish team to gold as well.
Held at the Rio Frio Equestrian Centre, 38 athletes aged between 14 and 21 from 11 countries left in a mass start at 06:30 on Saturday, 3 September. The competition circled in four loops of 40, 30, 30 and 20kms, with gates and veterinary inspection areas on each loop.
The young but seasoned, Sanchez, aged 21, completed the ride in 05:14:57 with an average speed of 22.86 kph riding though the heat of the day, which reached 30°C with 40% humidity.
The all-female Spanish team came into each vet gate within minutes of each other, pulsed down and left in the same way, and arrived at the finish just after Sanchez, placing 2nd-5th individually in this order: Laura Fernandez Piña on Cadigaam, Bruna Pujols Aumatell on Lludriga De Masferrer, Raquel Costa Condina on Kalima Casanova and Naroa Calvo Ibáñez on Escarsi.
“The plan was to be strong with all the team from the beginning to ensure that at least one of our team members could be in the medals,” said Sanchez after the ride.
Although this did not happen to her, Sanchez stated what might have been the biggest challenge on the ride: “To lose a shoe is a problem because you lose time, and it is difficult to recover in such flat terrain as the one in Rio Frio. The biggest strength of my 10-year-old Appaloosa is in his character. He saves energy during the competition, which allows him to have a quick recovery at the end of each loop.”
When asked about her future endurance goals, Sanchez replied: “My goal is to improve my performance and hopefully to continue as a team member for Spain.”
Echo Falls is by the full Arabian stallion Tango D’Ayres by the legendary Persik out of the Appaloosa mare, Song of Wind.
Spanish cavalry led the way
Heading out in the first wave of the mass start, Spain’s Sanchez and her teammates blended like a grey cavalry into the low fog of early morning as they led the way for the first 40km loop.
The five athletes took possession of the race from the start, never leaving first position throughout, but knew they were being chased by France’s Henriette D Ursel on Wloszka Fontanel and Emma Frances on Quokin De PSA.
João Maria Moura riding Distinto for Portugal kept within five minutes of the first seven riders throughout the course and he was followed by Italy’s Costanza Laliscia on Rok and Camilla Coppini on Veinard Secondo. Great Britain’s hopes were dashed early on as they lost all three riders by vet gate two.
Besides host Portugal, athletes represented Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Spain.
Seven teams started and five teams completed. A course completion of 57% finished the last rider, Imke Lamsma from The Netherlands riding Sjacour in the ride time of 07:43:12 with an average speed of 15.54 kph.
The FEI European Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors is an important foundation for future top Endurance riders. The last edition of this Championship was in 2014 in Verona, Italy. To compete, athletes must have successfully completed at least 3 CEI 2* events or higher.
Manuel Bandeira de Mello, FEI Endurance Director said of the competition: “It was a fantastic day of top quality sport. The Spanish team led the ride from the very beginning showing their supremacy, and the high skill of the athletes and the horses proved that even with a very technical track, a 57% completion rate could be achieved.”
Rui Amante, President of the Ground Jury in Rio Frio, commented: “The venue is fantastic and the event went very smoothly. The most important aspect is that the fair play of the 37 competitors was truly amazing for Juniors and Young riders. I am very happy with the outcome of this event.”
Rio Frio – the venue
The trails of mostly sandy soil went through ancient cork oak forest, around thriving vineyards and between irrigated rice paddies, allowing for many natural water spots and easy access points for crews. The public could also view the athletes in viewing areas designated along the national roads. This route has been in use and tested since 2014. The Rio Frio Equestrian Centre is located on the southern bank of the Tagus Estuary, 30km from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the combinations that will represent the United States at the 2016 Longines FEI World Endurance Championships in Samorin, Slovakia, September 16-17, 2016. They will be led by U.S. Endurance Chef d’Equipe Mike Dial.
The following athlete-and-horse combinations will represent the U.S. in the 2016 Longines FEI World Endurance Championship (listed in alphabetical order):
Thomas Hagis (Fries, Va.) and his own Indian Reinman, a 2006 Arabian gelding
Ellen Olson (La Motte, Iowa) and her own and Jeremy Olson’s Bey Gibby, a 2001 Arabian gelding
Dr. Margaret Sleeper (Frenchtown, N.J.) and her own Shyrocco Rimbaud, a 2006 Anglo Arabian gelding
Lausanne (SUI), 8 July 2016 – The FEI Tribunal has today published its Final Decision in the case against the Iranian rider Abdulla Mahmood Abdulla Darban (FEI ID 10044343). Samples taken from the horse Lunatica (FEI ID 103JV94/QAT), which finished fourth at the CEI1* in Doha (QAT) on 2 May 2015, returned positive for two prohibited substances, Propranolol and Dexamethasone.
The beta blocker Propranolol, which is used to lower the heart rate, is a banned substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules (EADCMRs). The corticosteroid Dexamethasone is a controlled medication.
The FEI Tribunal has imposed a two-year suspension on the athlete, effective immediately. The period of provisional suspension, which was effective from the date of notification, 23 June 2015, has been credited against the period of ineligibility. This means that the period of ineligibility will now run through to 22 June 2017.
The athlete, who is based in Qatar, is also fined CHF 2,000 and ordered to contribute CHF 1,500 towards the cost of the judicial procedure.
The athlete has 30 days from the date of notification of the Final Decision (7 July 2016) to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The FEI’s Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections – Controlled Medication and Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned substances (doping), are substances that should never be found in the body of the horse.
Lausanne (SUI), 21 June 2016 – The FEI has announced an adverse analytical finding involving prohibited substances.
Samples taken at the 80km CEI*1 in Amman (JOR) on 21 May 2016 from the second-placed horse Obama Al Aswad (FEI ID 104DF50, ridden by Nayef Al Fayez (FEI ID 10066952), have returned positive for the banned substance Boldenone, and the controlled medications Dexamethasone, Meloxicam, Phenylbutazone and its metabolite Oxyphenbutazone.
Boldenone, an anabolic steroid, is a banned substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).
The corticosteroid Dexamethasone is used to treat inflammatory and auto-immune conditions, while the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Meloxicam, Phenylbutazone and its metabolite Oxyphenbutazone are used for pain relief.
The athlete has been provisionally suspended from the date of notification (20 June 2016). The horse has also been provisionally suspended for a two-month period.
Lausanne (SUI), 15 June 2016 – The Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2016 will be held in Samorin (SVK) following a decision at Tuesday’s FEI Bureau monthly teleconference meeting. A unanimous proposal from the FEI Endurance Committee recommending the Slovakian venue received the support of the full Bureau.
Three bids to host the Championships were received when the bid process was reopened in April of this year following the decision to reallocate the event. Also bidding were Fontainebleau (FRA) and San Rossore, Pisa (ITA), but the Bureau ruled that neither of these two venues were suitable due to concerns over welfare and safety. Both venues proposed mid-October dates, meaning that the rides would start and finish in the dark, potentially putting horses and riders at risk. There is also increased potential for heavy rain in these areas at that time of year.
Samorin Equestrian Centre, the brain-child of Slovakian businessman Mario Hoffmann, staged very successful FEI European Endurance Championships last year. The 2016 World Championships will run from 15-18 September, with the qualification period ending on 16 July.
The Championships had originally been allocated to Dubai and were scheduled to be held in December of this year, but at its spring in-person meeting on 6-7 April, the FEI Bureau voted to remove the Championships from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it felt that the UAE National Federation is not currently in a position to guarantee that horse welfare would be fully protected.
“We were very happy to receive three bids and appreciate the willingness to support the FEI at such short notice for this year’s World Championships,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said, “but the Bureau had no hesitation in opting for Samorin. Horse welfare has to be the most important element in the allocation of these major events and Samorin has a proven track record, having already run both the young horse and European Endurance Championships very successfully.
“The timing of the Championships was also important and, with the three bids all coming from Europe, the Bureau felt that a September date was more appropriate. Both Fontainebleau and San Rossore were proposing mid-October when the reduced daylight hours could potentially have an impact on safety. Safeguarding the safety and welfare of the equine and human athletes is our top priority in all our disciplines.”
Driving Championships
Additionally, the Bureau allocated the FEI World Driving Championships for Young Horses 2016 to Mezöhegyes (HUN). The Championships, which were reallocated following the withdrawal of original host venue, Conty (FRA), will run from 8-11 September.
Lausanne (SUI), 3 June 2016 – The FEI has announced two adverse analytical findings involving prohibited substances.
Samples taken at the CEI1* in Doha (QAT) on 22 April 2016 from the winning horse Centurion, FEI ID 102RM71/QAT, ridden by Abdulla Mubarak Rashed Al Khaili, FEI ID 10076760/UAE, have returned positive for the banned substance human Erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a banned substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).
Samples taken at the same event from the horse SUR (Mabrouk), FEI ID UAE01796/QAT, ridden to second place by Mohd Butti Ghemran Al Qubaisi, FEI ID 10092584/UAE, also returned positive for human EPO.
EPO is a peptide hormone that is produced naturally in the body. It is released from the kidneys and acts on the bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production. An increase in red blood cells improves the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry to the body’s muscles.
Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Rules, EPO has been banned as a performance enhancing substance for human athletes since the early 1990s, but a reliable testing method was not in place until 2000. EPO has been banned for equine use under the FEI’s EADCMRs since 2010.
“EPO is well known in human endurance sports in which an increased number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells is an advantage, but the substance has little benefit in equestrian sport and this is the first time we have seen FEI horses testing positive for EPO,” FEI Veterinary Director Göran Akerström said. “Horses have a large natural reserve of red blood cells stored in their spleen, and the use of EPO would actually have a negative effect in many horses as the increased level of red blood cells would slow down blood circulation.”
“Clean sport is a top priority for all governing bodies,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said, “and a key part of that is protecting our clean athletes. So we will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that there is no room in our sport for those who attempt to gain a competitive advantage through the use of prohibited substances.”
Both athletes have been provisionally suspended from the date of notification (2 June 2016). The two horses have also been provisionally suspended for a two-month period.
Kent Farrington receiving his trophy for the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup from HM The Queen and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The King of Bahrain.
The promotion to 4* status had a magnificent effect on this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show which took place from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th May.
The upgraded status of the show attracted some of the world’s top riders and the competition was fierce across all disciplines, providing a fantastic spectacle for the thousands of visitors attending over the four days.
Despite the cancellation of ‘Windsor Wednesday’ due to incessant rain and flooding, the resilient British public turned out in force for the remaining days and ticket sales were up by 20% day on day compared to previous years.
Spectators enjoyed world-class equestrian sport and fabulous international entertainment in the stunning grounds of Windsor Castle – the only time of the year that HM The Queen opens up the private grounds to the public.
There was a real international feel to the event this year, with international competitions in Show Jumping, Driving and Endurance as well as spectacular displays from acts from around the world including the Canadian Mounted Police, The Chilean Huasos and the Dancers and Karabakh horses and dancers from Azerbaijan, all of which were taking part in The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, which took place on each evening of the event.
Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said: “This year’s event was very special. Not only did we have the upgraded status of the show to 4* level, thus attracting some of the world’s top equestrian athletes, but there was a celebratory feel to the whole event with The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in the evening.”
No fewer than five Olympic gold medallists were amongst the entries of the newly upgraded CSI 4* International Show Jumping classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show to kick start a summer where all eyes lead to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
It was World No. 6 Kent Farrington who stole the show, taking the two feature events of the weekend, the Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy, as well as the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup. Riding the speedy Creedance, the American visitor was on flying form taking both classes by over a second from second place riders John Whitaker and Tiffany Foster respectively.
The Rolex Testimonee, who was competing at Royal Windsor Horse Show for the first time, was thrilled with the results, which saw him presented with The King’s Cup by The Queen. “What more can I ask for? I’ve never been here before, so we’re off to a great start, and with this being The Queen’s Birthday Celebration too, it’s a great moment.”
Despite the international fields, with riders from 13 countries taking part in the 4* competitions, the opening day of the Show was dominated by Great Britain. Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV returned to the scene of their 2015 Grand Prix victory to win the Bahrain Pearl Stakes and Guy Williams took the Manama Speed Stakes aboard chestnut gelding Casper De Muze.
In other action, there was a scintillating win for Britain’s leading lady rider, Laura Renwick, who was victorious in The Falcon Stakes riding Heliodor Hybris and France’s Adeline Hecart, who returned after a successful 2015 Royal Windsor Horse Show, to take the Palm Accumulator.
“It is my favourite show in the world,” she said. “Last year, the atmosphere was amazing and the people who come here are so knowledgeable and appreciative of horses. But this year you can really feel that there is something more and sense how much people love The Queen and want to celebrate her birthday.”
With his magnificent four-in-hand warmbloods, reigning World Champion, Boyd Exell from Australia, drove to victory in the final phase of the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix, reclaiming the win that has been his six times previously.
“We’ve been second for the last two years,” smiled a relieved Exell. “I lost it in the cones last year and I really did not want to do that again.” He added, “I’ve been trying out new combinations of horses in recent years but these ones have really gone well for me.”
Exell was in first place going into the final day, but the pressure did not get to him as he drove a sure and clean double clear to take his seventh Royal Windsor win.
Pony four-in-hands provided an even more nail-biting finale with Jan de Boer and his Welsh Section As claiming victory at Royal Windsor for the sixth time, with Germany’s Michael Bugener and Vilmos Jambor Jr, both competing for the first time here, taking second and third.
In the Nations Cup competition, the Netherlands – Ijsbrand Chardon, Koos de Ronde and Theo Timmerman – never looked like relinquishing the first place they held since the first day. Germany – Rainer Duen, Marieke Harm and Christoph Sandmann – also retained their second position throughout but Belgium – Dries Degrieck and Edouard Simonet – overtook the Australian team for third place on the final day.
Royal Windsor Horse Show is seen as the early season mecca of showing and this year saw riders of all ages share the limelight.
Fittingly at a Show that was celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, The Queen had a particularly successful few days. For the second year running, her homebred Barber’s Shop, ridden by Katie Jerram, landed the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Ridden Show Horse Championship on Thursday whereas black Fell mare Murthwaite Dawn Chorus delighted her owner by winning her class and then going on to stand reserve supreme in-hand mountain and moorland champion on Friday.
In ridden ranks on Friday, Clare Twiston-Davies’s reigning Horse of the Year Show cob champion Randalstown Musketeer took his first Royal Windsor title for Wales based producer Vicky Hesford.
Britain’s glorious native breeds took centre stage on Saturday, with the top spot going to Newbury based Hannah Horton with Lady Huntingdon’s stunning Connemara Slieve Bloom Jill with her first Royal Windsor native title. Elsewhere, the prestigious show pony title went to Yorkshire based combination Georgina Holmes and her 148cm winner Wilderness Early Bird.
One of the most popular winners in the working hunter pony division on Sunday was the 18-year-old 143cm grey gelding Carnsdale Casper, owned by the Beaconsfield based Wrennall family, ridden by twelve-year-old Katie Wrennall. Another game veteran of the pony ranks, 16-year-old CJs Tonto, accounted for the 133cm division, but the section title went to Sophie Lawes and her 135cm bay mare Carnsdale Vanity Fair.
Winning rider Saif Ahmed Al Mozroui rides Ramaah to the finish line (left) with SH Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum
Saif Ahmed Al Mozroui of the UAE triumphed at Royal Windsor Endurance kindly supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain. Riding Ramaah he finished in a time of 04:41:27, almost six minutes clear of the second placed rider, Mohammed Adbulsamad from Bahrain on Derrom Galiem, who was just one second ahead of third placed Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum on Intisaar, also from the UAE.
Ramaah’s trainer, Ismael Mohammed, said: “It is a really good result for the UAE, starting off the summer season with this win. We came here with good horses and we were hoping for this result.”
Now in its fourth year, a field of 52 competitors from a record thirteen nations set off into Windsor Great Park to complete four loops, and a total distance of 120km. The course included the home straight of Ascot Racecourse on loop one, and a number of picturesque landmarks and backdrops throughout. Despite the recent torrential rain, conditions out on the course were excellent and the average speed of Al Mozroui was a brisk 25.6 kilometres per hour.
Royal Windsor Endurance Director, Michael Shephard, said: “We are very pleased to have hosted another successful ride in this beautiful setting, and delighted to have had more countries than ever on the start line. The weather was very kind to us and the competition as fierce as ever.”
Another actioned packed day at Royal Windsor Horse Show included victory for one of the world’s finest riders and saw Trooper Thomas Evans RHG/D awarded The Best Turned Out Trooper in the sunny grounds of Home Park (Private).
The Queen was present at prize giving ceremonies in the Castle Arena, including the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup and Her Majesty The Queen’s Challenge Cup for Service Team Jumping.
The feature class of the day, the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup, turned into a scintillating race against the clock, with World No. 6 Kent Farrington coming out on top in the eight horse jump-off. Great Britain’s Joe Davison produced a beautiful clear round as first to go in the jump-off, setting a time of 36.79 seconds; however, with notably fast riders to follow, his lead was soon relinquished. Kent, riding the nine-year-old chestnut gelding Creedance, showed why he is amongst the best riders in the world, posting an impressive time of 31.86, over a second faster than eventual second Tiffany Foster.
The Rolex Testimonee, who is competing at Royal Windsor Horse Show for the first time, was thrilled with the result. “What more can I ask for. I’ve never been here before, so we’re off to a great start, and with this being The Queen’s Birthday Celebration too, it’s a great moment.”
The second World Ranking class of the day went to Great Britain’s leading lady rider Laura Renwick, who took the Falcon Stakes. The unique class format, whereby the winner of each of the seven groups in the first round, along with the fastest losers, went through to the jump-off, caused much excitement amongst the packed crowd. Lorenzo De Luca held the lead after posting a challenging time of 28.03, but Renwick, who was last to go into the arena, was class personified and cut over a second off his time to take the victory aboard Heliodor Hybris.
Her Majesty The Queen’s Challenge Cup for Service Team Jumping was claimed by The Household Cavalry Team B with the only faultless tally at the end of two rounds. The trio of riders included Major Housby-Skeggs (Hightide), Corporal of the Horse Lacey (Nudger) and Captain Chambers (Freeway).
Cool sunny weather and good footing underhoof gave the 28 horse four-in-hand and 10 pony four-in-hand competitors perfect conditions for the cross-country marathon. Going in reverse order of placings in both classes, attention necessarily became more focused as the classes drew on, but there was plenty of good sport from competitors throughout.
“This was a really good marathon that bought the best out in contestants,” said President of the Ground Jury, GB’s Andrew Counsell. “It allowed those who did not excel at dressage to make up ground and improve their positions with skillful driving here, perhaps particularly in the pony four-in-hands.”
In the lead after dressage and therefore last to go in the horse four-in-hands, Boyd Exell from Australia drove with notable steadiness but always keeping in touch with the timings of his fellow competitors. The pressure on him increased, however, in the penultimate obstacle where he lost significant seconds as his leaders went either side of a post. Correcting the situation smoothly, he proved his competitive professionalism yet again as he drove quickly and cleanly through the final obstacle to record the second fastest time through it; he thus retained his first place at this stage.
Ijsbrand Chardon from the Netherlands, in joint second before the marathon, was looking to catch up Exell throughout – and he nearly did: he drove a fast, fluent marathon to win this section and to move up to less than one-cone penalty behind him. Chardon’s fellow countryman, Koos de Ronde, also drove a clean marathon which improved his position from fourth to third at this point.
Competition was no less determined in the pony four-in-hands, with little quarter given. Overnight leader, Dieter Hofs from Germany slipped out of the running to fifth place with his steady but comparatively slow marathon drive. First place after this phase went to Hungary’s Vilmos Jambor Jr, competing at Royal Windsor for the first time with his Hackney ponies and lying third after Friday’s dressage. Former World Champion and multiple Royal Windsor winner, Jan de Boer from the Netherlands, retained his second place overall with a good marathon drive. The winner of this section, Germany’s Michael Bugener – another making his debut at Royal Windsor – drove a storming marathon to take him from seventh place after dressage to third overall.
Placings in the Nations Cup for horse four-in-hands remained unchanged after the marathon, the Netherlands leading the field some 20 penalties clear of Germany. Australia retains her third placing. The Netherlands have proved invincible at the last seven World Horse Four-in-Hand Championships, taking team gold each time.
Our youngest winner of the day was Toby Johnstone who took the BSPS Heritage Mountain & Moorland Open Lead Rein Class riding Pumphill Fandango.
Britain’s glorious native breeds again took centre stage this morning. The top spot went to Newbury based Hannah Horton with Lady Huntingdon’s stunning Connemara Slieve Bloom Jill with her first Royal Windsor native title.
At the other end of the age range, Angela Pallet’s amazing 18-year-old Welsh Section B gelding Waitwith Westwind romped to victory in his working hunter pony class and stood reserve champion.
The prestigious show pony title went to Yorkshire based combination Georgina Holmes and her 148cm winner Wilderness Early Bird.
Saif Ahmed Al Mozroui of the UAE Friday triumphed at the Royal Windsor Endurance, kindly supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain. Riding Ramaah he finished in a time of 04:41:27, almost six minutes clear of the second placed rider, Mohammed Adbulsamad from Bahrain on Derrom Galiem, who was just one second ahead of third placed Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum on Intisaar, also from the UAE.
Ramaah’s trainer, Ismael Mohammed, said: “It is a really good result for the UAE, starting off the summer season with this win. We came here with good horses and we were hoping for this result.”
Now in its fourth year, a field of 52 competitors from a record thirteen nations set off into Windsor Great Park to complete four loops, and a total distance of 120km. The course included the home straight of Ascot Racecourse on loop one, and a number of picturesque landmarks and backdrops throughout. Despite the recent torrential rain, conditions out on the course were excellent and the average speed of Al Mozroui was a brisk 25.6 kilometres per hour.
Royal Windsor Endurance Director, Michael Shephard, said: “We are very pleased to have hosted another successful ride in this beautiful setting, and delighted to have had more countries than ever on the start line. The weather was very kind to us today and the competition as fierce as ever.”
Tickets are still available for Sunday and can be purchased on www.rwhs.co.uk, via the box office on 0844 581 4960 from the UK and +44 (0) 121 796 6290 internationally. Alternatively, tickets are available locally at Windsor Information Centre either over the counter or by telephoning +44 (0) 1753 743900.
For more information, please contact:
Gayle Telford
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk T: +44 (0)207 592 1207
Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Show will take place from 11-15 May 2016. Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the 74th year of Royal Windsor Horse Show which offers its audience astounding displays in the main Castle Arena, such as the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National. As well as the equestrian competitions and activities, there are over 220 shops in the Shopping Village, with a wide range of goods for sale, from jewellery and fashion, to food and drink. Her Majesty The Queen has attended every year since the Show started in 1943 and it is the only time of the year that the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public. Royal Windsor Horse Show is organised by Windsor Equestrian Promotions Ltd, a part of HPower Group, also organisers of Olympia, The London International Horse Show www.hpower.co.uk.
The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration
Due to The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration taking place in the evenings following the Horse Show, there will be no evening performances at Royal Windsor Horse Show this year. These will return for 2017. The Horse Show will be ending at about 6pm each day. Royal Windsor Horse Show tickets do not include access to The Queen’s Birthday Celebration and there will be nowhere to watch the performance without The Celebration ticket.
