Swedish Patrik Kittel and British Alice Oppenheimer wrapped up the dressage competition at the international equestrian event in Doha, Qatar on Saturday 5 March 2016. Hosted at the state of the art equestrian centre Al Shaqab, the 2016 CDI Doha invitational is one of the most prestigious dressage competitions on the calendar.
The CDI 5* Kur to Music proved quite literally to be poetry in motion. Spectators were delighted with 15 dressage performances, as entertaining and masterful as might be expected from riders of this calibre.
Grand Prix winner Patrik Kittel’s dominance of the dressage at the 2016 CDI Doha continued with a fabulous Freestyle win on Marie Haward's Swedish bred mare Deja (by Silvano x Don Schufro). His score of 82.550 clinched him a comfortable win and top prize of 25,000 euros on his flamboyant mare Deja.
The Swedish rider achieved a number of 8s and even 9s from the five experienced judges, who are all accustomed to judging the elite of the dressage world. Kittel is a regular visitor to CHI Al Shaqab and had much praise for the event, not just as the best for riders and horses but also for the grooms, the unsung heroes and a vital part of the team behind equestrian sport at this level.
"I'm still grinning after what must be the best ride feel I have ever had," said Kittel. "Deja danced her way through the Freestyle!. She was on point with every music transition, and produced such a great test and I could not be more proud of her. The crowd clapped along to Stevie Wonders Isn't she lovely up the last centreline, and it seemed I was not the only one who enjoyed the test. The judges agreed, awarding Deja 82.6% and the win, with great points from start to finish. It was a super friendly show, with all the riders enjoying some down time together which was great fun."
A delighted Judy Reynolds from Ireland scored two personal bests this week, topping her third place in the Grand Prix with a second in the Freestyle. She is left hoping a score of 79.700 among other creditable results here, have secured her a ticket to Rio. With her horse Vancouver K (by Jazz), Reynolds was in strong contention for one of the final individual dressage places before the cut-off date of 6 March 2016. The pressure was on for her to deliver this week, and deliver she did. Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl finished a close third on 79.475 with ‘Zaire’, a horse she rates as potentially one of her best yet.
At the post-show press conference, the riders were united in their praise of the hospitality, facilities and competition at CHI Al Shaqab, and fully intend to return to this special event.
Oppenheimer Bags Special Victory
In the Grand Prix Special, Briton Alice Oppenheimer put her disappointing Grand Prix behind her to claim top spot with her score of 72.431 on a horse bred by her family. Headmore Delegate is known as “Del Boy” after the character in the British TV Series “Only Fools and Horses” because he is a “really big trotter.”
The Grand Prix Special was a consolation competition for the seven riders who had not qualified for the Freestyle from yesterday’s Grand Prix. Oppenheimer was less than satisfied with her horse’s performance last time out, suffering from tension at the beginning of her test. However, he made her long trip from the UK worthwhile with his efforts in the Special. Her score was nearly 5% ahead of Marina Mattsson from Sweden, who finished second on her horse Beckham with 67.627.
2016 CHI Al Shaqab Major Success
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is celebrating the successful conclusion of CHI AL SHAQAB 2016, which took place from 2nd – 5th March 2016 in Doha, Qatar.
The fourth edition of the world-class equestrian competition brought a wealth of local, regional and international riders to compete in disciplines of Jumping, Dressage and Para-Dressage for prizes totalling €1.2 million (QR 5 million).
Attended by members of the Qatari Royal Family, members of royal families from across the GCC, and local and international VIPs from the equestrian and business worlds, CHI AL SHAQAB once again put on an impressive performance worthy of its stellar international reputation.
Related Links
Scores 2016 CDI Doha
Patrik Kittel Wins 2016 CDI Doha Grand Prix, Reynolds Back in Olympic Race