Ahlmann among top stars for Al Shira’aa showjumping event

World No.10 Christian Ahlmann, Ireland’s multiple Olympian Shane Breen, Mikey Pender and Britain’s highly decorated Olympian Michael Whitaker are among the top names to compete at the Longines FEI World Cup Arab League Al Shira’aa Grand Prix at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi from Wednesday.

Ahlmann is in super form heading into the event after dominating the 11th leg of the Western European Show Jumping World Cup circuit in Leipzig last week.

Abdullah Al Marri, the defending champion of the Grand Prix, Hamad Al Kirbi and Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi will lead the UAE charge.

Mikey Pender, who won the 2019 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby, will also be looking to defend his tile in the four-day event which carries a prize purse of €250,000.

Major General Dr Ahmad Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said: “The Al Shira’aa Series is a great addition to the broad schedule of events that we have on the UAE Winter Tour and the extended three weeks of Al Shira’aa Series hugely contributes to the aim of developing the UAE into a highly respected showjumping destination on a global level.”

Hesham Al Hosani, Equestrian Manager of Al Forsan International Sport Resort: “We are honoured and delighted that the Al Forsan International Sports Resort is hosting the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show for the fourth consecutive year.  We have hosted the Al Shira’aa Series for the last two weeks and it is always a pleasure to see some of the best riders in the world compete in our arena. We have always aimed to be an internationally renowned facility, capable of hosting world-class events and we think that the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show is the perfect vehicle with which to demonstrate this.

Hosani also highlighted that they have provided the show with world class indoor and outdoor arenas, super stable facilities and finally he added, “The Al Shira’aa Series event is a true reflection of the ever increasing high standards of showjumping events in the UAE and as Al Forsan International Sport Resort, we look forward to hosting many more events of this calibre in the future.”

Patrick Aoun, Longines’ Regional Brand Manager said: “As sponsor of the Longines Arab League and title sponsor of the Longines Al Shira’aa Grand Prix, we are pleased to play a part in the continued development of the sport in this region.

“The Al Shira’aa Stables is aligned with our philosophy of support and development of showjumping in the region. We look forward to another quality running of the Longines Al Shira’aa Grand Prix and wish all horse and rider partnerships the very best of luck.”

Omran Al Owais, Show President said: “Al Shira’aa Stables is known for its contribution to equestrianism in the UAE and abroad at every level.

The Al Shira’aa Series is very much our home event and ever since the launch of the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show four years ago we have been delighted with the support and encourage from the showjumping community.

Every year we try to innovate and develop our offering to both competitors and spectators. The entry is free to visitors and we encourage anyone who is interested to showjumping to come down and experience the event for themselves.”