Emirati riders dominate second day of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The second day of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy’s (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup 9th edition kicked off with an astonishing performance from UAE riders, and witnessed riders battle it out at the fan-favourite ‘Six-Bars’ event.

Just like the opening day, spectators at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club were treated to an entertaining day of action with the riders from the UAE, region and across the world putting on some strong performances.

The annual FBMA International Show Jumping Cup is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood “Mother of the Nation” and the guidance of Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and the President of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Ladies Clubs.

Major General Doctor Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, and President of Interpol said: “We are proud of all the riders who have competed in the 9th edition of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy’s International Show Jumping Cup, which was held under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, and wish all of the riders the best to come.

This edition of the cup witnessed a great turnout, with 230 male and female riders participating from 26 countries from all over the world. Over the years, we have witnessed the emergence of Emirati female riders who have made tremendous advancements in the sport. The cup, organized by Emirati talent, has over the years developed impressively and represents great pride for us, and we look forward to the success of the future editions.”

Among those to impress on the second day in the 9th edition of the prestigious international event, organised by Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) were UAE nationals Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi, Mabkhout Owaida Al Kirbi, and Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi; Saudi national, Princess Jwharah Bint Mansour Al Saud; and South African national Victoria Jade Laing.

The first event of day 2 of the 9th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup started off with an impressive performance from the young Emirati riders in the CSIY-A category with top 3 representing the UAE. Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (Catch The Wind II) came out on top with a time of 62.68 seconds, followed by Saif Awaida Mohammed Al Kirbi with only 0.17 seconds separating him from the round win, and finally, Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi secured third-place with a time of 68.57 seconds.

A 12-year-old Emirati rising star Mabkhout (Zandocan C) swept the show once again, dominating in the second event of the day, CSICh-A, after taking home the win on Friday in the same category with 69.97 seconds in round one and 33.19 seconds in round two (jump off). Taking second and third place in this category were Nastassia Klats of Bulgaria and Ali Mufrrej Ali Mohamed Alkarbi from the UAE.

In the National Class, South African rider Victoria Jade Laing (Coming Next) scored first place with a remarkable winning time of 52.66 seconds in phase 1 and 23.61 seconds in phase 2. The event was the third category of the day and witnessed 90 female competitors battle it out for a total of 3 hours. In second and third place respectively were Hessa Rashed Al Makhawi and Wassayef Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi both representing the UAE.

The fourth event of the day, CSIJ-A, witnessed, yet again, another win from UAE national Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (Corando 11) with a whopping winning time of 73.29 seconds and 47.31 seconds on the Jump Off. Another UAE national, Saif Awaida Mohammed Al Kirbi (73.77), came in second place, with third place going to the Saudi Arabian rider, Abdulaziz Al Eid (70.21).