Marzooqi and Sara shine on Day 3 of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Some of the world’s best riders were again in action, producing impressive performances on Day 3 of the 10th edition of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup in Abu Dhabi.

The event, organised by Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), is one of the most respected competitions on the international equestrian circuit and this year’s edition has attracted more than 300 of the best riders from around the world.

At Al Forsan International Sports Resort, fans were treated to an entertaining day of action with the riders from the UAE, region and across the world taking part in six categories across eight classes.

In the highlight class of the day – The Six Bars – (CSIL2*) category, Jordan’s Sara Al Armouti, riding Colorado Classico, celebrating her second win of the day, was one of the six riders who shared first place after successfully clearing the 180cm barrier but non of the 6 riders managed to set a new record by clearing the 2 meter barrier.

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Speaking after her victory, Sara said: “I have worked very hard to earn a first place finish in two separate categories today in the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup, which is one of my favourite tournaments. I always look forward to taking part in this special tournament due to the high level of the competition which keeps on improving as the organisation and venue, which is among the top in all of the competitions that I have participated in.”

Earlier in the day, 19-year-old Emirati rider Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzooqi on Concordia triumphed in the CSIY-A category – ‘One Round Against the Clock’ class with a time of 61.93 seconds. His time was enough to put Czech Republic’s Valentyna Kukova and UAE’s Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi, into second and third places respectively.

Commenting on his win, Marzooqi said: “I am very proud of my result today. I have been competing in this tournament every year since I was 12 years old, and this win brings me one step closer to my goals and ambitions of competing in the 2024 Olympic Games and represent my country – the UAE.”

He added: “The tournament is very well organised and its up to par with most world-class tournaments all over the world. Finally, I would like to thank Sheikha Fatima bint Hazaa Al Nahyan for her continuous efforts and support to help grow the sport across the nation.”

In the CSICh-A category of the One Round with Jump-Off class, Setareh Joanne Sadeghi sealed victory, while Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi won CSIJ-A – category, securing his second win of the day.

Other winners included: Moufi Owaida Alkarbi, UAE (CSIYH1*(6YO), Kristaps Neretnieks, Latvia (CIYH1* (7YO), Sara Hussein Saleh Al Armouti, Jordan (CSIL2* (Accumulator with Joker)) and Antonia Petterss, Sweden (CSIL2* (One Round Against the Clock)).

The FBMA International Show Jumping Cup features six categories across 20 class events with this year’s edition having a prize fund of Dhs800,000 — the largest in the event’s history in recognition of the 10th milestone edition.

Among the 34 countries being represented include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Great Britain, USA, India, South Africa and China.