Sheikh Ahmed crowns winner of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship
- 26 Mar 2024
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports Corporation, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, crowned the winners of the 21st edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC).
The prestigious Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship concluded at the Dubai World Trade Center, with the participation of 205 horses from 15 countries competing for a total prize pool of $4 million.
The closing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary-General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman of DIAHC Higher Organising, Abdulrahman Abu Al Shawareb, member of the championship organizing committee, and Qusai Obaidalla, Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship Director and Board Member.
The historic three-day long equestrian competition hedd at purpose-built Zabeel Halls 4, 5, and 6.
A true testament to the beauty of Arabian horses, over 200 fillies, colts, mares, and stallions from around the world were given points for their appearance – including their head, neck, chest, body, and feet – as well as for their movement and symmetry.
In the Yearling Fillies Championship, D Rowa, scored 32 points and won the cash award of $60,000. Aryam Harbah claimed second position with 26 points while Shamikhat Al Hawajer finished third with 10 points.
In the Junior Fillies Championship, Sheikh Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi-owned E.S. Sharjah emerged as the champion in this category with an impressive 30 points, earning a substantial $215,000 prize.
D Raseel clinched the bronze prize of $60,000 with 9 points, while D Aserah secured second place with 28 points, earning $110,000.
In the Senior Mares Championship, Nayla Halek’s D Aziza claimed victory with 28 points and the highest prize of $275,000.
Basandra Settimocielo secured second place with 25 points, receiving $165,000.
Among the yearling colts, MZ Adeeb and AJ Rabdan received bronze and silver titles, along with $25,000 and $40,000, respectively. HA Excellent won the gold title after a tiebreaker by class, earning $60,000 with 25 points.
In the Junior Colts Championship, RD Rajan emerged as the champion, winning the first-place prize of $215,000 with 30 points.
AJ Sayer took the bronze title and $60,000 with 12 points, while Hamed Sarm secured second place with 21 points, earning $110,000.
Finally, in the Senior Stallions Championship, Sundown KA secured third place with 7 points and $60,000. E.S. Prince claimed second place with 17 points, receiving $165,000. FA El Rasheem was crowned champion with an outstanding 38 points, winning the grand prize of $275,000.
The event also recognized the dedication of studs and breeders, celebrating international equestrian excellence with several special awards,
Dubai Arabian Horse Stud won the Dubai Gold Breeder, Ajman Stud received Dubai Gold Farm Award, Saudi Arabia bagged Dubai International Award and Dubai Gold Sire Award was Bestowed upon Marwan Al Shaqab.
In total, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud won two gold medals, claiming the Stallions Championship and the Yearling Fillies Championship, along with a silver and bronze in the Fillies Championship.
Qusai Obaidalla, Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship Director and Board Member, affirmed that the 21st edition of the championship has laid the foundation for success and special incentives for Gulf countries to organize similar tournaments during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
UAE horses demonstrated their dominance in the championship by winning 12 medals, including three gold, five silvers, and four bronzes, while Switzerland secured three golds, Saudi Arabia won two silvers, and Qatar claimed a bronze.
Obaidalla said: “This edition has proven to be a great success and witnessed strong participation with 205 horses from various countries worldwide, including 6 world champion horses and 50 horses that have previously won local and international championships, in addition to distinguished local participation. This was reflected in a high level of competition across all categories.”
