Aisha makes history, wins Dubai’s first-ever FEI Eventing competition
- 09 Dec 2024
Aisha Haitham Al Mazrouei made eventing history by becoming the first-ever winner of an FEI-sanctioned eventing competition in Dubai when claiming a dominant victory in the ‘FEI WEC - Category A and National One Day Event’ (95-100cm) at Emirates Equestrian Centre on Saturday.
Representing Emirates Equestrian Centre and riding Brackenspa Sam I EL, Al Mazrouei topped the Dressage phase of the competition, was fastest over the obstacles in the Show Jumping phase and turned out to be one of two riders to ride without a jump penalty during the Cross Country phase.
The only blemish against Aisha’s record might have been finishing second behind Amanda Louise Gravitis (Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club), who was quickest during the Cross Country phase of the event.
Gravitas and her mount Novoman, however, had to be content with second place overall after claiming 61.74 penalty points compared to Al Mazrouei’s 43.85. Only just beaten into third with 62.14 penalty points was Al Wathba Stables rider Ali Khalfan Abdulla Al Jahouri, who rode Hyrano.
In eventing, the individual winner is decided by tallying the penalty points acquired in each of the dressage, jumping and cross-country phases competitions, with the rider accumulating the least total penalty points winning.
The inaugural ‘FEI WEC - Category A and National One Day Event’ was sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF) and was organised jointly by the UAEERF and the Emirates Equestrian Centre with the intention of enhancing the quality of Emirati riders and getting them the necessary points and experience needed to qualify for international eventing competitions, with the Olympic Games, seemingly, the ultimate target.
Tahra Ahmad, the Manager of co-organisers Emirates Equestrian Centre, added: “We would like to congratulate the winner and it makes us especially proud that Aisha Al Mazrouei represents Emirates Equestrian Centre.
“Equestrian sport is an integral part of UAE culture and is steeped in the traditions of our country, with our riders doing the country proud over the years. We hope to do our best to ensure that eventing is another sphere in which the UAE’s riders excel.”
Meanwhile, the 70-80cm category witnessed a clean sweep by riders representing Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, with Nicolette Ligouri (Raayaat USA) leading home Manon Kerenfort (Hidalgo) and Gemma Louise Briggs (Quaetano D Orange), who finished second and third respectively.
