Belgium’s Devos tops rivals in Al Shaqab Grand Prix

Al Shaqab is one of four CHI (Concours Hippique International) competitions in the world, alongside Geneva, Rotterdam and Aachen. To receive this designation from the Fédération Équestre Internationale – the world governing body for equestrian sports – an event must include jumping, dressage and para dressage. And over the course of three days, the site’s indoor and outdoor arenas hosted action in all three disciplines. For some images of the two arenas, see here. 

Al Shaqab’s modern outdoor arena was the site of the jumping competition at the event, and a look at the results in the different classes this year shows that the elite field was mainly made up of European riders, including World No.1 Steve Guerdat of Switzerland. Indeed, Guerdat did not go unrewarded for his presence, coming out on top of the 1.50m (obstacle height) showdown Friday with Hannah. 

That same day’s 1.60m class was won by German veteran Ludger Beerbaum on Chiara, while other winners at the CHI included France’s Julien Epaillard on Virtuose Champeix, Belgium’s Jos Verlooy on Caracas (with Great Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Senator fourth) and Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer and Living the Dream (with Britain’s Emily Moffitt and Tipsy du Terral fifth). 

The concluding 1.60m Grand Prix featured two rounds and a tie-breaking jump-off, with the eventual winner, World No.18 Devos, going clear throughout, with no faults. Riding his bay gelding Espoir, the Belgian stopped the clock in 42.18 seconds in the jump-off, joined on the podium by his compatriot Nicola Philippaerts (H&M Chilli Willi) and Italy’s Emanuele Guadiano (Chalou) in second and third respectively. Local favourite Bassem Hassan Mohammed, on Gunder, was fourth.

Commenting on his victory, Devos said: “We had three difficult rounds today, but they were horse-friendly and I appreciate that. My horse has been jumping well for the last two weeks. He had some good rest earlier this week and he jumped very well today. I am a very happy man.”