Cian O’Connor. PC: Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Ireland’s Cian O’Connor stormed to a stunning win in this evening’s CSI5* 1.45m speed class in Qatar, in a two horse race which saw home hero Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) miss out by just tenths of a second. At the magnificent AL SHAQAB, this evening’s action was the perfect prelude to Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha, with the world’s best horses and riders in action ahead of the 2016 season final. Title rivals Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) faced each other for the first time this weekend, with the pair both looking on form ahead tomorrow’s Grand Prix.
This is surely an extra special win for Cian, who in addition to having a hot streak going on the indoor circuit this fall also celebrated the birth of his second child Wednesday night just hours before leaving for Qatar.
Bassem Hassan Mohammed. PC: Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Course designer Uliano Vezzani set a tough but fair course for the top riders in the world, with a 1.45m speed class offering up a prize purse of €25,000. Faults came from all over the course, with Marcus Ehning (GER) and Funky Fred rolling the first and last poles, and Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) picking up 12 faults with Caspar.
Andreas Kreuzer (GER) was the first to set the pace with the 9 year old dark chestnut Calvilot with a clear in 73.43s and held the lead as poles fell from all over the course. Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT) entered the arena with clear focus and intent, and looked set for a home turf win after a blinding round with grey stallion Imperio Egipcio Milton rocketed him to the lead with a fast and furious time of 69.71s, a full two seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Others tried, and failed to surpass the top Qatari rider’s time, until Ireland’s Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Callisto put in a phenomenal time of 63.11s throwing down the gauntlet to the remainder of the field and revving the competition up a gear as the final competitors took their turn.
Emily Moffitt and Hamad al Attiyah. PC: Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Young talent Emily Moffitt (USA) looked to be the only challenger to come close, riding an exceptional round. Making daring turns with Cassius Clay, she shaved valuable seconds from the clock, crossing the line in 65.11s – exactly two seconds off the Irishman’s time. World Number 1 Christian Ahlmann (GER) gave it his best shot with the eye-catching stallion Caribis Z, but finished over two seconds behind the young American, in 68.60s. Home hero Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) galloped around the course, with the local spectators whistling him on, however finished just shy of Cian’s time in 63.28s.
Michael Whitaker (GBR) rounded out the top six with Olympic mount Cassionato, while young talent Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) with H&M Forever d’Arco ter Linden finished in 7th overall. Denis Lynch (IRL), Alexandra Thornton (GBR) and Alberto Zorzi (ITA) all jumped clear, but it was Cian O’Connor (IRL) and his 9 year old dark bay gelding Callisto who stole the show in the final of Friday’s CSI5* classes.
Doha Grand Prix Speed Class Top Placing Competitors:
