CHI Al Shaqab hosts first para dressage event

Para dressage came to CHI Al Shaqab in Qatar for the first time, with Lee Pearson enjoying a hat-trick of wins.

Hard fought

Lee and his World Games gold-medal winning partner Zion were on flying form, but saved the best for last scoring 78.176 percent in the Ggrade Ib Freestyle.

“It was a hard fought title with the standard of the sport getting closer to the yet unbeaten British team,” said Lee.

Natasha Baker was also competing, taking the runner-up spot on two occasions, and coming third in the Grade II Freestyle with Cabral.

In the CDI5* dressage, Carl Hester enjoyed a Grand Prix win with Nip Tuck (72.600%). The pair went on to come second in the Freestyle (76.725%) behind Sweden’s PatrikKittel (77.275%).

The Grand Prix Special was won by Spanish rider Beatriz Ferrer–Salat (70.922%), while HenrietteAndersen took the runner-up sport on Warlocks Charm(66.961%). Henriettewas born in Denmark but became aBritish citizen in 2000.

Over the moon

Other athletes flying the flag for Britain at Al Shaqab were showjumpers Scott Brash, Laura Renwick and Michael Whitaker, and vaulting stars Joanne and Hannah Eccles.

Laura became the first female winner at this year’s show, taking the title in the CSI5* Speed and Handiness with Rembrandt Blue.

“I am over the moon, so very happy to win today,” said Laura. “It has been an unbelievable run for me. My son Jack is my top supporter. He is here with me and his support is incredibly important.”

Successful show

Laura enjoyed a successful week, narrowly missing on another five-star win when France’s Simon Delestre pipped her to the post by 0.07sec.

Scott wasn’t on his usual winning form, but achieved a few top ten placings which included a second with Hello Sanctos in the 1.55m. Michael came fourth in the same class riding Amai.

In the vaulting, Joanne won the individual female championship and went on to come second in the Pas de Deux with her sister. As always, they performed with the faithful WH Bentley.