(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Rizwan Rehmat I The Peninsula
DOHA: Popular Qatari rider Bassem Hassan Mohammed yesterday brought delight to home fans as he produced another flawless routine with 12-year-old Argelith Squid to secure the top spot in one of the two CSI5* events at Al Shaqab Arena.
On Thursday, the Bassem-Argelith Squid duo won the first event of the final round of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT). Yesterday the same combo finished ahead of Frenchman Julien Epaillard and his ride Safari d Auge to secure the win in the €50,000 competition .
Belgian Nicola Philippaerts, astride J'Adore van het Schaeck, claimed the third spot.
Argelith Squid clocked a time of 64.11 seconds as Bassem - last year's Grand Prix winner - celebrated yet another win at a packed Al Shaqab Arena.
Safari d Auge, who had Epaillaird in the saddle, clocked a time of 64.22 seconds as the French rider got richer by €10,000 seconds. Third-placed J'Adore van het Schaec clocked 66.29 seconds as Philippaerts won €7,500.
Bassem, who received the winner's trophy from QOC Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, was full of praise for Argelith Squid.
'He did amazing today. For sure I am happy, but to be honest, I am more happy how I finished that course and how I had a plan and how he made it easier for me, Bassem said after the event.
'I really love how my horse followed my plan today. That was really good, the 31-year-old added after picking up the top prize of €16,500.
Bassem said competing at Al Shaqab was a delightful experience.
'It feels good. I am looking forward to the last day of weekend and hope it goes well, Bassem said. 'After three-four fences I really felt I could win, he added.
'I am having a good season. I was in the podium few times this year. I won few classes also with Argelith Squid, so I had a good season, the popular Qatari rider said,
When asked about his participation in the Grand Prix of Qatar today, he said: 'I will ride with Gunder for the Grand Prix, the same horse I had last year. I am looking forward to it.
Bassem said the presence of home fans helped him do well.
'To be honest, I am more happy when I see more people. There is a good support for us and I want to thank everyone who are supporting us, Bassem said.
'I feel good. I am trying to be fit but it's still a long way to go, he added.
Colestus, ridden by Christian Kukuk of Germany (67.30 seconds, €5,000) and Dadjak Ter Puttenen, who had Derin Demirsoy of Turkey in the saddle, (68.00 seconds, €3,000) completed the top five in a field of 27 entries.
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