Doha: Faleh Suwead Al Ajami and Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi stole limelight as the third round of Qatar Equestrian Tour - Longines Hathab – got underway at the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Indoor Arena, yesterday.

Al Ajami clinched victory in the Medium Tour while Al Qadi won the Small Tour to earn coveted points in the 14-leg Tour.

Al Ajami and his 14-year-old Steyburn looked in fantastic form, wowing spectators with a flawless performance as the pair completed the course with fastest time of 50.70 sec. 

Mohammed Saeed Haidan secured second position with Miss Chili after a perfect performance in 51.33 while Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi, who rode Carport, also earned a podium finish for his time of 54.73. 

Member of the Board of Directors at the Qatar Equestrian Federation Ahmed Jaber Al Mulla crowned the winners of the Medium Tour.

Riding Viahipi D'Auzay, Hussain Saeed Haidan, who started as co-leader with Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi in the Medium Tour standings, struggled with four faults, completing the course in 54.07. Al Nuaimi, who rode Gop Stop, ended on eighth place after clocking 57.46.

Earlier, Al Qadi partnered with 13-year old Quick Step to notch victory with a lightning speed in Small Tour, finishing the job in 46.39 sec. 

Mohammed Rashid Al Amri, who was astride Cornett Des Forrets, emerged as runner-up in the event after a flawless run in 46.52 sec. 

Teenager Haya Khalid Al Hitmi, who topped the second round, had to content with third position as she completed the course with 19-year old Dusty in 48.03.

“I didn't want to be on the podium today as I am looking to keep the points for [overall] and to be clear. The plan was to be fourth or fifth and I was not putting too much pressure on the mare,” said the 14-year old Haya, who topped the Junior Small Tour in first event of the day before finishing third. 

Today, Mohammed Khalifa Albaker will be looking to maintain his dominance in the Big Tour after winning back-to-back rounds. He is leading the table with 60 points, eight ahead of second-placed Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani. Cyrine Cherif is third in the standings with 48 points. 

The schedule on the final day of third round also includes the Future Rider category, led by Mohammed Abdulla Al Marri with 30 points, followed by Kaltham Thani Al Sowaidi with 27 points. Abdulaziz Abdulla Alabri is third with 25 points.

The Team event will also be held today with Team Alfardan leading the competition with 60 points. Team Ajwad (54) and ExxonMobil (50) are in second and third place.

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