Charles And Casquo Blue Dazzle Al Shaqab With Spectacular Win

Britain's Fletcher and Qatar's Haidan also claim victories in Grand Prix events as first Tour of H H The Father Amir's Prix wraps up

Doha, Qatar: Britain's Harry Charles wrapped up the opening Tour of the inaugural H H The Father Amir's Prix by clinching the CSI4* 1.55m Jump-Off Grand Prix with a spectacular performance at Al Shaqab yesterday.

Charles and his 16-year-old gelding Casquo Blue produced an outstanding round in the closely fought jump-off, stopping the clock at 38.20 seconds to secure their first grand prix victory together.

At the windy Longines Outdoor Arena, Charles edged out compatriot Scott Brash, who partnered mare Hello Folie to clock 38.48 seconds and settle for second place. Thailand's Janakabhorn Karunayadhaj completed the podium aboard Maxwin Kinmar Bespoke with a time of 40.14 seconds in the feature event of the opening tour.

Charles was elated with his first victory of 2026.

Qatar Olympic Committee President and President of the Organising Committee of the Doha Equestrian Tour H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and Qatar Equestrian Federation President Bader Al Darwish applaud as Britain's Harry Charles celebrates on Casquo Blue.

“It's a great way to start the year. It's my first grand prix win together with Casquo Blue. I am very happy,” the Briton said.

“The course was well designed and challenging, with the time allowed encouraging riders to take risks in the jump-off.”

“Not many times have I beaten Scott Brash in the jump-off, so I didn't think today was going to be one of those. I am very happy and surprised to win by the tiniest of margins,” he added.

Qatar Equestrian Federation President Bader Al Darwish presents the CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix winner's trophy to Britain's Oliver Fletcher.

Qatar Olympic Committee President and President of the Organising Committee of the Doha Equestrian Tour H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani honoured the podium winners of the feature event.

Earlier, Britain's Oliver Fletcher claimed top honours in the CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix, clocking 33.59 seconds in the jump-off aboard bay gelding Cajus 42. Compatriot Millie Allen finished second on mare Quick Diamant HR, just fractions behind with a time of 34.02 seconds, while Germany's Philipp Weishaupt secured third place on Callao L after posting 34.74 seconds.

Hussain Said A M Haidan led an all-Qatari podium to win the CSI1* 1.30m Grand Prix, with Saad Ahmed S A Al Saad and Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi finishing second and third respectively.

Hussain Said A M Haidan led an all-Qatari podium to win the CSI1* 1.30m Grand Prix, producing a clear jump-off round of 32.36 seconds aboard 17-year-old gelding D Saucedo at the Longines Indoor Arena.

Partnering Fashion des Douits, Saad Ahmed S A Al Saad claimed second place with a time of 34.25 seconds, while Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi finished third on Mukaynis in 36.43 seconds.

Hussain Said A M Haidan and D Saucedo in action during the CSI1* 1.30m Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano topped the CSI4 1.45m* Special Two Phases aboard Vasco 118, clocking 31.12 seconds in the second phase. Fellow Italian Roberto Previtali finished second on Chaquano PS in 32.27 seconds, while Allen placed third on Quickly D vh Ijzerenlindehof after recording 32.68 seconds.

Gaudiano also shared victory with 10-year-old Chabrello PS in the CSI2* 1.35m Table C, registering a winning time of 66.71 seconds. Jordan's Ibrahim Hani Bisharat secured second place on El Nino Bull's Eye Z with 68.80 seconds, while Previtali finished third aboard Diasandro Blue after clocking 70.70 seconds.

With Haidan clinching the Grand Prix win, Qatari riders also topped the podium in another events at the Indoor Arena.

Britain's Harry Charles guides Casquo Blue over a fence during the CSI4* 1.55m Jump-Off Grand Prix at Al Shaqab yesterday.

Faris Saad A H Al Qahtani impressed aboard 11-year-old mare Cavallina 13 to triumph in the CSI2* 1.30m Faults & Time with a time of 56.65 seconds. Saudi Arabia's Fahad Aljuaid (Fatina) and Egypt's Ali Sabbour (Nintenda Blue) followed in second and third places with times of 59.62 seconds and 62.16 seconds respectively.

Abdul Aziz Jassim A J Al Thani prevailed in the CSI1 1.15m Faults & Time*, guiding Gabbana M to victory in 49.21 seconds. Saudi Arabia's Hasan Alhadi secured second place aboard DSP Cessy with a time of 49.33 seconds, while Qatar's Ali Omar A H Al Ansari completed the podium on Nikita Eindeken Z in 50.93 seconds.

The second Tour of H H The Father Amir's Prix is scheduled from Thursday to Saturday.

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