Veteran showjumper Quel Homme wins worldwide grand prix aged 20

Quel Homme notched the primary victory of his profession within the CSI2* 1.40m grand prix on the venerable age of 20 in The Industrial Financial institution CHI Al Shaqab in Doha (24 February). The veteran showjumper scored a win for the house group, ridden by Qatari rider Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi, aged 28. Solely two riders jumped double clear, and the successful pair took victory by practically 2sec over Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani (Ierland VDL), additionally of Qatar.

Quel Homme, a gelding by Quidam’s Rubin x Drosselgang, was beforehand ridden by Khalid’s buddy and compatriot Nasser Al Ghazali, who competed him as much as CSI4*. The horse has not competed internationally for nearly a 12 months. He was initially campaigned by Britain’s Samuel Hutton and has been competing all around the world. He did have a comparatively late begin on the worldwide stage, making his debut as an eight-year-old, however this low mileage appears to have resulted in an exquisite zest for the job 13 years on.

“I owe all of it to my buddy Nasser,” stated Khalid. “The horse is 20 years outdated, so the credit score ought to go to the rider who has produced him. The horse has been going very well, and we’re simply attempting to take care of him. We don’t bounce him too typically; we attempt to decide the precise courses for him. As an illustration, yesterday I didn’t bounce the massive class, in order that I may save him for right this moment – and the plan works very properly for me.”

It was additionally a primary worldwide begin for the partnership. Covid restrictions have meant that exhibits at two- and three-star degree have been restricted over the previous few years. Khalid’s CV consists of representing Qatar on the World Equestrian Video games in Caen, 2014, and group gold on the Asian Video games the identical 12 months.

Within the five-star courses later that night, France’s Simon Delestre received the 1.45m Desk C class on Amelusina R 51, simply pipping Thursday night time’s successful partnership Shane Breen and Haya by 0.16sec. Germany landed the 1.55 jump-off class, when Christian Kukuk and Mumbai shaved 0.06sec off one other Irish bid for glory, Mark Mcauley on GRS Girl Amaro.

You might also take pleasure in studying…

The rider has spoken in regards to the generally high-pressure lifetime of a showjumper

Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is filled with all the most recent information and stories, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can take pleasure in the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and stories in addition to different advantages.