ABU DHABI: The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show drew to a close at Al Forsan International Sports Resort with the week’s feature class FEI World Cup Grand Prix claimed by Ireland’s Shane Breen at the conclusion of five days of competition.
Ahead of the grand finale, a drone told of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al-Nahyan’s vision of the future of equestrian sport.
Contested over two rounds and offering a $380,000 prize fund, the grand prix brought together a stellar field of 50.
Victory went to Breen, who produced the only double clear of the class on BP Arctic Blue, stopping the clock in 47.61 seconds to secure a decisive win.
Last year’s winner, Italy’s Guido Grimaldi, followed in second place riding Gentleman, his performance marred only by three time faults.
Completing the podium was Great Britain’s Alexander McLean, who delivered the fastest second-round time on Calixte Heartbreaker Z, but a single pole down saw him settle for third place.
Breen reflected on his winning round, and said: “I watched a few combinations go early and saw that it wasn’t an easy course. BP Arctic Blue was stepping up to this level tonight, so my focus was simply to ride my round, jump clear and then wait to see how that played out. He had a look in a couple of places, especially at the planks, but my priority was to bring him home safely. To win here is very special.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Al Shira’aa for its continued support of show jumping globally,” he added. “It’s hugely appreciated by riders, as is all the hard work put in by Show Director Samantha Kettle and the entire organizing team. A very special thank you must also go to HH Sheikha Fatima for her vision and backing of this event.”
Reflecting on those who played a part in his success, Breen added: “I’m incredibly grateful to my own team at Breen Equestrian and Team Z7, especially HH Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife Chloe for trusting my judgment when we purchased BP Arctic Blue from a close friend, Greg Broderick. We’re a team, and this result is very much a shared achievement.”
Grimaldi said: “It’s always special to be back here, especially after winning this grand prix last year. Gentleman is a genius and was the second-best horse in the Globals. My problem was always to stay in the time, but to be second behind Shane is a great honour.”
McLean said: “I’m absolutely delighted. To finish third here and to have three wins over the week is incredible. I’d better let the boss win sometimes though, otherwise I might not have a job.”
Kettle called the team behind the scenes “incredible,” and added: “From the arena crew and course designers to hospitality, media and officials, everyone has worked tirelessly, often late into the night.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in prize money this year, particularly in the grand prix, which reflects HH Sheikha Fatima’s vision to grow the sport while keeping it accessible. We’re proud to have welcomed more sponsors than ever before and we’re already looking ahead to building something even bigger for the 10th edition.”
