ABU DHABI: The UAE President’s Cup Showjumping Event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, got under way on Friday at ADEC International Arena.
Over three days it will showcase CSI5* and CSI2* competitions and a world-class roster of International Federation of Equestrian Sports-ranked athletes and horses.
Boasting a record prize pool of $640,000, including just over $544,000 for the CSI5* and close to $82,000 for the CSI2*, this competition sets a new benchmark as the most lucrative individual competition in showjumping in the UAE.
Ali Al-Shaiba, director general of ADEC, stated: “It is an honor to host the UAE President’s Cup International Showjumping Event, a showcase of elite sport and a celebration of equestrian heritage. This event reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to equestrian excellence and reflects the UAE’s emergence as a key player on the global showjumping circuit.
“We are deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan — vice president, deputy prime minister, chairman of the President Court, and president of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club — whose vision continues to guide ADEC’s evolution as a world-class equestrian and lifestyle destination.”
Participants will contest technically challenging courses, culminating in the CSI5* Grand Prix featuring fences up to 1.6 meters in height. The tracks are designed by Alan Wade, an FEI level four course designer, internationally acclaimed for crafting some of the sport’s most technical and demanding layouts.
The UAE President’s Cup will culminate in “A Legacy Unveiled, A Nation United,” a bespoke, immersive performance crafted exclusively for the occasion, highlighting the UAE’s long-standing equestrian heritage.
Anthony Lowry, ADEC equestrian director, added: “Behind the scenes, our team has worked tirelessly to elevate this year’s event. From our newly upgraded competition arenas to enhanced facilities for athletes and horses, we are proud to provide an environment that meets the highest international standards. We are especially thrilled to welcome such a high-caliber group of athletes to Abu Dhabi.”
The elite international field of riders includes:
Abdel Qabir (Morocco)
Cian O’Connor (Ireland)
Claudia Moore (UK)
Daniel Deusser (Germany)
David Will (Germany)
Kevin Staut (France)
Richard Vogel (Germany)
Roger Yves Bost (France)
Shane Breen (Ireland)
Trevor Breen (Ireland)
William Funnel (UK)
