Al Muhairi sets the bar higher after bronze win
UAE show jumper finishes impressive third in CSI5* event at SERC
The UAE’s Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi said he has set his sights on the 2018 World Equestrian Games after capturing a prestigious bronze medal in the HH Ruler of Sharjah Cup Show Jumping Championships, presented by Longines, on Saturday at Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club.
Competing in the CSI5*W event, a qualifier for the FEI World Cup, Al Muhairi produced two high quality rounds of jumping which was only bettered by the winner, two-time Olympian Henrik von Eckermann from Sweden and runner-up Emanuele Gaudiano, an Italian rider who is based in Germany.
The top eight riders in the competition delivered flawless rounds but Al Muhairi’s hopes of finishing higher were dashed when his trusted horse, the 13-year-old Cha Cha Cha faltered approaching the final fence and cost his rider valuable seconds on the clock.
Al Muhairi was placed a close second behind Von Eckermann after clocking an impressive 71.15 seconds for the first round before the setback during the second round.
Despite the disappointment, Al Muhairi was happy to look forward and said: “Overall I’m very pleased with how I performance in the face of very strong competition from some of the best riders around the world.
“I think it bodes well for the future and I believe I can win a medal for the UAE at the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina, USA (Sept 11-23). I have the confidence to say that as I have been steadily improving and my performance in the HH Ruler of Sharjah Cup is a clear indicator that I’m heading in the right direction,” he added.
“I have all the support I need, especially from His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi (Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah), whose horse, Cha Cha Cha, I have been privileged to ride at this event.”