Alexander McLean Claims the CSI4*-W Diamond Tour Longines Ranking Class presented by AMEA Power
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 24 January 2026 – The Al Shira’aa International Horse Show reached its halfway point yesterday with an intense and spectacular third day of competition. Six classes were staged across the two arenas, including the first qualifier for Sunday’s Grand Prix and the ever-popular Ride n’ Drive.
The day got underway in Arena Two with the CSI Juniors presented by Prestige. The young athletes demonstrated remarkable technical maturity in the 1.25 m two-phase class, with twelve of the nineteen combinations finishing clear. It was an all-Emirati podium, led by Mohammad Saeed Al Ghurair, who claimed victory aboard Corlyska in 25.49 seconds. The seventeen-year-old, already a standout performer at last November’s FEI Group VII Finals in Doha, continues to confirm a season of outstanding form. Second place went to Saleh Mufrrej Ali Mohamed Alkarbi with Dion Z, followed by Ali Mufrrej Ali Mohamed Alkarbi riding Salsa.
Attention then shifted to Arena One for the CSI4* Pearl Tour Longines Ranking Class presented by Equitrans. The demanding 1.45 m course tested the skills of 46 starters, with twelve combinations advancing to the jump-off. The barrage proved selective, notably due to the Equitrans oxer placed within the double combination on the final straight. Victory went to rising Emirati Olympic talent Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, who delivered a clear round in 37.50 seconds aboard Emaraude de Zabala—his first win with the mare since taking over the ride last summer. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann finished second on Sherran WL (37.71), followed by compatriot Maximilian Lill with Viverter PS.
The spotlight then turned to the future of the sport with the CSI Children’s class, supported by Al Forsan International Sports Resort. In the 1.15 m two-phase competition, Iran’s Diana Heidari emerged victorious on Roosje van de Meyhoeve in 29.78 seconds. Emirati rider Khaled Ahmad Khalifa Al Ayali Al Mheiri took second place with Urtimack des Abbayes, while Ayesha Saeed Al Ghurair secured third aboard Haia—the only other double clear.
The CSI Amateur sponsored by Al Shira’aa offered amateur riders the chance to compete on an international stage. Sixteen-year-old Lebanese rider Rawad Saad claimed the 1.05 m two-phase class in 23.16 seconds with Sydney van het Oosthof. Mohamed Shafa Mohamed Saleh Abdalla finished second on Levita, ahead of Egypt’s Omar Ahmed Taha with Pleasure WV in third.
In the afternoon, focus centred on the CSI4*-W Diamond Tour Longines Ranking Class presented by AMEA Power, a Grand Prix qualifier run over a 1.50 m course against the clock. British rider Alexander McLean delivered a flawless performance aboard Calixte Heartbreaker Z to secure victory in 68.71 seconds. The twenty-four-year-old, who has been partnered with the powerful mare since December, adds another prestigious win to his growing résumé. Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann placed second with Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, while Christian Ahlmann completed the podium in third on Vivario JLZ.
The day concluded under the evening lights with one of the most eagerly awaited events on the programme: the CSI2* Ride n’ Drive presented by Al Futtaim. Speed, precision and showmanship thrilled the crowd as Layth Ghrayeb completed a lightning-fast round on Elite de Ponts before switching to the wheel of the Denza SUV alongside Ali Al Nowais, stopping the clock at 95.23 seconds. Yaser Almasri finished second, followed by Sultan Majed Al Awani in third.
With three days of competition now in the books, attention turns to the penultimate day of the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show, which promises further excitement with the highly anticipated Al Shira’aa Hickstead Speed Derby.
Source: Press release
Photo credit: © Helen Cruden
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