Malin Baryard-Johnsson Triumphs in CSI5* Grand Prix Al Shaqab Presented by Longines
Malin Baryard-Johnsson secured victory in the CSI5* – CHI AL SHAQAB – Grand Prix presented by LONGINES, the much-anticipated 1.60m category of the week at the Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, where some of the world’s greatest equestrian talents competed. With a total of 39 pairs from every corner of the globe, the level of competition was incredibly high, with riders eager to excel in this Longines Ranking two-round category.
The electrifying atmosphere had the audience eagerly awaiting to see who would claim the top spot. In the end, Swedish rider Malin Baryard-Johnsson emerged as the undisputed winner. Riding H&M Indiana, a 16-year-old bay mare of BWP breed, by Kashmir van Schuttershof x Animo’s Hallo, Malin Baryard-Johnsson showcased her technique and determination, completing the course flawlessly in both rounds, crossing the barrage finish line in the fastest time of 43.19 seconds. A victory that thrilled the audience and paid tribute to the extraordinary talent of this pair.
In second place was Eduardo Alvarez Aznar of Spain, riding Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot, a 19-year-old bay gelding by L’arc de Triomphe x Apache d’Adriers, finishing the round in 43.23 seconds. Belgian rider Wilm Vermeir secured third place with Iq van het Steentje, an exceptional 16-year-old bay BWP stallion by Toulon x Kannan, with a time of 43.88 seconds. The fourth position was claimed by Pieter Devos of Belgium on Jarina J, a 10-year-old KWPN mare by Cicero Z van Paemel x Harley, with a time of 44.86 seconds. Rounding up the top five was the legendary British rider John Whitaker with Equine America Unick du Francport, a 16-year-old Selle Français gelding by Zandor x Helios de la Cour II, completing the round in 46.61 seconds.
The evening was a triumph of equestrian sport, with spectacular performances and unforgettable emotions. The cash prizes certainly added to the excitement, with Malin Baryard-Johnsson’s victory earning her a prize of 135,300 euros.
Max Kühner won the 1.50m CSI5* Al Shaqab Doha
In another highlight of the day, Max Kühner triumphed in the 1.50m CSI5* Al Shaqab Doha. Riding EIC Julius Caesar, the 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Couleur Rubin x Cancara, the Austrian rider delivered a masterful round, completing the course without any faults in a time of 55.55 seconds. Michael Duffy of Ireland took second place riding Dublin, a 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion by Cascadello x Balou du Rouet, with a faultless round in 56.04 seconds. German rider Christian Ahlmann secured third place with Otterongo Alpha Z, a 10-year-old Zanghersheide stallion by Darco x Hedjaz, in a time of 56.16 seconds.
Thus concludes a highly significant international competition, the CHI Al Shaqab, one of only five CHI competitions in the world and the first and only one in the Middle East and Asia region. Born in 2013, it has evolved to become a fixture in the global equestrian calendar, celebrating the exceptional bond between rider and horse.
Photo credits: HSJ (c)
© Rights Reserved.
