Shady Ghrayeb the Undisputed Star of Thursday at the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show
The Show Comes Alive at the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show
Abu Dhabi (UAE), 23 January 2026 – The second day of the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show further raised the bar, marking the debut of the first CSI4* classes of the week. Across the two arenas of the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, spectators were treated to a true marathon of top-level sport, culminating in an evening packed with excitement.
The day got underway in Arena Two with the CSI2* Silver Tour, presented by Bolesworth, featuring 49 starters and an impressive 16 clear rounds. The leaderboard was dominated by UAE-based riders from Sharjah: Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbiri claimed victory in 53.15 seconds with Macho BH, followed by Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi on Annie of the Lowlands Z. Third place went to Iran’s Farhang Sadeghi with Gazaro VDL.
Arena One was dedicated to young horses with the CSIYH classes. In the 6-year-old category, victory went to Emirati rider Arhama Saif Sultan Al Awani aboard Prestige, ahead of Mabkhout Owaida Alkirbi and Britain’s Katie Speller. Among the 7-year-olds, Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi topped the standings with Celina 235, followed by Alexander McLean and Ireland’s Shane Breen.
In the afternoon, 45 combinations took on the CSI2* Gold Tour 1.40 m, presented by Cavalor and serving as a qualifier for the Grand Prix. A third consecutive victory went to Syria’s Osama Al Zabibi with 1st Queen, ahead of Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi and Mohamad Mogheeth Alshebab.
Still in Arena Two, the CSI2* Bronze Tour sponsored by SMRM Team rewarded Syrian rider Layth Ghrayeb with Elite de Ponts. Saif Owaida Mohammed Alkirbi finished second, while Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi once again secured a podium place, confirming his strong form throughout the day.
The first real taste of CSI4* competition came with the Pearl Tour, presented by Mandara. On a technical 1.40 m two-phase course, Latvia’s Kristaps Neretnieks set the winning pace with Sir Schmidt. Shady Ghrayeb claimed second place with Leelandi, while Ireland’s Trevor Breen finished third.
In the evening, the spotlight turned to the CSI Under 25 Series supported by Nirvana. Victory went to Portugal’s Molly Hughes Bravo on HHS Mercedes, ahead of Uzbekistan’s Abdurakhmon Abdullaev and Akbar Sharipov.
The grand finale of the day was the CSI4*-W Diamond Tour LR, presented by AS Auctions. In a thrilling, heart-stopping finish, Shady Ghrayeb produced a masterclass with Cabernet du Mars, edging out Ireland’s Michael Pender on HHS Orchidee by just 0.04 seconds. Belgium’s Constant van Paesschen completed the podium with Kannavara Z.
Competition will resume on Friday morning with the CSI4* Pearl Tour LR presented by Equitrans, followed by the ever-popular Ride n’ Drive Class sponsored by Al Futtaim. Around the arenas, the show’s lifestyle experience continues to thrive, with a shopping village, equestrian brands, and local food and beverage offerings.
Photo: Winner of the CSI4*-W Diamond Tour LR, Shady Ghrayeb, with AS Auctions CFO Antonia Petterson Haggstrom © Helen Cruden | Al Shira’aa Tour
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