Virtus International Show Jumping Cup Wraps Up with Thrilling Performances and Record Turnout

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 10, 2025

The 2025 Virtus International Show Jumping Cup CSI2* brought three unforgettable days of sport, style and spectacle to Dubai, drawing 254 horses and riders from across the region and beyond. The show village buzzed with energy throughout, spectators filling the stands to witness fast rounds, emotional victories, and a palpable sense of community spirit that defined the event from start to finish.

The action opened with the Meadows Show Opening Class 110cm Special Two Phase, where Nawader Omar Saeed Al Nabooda (UAE) and her quick mare 1st Princess flew to victory in 27.61 seconds. Hala Kastali (SYR) on Palladio VT claimed second in 29.24s, followed by Khalifa Hamdan Al Jahoori (UAE) and Hermes de Mariposa in 29.79s, who would later return to the podium. The 79-strong class set an exciting tone for the weekend ahead.

In the DXB Horses 115cm Special Two Phase, Mohammed Osama Al Zabibi (SYR) and Bec Hugo proved unstoppable, taking first place in 30.85s ahead of Saleh Mufrrej Ali Al Karbi (UAE) with SKS Arizona Top and Mysha Khan (IND) on Cashgirl 8. The pair of Bec Hugo and Al Zabibi would make multiple appearances throughout the weekend, confirming their consistency under pressure.

The KAR Sport Horses 125cm Speed Class saw just four clears from a technical course of 63 starters, with Abdalla Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (UAE) producing a flawless round on Georgina Z to take the win in 59.33s. Syria’s Mohammed Ghali Al Zaibak followed on Quintender’s Dream (60.67s), and Mohamed Shafi Mohamed Al Remeithi (UAE) claimed third aboard Cosall SR.

The Virtus Yacht 140cm Special Two Phase closed the first day with flair, as Abdurakhmon Feruzovich Abdullaev (UZB) and Otto Van De Achterhoek sped to victory in 27.71s. Shady Ghrayeb (SYR) and Chapeau TN finished a close second in 28.27s, while fellow Uzbek Bekzod Kurbanov and Matts V.G. took third. It marked the start of a strong weekend for Ghrayeb, who would go on to feature prominently in the higher divisions.

Day two began with the YAS Marina Circuit 110cm Against the Clock, where Rashed Khaled Al Junaibi (UAE) and Kirsina led from start to finish in 58.43s. Close behind, Khalifa Hamdan Al Jahoori (UAE) once again impressed with Hermes de Mariposa in 58.86s, while Mohamed Moloud (LIB) on Lolo Fomia completed the podium in 59.81s.

The DXB Horses 120cm One Round with Jump-Off brought one of the biggest fields of the show, with 80 starters. Syria’s Layth Ghrayeb and Elite de Ponts emerged fastest in 33.40s, narrowly beating Mabkhout Owaida Al Karbi (UAE) and Oleta (33.93s). Mohammed Fadi Al Zabibi (SYR) followed in third with Larasina. The top 15 qualified for the following day’s Fault and Out relay.

The Virtus Paddock Club 130cm Jump-Off was a showcase of precision and power, with Mohammed Ghali Al Zaibak (SYR) continuing his fine form to win on Comma in 38.15s. Emirati rider Humaid Abdullah Khalifa Al Mheiri took second on Errill Z (39.68s), and Ashraf El Ashael (LIB) placed third with Jetset (40.03s).

Later that afternoon, the KAR Sport Horse 130cm Grand Prix Qualifier brought another standout ride from Shady Ghrayeb (SYR), who clinched first with Cabernet de Mars in 67.70s and third with Chapeau TN in 71.49s, cementing his dominance in the top categories. Splitting his two mounts in second was Mohamed Shafi Mohamed Al Remeithi (UAE) and Dowan VD Vosberg Z.

The third and final day began with the KAR Sport Horses 130cm Against the Clock, where Mohamed Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (UAE) stormed to the win aboard Ola Van De Vroente in 55.37s. Fellow Emiratis Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi on Annie S of the Lowlands Z (57.11s) and Ali Al Jahouri on Qantum Leap (60.45s) completed an all-UAE top three.

In the Medcare 110cm Two Phase, Syria’s Ward Sliman took first on Galion du Mazes in 26.28s, narrowly ahead of compatriot Mohammed Osama Al Zabibi on Bec Hugo (26.65s), marking his second podium of the show. The UAE’s Hassan Majed Al Awani and Charly Braun followed in third (26.93s).

Crowd energy peaked during the DXB Fault and Out Relay, a 120cm fun class that had the grandstands roaring. The winning duo of Mohammed Hisham Ghrayeb (SYR) with Nordic Gold and Saleh Mufrrej Ali Mohamed Al Karbi (UAE) on SKS Arizona Top crossed the line in 79.43s, narrowly ahead of Hamad Al Nuaimi (UAE) and Zaid Baha Khalaf (JOR) in 81.04s. Third went to Amelia Moscicka (POL) and Jumanah Ayman Al Hariri (KSA) in 96.59s, showcasing the international camaraderie at the heart of Virtus.

Before the final class, Z7 Show Horses delivered a breathtaking liberty performance featuring six golden-hued mares moving in unison, a moment of artistry that left the audience spellbound and perfectly set the stage for the grand finale.

The show concluded in spectacular fashion with the Virtus 2025 Grand Prix Presented by Longines. An elite field of 28 combinations tackled a technical 145cm course, with four advancing to the jump-off. Under the floodlights, Humaid Abdullah Khalifa Al Mheiri (UAE) delivered a masterclass aboard Foncetti VD Heffinck, claiming the win in 38.60s for Al Shira’aa Stables. Sheikh Ali Jamal Al Nuaimi and Kylian S followed close behind in 39.54s, while Al Shira’aa’s Salim Al Suwaidi and Cjoxx Z secured third in 40.44s, sealing an all-Emirati podium that brought the crowd to its feet.

With more than 250 horses, multiple nations represented, and a weekend of world-class sport framed by the spirit of the UAE equestrian community, the Virtus International Show Jumping Cup once again proved why it is among the region’s most anticipated and admired fixtures.

Dark Horse Communications

Hannah McCabe

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