Former Olympic medalist Khalid Al Eid tonight posted an exemplary display to take the showpiece Dubai Grand Prix – the feature of the AED 500,000 Dubai Show Jumping Championship.
The Saudi Arabian, who had also won the Gulf News Cup on the Friday, put in two clear rounds in the FEI World Cup Qualifier on Alriyadh in a time of 54.63s.
Not only did Al Eid scoop the AED 31,250 first prize, but also won the top rider title for his exploits over the three-day festival of show jumping.
The winner, who won bronze in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, said: “It’s a great feeling to win in Dubai, and it’s been a great few days for me.
“This is one of the most beautiful venues in the region and the facilities are right up there with the best, so it’s been a real honour to win here.”
Abdullah Humaid, who won the Nad Al Sheba Welcome Stakes on Thursday, also earned the title of best UAE rider for his efforts over the three days.
The penultimate contest of the day, the Emirates Equestrian Centre Trophy was won by Nael Nassar, from Egypt, who finished more than four seconds ahead of runner-up and local rider Hamad Ali Al Kirbi.
Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club and kindly sponsored by Gulf News, Longines and DOM International, the AED 500,000 DSJC started on Thursday and climaxed today with the DEC Grand Prix.
Dubai Equestrian Club General Manager Ali Moosa Al Khamiri said: “It’s been a wonderful championship, and despite the indifferent weather, we’ve had around 10,000 people come to the Emirates Equestrian Centre over the three days.
“Competition has been excellent, and it just goes to show how strong show jumping is in the region. We pass on our congratulations to all the winners, and indeed everyone who has taken part.”