The two highest level classes of the evening were won by Joanne Ivemey from Desert Palm Stables riding her continually improving gelding Archimedes.
Ivemey scored 63.6% in Advanced Medium, the horse’s first time competing at this level. Charlotte Drakeley was runner-up riding her newly imported Dutch gelding Ronaldo. Having never competed at this level before, Drakeley was beaten by a narrow margin of 1%. This Royal Stables pair is one to look out for this season.
Ivemey and Archimedes then went on to score an impressive 68.7% in the Medium class. Christel Langlois representing the Royal Stables took second place on her Arabian stallion R S Kahraman, followed by EEC’s Christopher Cyra on Woody Allen in third place.
The Elementary class saw Cristina Thompson back on the scene in top form taking the honours with a score of 67.5%. On this occasion, Thompson rode the stunning dark bay gelding Apollo’s Mastermind. They were followed closely by talented young rider Karin Lindbom on her Akele Teke mare Mer Mer, and new combination to Dubai, Danish rider Camilla Avnborg on her Donnerhall mare Alba F had a good start to the season taking third place.
Representing EEC Tracy Gill won the Novice class riding the striking Swedish bred gelding Malthé with 68.9%. In second place was Hayley Field on Apollo’s Mastermind from Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club with Wrsan Farm rider Mohamed Lamhireche riding the Arabian Al Khattar W’rsan coming third.
The Preliminary Seniors class had the most competitors for the night, and was won by Desert Palm rider Valerie Moriet riding her horse Rico, scoring 67%. Following closely in second and third place respectively were EEC riders Tanja Bornmann on the mare Excelsia Royal, and Tanja Semrau on the Trakener gelding Chico Go.
Finally, Madeline Drakeley riding Sugar Creek Willy won the Preliminary Junior in style, trotting away with the highest score for the evening 70.3%. The second place rosette went to 9 year-old Sarah Khairallah, the youngest rider in the class, on the EEC riding school pony Holly. Third was Karin Lindbom also riding an EEC riding school horse Shannon.
The next competition will be held on November 16th at the Emirates Equestrian Centre and entry to watch is free of charge.