Dubai, UAE, January 5, 2012 - The Dubai Showjumping Championship 2012 CSI*** - W Dubai (Arab League) opened with competition in four classes and highlighted by Abdullah Al Sharbatly’s win for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Emirates Airline Two Phases, the AED 80,000 featured event. The championship will continue January 6 & 7 at the host site, the Dubai International Endurance City.

The best of the sport from throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia are competing with a total of over 200 riders entered and representing 17 countries from the throughout the region, Europe and Asia. A total of AED 600,000 in prizemoney is being offered as well as qualifying points for the FEI World Cup of Showjumping. The closing day’s Dubai Equestrian Club Grand Prix FEI World Cup is the highlight of the competition and will be offered on Saturday, January 7 with AED 170,000 in prizemoney.

Organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club, part of the Meydan Group, the event, held at the Dubai International Endurance City, is partnered by gold sponsors Emirates Airline, the official airline; Longines, the official timekeeper; and Gulf News, the event’s official English newspaper; and silver sponsor, Al Mubdee Scaffolding LLC (AMS).

A total of 42 riders competed in the Emirates Airline Two Phase, but Abdullah Al Sharbatly was masterful as he guided Larkhill Cruiser to a winning time of 30.65 (seconds) with no faults. Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi of Qatar took second aboard Naomie 241 with a time of 31.97, zero faults. Third place went to Germany’s Joerg Naeve on Coolidge in a time of 32.20 and no faults.

Competition opened with 51 riders in the Longines Welcome Stakes that was won by Ireland’s Marion Hughes as she completed the jump-off with no faults aboard Crespin in a time of 34.59. Second place was taken by Faisal Al Shaalan of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia astride Aphrodite Van Het Texelhof in a time of 35.65 with no faults. Andre Sakakini aboard Evita 301 was third, 35.82, no faults.

The day’s third event was the National Class 1 for national juniors and young riders, ages 14 to 21. Sultan Ahmed Saleh took Dasha through the jumps in 56:61, zero faults, to win the event for the Emirates Heritage Club of Abu Dhabi. Second place was Sheikh Ali Al Nuaimi of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club aboard Ulivia in 58.74, with no faults. Rafic Dalati rode Java Magic to third place in 61.94, no faults, for the Jebel Ali Equestrian Club.

Michael Hutchinson aboard Caretina won the closing event of the programme, the National Welcome Stakes with a time of 65.87 for Zabeel Club. Sultan Al Awani was second aboard Seekatze in 68.88 representing Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Hutchinson also secured third place on his other mount, Le Roi, in a time of 70.21 for Zabeel Club. There were no faults for the three.

The Dubai Show Jumping Championship will continue on Friday with the first class at 2:30 pm, gates open at 1:00 pm, and four classes scheduled for the day. Saturday is the concluding day with competition to begin at 12:00 pm and gates open at 11 am.

Entrance is free and there will be entertainment for the entire family including pony rides, inflatable-bouncy rides, children’s play area, face painting and displays and drill rides by the Dubai Pony Club. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

For further information: www:emiratesequestriancentre.com