Younis and Al-Hadi Shine as Al Shaqab Showjumping League Finals Get Underway in Doha

The Al Shaqab Showjumping League Finals opened at the Longines Indoor Arena on Thursday, drawing competitive riders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Canada and across the region for the season's most anticipated three-day showdown. The opening day delivered clean rounds, tight finishes and standout performances across five classes, setting the tone for what promises to be a compelling conclusion to the season.

Rami Younis Takes Al Shaqab Champions 140cm Title on Day One

The headline class of the evening, the Al Shaqab Champions 140cm, went to Canada's Rami Younis who delivered a flawless performance aboard Mauran S, finishing clear in 72.62 seconds to claim first place. It was a composed and confident ride from Younis, who left no room for error at the highest level of the day's competition.

Qatar's Sultan Salem al-Naemi pushed hard for the top spot, finishing second on Gannan de La Luce in 76.09 seconds, while compatriot Abdulrahman Mohammed al-Saaq rounded off an all-Qatari second and third with a clear round on Curt Lele in 77.74 seconds. Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Alasaker came fourth aboard Cassiano II, clocking 68.09 seconds but picking up four faults that ultimately cost him a podium finish. Qatar's Ibrahim Yousef Almahmoud completed the top five on Qataro van het Texelhof, also on four faults in 73.70 seconds.

Ahmed Khaled al-Hemaidi, Legacy and Heritage Specialist at Al Shaqab, presented the awards to the podium finishers.

Al-Hadi Dominates Youth Champions 130cm with Double Top-Four Finish

Saudi Arabia's Khaled al-Hadi produced the most remarkable individual performance of the day, winning the Youth Champions 130cm class aboard Capoen with a penalty-free run in 53.78 seconds and then returning to finish fourth in the same class on Carlton de Sauvageonn in 55.91 seconds. The double appearance in the top four of a single class underlined al-Hadi's consistency and versatility across different horses.

Kuwait's Madhy Alkhamees finished second on Caheelahde Beaufour in 55.04 seconds, just ahead of Qatar's Ibrahim Yousef Almahmoud who took third on Perle Van Dorperheidein in 55.34 seconds — a narrow gap of just 0.30 seconds separating the two. Sultan Salem al-Naemi added a fifth-place finish in this class aboard Cethys de Vernay in 59.46 seconds, continuing what was a busy and productive day for the Qatari rider across multiple classes.

Khalid Sanad al-Nuaimi, Event Director of the Al Shaqab League, presented the awards to the Youth Champions winners.

Qatari Riders Sweep Introductory 80cm Top Five

One of the most striking results of the opening day came in the Introductory 80cm class, where Qatari riders claimed all five podium positions. Ahmad Khalid al-Muraikhi won the class aboard Anyway II, finishing closest to the optimum time with a score of 0/-0.02. Salman Faisal al-Marri and Soul Rebel were second on 0/-0.06, followed by Ghanim Thamer al-Maadadi and Kroaat Van Orchid's in third on 0/-0.08. Abdulla Saoud al-Khater on Senna Lafont took fourth on 0/-0.11, with Rouda Ali al-Naama and Koncordia VE completing the clean Qatari sweep in fifth on 0/-0.21.

The result speaks to the depth of local talent being developed through Al Shaqab's programmes and the growing strength of Qatar's grassroots showjumping community.

Introductory 140cm and 40cm Classes Round Out Opening Day

In the Introductory 40cm class, which attracted 39 participants, Ali Mohammed Alawi took victory on Currabawn Shadow with an optimum time score of 0/-0.06. Lujain Ibrahim and Coco Chanel SB finished second on 0/0.11, while Salma Khalifa al-Sarami and Zorro Z were third on 0/0.25. Abdullah Ahmad al-Naser of Vegas placed fourth on 0/-0.36, with Hamza Mohammed al-Attiyah and Violet fifth on 0/-0.44. Ahmed Khaled al-Hemaidi again stepped up to honour the class winners.

What to Expect on Friday and Saturday

Competition continues on Friday with the 60cm Introductory class alongside three prize money classes — the Amateur 100cm carrying QR15,000, the Future Champions 110cm offering QR20,000, and the Junior Champions 120cm with QR35,000 at stake.

The final day on Saturday builds to the season's climax. The Youth Champions 135cm class will be contested for QR45,000, followed by the Amateur 105cm, Future Champions 115cm and Junior Champions 125cm divisions. The season will then conclude with the Al Shaqab Champions 145cm, the most prestigious class of the finals, offering QR70,000 in prize money and the title that every top rider in the competition is targeting.

About the Al Shaqab Showjumping League

Organised by Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, the Al Shaqab Showjumping League has grown into one of the Gulf region's most respected platforms for competitive showjumping. The league serves both elite riders competing at the highest levels and younger riders developing their skills through the introductory and junior categories, making it a genuinely comprehensive competition structure that supports the sport at every stage of a rider's career.