GHANTOOT // If this was four years ago, Muftah Al Dhahiri might have qualified for the Rio Olympics on Thursday in showjumping. But new rules limiting qualification to one team from the region sent four Qataris to the 2016 Games.
Al Dhahiri and his mount, Jameelaty, knocked over only one part of a double combination, but his teammates had a more difficult time at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club as the UAE finished fifth among six teams from North Africa and the Middle East in the CSIO5* Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup.
Two teams and three individual riders qualified from the region for the 2012 Games. Under those rules, Al Dhahiri would have gone out on the course a second time with a chance to advance as an individual.
Individuals can win places later, but Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed, who rode for the UAE at the 2008 Olympics, said it would be hard for herself and her horse, Peanuts de Beaufour.
“There is only a small chance to qualify,” she said. “I don’t find it realistic as I have not done too many shows with my horse Peanuts up until now, in order to have had some points.
“I found the qualifying course fair, but my mare was slightly rusty in the beginning of it. Peanuts hasn’t been to a show for an entire month so, overall, I am happy with her performance. She jumped amazing.”
The other members of the UAE team were Khaled Al Junaibi, on Energy Al Baryia, and Mohammed Al Hajri, riding Catan.
The course proved to be a challenge, but the Qatar team had one fence down and one time fault to win by a wide margin.
Individual points can be earned in various competitions into March 2016. Also, an Olympic qualifier for individuals will be held next March 16, at a location as yet undetermined.
Showjumping at Ghantoot resumes on Saturday with the CSIO5* President’s Cup, with riders from 13 nations competing in a Grand Prix. The competition is open to the public and is scheduled to begin at 4pm.
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