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German rider Christian Hellmann dominated the second day of competition at the 26th Sharjah International Show Jumping Championship, claiming first place in the second qualifying round for the Grand Prix three-star category. The Sharjah International Show Jumping Championship event, held under the patronage of the Sharjah Sports Council, featured a two-phase competition over 150-centimeter obstacles at the outdoor arena.
A total of 69 riders participated in the qualifying competition, with 15 completing both phases without penalties. Hellmann guided his horse Alblebridge Tag Z to finish the second phase in a time of 32.66 seconds, according to official results from the championship organizers.
German Riders Excel in Show Jumping Championship
Fellow German rider Sophie Hinners secured second place aboard the mare Com Oui Flamingo Z with a time of 33.12 seconds. Latvian competitor Kristaps Neretnieks finished third riding Sir Schmit, completing the course in 33.37 seconds.
The event showcased multiple categories across different skill levels and age groups. Sheikh Khaled Sultan Al Qasimi emerged victorious in the qualifying round for Group 7 regional riders in the youth category, sponsored by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Regional Competition Highlights Young Talent
The youth category competition took place over 130-centimeter obstacles in a single round with a jump-off format. Among 18 participating riders, nine qualified for the jump-off and five completed it without faults. Sheikh Khaled Al Qasimi secured the lead aboard Jack-Lesko Z with a swift time of 37.31 seconds.
Syrian rider Jawad Nizam finished second on Harlis Jack Z with a time of 39.88 seconds. His compatriot Sabri Badanki claimed third place riding Normamurka, completing the course in 41.54 seconds.
UAE Riders Dominate Junior Categories
Emirati equestrians demonstrated exceptional performance in the junior category for Group 7 countries during the competition sponsored by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The event featured 120-centimeter obstacles in an indoor arena.
Mohammed Majed Al Nuaimi captured first place aboard Dolin Bay Old with a jump-off time of 31.86 seconds. Saleh Mufreh Al Karbi secured second place on the mare Espresso with a time of 31.91 seconds, while Mabkhout Owaida Al Karbi finished third riding Dubai in 31.92 seconds.
International Participation Across Multiple Events
Jordanian young rider Zaid Khalaf won the qualifying round for Group 7 pony riders category, sponsored by Sharjah TV. The competition featured 110-centimeter obstacles in the indoor arena with 15 participants. Khalaf achieved first place aboard Chico with a jump-off time of 32.85 seconds.
British rider Lavina Eccleston claimed second place on Kilard B Mine with a time of 34.23 seconds. Hassan Majed Al Nuaimi secured third position riding Charlie Brown, finishing in 34.93 seconds.
Egyptian rider Amr Jamal Mohamed topped the podium in the two-phase 135-centimeter three-star category competition, sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. Mohamed completed the second phase aboard Zazo Z in a leading time of 21.16 seconds, according to championship officials.
Additional Competition Results and Winners
Syrian riders Mohamed Ghali Al Zaybak and Mohamed Mugheth Al Shahab finished second and third respectively in the same category. In the points accumulation competition with joker round sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank, UAE riders claimed the top two positions.
Mohammed Hamad Al Karbi won first place riding Vos with a perfect score of 65 points in 43.14 seconds. Salem Ahmed Al Suwaidi finished second aboard Diamond W with a time of 44.22 seconds.
The championship continues with additional qualifying rounds and finals scheduled in the coming days, though organizers have not yet announced the complete schedule for remaining events. Further competitions across various categories are expected to determine final standings for the Grand Prix and other featured classes.
