Ludger Beerbaum wins CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix title

DOHA, March 6, 2016-German giant Ludger Beerbaum guided Chiara with great command to win the Al Shaqab Grand Prix for the second time in three years.

The last one out of the blocks in the CSI5* competition, Chiara clocked a time of 48.81 seconds to win the feature event of the four-day equestrian gala at Al Shaqab Arena.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) crowned the winners.

“The way she jumped was really nice. I went last and that was definitely was an advantage. I am very pleased because I beat a strong field. To come back and sit here is a special feeling,” Beerbaum said after the victory.

“My horse came from a two-month break. To come back like this, so clear, is a great feeling. It is a special feeling,” he added.

Beerbaum, 52, got richer by €165,000.

His compatriot Daniel Deusser steered First Class van Eeckelghem to second spot in the jump-off of the two-phased competition.

First Class van Eeckelghem clocked a time of 49.02 seconds as Deusser won €1,00,000.

Codex One, ridden by Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, finished in third spot of the 1.60cm class. Codex One, who suffered 4 penalties, clocked a time of 47.84 seconds.

Ahlmann won €52,500.

Last week’s Emir Sword Meet winner Portugal’s Luciana Diniz finished in fourth place with Fit For Fun 13 after stumbling over an obstacle.

Germany’s Nicola Philippaerts, astride Zilverstar T, finished in fifth spot.

Diniz won €40,000 while Philippaerts took home €30,000.