20 February 2021

Emiratis and Internationals showcase talent in Day 2 of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup

Technical and Educational workshop specialized in Equestrian Photography
Day 2 of Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy’s (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup welcomed 121 riders

Saturday, February 20^th 2021, Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates:

Building on a successful Thursday, the second day of Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy’s (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup 8^th edition, held on the beautiful outdoor sand arena of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club welcomed 121 riders and a supportive group of fans via the live stream services available.

Beginning early in the morning and throughout the full day, riders vying for titles performed in the 5 below categories.

Category 1 – CSICH-A with the prize money 10,000 AED and sponsored by Al Shira’aa Stables
Category 2 – CSIU25-A with the prize money 20,000 AED and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Category 3 – NATIONALS with the prize money 30,000 AED and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Media
Category 4 – CSIL2* with the prize money 30,000 AED and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Sports Council
Category 5 – CSIL2* (Special Two Phase) with the prize money 60,000 AED and sponsored by Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy

It is notable to mention that in yesterday night’s (National) category, Victoria Jade Laing representing Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club took home gold while Maryam Ahmed Abdul Malik and Aisha Mohamed Al Maazmi representing Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, took Silver and Bronze respectively.

The first class of the day CSI Children’s class (CSICH-A) with the prize money of 10,000 AED, presented by Al Shira’aa Stables saw Mabkhout Owaida AlKirbi from UAE soar to victory with an assertive performance, claiming 1^st place with a time of 56.37 seconds and 2^nd place with a time of 60.35 seconds on “Zandocan C” and “Al Mazyouna” respectively. Not far away, Shamsa Almheiri finished 3^rd on “Brazoria De Semilly” with a time of 60.49 seconds.

The second category, CSIU25-A with the prize money 20,000 AED and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club included 38 riders. Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi from the UAE came in first place with a time of 53.56 seconds, Hamza Mahmoud Al Kiswani from Jordan came second with a time of 54.44 seconds, and Ali Hamad Alkirbi from the UAE won third place with a time of 56.52.

Commenting on his win, Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi the first-place winner of CSIU25-A category, said: I’m very happy to have the opportunity to show and compete again. It’s also a special win for me on ‘Coral Beach Z’ this horse has been great and sweet and I feel lucky to ride and have this journey with it. We have a special synergy, and with my disciplined training, we have won 3 championships together.

" We’re half way through the competition, all eyes are on tomorrow’s big cup and who will win it. Good luck to all participants.” Al Marzooqi added.

Competition continued with 65 riders contending in (NATIONALS) with prize money of 30,200 AED and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Media. Consistency was key for Maryam Ahmed Abdulmalik also today, winning first place and representing Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, with a time of 58.81 seconds. In second place, Alina Fayzulina (63.75 sec) representing Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and in third Wassayef abdul aziz Al Marzooqi (68.39 sec) representing Al Bahiya Club.

The day is yet to see international riders compete for honors in 2 more categories, targeting female riders. The fourth category (CSIL2*) with prize money of 30,000 AED presented by Abu Dhabi Media and the fifth category (CSIL2*) with a prize money of 60,000 AED presented by Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy

HE Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, thanked the wise leadership for their continuous support and development of Equestrian Sports, which has empowered and encouraged women’s participation. He added: “The increased number of female participants was a clear indication of success along with the significant progress in the level of competition, which has attracted riders from all over the world to follow their passion of Show Jumping in UAE.

He continued: “This season will be full of local and international events and championships, despite the covid-19 challenges we are facing. “

Today’s schedule also featured a special learning opportunity at the ‘Sports Photography Workshop’ by Khaled Alkendi which allowed participants to experience equestrian photography, taking professional photos from the cup and developing their photography skills.

For those who are keen to watch Saturday’s live and exciting action, FBMA International Show Jumping Cup will continue to be livestreamed from the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club every day on FBMA YouTube channel. You can also follow #FBMASJ21 on all social media handles.

The eighth FBMA International Show Jumping Cup relishes great support from the strategic partners; Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, International Federation for Equestrian Sports, Longines, Al Shira’aa Stables, Abu Dhabi Media Company, YAS TV, Zahrat Al Khaleej, in addition to; Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Burjeel Hospital and Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority.