Show Jumping Cup gala kicks off

Abu Dhabi - The first day of the cup saw riders competing in five different categories

Seventh edition of Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy's (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup kicked off  on Thursday at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, welcoming 159 riders from 26 countries. The first day of the cup presented exceptional equestrian national talents, and attracted community members who watched the cup, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The cup was attended Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of FBMA, President of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Ladies Clubs, and Amal Abdul Qadir Al Afifi, Board member of FBMA, along with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of key partners.
The first day of the cup saw riders competing in five different categories. The winners of the first three categories were already announced, where three Emirati nationals led the first three places, CSI Children's class (CSICH-A), raising the Emirati flag with pride. Hamad Al Nuaimi won the first place, Humaid Dherar Rashid Thani Al Thani won the second place; and Rashed Khaled Ali Al Junaibi won the third place. The first category, CSICH-A, was presented by FBMA, targeted children between 12 and 14 years old, and included 27 riders.
The second category, CSI Junior's class (CSIJ-A), presented by Etisalat, targeted juniors, and included 27 riders. The first prize went to Abdulla Ahmed Ameen AlShurafa from the UAE, the second prize went to Christina Mari Sehested from Denmark, while the third prize went to Saif Abdulla Mohd Al Shamsi from the UAE.
The day is yet to see riders compete for the third category, presented by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, which will include female Emirati riders. Moreover, the fourth and fifth categories, CSI Ladies' class (CSIL2), presented by Al Shira'aa Stables and Abu Dhabi Media, will target ladies. The last two categories aim to establish the status of women in sports and encourage them to make significant sports achievements.
HE Amal Abdul Qadir Al-Afifi, Board member of FBMA, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the 7th edition of FBMA International Show Jumping Cup after six outstanding cups. The turnout that we saw from the public today was fantastic, and we are honoured to be presenting a high-level equestrian event to the UAE community."
Equestrian Manager at Al Forsan International Sports Resort Hesham Al Hosani said: "We are proud to be hosting the 7th edition of FBMA's International Show Jumping Cup for the third year. We have taken all the required measures to facilitate the participation of the riders in the cup, and have provided all the required sports equipment to guarantee delivering a successful event based on the best international standards."
Commenting on his win, 13-year old Emirati national Hamad Al Nuaimi, the winner of the first place of CSICH-A category, said: "I would like to thank my family for their continuous support, especially my older brother who inspired me to get involved in equestrian sports. I am pleased to have won the first place of the CSICH-A category in an international cup, and I look forward to achieving more wins in the future."
The event, open to the public, provided the public with a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere, where visitors enjoyed a range of activities at the Equestrian Village. Visitors also enjoyed delicious food from different food trucks, while enjoying the lively music.
The event will see another set of competitions on Friday and Saturday, where riders will compete in different categories for the trophy.
The seventh FBMA International Show Jumping Cup is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Shira'aa Stables, Longines, Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi Media, Yas TV, ZAK, International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), UAE Equestrian Racing Federation, Etisalat, Al Salama Group Holdings, Dr. Firas Dental and Orthodontic Center.