Emirati riders sweep age-group prizes at Sharjah Show Jumping

February 08, 2026 / 11:57 PM

Sharjah 24: German rider Christian Hellmann dominated the scene at the conclusion of the second day of the 26th Sharjah International Show Jumping Championship, after claiming first place in the second qualifying competition for the Grand Prix (3-star category). The event was held under the sponsorship of the Sharjah Sports Council and followed a two-phase format over 150 cm fences in the outdoor arena.

The competition featured 69 riders, of whom 15 completed both phases without faults. Hellmann guided his horse to finish the second phase in 32.66 seconds, ahead of his compatriot, German rider Sophie Hinners, who placed second with her mare “Come On Flamingo Z” in 33.12 seconds. Third place went to Latvia’s Kristaps Neretnieks riding hi in 33.37 seconds.

Emirati rider Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi was crowned champion of the qualifying round for the Regional Group 7 (Young Riders) category, held under the sponsorship of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The competition took place over 130 cm fences (one round with a jump-off) and featured 18 riders, nine of whom reached the jump-off, with five completing it fault-free. Sheikh Khalid secured first place aboard “Jack – Lesko Z” in 37.31 seconds, followed by Syrian rider Jawad Nizam with “Harles Jack Z” in 39.88 seconds, while his compatriot Sabri Badanki finished third with “Normamorka” in 41.54 seconds.

UAE riders swept the top four positions in the Juniors category for Group 7 during the competition sponsored by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (120 cm – indoor). Mohammed Majid Al Nuaimi won first place with “Dolin Bay Old” in 31.86 seconds, followed closely by Saleh Mufrij Al Kharbi on “Espresso” (31.91 seconds). Mubkhoot Obeid Al Kharbi came third with “Dubai” (31.92 seconds), while Ali Mufrij Al Kharbi finished fourth riding “Salsa.”

Jordanian young rider Zaid Khalaf topped the qualifying round of the Children’s category for Group 7, held under the sponsorship of Sharjah TV (110 cm – indoor), with a time of 32.85 seconds riding “Cheeko.” British rider Lavinia Eccleston placed second on “Killard B Mine” in 34.23 seconds, while Emirati rider Hassan Majid Al Nuaimi came third with “Charlie Brown” in 34.93 seconds.

Egyptian rider Amr Gamal Mohammed claimed the podium in the 135 cm (3-star) two-phase competition sponsored by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. He took first place aboard “Zazu Z” with a time of 21.16 seconds, followed by Syrian rider Mohammed Ghali Al Zibak in second place with “Kouma” (21.81 seconds), while his compatriot Mohammed Mughith Al Shehab finished third riding “Caldéro” in 22.39 seconds.

The competition continued with the Points and Joker class, sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank (135 cm fences, 145 cm Joker). UAE riders secured the top two positions: Mohammed Hamad Al Kharbi won first place aboard “Foss” with a perfect score of 65 points in 43.14 seconds, followed by Salem Ahmed Al Suwaidi in second place riding “Diamond Way” in 44.22 seconds. Third place went to Syrian rider Shadi Gharib with “Shapio TN” in 44.75 seconds.

The day concluded with Emirati rider Miftah Jowhar Al Dhaheri winning the 125 cm two-phase competition sponsored by Cavalor in the indoor arena. Al Dhaheri secured first place riding “Vince de Lagoon” in 24.55 seconds, followed by Syrian rider Sabri Badanki on “Dior Van” in 25.14 seconds. Emirati rider Meitha Mohammed Al Hajri placed third aboard “Inista S” in 26.39 seconds, while Mohammed Imran Al Owais finished fourth with “Komez” in 27.03 seconds.