Planned tournaments in Doha to take place

From March 25 to 28, the Al Shaqab Cup will take place at the equestrian center of the same name in Doha. From April 2 to 4, the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup is on the agenda. The tournaments will be held without spectators but will be broadcast live.

The tournaments are to take place under controlled conditions and in accordance with national guidelines. At the Al Shaqab Cup, 203 riders with 466 horses are expected to compete at CSI1*, 2* and 5* level. The total prize money at stake is 766,000 euros.

The following weekend, Al Shaqab will host a CSIO3* Nations Cup, as well as CSI1* and 4* show jumping competitions. Here, too, 203 riders with 466 horses will be competing. The prize money will be 784,000 euros.

Mohammed Jaber Al Khayareen, the event director of the Doha Equestrian Tour, explained:

“The Al Shaqab Cup and the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup have been planned with clear priorities. Both events will take place without an audience, under controlled conditions and in accordance with national guidelines. The welfare of the horses and the safety of all participants are the top priority.

At the same time, these competitions remain important sporting highlights of the season. They offer important qualification opportunities, international participation and the fight for the championship until the end of the Tour. We look forward to moving forward responsibly while maintaining the importance of this phase of the Doha Equestrian Tour.”

Statement from the FEI

At the same time, the FEI issued a statement today stating that, depending on the specific circumstances and after a thorough review, the FEI could “approve the staging of FEI events in the region on a case-by-case basis”.

Participants are “urgently requested” to inform themselves about travel advice before traveling to the region and to follow publications on the subject closely, as the situation can change quickly.

“Any decision to travel is at your own risk,” the statement continues. We remain in close contact with the authorities to keep an eye on the situation.”

“The safety and welfare of athletes, officials, support staff and horses is a top priority for the FEI. Participants can rest assured that an individual decision not to travel or to withdraw from participation for safety reasons, in accordance with government recommendations, will not result in any consequences from the FEI.”

Background

Due to the crisis situation in the region, the Doha leg of the Global Champions Tour, scheduled for the weekend of March 4-7, was canceled. Shortly afterwards, the relieving news came that the 147 horses, who were already on site with their grooms, were able to return to Europe.

So now the tournaments continue …