His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan attended the final day of the 13th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup in Abu Dhabi, presenting the Longines Grand Prix prize to Britain's William Funnell. The event highlighted strong performances by female riders, with over 150 women participating in the upcoming national competition. Organized by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, the tournament showcased international talent at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
The 13th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup concluded its international phase on the fourth day at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the 'Mother of the Nation,' and guided by Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, presented the Longines Grand Prix prize to Britain's William Funnell, who won the One Round (145cms) category riding Equine America Billy Picador. Funnell completed a flawless round in 73.17 seconds, finishing ahead of UAE rider Mohammad Al Ghurair in second and Sweden's Antonia Pettersson Haggstrom in third. The Grand Prix offered a prize of EUR 28,200.
Funnell praised the event, stating, “I am very happy to win the Grand Prix with my horse Equine America Billy Picador. The level of equestrian in the UAE has improved greatly over the past seven years, and FBMA is doing an excellent job supporting the sport.”
Earlier competitions saw Spain’s Agusti Sastre Caballero take first in the One Round with Jump Off (120cms), followed by UAE’s Mabkhout Owaida Alkirbi and Syria’s Mohamad Osama Al Zabibi. In the 130cms One Round with Jump Off, Syria’s Shady Ghrayeb claimed gold, with UAE riders Omar Abdulaziz Almarzooqi and Humaid Abdullah Khalifa Almheiri in second and third. Syria also dominated the Two Phases (130cms) with Mohamad Mogheeth Al Shehab and Mohamad Osama Al Zabibi taking first and second, and UAE’s Salim Ahmed Alsuwaidi in third.
The event emphasized women's involvement, with more than 150 female riders set to compete in the national competition scheduled for Sunday. Joining Sheikh Nahyan were officials including Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al-Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Academy’s Board, and Mr. Najib Kiwan, Regional Brand Manager of Longines for the Middle East and North Africa.