British Olympic gold medalist Harry Charles became involved in a heated altercation with a stable worker during a show jumping competition in Doha, Qatar. The incident followed a scuffle involving his father, Peter Charles, and is now under investigation by equestrian authorities. The clash occurred in front of Harry's wife, Eve Jobs, amid tensions over warm-up practices.
The incident unfolded at the show jumping Grand Prix in Al Shaqab, Doha, during a warm-up session. Harry Charles, 26, who contributed to Great Britain's team showjumping gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, jumped off his horse after a groom working for Saudi rider Abdullah Al-Sharbatly pushed his father, Peter Charles, 66. Peter, a 2012 London Olympics gold medalist, had sought to practice with a specific fence style, conflicting with Al-Sharbatly's team's preferences.
A source described the scene: “Harry jumped off the horse and launched at the groom, leaving Harry’s horse loose. It’s big news here.” Videos captured the groom and another rider gesticulating amid team members and officials, before both men stomped out of the arena, shocking spectators.
The altercation happened in view of Harry's wife, Eve Jobs, 27, daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The couple, married in a reported £5 million Cotswolds ceremony in July attended by celebrities like Sir Elton John and Kourtney Kardashian, remain in Doha. Eve currently ranks second in the tour, with Harry in third.
Egyptian rider Abel Said criticized the event, stating: “Unfortunately, the boxing match of colleagues and a loose horse disrupted my warm-up and unsettled my horse. It’s deeply frustrating and sad to witness situations like this in our sport... There must be far greater respect between riders and teams.” Peter Charles downplayed it, saying: “It’s a good tour and we’re having a great time.” A source countered: “It wasn’t a boxing match. The grooms assaulted Peter and Harry came down to protect his dad.”
The Federation Equestre Internationale is investigating the matter, highlighting concerns over conduct at high-level competitions.