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SOME of Bahrain’s top riders took to the jumps in a bid to win the prestigious GulfWeekly champion-of-champions Too Hot To Trot trophy.
Friday’s show-jumping challenge at the Dilmun Stables in Saar was one of two end-of-the-season events to be staged last weekend.
The GulfWeekly challenge was organised for the leading riders in this year’s Dilmun Stables League and was open to those placed first to third in their classes after a highly-competitive season.
Eleven elite competitors took part in the fast moving contest over a course consisting of formidable fences, one of which was a tough triple.
To ensure fair play there was a ‘welcome round’ to allow course familiarisation, which was followed by a four round test.
The running order was determined by pulling names out of a hat. When they entered the arena the riders informed the ground judge which fence they wanted to be raised by one hole (approx 10cms).
If the rider chose the triple, all three fences were raised!
The fence the rider had chosen also became their own nemesis because if they knocked it down during their round, it was counted as a double fault (8).
When the next competitor entered the arena, they in turn chose a jump to be raised – it could be the same fence if they wished.
Once all competitors had completed the first round, the first rider entered for round two, again choosing a fence to raise and this continued throughout rounds three and four.
Riders were allowed a total of three refusals per round and a fourth meant elimination, as did a dismount.
This type of competition provides fantastic entertainment for spectators. There is no waiting around for courses to be re-built and walking the course only happens once. However, the excitement and tension builds gradually to a crescendo.
Amongst the competitors there is an element of ‘psyching’ opponents, by choosing fences they think other riders won’t manage ... all nail-biting stuff.
The starting line up was:
Aimee Keen / Sedona
Sharon Nicklin / Billy
Fran Downes / Lollypopp Man
Hamad Fakhrawi / Kuwait
Gabi Scopes / Porhyry
Alexandra Warren / Skippy
Hannah van der Eyken / Nelson
Sammy Mendes / Tutu
Amelia Boyd / Rangerino
Aurora Ihalainen / Tess
Fahad Aldosseri / Tayar
Fabulously, all the riders went through the first round. However, gradually riders were eliminated as the fences got higher and higher. I must also mention that this was a very technical course too, so riders had their work cut out for them, reaching the end was never going to be easy.
Glory eventually went to the following:
1st - Fahad Aldosseri
2nd - Hamad Fakhrawi (the season’s Adult Champion)
3rd - Fran Downes
4th - Jointly placed:
Aimee Keen (the season’s Junior Champion)
Sharon Nicklin
Gabi Scopes
The Too Hot To Trot trophy will be presented on Friday at a special ceremony to be held at the Dilmun Club’s Candles Restaurant. Both Adult and Junior Championship trophies will be presented and the five runners-up in each of the two competitions will also be rewarded for their performances.
Tickets for the event are BD7, which includes a buffet dinner and everyone is welcome to attend.
Bookings can be made at the stable’s office by calling 17693766, or 17690926.
ALSO held on Friday was the end-of-the-season ‘Jump-gymkhana’ fun event followed by a BBQ at Twin Palms Riding Centre. This was organised for all to enjoy – the children were paired with an adult to compete together in the races and classes. Over a dozen pairs took part in the event.
First up was the Potato and Spoon race and don’t be fooled into thinking this was a laid-back affair. Run in heats, kids were up first with the adults to follow.
There was fierce competition, not least amongst some of the adults who had been consigned to somewhat naughty ponies to compete on!
It was an immense success, in the first race jockeys Paul Smith and Terry Cain both put their ponies into flat out gallops whilst still holding onto the spoon. However, as the class continued it was proven in some cases that quality, not speed, made the grade.
After four exciting heats Rania Kamal, carefully steering a speedy Aztec, with partner Luna Dreyer equally as steadfast astride Redd, claimed victory.
The second class was the Treasure Hunt, in which competitors had to go over a total of eight fences. However, if they wished, one fence could be jumped eight times, or each once, or a selection.
The fences all carried a secret amount of points and the rider with the most points would take the prize, so there was a huge element of luck.
Claiming podium position in this event was Helene Columbier atop the very excited Apollo, paired with Maya Shaban on Lime.
The final class was the Horse and Hound. For this event the pair gathered a canine partner. The jumping course is complete when the rider is followed by the hound. This was a speed event, so each twist and turn counted when it came to making up valuable time.
Joshua Blake was an out-and-out success in this class coupled with what turned out to be speedy hound of the day, Sinbad. He succeeded in claiming both first and second places, first with his mum (that would be me and MissPrint) then again with Dawood Salman riding Marlboro, claiming his second prize of the day.
An exceptionally fun afternoon was had by all, truly entertaining for riders and spectators alike. After a delicious dinner, everyone went home with a prize, a big smile on their face and very much looking forward to more excitement and fun next season.
