Doha: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), attended the opening day at Al Shaqab as Tour 1 of the HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 officially commenced in Doha. Tour 1 brings together international and regional riders across CSI1, CSI2, and CSI4* categories, with a total prize fund of EUR 538,000. Across the full H.H. The Father Amir Prix four-tour series, prize money totals EUR 3,303,000, with Tours 1 and 2 welcoming 248 riders competing with 524 horses.
According to Qatar News Agency, the opening day programme featured competitions across the Indoor Arena and Outdoor Arena, with classes spanning multiple categories. This reflects the Tour's role in supporting both international-level performance and the continued development of regional talent within the FEI competition structure. Day 1 delivered a strong start to the Tour, with riders competing in CSI1*, CSI2*, and CSI4* classes throughout the day. The schedule included CSI4* competitions at 140 cm and 145 cm, alongside CSI2* classes at 140 cm and CSI1* classes at 120 cm, with performances marked by technical consistency and competitive pacing across both arenas.
In the class CSI4* 1.45m, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Alsharbatly, on Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, won with a timing of 57.93 seconds. In class CSI4* 1.40m, Germany's Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann, riding My Lady Lavista, secured victory with a timing of 27.41 seconds. Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano on Diarouge Blue PS won the CSI2* 1.40m class with a timing of 30.19 seconds. In the CSI2* 1.25m class, Jordan's Ibrahim Hani Bisharat on El Nino Bull's Eye Z and Egypt's Yassin Khalifa on Camelija shared first place, both timing 60.70 seconds. Abdullah Alsharbatly also claimed victory in the CSI2* 1.30m class on Dr Scarpo with a timing of 38.02 seconds. Saudi Arabia's Hasan Alhadi won the CSI1* 1.10m class on DSP Cessy with a timing of 26.45 seconds, while Egypt's Youssef Nassar on Orestes van het Tolhuis won the CSI1* 1.20m class with a timing of 54.69 seconds.
Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann expressed satisfaction with the day's events, noting that "My Lady Lavista jumped very well, and we're delighted to open Tour 1 with a win." Emanuele Gaudiano also commented on his performance, stating, "Diarouge Blue PS felt focused and responsive, and we were able to deliver a clear round and keep a good rhythm in the second phase." Abdullah Alsharbatly shared his thoughts, saying, "It was a smooth round and a positive start to the competition."
Throughout the event, the fan zone around the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab offers entertainment, caf©s, and retail outlets, alongside outdoor activations delivered by local service providers, entrepreneurs, and artists, reflecting Qatari hospitality and cultural heritage. Competition continues Saturday with a full programme across both arenas, including further CSI1*, CSI2*, and CSI4* classes scheduled throughout the day.
HH The Father Amir Prix is delivered as a four-tour series. Tours 2, 3, and 4 will include FEI Group VII qualifiers, supporting regional riders in their pathway to higher-level international competition. Inaugurated in 2025, the Doha Equestrian Tour is a premium international show jumping series hosted at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, one of the world's leading equestrian venues. The Tour brings together elite riders, world-class horses, and top-level competition, combining sporting excellence with a refined event experience. Its mission is to reinforce Doha's position as a global equestrian hub while promoting performance, horsemanship, and the highest standards of organisation, integrity, and international competition.