Luck of the Irish Reigns in Dubai

The luck of the Irish was certainly in full force at the inaugural Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge, held last week in Dubai. Aside from Jessica Kurten’s (Irl) amazing win in the $762,000 Grand Prix, Irish Sport Horses were in flying form with several impressive displays in both the Arab League and International classes. The Al Maktoum Challenge welcomed 20 top international showjumpers, alongside 40 of the best riders in the Arab League. With a staggering prize fund of $1,250,000 it is the richest showjumping event in the world.

Perhaps the most exciting of the international performances was Royal Charmer (ISH) & Marcus Fuchs when they competed in the Six Bar class. Out of 17 entries, only three horses made it to the last round – Royal Charmer, Alois Pollmann-Schweckhorst’s Glenn and Nick Skelton’s Russel. After some impressive displays of jumping, Royal Charmer was unlucky to have two fences down, to finish in a none the less respectable second place.

Representing the Arab League, Covers Pride (ISH) ridden by Shka Latifa Al Maktoum (UAE) put in some strong performances throughout the Dubai show. The most memorable of these performances was undoubtedly in the Speed Stakes, where the duo finished in 5th place. The pair were unfortunate to have the last fence down, costing them an expensive 4 time faults. However, they recorded the second fastest time in the class and the round was a thrill to watch, with Shka Latifa Al Maktoum and Covers Pride cutting every possible corner to beat the clock.

Results Round Up:

Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge Dubai (UAE) CSI W *****

Warm Up Speed Stakes 1m30-1m40 Table C:
17th Royal Charmer (ISH) – 1993 brown gelding by Cavalier Royale (Holst) out of Kilkenny Trump (ISH), by Diamonds Are Trumps (RID). Bred by Thomas A Hughes, c/o Marion Hughes, Craigue, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny. Rider: Marcus Fuchs (Sui)

Qualifier for FEI World Cup 1m40 Table A:
27th Covers Pride (ISH) – 1996 grey gelding by Coevers Diamond Boy (ISH) out of Mairead’s Pet (AID), by Pride Of Toames (RID). Bred by Thomas O’Brien, Prospect House, Scariff, Co. Clare. Rider: Shka Latifa Al Maktoum (UAE)

Speed Stakes 1m10-1m30 Table C:
5th Covers Pride (ISH) – see above for breeding. Rider: Shka Latifa Al Maktoum (UAE)

Palm Speed Stakes 1m50 Table A:
2nd Royal Charmer (ISH) – see above for breeding. Rider: Marcus Fuchs (Sui)

The Six Bar:
2nd Royal Charmer (ISH) – see above for breeding. Rider: Marcus Fuchs (Sui)

Aarhus (Den) CSI**

Lauritz.com Gentlemen Warm Up 1m30 Table A:
1st Quick Flash (ISH) – 1992 brown gelding by Cavalier Royale (Holst) out of Bodalmore Lass NTB (ISH), by Diamonds Are Trumps (RID). Bred by Grace Renehan, Bodalmore, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny. Rider: Jorg Naeve (Ger)