HARRY CHARLES HOOKS THE CSI5* PRIX HERMÈS SELLIER CLASS AT HH THE AMIR'S SWORD IN DOHA
As the world of elite showjumping returned to the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, tonight’s CSI5* Prix Hermès Sellier stood as a focal point of the prestigious HH The Amir’s Sword, held as part of the Doha Equestrian Tour. The evening’s spotlight fell upon a technical, high-stakes challenge that bridged the gap between luxury and pure sporting distinction, drawing a field of global stars to the heart of Qatar.
The competition witnessed world-ranked riders navigate a demanding 1.55m course crafted by the renowned Italian designer Uliano Vezzani. Known for his technical precision and his ability to test the intricate partnership between horse and rider, Vezzani set a track that required both power and sharp agility. The stakes were particularly high, not only for the prestige of the Hermès Sellier title but also for the significant prize pot of 165,000 Euros on offer for the night’s top performers.
This flagship one-round-with-jump-off class served as a vital qualifier for the upcoming Grand Prix and the Longines rankings, ensuring the atmosphere remained exciting as thirty-nine competitors vied for a place in the show’s ultimate finale. The clear rounds began with the first rider into the arena, Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher on Vestmalle des Cotis, setting the standard. He was quickly followed by France’s Cyrine Cherif on Triple T Calamando Blue, Qatar’s Faleh Al Ajami on Wathnan Quatro, and Great Britain’s Harry Charles on Casquo Blue.
The rails proved elusive for a period thereafter until Belgium’s Pieter Devos on Primo DV and Edwina Tops-Alexander on Fellow Castlefield navigated the course faultlessly. As the crowd eagerly anticipated another clear from an Arab rider, Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Almobty on Qaparezzo-A delivered, joined shortly by Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano, who powered through on Esteban de Hus, Denmark’s Andreas Schou on Billy Matador, and finally Great Britain’s Oliver Fletcher on Cassanova One Bvl Z.
With ten starters prepared for the jump-off, Vezzani designed an eight-fence course featuring several tricky turns after the opening oxer and ahead of the next to last double combination. Charles was the first to go clear, posting a measured and precise round in 37.74 seconds. While subsequent riders attempted to match the clear without over-extending themselves, many found the double combination a step too far.
Gaudiano opted for full speed, crossing the timers in 37.77 seconds to finish just a fraction behind the Briton, while Devos proved the fastest of the night in 37.04 seconds but ultimately paid the price with a single rail down.
At the end, it was Harry Charles who held his nerve to claim the top spot, setting a formidable tone for the remainder of the tour. With the qualifying positions now decided, the stage is perfectly set for a weekend of world-class sport as the riders prepare to face the crowning challenge of the Grand Prix.
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Photo by Lukasz Kowalski/DET
Full results here