DUBAI: Nick Skelton at his best…

The opening day of Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge has lived up to its billing as a show likely to bring some of the best show jumping competitions in the world.

Both classes from the Arab League and the three international classes had the audience on the edge of their seats with the quality of the jumping.

Nick Skelton riding John and Lisa Hales’ show jumping star, Arko III won the last class of the day, The Dubai Classic in magnificent style. Ten went through to the nail biting finish from a starting line up of 29, with all being tested over the challenging course set by Course Designer Olaf Petersen.

Of his win Nick Skelton was typically understated when he said “It worked out well!”

Today also saw the launch of a major new star onto the international stage, Dubai’s own Rasha Hareb riding the phenomenal 9 yr old, Coupe de Couer in The Dubai Classic gave a breathtaking round to demonstrate the prowess of the Arab League riders. 21 year-old Rasha was unlucky to have just the one time fault in an otherwise faultless round.

Talking on the show Nick Skelton said “It’s great to come here and this show is fantastic for the sport. Her Royal Highness is a great ambassador for our sport – it makes a big difference that she has competed at this level herself, she really understands what is needed.”

Results (11.01.06)

DUBAI CLASSIC
Table A – (1,60m) with Jump Off (238.2.2)

1º Arko III / Nick Skelton (Gbr) / 0 / 0 / 39,06s
2º Canturo / Bernardo Alves (Bra) / 0 / 0 / 39,57
3º Eurocommerce Milano / Gerco Schröder (Ned) / 0 / 0 / 40,40
4º Quibell / Jessica Kurten (Irl) / 0 / 0 / 40.48
5º Kira 111 / Ludo Philippaerts (Bel) / 0 / 4 / 40,78
6º Lorenzo 208 / Lord Caletto / Christian Ahlmann (Ger) / 0 / 4 / 40,84
7º Gitania 8 / Capitol / Marcus Ehning (Ger) / 0 / 4 / 43,35
8º Calmero Orion / Caletto / Francois Mathy Jr (Bel) / 0 / 8 / 41,31
9º La Toya Iii / Fortuin Z / Markus Fuchs (Sui) / 0 / 8 / 41,84
10º Montender 2 / Contender / Marco Kutscher (Ger) / 0 / 16 / 47,47