Today’s championship finals began with an effective display of equestrian skill by the Republican Guard – and although the guardsman did not sit atop Arabians, undoubtedly their appearance introduced an atmosphere of sublimity. Before the world’s best Arabian horses entered the ring we saw the much advertised “dancing horses” (to the oriental music called “tabla beladi”) of Rabab Stud in Egypt. It was, as we learned, the first appearance of this play in Europe, with a performance by Salem bin Laden himself, the son of the stud’s owner.
Only after this did the judges enter the ring, who swore solemnly to be unbiased and fair. And finally the championships began – especially exciting for Polish spectators, because in each group our country had at least one representative.
The first to strut their stuff were the junior fillies, who were clearly tired after all the commotion – they did not move well and did not make a huge impression on the public. The result also proved to be rather astonishing, as from the beginning Venetzia (Versace – Giavanna/NV Beau Bey), representing Qatar, was the decisive favorite. Meanwhile the title of Champion Filly was snatched by Layan Al Khalediah (Dakharo – Padrons Amour/Padron) from Saudi Arabia. This pupil of Al Khalediah Stables was chosen almost unanimously, as she was voted Champion by six out of seven judges. Venetzia was named Reserve Champion Filly by four of them.
It seemed that in the senior mares all would belong to El Dorada (Sanadik El Shaklan – Emigrantka/Eukaliptus), presented by Greg Gallun. But apparently this mare feels better in the hands of Mariusz Liśkiewicz. Today undisputedly the best was Kwestura (Monogramm – Kwesta/Pesennik), who received a loud ovation from the enraptured public. Four judges chose her as Champion – surely her supporter was Sylvia Eberhard, who did not conceal her joy after the announcing of the results. The Reserve Champion Col Cora (Wagner – Calika/Mentik) didn’t especially show herself in movement, so she did not stand a chance of beating Kwestura.
From among the Polish mares a good performance was given by the Jadem Arabians-owned Eberia (Ecaho – Ebola/Eldon). While it was evident when looking at Palmira (Monogramm – Palestra/Penitent) that she was not in her top form (since arriving in Paris she had health problems and a high temperature).
It was obvious for all that the battle for the colt championship will be settled between Marajj (Marwan Al Shaqab – RGA Kouress/Kouvay Bey) and Marquis (Marwan Al Shaqab – Rohara Magnifica/Echo Magnifficoo). Marquis moved well, but Scott Allman’s display of skills with Marajj did not leave any doubts as to the result. Already upon entering the ring the pair was greeted by huge applause. Marajj was voted Champion by five out of seven judges, while the title of Reserve went to Marquis by the votes of four judges.
It can be boldly said that the plan for the senior stallions was fully executed, because Dakharo (Dakar El Jamaal – FOF Kharolina/Padrons Psyche), who came here for victory, became Champion, although (in my personal opinion) he did not present his full capabilities: he was nervous, bucked and reared. Still Escape Ibn Navarrone-D (AS Sinans Pacha – Navarrone P/El Khadir P), shown nicely by Frank Spoenle, had to give way before his rival. Esparto (Ekstern – Ekspozycja/Eukaliptus), handled by Katrien van Dyk, presented himself better in halt than with Frank Spoenle, but did not show his moving abilities – he was distracted, which influenced the overall appearance. One cannot hold a grudge against Poganin (Laheeb – Pohulanka/Pepton), who received huge applause for his performance, however it seemed that his presenter Piotr Dwojak was a bit disappointed with the final result, because none of the judges voted for Poganin in the end. A huge showman turned out to be Piligrim (Balaton – Popowa/Podsnejnik), who – fantastically cooperating with the presenter – looked much better than yesterday during the class competition. Also Sandhiran (Sanadik El Shaklan – China Moon/El Hilal), sensationally handled by Paolo Capecci, had his day. We also cannot complain about Grafik (Eukaliptus – Gaskonia/Probat). So the Stallion Championships were a show of the highest standards.
From among the Polish team the most reasons to be happy surely had Director Jerzy Białobok, not only due to the phenomenal performance of Kwestura, who also received an award for the highest scored horse of the show and yesterday for best movement. All horses from Michałów proved that they can boldly compete with the world’s best, even the indisposed Palmira. From among the other contestants reasons to be proud had the stud of Al Shaqab. A special presentation of Marwan Al Shaqab’s (awarded with the title of best sire of the show) progeny was shown prior to the stallion championships, during which the public was reminded of the stallion’s successes and his sons – all ended up at least as a Top Ten – were invited into the ring: the Champion, Reserve Champion Colt and Mardigras JMF (out of JMF Daretodream/Magic Dream).
The most disappointed participants of the Paris Championships were surely the owners of Venetzia, who came here expecting the highest trophy and had to settle for second place. Also the favorite Athenaa leaves Paris with a lesser than expected result.
The Polish horses were certainly appreciated: they found acclaim with the judges, albeit a huge expansion and pressure of the promotion of Middle East horses. From the strenuous struggles in Paris our Polish horses undisputedly emerged unscathed.
Junior Champion Filly
Layan Al Khalediah
Junior Reserve Champion Filly
Venetzia
Junior Champion Colt
Marajj
Junior Reserve Champion Colt
Marquis
Senior Champion Mare
Kwestura
Senior Reserve Champion Mare
Col Cora
Senior Champion Stallion
Dakharo
Senior Reserve Champion Stallion
Escape Ibn Navarrone-D
Coverage from Saturday – the stallion classes
Coverage from Friday – the mare classes
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