During last weekend, in Hasselt (Belgium) a jubilee, 10th Elran Cup Show was held. According to the observers, the show level was very high; many prominent horses performed, but also youngsters – especially WH Justice’s and Ajman Moniscione’s offspring – that highlighted their good quality. The only disadvantage was too small ring and small stretching side so, in many cases the horses weren’t able to show their movement; some of them even didn’t trot at all.
The majority of titles went to the Middle East. Atbah Stud, from Saudi Arabia, run until recently by a deceased several days ago Wojciech Kowalik, achieved excellent results. Two Bronze Medals were won by horses leased by this stud: a Michałów-bred, two-year old Parmana, and bred by Niewierz Stud (which is owned by Michał Bogajewicz), Swedish-owned Girlan-Bey (senior stallions). In memory of the Saudi stud triumphs author, Wojciech Kowalik, there was a standing minute’s silence. The speaker who ran the show reminded the profile and the achievements of the Polish breeder and coach and he ended his speech with words: ‘Everyone will miss him’. Near the VIP sector entry and in the stable, close to the Middle Eastern horses sector, Wojciech Kowalik’s large format pictures were hung.
Polish bred horses were also successful in the class’ rivalry. Born in Michałów State Stud: El Saghira (leased by Atbah Stud) and Elissara (owned by this Saudi stud) won their classes, three-year old mares and senior mares, respectively. Besides, a Michałów-bred (and French-owned) Etenta went second in the senior mares class, just behind Elissara.
The Middle Eastern studs can also be proud of (aside from mentioned) a Gold and a Silver Medal in Junior Mares category (Alma Al Tiglio and AJ Raheda), Junior Stallions Silver Medal (AJ Bintan), a Gold (that has been changed later into Silver) and a Bronze Medal in Senior Mares category (Abha Opalina and Lana Al Khalidiah) as well as a Senior Stallions Silver Medal (MCA Magnum Gold).
QR Marc was an indisputable show favorite from the very beginning – and he was the one who won the Gold Medal in Senior Stallions category. He deserved the trophy, because, although some can be annoyed by an extremely intensive promotion of this stallion, the show participants admitted that he was in excellent form. Some can even wonder about the price of a next year’s breeding… However, the judges’ verdict concerning the Gold Medal for a Senior Mares category winner – Abha Opalina – aroused controversies. The Saudi mare won the championship, although she went second in her class – which is against the ECAHO rules. A group of handlers made an objection to the show organizer and the disciplinary comitee, however the situation isn’t unequivocal. Bess Fa’Izah, a mare who beat Abha Opalina in the class, went lame during the championship so she had to leave the ring. After retreating, Abha Opalina was the best in her class so she was allowed to reach for the highest reward. The argument has not been settled yet.
(ECAHO took the decision that Abha Opalina receives Silver Medal, and the Gold Medal goes to Tamara LL).
Results
Junior fillies
gold: Alma Al Tiglio (Ajman Moniscione – Amanda Al Tiglio/Shamilah Masai Mara), br. Azienda Agricola Tiglio, Italy, o. Azienda Agricola di Buzzi, Italy, leased to Ajman Stud
silver: AJ Raheda (WH Justice – Lumiar Rosalita/Lumiar Amadeus), br/o. Ajman Stud
bronze: Parmana (Al Maraam – Palmira/Monogramm), br. Michałów State Stud, Poland, leased to Athbah Stud, Saudi Arabia
Junior colts
gold: El Chall WR (Magnum Chall HVP – Major Love Affair/DS Major Afire), br. Donald Camacho Jr, USA, o. North Arabians, USA
silver: AJ Bintan (WH Justice – RGA Kouress/Kouvay Bey), br. Joel Desmarteau (Markelle Arabians), USA, o. Ajman Stud
bronze: Aja Justified (WH Justice – Aja Beneja/FS Bengali), br/o. Aja Arabians, Great Britain
Senior mares
silver: Abha Opalina (WH Justice – Om El Amira Estopa/Sanadik El Shaklan), br. Yeguada Ses Planes, Spain, leased by Al Mohamadia, Saudi Arabia
gold: Tamara LL (Gris El Jamaal – Sweet Alladina/Almaden), br. Luciana Arahna Levy, Brazil, o. Johanna Ullström, Belgium
bronze: Lana Al Khalidiah (Aja Sangali – Thee Evening Star/Thee Desperado), br/o. Al Khalediah, Saudi Arabia
Senior stallions
gold: QR Marc (Marwan Al Shaqab – Swete Dreams po Magic Dream), br. Quail Ridge Arabians (Vicki L. & Louis F. Doyle), USA, o. Zoutekreken NV (Paul Gheysens), Belgium
silver: MCA Magnum Gold (Magnum Psyche – Litique/Litigor), br. Gary R. Buxton, USA, o. Al Khaled Farm, Saudi Arabia
bronze: Girlan-Bey (Pesal – Gracja-Bis/Monogramm), br. Michał Bogajewicz, Poland, o. OKS Arabians, Sweden, on lease to Athbah Stud, Saudi Arabia
