The UAE are on to big things in the world of show jumping, according to the President of the UAE Cup winner Philipp Weishaupt. The German added the Euro 165,000 5-star President of the UAE Cup presented by Longines to his UAE spoils, on Thursday evening, sealing victory with a cool-headed second round at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.
Weishaupt, who had won the qualifying class the previous day, was last to go in the ten-rider second round on Catokia and the pair were one of only seven clears carried over from the first round.
The German kept his nerve to take victory, but admitted afterwards to Sport360 he felt the pressure. “Obviously there’s pressure when you come to the 5-star level, especially in the Grand Prix, it’s the biggest achievement you can get as a rider. It’s positive pressure though, it gives you that little bit extra that you need to win.”
Weishaupt, a regular on the UAE winter circuit, who first made the trip eight years ago,praised the UAE and their progression in the sport. “The UAE is growing, you can feel the buzz around the local riders and the horses are part of the heritage here so it’s no surprise the standard is improving,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see the difference from ten years ago in the quality of performances. There are also a lot of kids attending the events now, which is very encouraging to see. If us German rider’s aren’t careful the UAE guys will be beating us pretty soon.”
The German doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon and hopes to continue his good form going forward. “For me the plan is to keep going, keep working hard and we’ll see where it takes me, I’ve still got the hunger and motivation to keep improving so that’s where I’m at currently. It’s always a pleasure to perform in the UAE and I’m glad it’s worked out so well for me.”
H.E. Major Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Risi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation also spoke to Sport360 following the event, and is looking at a bright future for the UAE in the sport. He said, “Equestrian in general has grown in the UAE thanks to the full support of the leaders of this country, especially by the Prime Minister and HH Sheikh Mohammed. The jumping show is improving which is important, since 2010. The International Federation trusted us by giving us the 5-star show jumping champions. The number of riders from more than 25 countries shows the competition and standard in the UAE is very high and we’re very proud to see on of our own riders finishing in third place, competing against the likes of Germany.”
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He was full of admiration for the new crop of UAE riders who are taking the sport to the next level. “The riders here are getting used to riding against the International riders and the UAE have been taking care of the riders and buying good horses in order to compete with the very best in the world. We’re looking forward to the Olympics to fly the flag of the UAE.” Glory at the 2020 Tokyo would be the icing on the top of a project which as seen heavy investment in the region. Riders need a combination of dedication and commitment, along with a good horse and good trainer. The environment our riders learn in is the best it can be and that’s what we hope will help our riders with our Olympic goal,” he said. “Longines have been giving great support and commitment so the sport. They are committed to the partnership for the next year so we’re both gaining the value of this sport.”
Along with the Olympic dream, the Federation are keen on building and nurturing the young talent across the UAE. “We have a few clubs in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai who we are taking good care of,” said the President. “It’s the next generation we’re seeing come through, so we’re giving them all the support they need. We’re always looking to making the riders feel appreciated and ready to tackle the next step in their career.”
