SHANE BREEN CLAIMS WORLD CUP GLORY AT AL SHIRA’AA INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
(Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Arab League/Middle East Sub-League 5/8)
Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4*-W Diamond Tour FEI World Cup Grand Prix delivers thrilling finale on final day at Al Forsan
Al Shira’aa International Horse Show drew to a close on Sunday 25 January at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, as the week’s feature class, the Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4*-W Diamond Tour FEI World Cup Grand Prix, delivered a fitting final to five days of world-class international competition.
Ahead of the grand finale, spectators were treated to a striking opening ceremony that set the tone for the evening’s showcase. Proceedings began with a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, before the arena transformed for a dramatic LED spectacle featuring dancing horses weaving through illuminated ropes in a choreographed display of precision and harmony. As darkness fell, a drone show lit up the skyline, telling the story of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan’s vision for the future of equestrian sport, while paying tribute to the rich heritage of the Arabian horse — blending tradition, innovation and artistry ahead of the night’s headline sporting moment.
Contested over two rounds at heights of 1.55m–1.60m and offering a €320,000 prize fund, the Grand Prix brought together a stellar field of 50 international and local combinations. Victory went to Ireland’s Shane Breen, who produced the only double clear of the class aboard BP Arctic Blue, stopping the clock in 47.61 seconds to secure a decisive win. Last year’s winner, Italy’s Guido Grimaldi followed in second place riding Gentleman, his performance marred only by three time faults. Completing the podium was Great Britain’s Alexander McLean, who delivered the fastest second-round time aboard Calixte Heartbreaker Z, but a single pole down saw him settle for third place.
Shane Breen reflected on his winning round, saying, “I watched a few combinations go early and saw that it wasn’t an easy course. BP Arctic Blue was stepping up to this level tonight, so my focus was simply to ride my round, jump clear and then wait to see how that played out. He had a look in a couple of places, especially at the planks, but my priority was to bring him home safely. To win here is very special.”
He went on to add, “I’d like to sincerely thank Al Shira’aa for its continued support of show jumping globally. It’s hugely appreciated by riders, as is all the hard work put in by Show Director Samantha Kettle and the entire organising team. A very special thank you must also go to H.H. Sheikha Fatima for her vision and backing of this event.”
Reflecting on those closest to him, Breen continued, “I’m incredibly grateful to my own team at Breen Equestrian and Team Z7, especially H.H Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife Chloe for trusting my judgement when we purchased BP Arctic Blue from a close friend, Greg Broderick. We’re a team, and this result is very much a shared achievement.”
Speaking after finishing second, Guido Grimaldi said, “It’s always special to be back here, especially after winning this Grand Prix last year. Gentleman is a genius and was the second-best horse in the Globals. My problem was always to stay in the time, but to be second behind Shane is a great honour.”
Delighted with his podium finish, McLean added, “I’m absolutely delighted. To finish third here and to have three wins over the week is incredible. I’d better let the boss win sometimes though, otherwise I might not have a job,” he laughed.
Wrapping up the press conference, Show Director Samantha Kettle said, “This event doesn’t happen without the incredible team behind the scenes. From the arena crew and course designers to hospitality, media and officials, everyone has worked tirelessly, often late into the night. We’ve seen a significant increase in prize money this year, particularly in the Grand Prix, which reflects H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s vision to grow the sport while keeping it accessible. We’re proud to have welcomed more sponsors than ever before and we’re already looking ahead to building something even bigger for the 10th edition.”
Earlier in the day, action began in Arena Two with the CSI Juniors Final, presented by Prestige. Nineteen young riders took to the 1.30m track in the first round, with fifteen combinations progressing through to the jump-off. It was 18-year-old Emirati Fatima Intan Yousuf Abdullah Al Mulla who claimed top honours on Firenze du Cendre – the combination’s first win of the season – jumping a faultless double clear in a time of 28.77 seconds. Fellow Emirati Mohamed Majed Sultan Al Awani Alnuaimi guided Hermesis Armour into second place, while Jordan’s Mohammad Harara completed the podium riding Kleurplaat.
The CSIYH 7-Year-Old Classic Final, presented by K.AR Sport Horses, delivered another high-quality young-horse showdown, with 27 starters lining up for the decisive class. Fourteen combinations jumped clear in the first round to progress to the jump-off, setting the stage for a closely fought finale. Great Britain’s Alexander McLean crowned a consistent week by taking the win aboard Breen Equestrian’s Opportunity, having already claimed victory in the opening qualifier on Day One and finished second in Day Two’s qualifier. Syria’s Mohamad Mogheeth Alshebab followed in second place riding Oraya Blue JCB, while Al Shira’aa’s Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi completed the podium for the UAE with a clear round aboard Erril Z.
Back in Arena Two, the programme continued with the CSI Children’s Costume Class Final, supported by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, bringing colour and creativity to the final day of competition. Jordan’s Zaid Khalaf topped the leaderboard aboard Chico, producing the only clear round in 60.47 seconds, and celebrating his 14th birthday in fitting style dressed as a skeleton. Iran’s Diana Heidari followed in second place riding Roosje van de Meyhoeve, while the UAE’s Ayesha Saeed Al Ghurair completed the podium in third aboard Haia. The class also saw a strong display of imagination, with Wdeema Abdulla Aboud Eidha Alameri awarded Best Dressed for her horse Dreamboy From Second Life Z’s transformation into a Unicorn, an honour shared with Al Ghurair’s Little Red Riding Hood after the judging panel found it impossible to pick a clear winner.
In the afternoon, amateur riders took to Arena Two for the CSI-AM Final, presented by Al Shira’aa, which saw a competitive field battle it out over the 1.10m track. Emirati rider Alia Nasser Abdulkarim Alarif produced a confident double clear aboard Orpheus 85 to take the win in 32.56 seconds. Great Britain’s Lavinia Stunt, the 13-year-old granddaughter of Formula One legend Bernie Ecclestone and a fresh face on the international circuit, followed closely in second place riding Killard Be Mine. Completing the podium was the UAE’s Rowdah Abdullah Aboud Eidtha Alameri, who guided Diassini into third place to round out a strong class showcasing the depth of talent within the amateur ranks.
The CSI4*-W Pearl Tour Longines Ranking class, presented by the Presidential Court, delivered a high-calibre contest as 40 combinations took on the technical 1.45m track. Former world number one and Olympic champion Henrik von Eckermann set an early benchmark as fifth to go, guiding the experienced Glamour Girl to an impressive clear in 80.16 seconds — a time that would prove impossible to catch. Germany’s Sophie Hinners, currently ranked inside the world’s top 25 and enjoying a podium-fuelled season in the UAE, mounted a late challenge from 39th draw to secure second place aboard Come Away Flamingo Z. Ireland’s David Simpson, a regular fixture on Nations Cup teams and major international circuits, completed the podium in third place riding Pjotr van de Kruishoeve.
Over five days of competition, the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show welcomed more than 300 athletes from 38 countries and 450 horses, with thousands of spectators passing through the gates at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, reinforcing the event’s position as a key fixture on the international show jumping calendar. The Al Shira’aa Tour now looks ahead to its next stop at Al Shira’aa Le Lame Sagrantino in Italy at the end of April.
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Photo by DHC/Helen Cruden >> The winners with H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, H.E. Mohamed Al Harbi, H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Mr Najib Kiwan, Regional Brand Manager MENA Region - Longines
Full results here