JOSEPH STOCKDALE GUIDES EBANKING TO WIN THE CSI5* UAE PRESIDENT’S CUP GRAND PRIX
The CSI5* UAE President’s Cup wrapped up in Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club today marking the final day of top-tier international competition. A world-class field of 42 international riders took to the arena, all vying for their share of the substantial €310,000 prize fund.
The afternoon centred around a formidable 1.60m Grand Prix course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. Known for his technical precision, Wade’s track proved a significant test for the seasoned combinations, demanding both scope and absolute accuracy.
Only five riders managed to clear the technical challenge of the first round to secure their place in the jump-off. The atmosphere remained tense as Germany’s Maximilian Lill on Viverter PS, Saudi’s Ramzy Al Duhami on Cayadino, Great Britain’s Joseph Stockdale on Ebanking, Germany’s David Will on Xixo Borgia and Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Cortizo Goncalves De Azevedo Filho on Sierra du Piedroux Z prepared to battle it out against the clock for the title.
Lill set a blistering pace on Viverter PS, but knocked down the very last fence, leaving him with four faults in 37.55 seconds. Al Duhami faced a similar fate; despite a fast time of 37.93 seconds, a costly rail relegated him down the standings.
The momentum shifted when Stockdale entered the ring and guided Ebanking to a flawless clear round in 38.12 seconds, moving straight into the lead.
The pressure was on Will, who flew through the course to post the fastest time of the day at 37.45 seconds, but a fence down ended his hopes for the win. Finally, Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Cortizo Goncalves De Azevedo Filho finished on eight faults, confirming Stockdale as the only rider to go double-clear and secure his victory in The President's Cup UAE Showjumping Presented by Longines.
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Photo via Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Full results here