Ahmed Ali Saeed claimed victory, having beaten 26 combinations in this qualifying competition for the CSI2* Grand Prix on the first day of the Global Championship Tour at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Saeed came through the flags aboard Picobello Wodiena in a time of 59.51 seconds, three seconds clear of Khalid Ali Al Junaibi's time of 62.56. The latter was clear and fast with aboard Land Force Stable's Selle Francais stallion Justes Desfi.
The penultimate competitor, UAE female rider Nadia Abdul Aziz Taryam, searched for the winning answer aboard the German-bred Calawo. The gallant effort looked set for the win, but two wide turns saw her completed time at 63.41 secs, putting them third.
The day kicked off with the CSI2* 1.25m two-phase competition on the course designed by Uliano Vezzani.
The class showcased the Middle East's best horse-and-rider combinations, along with expatriates in the region, along with the internationals Charlotte Casiraghi from Monaco and the Russian Ekatarina Rybolovleva.
Nathalie Christodoulou set a good pace from her mid-field start that eventually saw her finish third with the KWPN Nakich Double Dutch event.
Rashid Al Rumaithi celebrated the win, riding Icard des Bois.
He put pressure on his rivals by posting a quick round of 23.08 secs.
Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan attempted to catch Al Rumaithi's time aboard Urgent III but fell just short, finishing in 23.75 secs and second place.
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
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The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
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