Annika Sande savours 'special' FBMA International Show Jumping Cup win

Dane clocked a winning time of 44.92 seconds to take the CSIL 2-star Grand Prix on-board For Cash 2

Annike Sande on For Cash 2 on her way to win the FBMA Cup at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Saturday. Supplied photo

Annika Sande of Denmark edged out British rider Georgia Tame in a jump-off to clinch her third Fatima bint Mubarak Sports Academy (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup.

Sande on-board For Cash 2 clocked 44.92 seconds to take the CSIL 2-star Grand Prix from Tame (46:53) atop Z7 Ascot at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Saturday.

“I competed in all eight editions of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup and this is the third time I get first place,” Sande said.

“It’s a special show to my heart, and even more special that it was organised in these special circumstances. A big thank you for the organising committee to have put in the extra effort to make it happen.”

The CSIL 2-star Grand Prix was the highlight of the three-day event that saw more than 140 riders participate across 14 competitions.

Tame also had to settle for second place in the CSIL 2-star competition, won by Syrian Aya Hamcho on Champion 126 earlier.

Dr Naema Al Mansoori, board member of FBMA, said: “The success of the eighth edition of the FBMA International Cup is a message to the world that reflects UAE’s leadership strong purpose in constantly progressing and aiming for excellence in all fields, especially sports.

“The Academy was able to organise this event at highest level despite the challenges surrounding us.”