French rider Roger-Yves Bost hit the accelerator and took top spot again in Doha in the 5* international before tonight’s first GCT Grand Prix of 2012.
France took first and second places with Roger-Yves and Castle Forbes Cosma finishing on 51.92 and his countryman Philippe Rozier riding Ideal de Roy on 52.67.
Roger-Yves’ exuberant style was a big hit with the local Qatari crowd who urged him on to victory in a repeat of his win in the 5* speed class the day before. The two wins in Doha proving Roger-Yves and Castle Forbes are a powerful combination.
The temperature went up in more ways than one as riders went through their final paces before the Grand Prix as the outside air temperature soared before sundown. Behind the immaculately prepared Al Rayyan arena, a string of Arab racehorses could be seen galloping along the track underlining the importance of equestrian sport in Qatar.
German rider Christian Ahlmann, riding in a bright blue jacket instead of his traditional red,
kept up a cracking pace on his bay gelding Sebastian cutting an inside line through the double and finishing third on 52.88.
The terrific performances set the stage for the highlight of the weekend with the world’s best riders in contention for the Grand Prix and the €450,000 prize money.
A number of the world’s top 30 riders were saving their best horses for the big Grand Prix course designed by Italian Uliano Vezzani.
Leading Qatari riders took the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the top level in front of an enthusiastic home crowd and put in some impressive performances.
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