Abu dhabi: UAE rider Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, aboard Biarritz Z, emerged victorious at an international young-horse show jumping competition held in Opglabbeek, Belgium. The event, which took place on Thursday, featured a total of 79 horses, with seven-year-olds competing over 1.30-metre fences and eight-year-olds over 1.35 metres. This competition is part of the Opglabbeek international show jumping tournament, which runs from 9th to 13th September. Compatriot Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi, riding SS Ourania, secured a commendable third place as UAE riders gear up for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. In the six-year-old young-horse competition, featuring 42 horses, Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi aboard Villon WH finished second with a clear round.

According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE show jumping team also recently showcased their talent at a four-star international tournament in Mnster, Germany. Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi and Flonflon finished fifth in the Grand Prix with one penalty point, while Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi and Foncetti Vd Heffinck placed sixth, also with one penalty point. Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, riding Bbs Mcgregor, placed ninth in the Grand Prix with four penalty points. Al Marzooqi and Bbs Mcgregor also achieved fourth place in the Grand Prix qualifier, and Al Marzooqi secured second place in the night competition aboard Chacco Bay.

Moreover, in the combined final for seven- and eight-year-old horses, Al Marzooqi and Biarritz Z finished fourth with a clear round. Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi and Argentina de Kreisker Z placed ninth, accumulating four penalty points. The performances of UAE riders in these prestigious European competitions highlight their growing prowess and readiness for upcoming international events.