Breen wins Al Shira’aa Show Jumping Championship

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, crowned Irish rider Shane Breen with the trophy of the ninth edition of the Al Shira’aa International Show Jumping Championship (CSI4), in the presence of Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, and Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director-General of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society and President of the Championship, during the closing ceremony held at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.

The championship was held from Wednesday to Sunday, under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and Al Ain Ladies Club, and Owner and Founder of Al Shira’aa Stables.

The event was organised under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, with support from a number of sponsoring institutions and companies.

Sheikh Nahyan crowned the winner following fierce competition in the Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4-W Grand Prix (Diamond Tour FEI World Cup Qualifier), the highlight and pinnacle of the championship, which reaffirmed the Al Shira’aa International Show Jumping Championship’s prominent status on the global show jumping calendar.

Sheikh Nahyan praised the advanced level reached by the Al Shira’aa International Show Jumping Championship in terms of professional organisation, the quality of competition, and the wide participation of world-class riders.

He affirmed that the championship has become a distinguished model for international sporting events hosted by the UAE, noting that its success reflects the wise leadership’s vision in supporting sports, providing an integrated environment that enables events to grow sustainably, and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for major international sporting events—particularly equestrian sports, which are an integral part of the civilisational heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Ahead of the final round, spectators were treated to a spectacular opening ceremony that began with a performance by the Abu Dhabi Police Band, followed by a striking LED visual show featuring choreographed dancing horses weaving through illuminated ropes. As night fell, a drone show lit up the sky, narrating Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan’s vision for the future of equestrian sport and celebrating the rich heritage of the Arabian horse in a blend of tradition, innovation, and artistic creativity.

The Grand Prix was contested over two rounds at heights ranging from 1.55m to 1.60m, offering a total prize fund of €320,000, with participation from an elite field of international riders. Shane Breen secured victory by delivering the only double clear round aboard BP Arctic Blue, stopping the clock at 47.61 seconds, and was crowned by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

Italian rider Guido Grimaldi finished second aboard Gentleman, while Britain’s Alexander McLean claimed third place riding Calixte Heartbreaker Z.

Reflecting on his victory, Shane Breen said, “I watched several riders go early and realised it wasn’t an easy course. This was one of BP Arctic Blue’s first outings at this level, so my focus was simply to ride a clear round and bring him home safely. He hesitated slightly at a couple of fences, particularly the planks, but my priority was to finish without faults. Winning here is very special.”