Equestrian League heats up as riders battle in fifth round

Ali Ahmad Al-Kharafi in celebrates after winning a race.

KUWAIT CITY, May 21: The fifth round of the Kuwait Equestrian Federation League will get underway at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow and run through Saturday evening at the Police Sports Federation equestrian track in Sbahaan.

The opening four rounds were claimed by British rider Nick Channing, Ali Ahmad Al-Kharafi, Youssef Al-Naimi, and Abdulrahman Al-Fuzaie.

Now in its fifth edition since the establishment of the national federation, the league has seen Kuwait Equestrian Club rider Ali Jassem Al-Kharafi dominate, winning all four previous editions and edging closer to a fifth consecutive title ahead of the final round.

Al-Kharafi leads the riders’ standings with 422 points, followed by Annaz Al-Anaz (331), Abdullah Al-Awadi (313), Fawaz Al-Subaie (223), Abdulrahman Al-Fuzaie (218), and Yara Al-Hunaidi (205).

In the team standings, Kuwait Equestrian Club sits on top with 397 points, ahead of Hawalli Club, Al-Sayed Club, and Sbahaan Club.

International judge Nizar Al-Mustafa is overseeing the competition.

The hosting of several rounds at the Police Sports Federation track comes under a cooperation protocol between the Police Sports Federation and the Equestrian Federation, aimed at strengthening collaboration and developing equestrian sport in Kuwait.