Final curtain under the spotlights of Al Shaqab. An overall title for Scott Brash, and a standout performance from Kristen Vanderveen. Three wins in a single day, including the CSI5* Grand Prix. In Doha, they don’t close up shop quietly.
Vanderveen, the perfect day
There are good weekends. And then there are days when everything clicks—every stride is perfect, every rail seems magnetized to stay in place.
This Sunday in Doha, Kristen Vanderveen ticked every box. Better yet, she swept every class.
The American rider secured a remarkable treble:
- victory in the CSI3* 1.35m with Bull Run’s Lioness
- victory in the CSI5* 1.50m with Starbucks 27
- and above all, the grand finale: the Grand Prix CSI5 1.60m* with Bull Run’s Jireh.
Double clear. 44.07 seconds in the jump-off. Hat trick secured.
A flawless performance. The kind that leaves no room for debate.
« It’s an incredible experience. All my horses improved throughout the Tour. To finish like this is special. »
No need to add more. The result speaks for itself.
The Grand Prix: tension in Doha, Vanderveen in control
The CSI5* Grand Prix, the highlight of the weekend, lived up to expectations. High level, deep field, and a jump-off that forgave nothing.
Behind Vanderveen, the Qatari crowd cheered for Bassem Mohammed, a strong second with Wathnan Issem. A meaningful performance on home soil.
« My horse delivered one of his best rounds. »
Third place went to Abdullah Alsharbatly , who continues to rack up placings with Skorphults Baloutendro. Not flashy, but always there. Always dangerous.
« He’s always consistent » confirmed the Saudi rider.
The kind of horse you don’t see coming… but always ends up on the podium.
Brash, the Tour’s boss
While Vanderveen dominated the day, Scott Brash, from a distance, secured what mattered most: overall victory in the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour..
Multiple Grand Prix 5* wins earlier in the tour paid off again. A double reward for Brash.
Doha confirms its status
The setting? Still surreal.
La Longines Arena d’Al Shaqab ? Toujours aussi grandiose
But beyond the show, Doha confirms one thing above all: the circuit is now a must on the international calendar.
Strong organization, deep competition, optimal conditions. The message is clear.
The Tour will return on December 30, 2026—and it may raise the bar even higher.
For Vanderveen, this weekend could mark a turning point. Three wins in one day at a CSI5* changes your status.
For Brash, it’s another line added to an already solid résumé.
For Doha, it’s a successful edition—despite recent geopolitical disruptions and threats during the tour (the competition was suspended for two weeks). And it still holds all the promise for years to come.
(Photos © Al Shaqab/ Lukasz Kovalski)