Riyadh, December 6, 2024 – Belgian Olympic dressage rider Jorinde Verwimp secured a resounding victory in the opening class of the 2024 Saudi Equestrian Federation Cup Dressage Championship, part of the prestigious "Jump Saudi" event held at the Al-Janadriyah venue. The competition, which has become a significant fixture in the equestrian calendar, saw top riders from around the world competing in the one-star category, setting the stage for an exciting and highly competitive championship.
Verwimp delivered a standout performance, clinching the top spot with an impressive score of 73.431 points while riding her horse, Vicount de Reves. Her mastery in the dressage arena earned her the coveted first-place title, showcasing both her skill and the strong partnership she has cultivated with her equine companion. Following closely behind, Palestinian rider Aleksandra Maksakova claimed second place with a solid score of 69.853 points, partnering with her horse, Emmy 9. The third spot was narrowly taken by India’s Divyakriti Singh, who scored 69.804 points riding Adrenaline Vervoed, in what was a highly competitive field.
The award ceremony was held at the conclusion of the class, with Ali Al-Sahli, the head of the technical committees at the Saudi Equestrian Federation, presenting the accolades to the top three riders. His recognition underscored the event's commitment to honoring excellence in the sport and promoting the highest standards of equestrian competition.
As the championship draws to a close tomorrow with its final class, riders will continue to strive for the highest possible scores in a bid to secure their positions at the top of the rankings. The final class promises to deliver further excitement, as competitors vie for victory and overall placement in the tournament.
In addition to showcasing top-tier international talent, the event also highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Saudi Equestrian Federation to cultivate homegrown equestrian talent. The Federation has recently introduced several key programs designed to discover and nurture promising Saudi riders. These initiatives include comprehensive training and development courses aimed at honing skills and building expertise in dressage, jumping, and other equestrian disciplines. The long-term goal of these efforts is to establish a strong Saudi presence in major international championships, positioning the Kingdom as a force to be reckoned with on the global equestrian stage.
With its blend of world-class competition and strategic development initiatives, the Saudi Equestrian Federation Cup continues to grow in stature, not only as a key event in the equestrian calendar but also as a pivotal platform for fostering the future of the sport within Saudi Arabia. As the competition draws to a close, it remains clear that the Kingdom is steadily advancing its equestrian ambitions, ensuring a legacy of excellence and global recognition for years to come.