Riyadh, December 13, 2024 – In a thrilling display of skill and precision, Italian equestrian star Emanuele Gaudiano emerged victorious in the highly competitive SAEF Cup at the Jump Saudi international showjumping championship, held today in Riyadh. The prestigious event, which marks the opening day of the second week of the championship’s two-week run, saw Gaudiano crowned champion by Prince Abdullah bin Fahd, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF).
The Jump Saudi event, organized by the SAEF-owned Saudi Equestrian Events Company (SEEc), has attracted elite riders from around the globe. Featuring a challenging lineup of 116 riders representing 24 countries, the championship continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the premier equestrian events on the international circuit.
Gaudiano, currently ranked 39th in the world on the international equestrian standings, showcased exceptional talent and resilience to clinch the SAEF Cup. The competition’s four-star round, held in the highly demanding five-star category, featured a challenging jump height of 1.50 meters. Gaudiano navigated the course with remarkable speed and accuracy, completing the round in a blistering 61.26 seconds, earning him the coveted title.
The SAEF Cup marks a significant achievement in Gaudiano's illustrious career and further solidifies his standing as one of the foremost riders in international showjumping. His victory is a testament to his technical expertise, impeccable timing, and the strong partnership he shares with his mount, which were essential to overcoming the challenging obstacles set by the event’s course designers.
Prince Abdullah bin Fahd, who presented Gaudiano with the championship trophy, expressed his pleasure at the successful organization of the event and congratulated all participants for their outstanding performances. The Chairman also highlighted the growing significance of the Jump Saudi championship in the global equestrian community, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering talent and enhancing the nation’s standing as a leader in the world of equestrian sports.
The competition continues through the remainder of the week, with riders from across the globe vying for top honors in multiple categories, making it a highlight of the global equestrian calendar. As the championship progresses, the excitement is building for the upcoming events, with many hoping to match or surpass Gaudiano’s remarkable achievement in the SAEF Cup.
This year’s Jump Saudi international showjumping championship is further proof of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the world of elite equestrian sports, with the country continuing to host some of the most prestigious events in the calendar. With state-of-the-art facilities and a deep commitment to the sport’s development, Saudi Arabia is establishing itself as a global hub for equestrian excellence.
