Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 15 February 2026
The penultimate day of the Longines League of Nations™ and The Emirates Jumping Cup at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club delivered another afternoon of high-quality sport, headlined by the CSI2* Longines Grand Prix (1.45m), where Katie Speller aboard Z7 Pink Panther pounced to victory.
A competitive field of 41 combinations came forward to tackle the 1.45m CSI2* Longines Grand Prix track, which demanded accuracy and composure before progressing to a decisive jump-off. Eight riders produced clear rounds to advance, setting up an electric finale against the clock. First to return in the jump-off, Great Britain’s Katie Speller laid down an immediate marker aboard Z7 Pink Panther, producing a bold clear in 35.95s that ultimately proved untouchable.
Canada’s Lea Rucker followed with a strong effort aboard Macarena 42, finishing clear in a slightly slower time of 36.59s to take second place, while Syria’s Jawad Nizam completed the podium with Faruso W, clear in 37.87s.
Speaking after her win, Speller said, “I’m absolutely thrilled. This is my second Grand Prix win and Panther’s second Grand Prix ever, and we’ve been lucky enough to win both of them. I’m really proud of how he’s stepped up to this level — he’s feeling confident and happy around these tracks now, which makes such a difference. I don’t usually love being first to go in a jump-off, but I trusted Panther completely. I had a clear plan from Shane, stuck to it, and thankfully everything came together.”
Earlier in the day, the CSI2* Equitrans Logistics Classic (1.35m) provided another fiercely contested class, with riders taking on a technical course that rewarded careful planning and forward rhythm. A total of 62 combinations came forward, with 11 progressing to the jump-off. It was Emirati rider Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi who produced a sharp double clear on Annie S of the Lowlands Z to stop the clock in 32.89s and take the win on home soil. Britain’s Chad Fellows slotted into second with Conquida de Revel PS in 34.48s, while Megan Williams, who has been on remarkable form recently, secured third riding Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club’s Coronetboy, clear in 34.66s.
The morning programme began with the CSICh Cavalor Children’s Stakes (1.10m), where Jordan’s Zaid Khalaf aboard Chico delivered a superb performance. Second-to-last to enter the arena, Khalaf broke the earlier leading times with a bold and confident clear in 59.84s to secure victory. Fresh from wins in Sharjah last week and at Al Shira’aa earlier this season, the talented young Jordanian once again demonstrated composure and consistency beyond his years. The UAE’s Khaled Ahmad Khalifa Al Ayali Al Mheiri secured second aboard Feline Peguignon in 62.16s, while Ayesha Saeed Al Ghurair completed the podium riding Haia in 64.03s.
The CSIJ UAE Equestrian Federation Junior Stakes followed, with 18 promising young combinations coming forward to contest the against-the-clock format. It was the UAE’s Abdalla Omran Alowais who set the standard aboard Q-Lina, producing a smooth and confident clear in 61.59s to take victory and underline his growing consistency on the regional circuit. Fellow Emirati Alya Adnan Awadh Almheiri secured second place riding Kornetta in 73.77s, while Ali Shehab Alrahma completed the all-UAE podium aboard Let It Be Again, crossing the line in 61.13s but with four faults to finish third. The class showcased the depth of emerging talent within the UAE ranks over the technical 1.25m track.
With momentum building towards the grand finale, attention now turns to Sunday’s closing programme. The day begins with the CSICh Cavalor Children’s Cup (1.10m), followed by the CSIJ Abu Dhabi Sports Council Cup (1.25m), before the CSIO5* Al Shira’aa Challenge (1.50m) raises the bar ahead of the feature class.
The competition will culminate with the CSIO5* Emirates Jumping Cup presented by Longines, where the world’s leading riders will battle it out over two 160cm rounds for top honours and a share of the €308,600 prize fund. Spectators can also look forward to special entertainment from Z7 Show Horses during the afternoon, bringing additional flair and atmosphere to the arena before the five-star Grand Prix takes centre stage.
