Ireland’s Shane Breen secured a standout victory at the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show, claiming the Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4*-W Diamond Tour FEI World Cup Grand Prix on the final day of competition at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.

The five-day international show concluded in dramatic fashion on Sunday 25 January, as a world-class field assembled for the headline class of the week, contested over two demanding rounds at heights of 1.55m–1.60m and offering a €320,000 prize fund.

Spectacular finale at Al Forsan

Ahead of the Grand Prix, spectators were treated to a visually striking opening ceremony celebrating both innovation and equestrian heritage. Performances from the Abu Dhabi Police Band were followed by an LED display featuring dancing horses, before a drone show illuminated the skyline, telling the story of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan’s vision for the future of equestrian sport while honouring the legacy of the Arabian horse.

The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and representatives from event partners and sponsors.

World Cup glory for Breen

From a field of 50 international and local combinations, Shane Breen emerged victorious aboard BP Arctic Blue, producing the only double clear of the class. His second-round time of 47.61 seconds proved unbeatable, securing a decisive win and valuable FEI World Cup points.

Italy’s Guido Grimaldi, last year’s winner of the class, finished second riding Gentleman, incurring three time faults in an otherwise strong performance. Great Britain’s Alexander McLean completed the podium in third place aboard Calixte Heartbreaker Z, posting the fastest second-round time but lowering a single pole.

Reflecting on his win, Breen said: “I could see early on that it wasn’t an easy course. BP Arctic Blue was stepping up to this level, so my focus was simply to ride a clear round and bring him home safely. To win here is very special.”

He added his thanks to the organisers and supporters of the event, paying tribute to Al Shira’aa, show director Samantha Kettle and H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan for their continued backing of international show jumping.

Strong performances across the programme

Earlier in the day, Arena Two hosted the CSI Juniors Final, where 18-year-old Emirati rider Fatima Intan Yousuf Abdullah Al Mulla claimed victory aboard Firenze du Cendre, jumping a faultless double clear in 28.77 seconds to secure her first win of the season.

The CSI Young Horses 7-Year-Old Classic Final saw Great Britain’s Alexander McLean continue an exceptional week, taking the win aboard Opportunity after also topping the opening qualifier. Syria’s Mohamad Mogheeth Alshebab finished second with Oraya Blue JCB, while the UAE’s Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi completed the podium riding Erril Z.

Colour and creativity took centre stage in the CSI Children’s Costume Class Final, where Jordan’s Zaid Khalaf claimed victory aboard Chico, celebrating his 14th birthday in style. Best Dressed honours were shared after judges were unable to separate standout costumes from the UAE competitors.

The CSI-AM Final showcased the depth of amateur talent, with Emirati rider Alia Nasser Abdulkarim Alarif taking the win aboard Orpheus 85. Great Britain’s Lavinia Stunt finished second, while the UAE’s Rowdah Abdullah Aboud Eidtha Alameri secured third place.

In the CSI4*-W Pearl Tour Longines Ranking class, Olympic champion Henrik von Eckermann claimed victory riding Glamour Girl, ahead of Germany’s Sophie Hinners in second and Ireland’s David Simpson in third.

A key fixture on the international calendar

Over five days of competition, the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show welcomed more than 300 athletes from 38 countries and over 450 horses, with thousands of spectators attending at Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

The Al Shira’aa Tour now looks ahead to its next international stop at Al Shira’aa Le Lame Sagrantino in Italy at the end of April, continuing its growth as a leading series on the global show jumping circuit.