Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 12, 2026 – The opening day of five-star competition at the Longines League of Nations™ and The Emirates Jumping Cup delivered top-level sport under the lights at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
Five-star action began in earnest with the Al Khail Square Welcome Stakes CSIO 5* at 1.45m, where 42 combinations tackled a technical course in one round against the clock. Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi (UAE) was second to jump and immediately set a commanding early benchmark aboard Chacolu, stopping the clock in 76.24 seconds.
The Emirati rider held the lead for much of the class, applying pressure to the field as combination after combination failed to better his time. It was not until Ireland’s Shane Breen (IRL) entered the arena late in the order with the experienced Scarteen that the leaderboard shifted. Producing a bold round, Breen knocked almost eight seconds off Al Muhairi’s time to storm into the lead in 68.56 seconds and secure victory.
France’s Olivier Perreau (FRA) completed the podium aboard GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly in 77.56 seconds, as several Longines League of Nations™ contenders fine-tuned preparations ahead of Friday’s team competition.
Final Results – €28,200 Al Khail Square Welcome Stakes CSIO 5*
1) Shane Breen (IRL) & Scarteen – 0 – 68.56
2) Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi (UAE) & Chacolu – 0 – 76.24
3) Olivier Perreau (FRA) & GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly – 0 – 77.56
Source: Press Release by Hannah McCabe / Dark Horse Communications for The Emirates Jumping Cup / UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation
Photos: © UAEERF / Nour Al Masri
