TWO Irish riders finished inside the top eight in Saturday’s 1.60m five-star Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Doha, Qatar. The first round of the 2022 season took place in the magnificent Al Shaqab arena where Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum secured the first Super Grand Prix ticket of the season.

Riding among the best riders in the world, both Mikey Pender and Michael Duffy produced brilliant clears to make it through to the eight-horse jump-off. Pender was first to go with the Ita Brennan-bred 10-year-old gelding HHS Calais (Cavalier Royale x O.B.O.S. Quality) but picked up four faults and had to settle for seventh place.

Duffy was also out of luck with Zilton SL Z, finishing with 12 faults in eighth place. It was a thrilling finish as Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann was leading the way with the 2021 Super Grand Prix winner Kind Edward.

However, last to go, Beerbaum pulled it out of the bag to win aboard Mila. “I have had a few wins in my career but this one is probably one of the most emotional ones and also not really expected one. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy this moment. That was definitely our best jump-off ever. I am so happy, I still can’t really believe what happened.”