Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum has given the UAE its second silver medal in the equestrian events at the Asian Games today, in the individual jumping.
Riding Kalaska De Semily, her favourite 1998-born stallion, Sheikha Latifa jumped two impeccable rounds with no penalty points. She challenged the Saudi Arabian riders, Prince Khalid Abdul Aziz Al Eid and Ramzi Hamad Al Duhaimi, in the jump-offs to decide the final medallists.
In the jump-off, Sheikha Latifa went through the 10-hurdle course without knocking off any hurdle, the same as Ramzi Hamad Al Duhaimi.
However, the gold went to Al Duhami, as he completed the course in 48.53 seconds, a mere 0.15 seconds faster than the UAE rider's 48.68 seconds.
On Monday, Sheikha Latifa had successfully led the country in clinching the silver in the jumping team event. Sheikha Latifa partnered Kalaska for both the events.
The UAE team members were Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum on Kalaska, Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum on Dubai’s Pride, Sheikh Majid Al Qassimi on Co-Jack and Ahmed Al Junaibi on P. Wodeina.
Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, was ecstatic over the second silver for the UAE in jumping team. He said: “I am at a loss of words to express my happiness over this tremendous achievement by Sheikha Latifa. She put up a brave show and fought for her silver with world-class jumpers. Our efforts have borne fruits.
“This again shows the meticulous training and planning by the Emirati riders, who have now become a team to reckon with in the international equestrian scene.”
The success today means that, with the UAE soccer team due to appear in the finals against Japan, the country is guaranteed to return with at least four medals, after Sheikh Juma bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum won a silver medal in the double trap event in Guangzouh on Sunday.