Al Junaibi hoping to jump on top of the world

DUBAI // Former World Cup qualifier Ahmed al Junaibi is gunning for glory today at the Dubai International Championship as he attempts to secure a place at the 2010 World Cup in Geneva. Al Junaibi, who was denied the chance to represent his country after being refused a US visa for the Las Vegas World Cup last April, came second in the Dubai Cup yesterday. The first 25 finishers in that class earned the right to compete in today's FEI World Cup Qualifier, one of a series of Arab League competitions that decide who will attend the world showpiece.

Al Junaibi and his horse Picobello Wodiena, which also qualified for the World Cup last year, picked up Dh25,000 prize money. Saudi Arabian rider Abdullah al Sharbatli finished first on Goldex, while UAE Olympian, Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum, was third with her excellent stallion Kalaska de Semilly. Today's action gets under way ay 7.30am with the all-important Dh170,000 Grand Prix FEI World Cup Qualifier at 3pm.

Nine UAE riders will compete, including al Junaibi's brother Khalid al Junaibi on Picobello Wynona. Additional rounds of the Arab League World Cup Qualifier will be held in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah later in the season. @Email:stregoning@thenational.ae