ABU DHABI - Julius D (Arezzo VDL x Emilion), under the saddle of Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), won the €97,700-priced 1.50m in Abu Dhabi (UAE). In doing so, Julius D was hot on the heels of Clown of Picobello Z (Cardento x Orlando), who was just 0.17 seconds slower under the saddle of Abdel Saïd (BEL). 
H. van Dael (NED) bred Julius D. Picobellohorses (NED) bred Clown of Picobello Z. 

In the 1.45m class, Julius D also outshone the other 58 competitors. The nine-year-old Arrezzo son showed in Abu Dhabi what clear and fast jumping is all about and once again took the win. 

Hulahupe JR (Bubalu VDL x Indoctro) and Joe Whitaker (GBR) managed a fine second place in the CSIO5*-NC MEast Nations Cup competition over 1.55m. Hulahupe JR is owned by Jessica Crane and bred by the Reitsma family from Driesum (NED).