Staff Writer, Dubai

Japanese equestrian Mike Kawai took the highest honor at the Diriyah Equestrian festival on the second day of the six-day event.

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal, chairman of the board of directors of the General Sports Authority, presented Kawai with the award.

Kawai and his horse Celvin picked up the top spot with a score of 38.73 seconds as part of the FEI Jumping World Cup, where points were also collected by equestrians will count for qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and FEI World Cup.

Kawai took to an Instagram post to thank his friends and family, and especially his horse, Celvin.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DZjpuBnFL/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

The Diriyah Equestrian Festival welcomed an estimated 120 riders, 150 grooms, 50 officials, 300 companions and trainers and 150 crew members.

An estimated 1,500 visitors were expected to attend and enjoy Saudi Arabia’s famous hospitality with the offering of 15 food trucks catering to international cuisines, 10 shops and game and federation exhibitors.