THE Irish riders competing in the CPEDI3* at Doha, Qatar this week were given time to adjust to the amazing surroundings of the Al Shaqab arena. However, they would have felt right at home once the commentator began to speak as it was none other than our own Paul Nolan.

This is a first overseas posting for Paul since he turned his back on the world of insurance to commit full-time to equestrian commentary and journalism. The Clontarf resident, who flew to Doha on Tuesday, is also the main arena commentator for the CDI5* classes during the second week of the CHI Al Shaqab, covering seven sessions in total from Thursday morning to the close of the show this evening.

Paul flies home to Dublin tomorrow and then has a quick turnaround as he is heading over to Cheltenham on Monday to spend Champion Hurdle day at Prestbury Park. Hopefully, the Doha trip will be one of many foreign forays for Paul during 2019 but he will definitely be in Ireland towards the end of May as he takes up the role as lead commentator at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and country fair.