Six major endurance races to be held in the 2005-06 season

Six major endurance races to be held in the 2005-06 season
Web posted at: 10/31/2005 7:56:6
Source ::: The Peninsula
photo: HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani

DOHA: The Qatar Endurance Committee, under the chairmanship of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, has approved the 2005-06 calendar. In the new season, six major races will be held at the Endurance Village in Sealine, Mesaieed.

The races are planned in such a way that even the seniors and juniors get opportunities to show their talent.

Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, director of the endurance committee, said the highlight of the season will be the Qatar International Endurance Race to be held on February 26, 2006.

?We are ready for the new season. I am sure we will see exciting contests in the new season also. Horse racing is a passion with people in Qatar and there?s never a dull moment when the horse racing season starts,? Al Malki told reporters yesterday.

?We hope the new season will be a memorable one for all those concerned with endurance races.?

The GCC Endurance Championship will also be a big event and will be held on January 28.

For a long period of time, some of the world?s best horses and riders have seen in action in various events staged in Qatar.

The following are the six major races with prize money in bracket:

Open Race on Nov. 12: 100km (QR 300,000); 80km for youth (QR150,000); 60km for juniors (QR5,000).

Open Race on Dec. 3: 120km (QR350,000); 100km for youth (QR170,000), 60km for juniors (QR5,000).

Open Race on Jan. 7: 100km (300,000); 60km for juniors (QR5,000).

GCC Endurance Championship on Jan 28: 120km (QR500,000), 100km for youth (QR200,000).

Qatar International Endurance Race on Feb 26: 120km (QR500,000), 100km for youth (QR300,000).

Local Endurance, March 17 and 18: 160km (QR450,000).