Sunday, December 03, 2006

Bahraini riders set for challenge


BAHRAIN's top riders Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa will be looking forward to impress in endurance horseride competition at the Asian Games.

They qualified after taking 14th and ninth positions respectively at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany on August 21.

Despite driving rain and poor visibility, Shaikh Daij managed ninth place and provided a bright note for Asian equestrian fans on a day in which a fancied team from the UAE was eliminated.

The 159 starters from 42 nations had faced a gruelling 160km race through hilly terrain which included six veterinary checks.

For many of the riders, the competition came to an early end, with less than half completing the ride. Some were withdrawn from the competition by the vets, while others retired voluntarily.

It was left to Shaikh Daij, riding the 11 year-old Shar Rushkin, to lead home the Asian riders although he dropped from fifth place to ninth on the final leg. Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, was riding the 10 year-old Ganda Goy.

For Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdullah bin Fahad Al Saud finished 18th, riding the 12 year-old Keroch.
Gulf News Article

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