Malaysia: 25 Foreign Riders Vying For Sultan's Cup

Bernama.com

August 16, 2007 18:07 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Twenty-five professional riders from 15 countries have confirmed participation in the fourth edition of the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2007 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu on November 9-11.

The 15 Malaysian riders will be led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is the patron of the event.

"The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge will be the official trial event for the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) World Endurance Championship next year.

"The fourth edition will be our second trial event. The first trial was in November last year, where we first organised the 160km race. It was one of the most successful rides with a completion rate of 57 percent," vice-chairman of the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor said Thursday.

He was speaking to reporters after the championship official launch which was graced by Tuanku Mizan here today. Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

"To qualify for this endurance ride, a rider must complete a 160km race sanctioned by the FEI at least once. This is not an open championship as the riders are here on invitation.

"We received applications from various parties but we have to reject them as we have to determine that they have FEI qualification," said Dr Salleh.

The Sultan's Cup comprises of seven loops with a total distance of 160km. Each of the competing horse must meet the veterinary assessment before the horse is allowed to proceed to the next loop.

Besides Malaysia, the other participating countries are Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.