UAE: Strong field all set for battle in Dubai World ride - Feb 2 2008

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Staff Report
Published: February 02, 2008, 01:39

Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are likely to be part of a strong line-up for Saturday's Dubai World Challenge FEI CEI*** 120 km endurance ride to be held at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC).

A total of 89 riders had their horses cleared at yesterday's pre-ride veterinary check for the Dh 550,000 ride which is being sponsored by Dubai World.

Apart from Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mayed, consistent performers this season like Hassan Bin Ali, Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and many other UAE and international riders complete the line-up.

Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World and also a top endurance rider who won the bronze at the last Asian Games in Doha said: "Dubai World attaches great importance to this sport because it stems from our national heritage and is a hobby that has been popular with our forefathers for hundreds of years."

Fantastic occasion

"It is of vital importance to support the efforts aiming at preserving this traditional sport through organising endurance races.

"Dubai World will always support social and sports activities in the UAE in general and in Dubai in particular in line with its vision of realising the integration of all economic, social, cultural and sports sectors." General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Ali Moosa Al Khamiri said, "It is wonderful Dubai World is sponsoring what will be a fantastic occasion.

"We are in the heart of the endurance season, and standards within the UAE are at an all time high right now.

Warsan Challenge

"Due to the increasingly high speeds of these races, leading riders will be hoping to set new world records, which should make for exciting viewing.

"The Dubai Equestrian Club wishes its partners Dubai World, and the competitors and spectators alike an extremely enjoyable and successful day."

Today's ride comprises of five loops of 31km, 32km, 27km, 18km and 12km, and is the sixth of eight contests to be held at DIEC this 2007-08 season.

Another FEI CEI*** 120 km endurance, the Warsan Endurance Challenge, will also be held today at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi. Two Qualifier rides will also be held along with the 120-km open ride and over 70 riders including 20 for the Warsan Challenge will be in the fray.

Consistent performers this season like Hassan Bin Ali, Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi and many other UAE and international riders complete the line-up.