[WEC Reports] Malaysian riders, horses fit and ready

The New Straits Times Online
AJITPAL SINGH

THE 12 Malaysian riders competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) and their horses have been declared fit for the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.

The riders tested the 160-km course last weekend and they were happy with everything. Also, their horses were given a clean bill by the International Equestrian Federation (IEF). Malaysia's WEC 2008 Athlete Preparation project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said the Malaysian riders are ready to make an impression on both the individual and team event.

"We are placing equal emphasis on both events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," said Che Mohammad. "However, a medal is of course much brighter for Malaysia in the team event."

A panel of local selectors will also be naming four riders for the team event, while the remaining eight will contest the individual category. It will be announced on the eve of the event.

A total of 33 countries, comprising 142 riders, will be competing in the WEC.
The Malaysian team will be led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will be astride Taljari Moon Pharoah.

The highest ranked rider in the Malaysian team is Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad) at 93rd.

The Perak-born rider, a gold medallist at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, has been competing in various international tournaments for the past 10 years.

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/28/2008 01:15:00 AM