[WEC Reports] Challenge awaits riders

New Straits Times

2008/11/07
Ajitpal Singh

TERENGGANU will make history today by staging the FEI World Endurance Championships's first ever night race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
This is also the first time the 160km race is being held in a tropical country.

WEC technical director Derek Liebenberg said the endurance racing fraternity is anticipating an exciting race.

"Terengganu is a new challenge for everyone because it is the first time riders will be racing at night in a world meet. It's going to be exciting under challenging conditions, and interesting," said Liebenberg at TIEP yesterday.

"Everything has been done to ensure safety. We have tested the safety specifications many times and riders should not worry.
"Among the safety specs are the 1,200 light poles installed in sections of the course, check points at designated areas and all riders will be wearing a GPS tracking device.

"The Malaysian army will be stationed along the course during the race. The medical team are also well prepared if there are any untoward incidents."

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) decided on a night race due to the humid conditions here.

Riders should be prepared for a wet race as the meteorological department is predicting heavy rain for today.

That won't be too bad for the European riders who are hoping for rain in the hope that their horses will last the whole race.

However, riders from Middle Eastern countries are not too particular about the track and weather. According to endurance experts, their horses are trained to endure any conditions.

The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Tuanku Nur Zahirah will flag off the race which starts at 5.30pm today and the first horse is expected to cross the line at about 7am tomorrow.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:59:00 AM