Dubai: Hamdan-led team holds advantage

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By Alaric Gomes
January 15, 2009

Dubai: Defending champion Omair Hussain Al Baloushi and last year's runner-up Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri believe a strong presence of UAE riders led by Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum holds a distinct advantage going into this weekend's His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup.

The CEI*** 160km ride to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday, has attracted a field of some of the top endurance riders from across the globe.

And though the field includes the top three on the 2008 FEI World Rankings, Al Baloushi still believes the title will stay back in the UAE, given the home advatange.

"Every rider out there will be a threat," predicted defending champion Al Baloushi.

"There are a lot of good riders and superb horses in the ride, but the competition will be among the local riders," added last year's runner-up Al Jahouri, the trainer-cum-rider from Al Wathba Stables.

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