UAE: Al Kamda brothers eyeing top prize at endurance race

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan
March 06, 2009

Dubai: Over 90 riders, all UAE nationals who are either individual owners or riders who represent the smaller private stables in the UAE, will start in today's Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge II ride to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City.

The 100km ride is a National ride and will be run in four stages of 32km, 29km, 27km and 12 km.

Brothers Rashed Saeed Al Kamda and Ahmad Saeed Al Kamda, Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha and a few other consistent performers in this series of national rides will all be eyeing the top prize which is a Nissan Patrol 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club, the second and third placed riders will receive Dh50,000 and Dh45,000 respectively, while all others who finish between 4th and 20th positions will also receive cash prizes.

"We thank Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, for his support to endurance events in the UAE. These National rides encourage UAE riders who are trying to improve and equip themselves to take on the more established riders from the bigger stables," said Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, General Manager of DEC.

"By restricting this event to private stables and individuals, this ride gives a chance for more UAE riders to take part and compete in a field that is a level playing field," said Ali Mousa.

Riders from the Al Ain Stables, Al Ahli Riding Club, Al Giyad Stables, Al Neyadi Stables, Al Rawahel Stables, Al Sila Stables, and Emirates Desert Stables among others will be taking part in the ride which gets off to a mass start at 6.30am.