Abu Dhabi: Over 100 riders to compete for Presidents Cup

Gulfnews.com
Endurance ride intended to encourage small stables and private owners to participate in events

Staff Report
January 21, 2010



Abu Dhabi: Over 100 riders from private-owned stables will be taking part in Saturday's Shaikh Zayed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC), ADEC Director General Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi said, "We are expecting over 100 riders for this event which is a national ride.

"The ride is being held under the directives of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs."

"Like in the Ladies Ride, a total purse of Dh500,000 including two cars will be on offer for the winners and those finishing at the top.

"This event is to encourage riders from small stables and private owners," Adnan said.

Saturday's ride is being sponsored by Bonyan International Investment Group LLC, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Medmar magazine and Wathba Stud Farm. "The Wathba Stud Farm of Shaikh Mansour is backing this endurance ride as it gives riders from smaller stables to compete among themselves and graduate to higher levels," said Lara Sawaya representing Wathba Stud Farm.

"There are so many promising riders in the UAE and these rides have been attracting large fields."