Abu Dhabi: Bin Ali clinches endurance ride

Gulfnews.com

* Staff Report
* Published: 00:00 January 23, 2011

Al Baloushi finishes 120-km in second place while Al Shafar third

Abu Dhabi: It was Hassan Bin Ali's day at the Emirates Championship — a CEI 120km endurance ride — when he rode IFO Rashin to victory at the Emirates International Endurance Village, in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi yesterday.

The ride was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, owner of the winning horse.

The 120km ride started with India's Roshan Ali Shiraj Khan taking the lead in the first stage, which was over 32km, in 01.14.54 seconds. He was followed by his compatriot Chandra Singh Ladu Singh (1:15.07) in second place and the UAE's Sultan Ahmad Al Baloushi (01.18.11).

Khan maintained his lead in the 28km second stage, crossing the finish line in 02.19.22, followed by Singh (02.19.37) and Bin Ali (02.22.02) in third.

Bin Ali made a strong comeback in the third stage and climbed on top in 03.15.14 while his countryman Sultan Ahmad Al Baloushi (03.15.31) improved to second place with Mohammad Ali Al Shafar (03.17.42) third.

Bin Ali completed the ride in 04:41.38 to emerge the winner. Al Baloushi, riding Jayhal Shazal from Al Reef Stables, finished at second place (04:44.48) — followed by Shafar on Dalyn Man from Al Reeh Endurance Stables (04:45.08).

The race was sponsored by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS), Wathba Stud Farm, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2011, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) SAS Investment Co, Invest AD and Areej Al Ameerat.

RESULTS

Provisional (top five):

1. Hassan Bin Ali | (IFO Rashin) 04:41.38, 2. Munthar Ahmad Al Baloushi (Jayhal Shazal) 04:44.48, 3. Mohammad Ali Al Shafar (Dalyn Man) 04:45.08, 4. Khalifa Ghanim Al Marri (Fazza Endurance Team) 04:47.52, 5. Ahmad Ali Al Sabri (Palhavi Des Pins) 04: 53.48.