Bahrain: Al Hammadi claims King's Cup

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 05, 2012

THE Royal Team rider Yacoob Yousif Al Hammadi, riding Hondo, claimed the coveted title in the King's Cup Endurance Race yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.

The pair completed the 120-km race in a time of five hours, eight minutes and two seconds, just 21 seconds ahead of fellow Royal Team member Ahmed Janahi on Oeops.

Having led for the majority of the race, Jaffar Mirza came in third in a time of five hours, nine minutes and 34 seconds.

Al Hammadi's victory was based on a well thought-out strategy worked out under the guidance of Royal Team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and coach Khalid Bu Lami and saw him overtake Janahi in the final stage of the race.

Praised

Speaking after the race, Shaikh Nasser praised the support of His Majesty for the event, which he described as one of the most important of the season.

He went on to highlight the continued success of the event and said this success was the result of great work done by the Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association and the King's Cup organising committee.

Shaikh Nasser admitted his delight in seeing the Royal Team members do so well.

He then expressed his appreciation to event sponsors Durrat Al Bahrain and Al Hawaj for their significant contributions.

Meanwhile, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first vice-president and Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised all participants in the race.

He also joined in praising King Hamad for his support to endurance sport and said the presence of His Majesty at the race provided a huge boost to all the participants.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid were alongside Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association vice-president Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Endurance Committee chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa. They were also part of the presentation party for the closing ceremony of the race.

As well as presenting the prizes to participants in the King's Cup race, they also rewarded those from the race for riders with special needs.


Photos by Osama Mohammed: