UAE: Strong field for Al Wathba Challenge

Gulfnews.com

Staff Report
Published: 17:54 November 21, 2012

Abu Dhabi: More than 100 riders will be seen in action in the Al Wathba Challenge CEI** 120km Endurance ride at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning.

The race is open for six-year-old horses and above and will be held over five stages of 33km, 27km, 24km, 20km and 16km.

Competitors are requested to present horses with an approved national or FEI passport who have been micro-chipped.

Electronic heart rate monitors and display systems will be used as per set protocol.

“All preparations are well in place for the big event, which will be held under the directives of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs,” said Adnan Sultan, director of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club at Mangroves Hotel on Wednesday.

“I would like to thank our faithful partners and sponsors. The race will be held under the umbrella of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Areej Al Ameerat, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi, Al Awani General Enter. & Representing Companies Est., Samawi Neon, Designing & Art Production.”

Sultan confirmed that the winner of the event will drive home a new four-wheel-drive car plus receive a major share of the Dh350.000 prize money.