Bahrain: Al Zayed races to fine victory

Gulf-daily-news.com

December 02, 2012

ABDUL-RAHMAN Al Zayed yesterday steered Maco Haka to victory in the Breef National Endurance Ride For Local Stables at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

More than 50 riders, representing different stables and riding schools from all over Bahrain, competed in this fast-paced race which was over 100 kms.

Participants came from Royal Endurance Team, Al Khalidiya, Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Shawamek, Al Muqheerat, Al Ajiyal, Saar Riding School, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Yusuf Ali Taher, Al Riffain and Al Asayel.

Al Khalidiya Stable's Al Zayed proved the fastest, completing the race with a total ride time of three hours, 54 minutes and six seconds.

Al Zayed's average speed was 25-km per hour and he crossed the finish line well ahead of Royal Team member Ali Busafar (4:03:53), who came second with an average speed of 24-km per hour. Ghazi Al Doseri, also of Royal Team, came third in 4:08:50 with an average speed of 24-km per hour.

Stages

Organised byBahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), the race was the second event of the 2012/13 season after the 80-km qualifying ride held earlier this month.

The race was divided into four stages, starting with 30 kms for the first stage where Al Zayed reached the finish gate first in 1:10:40.

He was followed by Bheem Singh (1:10:44) of Al Asayel Stable and Al Doseri (1:13:33) in second and third places, respectively.

It was followed by another 30 kms for the second stage where Al Zayed (1:11:45) extended his lead over second-placed Al Doseri (1:13:21) and third-placed Singh (1:17:23).

Al Zayed (48:17) continued to dominate the race in the third stage which was over 20 kms. Al Doseri (51:30) maintained second position, while Ali Safar (50:44) moved up to third.

The fourth and final stage was also over 20 kms and the Al Khalidiya rider maintained his momentum and cruised to a well-earned victory.

Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured the top three riders after the race.

Shaikh Nasser congratulated the winners and wished other participants success in the next championship.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid said the season opener lived up to expectations and was a fast-paced race.

The Breef president thanked Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president, for his continuous support to the federation's plans and programmes.