Gulfnews.com - Full ArticleMohammad scores his maiden endurance win at Emirates Championship
By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 19:40 January 5, 2013
Abu Dhabi: The last time 11-year-old Balek El Tornado from W’rsan Stables crossed the finish line first was in the prestigious National Day Cup with Khamis Al Rumaithi — but the horse failed the mandatory veterinary check and was eliminated.
However, in Saturday’s Emirates Championship, run over the same distance of 120km, the Uruguayan-bred horse more than made up by winning under Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan.
Shaikh Mohammad, who in the process earned his first ever victory, paced the 11-year-old bay gelding to finish just ahead of lady rider Mariam Mohammad Mothanna on Mutajjeb from Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables.
Shaikh Mohammad and Balek El Tornado were in 36th position at the end of two stages and 60km. At that stage Mariam was in seventh place and looking good. But in the third loop, the ultimate winners eased into 13th position and began to make winning moves...
Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/balek-el-tornado-triumphs-in-abu-dhabi-1.1128130
