Gaucho Derby 2026 – Day 5 – Down, But Not Out.

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Stevie Delahunt
23rd February 2026

These kids are alright. It’s been just five days since they all graduated start camp and cantered off. They grow up so fast. And on race day five it appears our graduates are stepping up and taking the reins or just stepping down; and we mean down but not out! In the past we’ve watched all sorts of professional horsemen (and just plain professionals) taken out by these horses, this terrain and the race course itself. But these riders are impressing us! Day five and we’ve had our first two transition into Adventure category but every last one of them is still in it...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-day-5-down-but-not-out/

Gaucho Derby 2026 – Day 4 – Walk First. Ride Later.

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Stevie Delahunt
22nd February 2026

Today kicked off with ODU and GHE performing the iconic walk of shame after their horses buggered off thanks to some self-admitted poor judgment. The horses slipped their hobbles, their riders, and any remaining sense of accountability, then promptly made it back to the corrals on their own. ODU and GHE marked the location of their bags and hiked their saddles back in on foot so they could reunite with their mounts and ride out again, all without tipping into the dreaded “outside assistance” adventure category. Style points for doing it the hard way.

AKE also had a brief horse-catching moment this morning when her mischievous mount decided to mosey off. She caught him, got rolling, and stayed firmly in touch with her front-running pack like it was all part of the plan...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-day-4-walk-first-ride-later/

Gaucho Derby 2026 – Day 3 – Saddles Hot. Spirits Not.

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Stevie Delahunt
21st February 2026

Okay sports fans! It’s really shaping up to be a race today as riders begin to spread themselves enthusiastically across the map and, more importantly, across the vet stations.

Sportsmanship and horsemanship are still taking precedence, but morale took a bit of a dip as altitude dropped straight down into our second horse change. The horses came in spicy, and the riders got their first real taste of catching their drawn mounts; a moment equal parts skill, optimism, and quiet bargaining with the universe.

A few penalties were sat, but the hospitality and food very nearly made up for the lengthy process of getting through this check. Almost.

Several riders also reported catching the rider flu that’s loping around the field. ARA was the next to hop on that trend, reporting that she’s “definitely felt better,” which is never the sentence you want to hear mid-derby...

Read more here: https://equestrianists.com/updates/25425/

Gaucho Derby 2026 – Day 2 – Turtles, Toes & Tailwinds

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Stevie Delahunt
20th February 2026

Hola, dot watchers!!!

It’s been another day here in Patagonia, and we simply must spill the mate (tea? leaf soup? emotional support beverage?) with you.

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: this group is blowing us away with their professionalism… or perhaps we’re just being literally blown away by this relentless Patagonian wind. Hard to say.

Today’s forecast promised rain, and history promised unplanned dismounts. Thankfully, neither showed up in any meaningful way across our mountains and pampas. In fact, by some small miracle, all forty riders are still in the game, and very few encountered anything worse than breathtaking terrain and truly gorgeous horses.

Ironically, the most damage today happened on foot. Riders like ODU reported toe-stubbing and tripping while leading horses. She’s fairly certain she broke her toe but plans to tough it out and simply pay closer attention to her feet whenever she decides to hoof it from here on out...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-day-2-turtles-toes-tailwinds/

Gaucho Derby 2026 – Day 1 – Sparks Cancelled. Sniffles Confirmed.

Image credits to @adventuristbarbie @merypastrana_fotografia

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Stevie Delahunt
19th February 2026

We’ve been wondering… ‘What happened to the fireworks?’

Start line was quite boring for all the crew today as every rider, and ever more spectacularly yet- every saddlebag managed to defy gravity off the start line. This year’s riders have been especially professional and on top of their game.

The pack promptly cantered off into the wilderness together and then decided to make a holiday of it and settled into a big mob camp out at Vet Check One...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-day-1-sparks-cancelled-sniffles-confirmed/

Meet the Amazonian racing 500km across Patagonia for women's health

AboutAmazon.eu - Full Article

Written by About Amazon Team
February 17 2026

Madeleine, Pan-EU Account Executive at Amazon in France, is preparing for one of the world's toughest horse races: the Gaucho Derby, a 500km orientation endurance challenge across Patagonia.

The 10-day race isn't just about personal achievement—Madeleine is raising funds for a charity which provides healthcare access to France's most vulnerable women.

After completing the 1,000km Mongol Derby in 2022 and raising €18,000 for charity, Madeleine is back in the saddle with an even bigger mission. On February 18, Madeleine Motelay will mount a horse she's never ridden before and begin racing across 500 kilometres of Patagonian wilderness. For the next 10 days, the CDG10-based Account Executive will navigate through the mountains, sleep in a tent alone, and switch to a new horse every 70 kilometres. We caught up with Madeleine before her departure to learn what motivates her, how she's preparing, and why vulnerable women's healthcare access matters so much to her...

Read more here:
https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/community-engagement/meet-the-amazonian-racing-500km-across-patagonia-for-womens-health

From the Grand National to 500km across Patagonia - Gold Cup-winning rider to take on challenge dubbed 'ultimate test of horse and jockey'

RacingPost.com - Full Article

Sam Waley-Cohen is preparing for the ultra-endurance test, which takes place over ten days in South America

Matt Rennie
10 February 2026

He conquered the Grand National fences on several occasions, but Sam Waley-Cohen is raring to take on an even more extreme test of stamina for both horse and rider as he attempts to add the Gaucho Derby to his impressive list of triumphs.

Waley-Cohen was one of Britain's most successful amateur jockeys, winning a Gold Cup and two King George VI Chases before retiring with victory on Noble Yeats in the 2022 Aintree showpiece. Now he is set to get back in the saddle for a 500km challenge across Patagonia in South America.

The race is similar to another famous ultra-endurance test, the Mongol Derby, and Waley-Cohen flies out on Wednesday ahead of some pre-race training days, with the event proper beginning on February 18.

He said: "It's completely different from the racing we're used to across a brilliant area of country – it's like the old western pioneers. It's going to be a new adventure, and a proper test, but it should be great fun"...

Read more here:
https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain/from-the-grand-national-to-500km-across-patagonia-gold-cup-winning-rider-to-take-on-challenge-dubbed-ultimate-test-of-horse-and-jockey-at0af6V2fs04/

Gaucho Derby 2026 – Pre-race training – Weighed In. Blown Away.

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Stevie Delahunt
15th February 2026

It’s Sunday Funday here at Start Camp and the weather is a balmy 30 knots of wind with extra gusts. The riders are getting just a taste of what these biblical tides of air can really do. Patagonia is known for blowing roofs off of Puestos (strongholds built for use by Gauchos within the far out foothills) and being so vehement entire highways are closed until it subsides.

Amidst the summer breeze friendships and alliances are forming and tents are falling. ACA, TOM and ACP have been paling around as a happy 2025 academy graduate gang whilst GHE and NMC have trauma bonded over having sent their lost kit on its own adventure somewhere in Turkey. To their chagrin the surprise retirement of two riders looks like they’ll be able to commandeer all the items needed to clear the mandatory kit list officially required for them to hit the start line...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-pre-race-training-weighed-in-blown-away/?fbclid=IwY2xjawP_PjVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEebUi-SamlMyRg1aP7huHfB2pKmCYdzEfaFjFw96tljJOXhYxCTwX8xnDXZUA_aem_AYCpirBJ3DEZEjDd-WRtjg

Bahrain: Al Anezi claims endurance cup

GDNOnline.com - Full Article

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

ENDURANCE HORSERACING – VICTORIOUS rider Isa Hameed Al Anezi won the main event in the His Majesty the King’s Cup Endurance Festival 2026 yesterday to cap the three-day meeting at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Al Anezi took first place in the 160-kilometre international ride to lift the His Majesty the King’s International Endurance Cup.

His Majesty King Hamad’s humanitarian work and youth affairs representative, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman, and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the event’s concluding day. Shaikh Nasser presented Al Anezi and other winners their respective prizes.

Also on hand was Supreme Council for Environment vice-president, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club High Committee deputy chairman, and SCYS member Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa.

Al Anezi triumphed after completing the gruelling distance ahead of KHK rider Mohammed Al Subaie, who was the runner-up, while Faisal Hameed Al Anezi claimed third overall...

Read more here:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1376169/Al-Anezi-claims-endurance-cup

Gaucho Derby 2026 – Rider rollcall

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
12th February 2026

Derby fans, buenos días. We’re back. The long wait since the nail biting finale and thrilling live coverage of the 2025 Mongol Derby is over. In just under a week’s time, on Wednesday 18 February 2026, the start flag will go down on the 3rd official Gaucho Derby. 42 supremely talented (and slightly mad) jockeys will hoof it out into the wilds, as the long race to the Finish Line fiesta begins. And – equally importantly – everyone following along from home will have something utterly addictive to distract them from boring inconveniences like work and other minor responsibilities for 10 glorious days to come.

Get ready for your new obsession. The Gaucho Derby is back.

The hour draws near. While the crew are already here and busy cleaning out the local vinotecas to stock the Start Camp bar, the riders are beginning to trickle into El Calafate. They have less than 48 hours to make any final frantic changes to their packing list and game plan, before they load up onto the bus for the long journey to head out to our remote Start Camp. As months – and in some cases, years – of careful prep and dreams come to a head, they’ll be asking themselves the questions that really matter: How many pairs of pants do I really need to ride 10 days and 500km across Patagonia? Is deodorant a luxury I can in fact do without?...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-rider-rollcall/

Saudi Arabia: 71 Countries represented at the Al Fursan Endurance AlUla this weekend

http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2026WorldEnduranceChampionship/

February 6 2026

From February 6-8, AlUla (KSA) will once become the stage for the Al Fursan Cup, in an extraordinary setting for this year’s November World Endurance Championship, where sport, heritage and landscape meet at the highest level of international competition.

Riders and horses from across the globe will compete in the CEI2* 120 km and CEI3* 160 km, chasing a total prize money of 20 million SAR.

According to Endurance Lifestyle, 71 countries will be represented in the desert of AlUla — the highest number of countries ever gathered in an FEI endurance competition.

“From every corner of the globe, riders and horses come together on one extraordinary stage, turning AlUla into the true crossroads of international endurance.

“Different flags. One sport. One desert. One historic moment. Endurance has never been this global.”

Great Britain: Pat Guerin Celebrates Extraordinary 20,000km Lifetime Distance Award in Endurance Riding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Knutsford, Cheshire – British endurance rider Pat Guerin has reached a remarkable milestone, achieving 20,000 competitive kilometres in endurance riding, marking more than four decades of dedication to the sport she first discovered in the late 1970s. “I am absolutely delighted and still can’t quite believe I have ridden so many successful competitive kilometres,” said Pat. “It’s been an incredible journey.”

Pat has ridden since the age of five, but her endurance career began after moving from Suffolk to Cheshire in 1977. Answering a local newspaper advert to exercise hunters led to her first endurance ride in 1978 on the mare Treble Chance, a 40-mile Exmoor qualifier. From that moment, she was hooked. She went on to ride for several years before purchasing the iconic Blue ‘G’, beginning a partnership that would define much of her early success.

Among Pat’s many highlights are 3rd and 4th placings in the EHPS Summer Solstice 100-mile rides, the unforgettable experience of mass starts in the dark, and being shortlisted for a Great Britain team to compete in the USA in 1988. In 1989, she rode for England in the winning team at the very first Home International. Pat has also placed in the top five of the prestigious Manar Trophy on four occasions—once with Blue ‘G’ and three times with C F Winter Amadeus.

Still actively competing, Pat currently rides two pure-bred Arab geldings: C F Winter Amadeus, 19, who has recently achieved his own 4,800km award, and Farid My Lad, 16. Amadeus was a classic Grade 1 horse in his prime and a three-time winner of the Arab Horse Society Pure Bred Performance Horse Award. Farid My Lad offers a different challenge, particularly at vettings, but both horses continue to thrive under Pat’s thoughtful and experienced management.

Pat credits her longevity in the sport to steady, varied training, careful horse management, and knowing when to rest. She combines regular hacking with flatwork lessons and occasional dressage competitions, while her horses live out as much as possible throughout the year. She also acknowledges the vital role of her support network, including her husband David and a loyal group of friends who have crewed for her over the years.

A long-standing member of the Cheshire and Staffordshire bridleways community, Pat also values the social side of riding through pleasure rides and training groups, describing endurance as “an all-inclusive sport where everyone is friendly, helpful and encouraging.”

Reflecting on how the sport has evolved, Pat notes huge changes in feeding, equipment and clothing, while believing the heart of endurance remains the same: partnership, resilience and shared experience across beautiful landscapes.

Looking ahead, Pat plans to continue riding 32km and 40km rides regularly, hopes to complete more two-day events, and has her eye on returning to favourites such as Red Dragon, Cirencester and Well Vale.

“Endurance GB is my absolutely amazing happy place,” she said. “As a child I dreamed of having my own pony and riding for miles and miles. Endurance has certainly fulfilled that dream.”

Pat Guerin’s 20,000km achievement stands as a testament to commitment, horsemanship and a lifelong passion for endurance riding within the Endurance GB community.

For further information or interview requests, please contact: pat.guerin@talk21.com

Australia: A life with horses

Two-times Tom Quilty Gold Cup winner Tom Thomsen lends his endurance experience to a new crop of riders

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

24/01/2026
ERLE LEVEY

PRECEDE

Tom Thomsen came to Australia from Denmark at the age of seven. ERLE LEVEY finds out about a life in the bush that has seen Tom go on to compete and succeed at the highest level of endurance horse riding both here and internationally.

BREAKOUT QUOTE

“It’s about what is between the ears .. for rider and horse.”

There is something about the Australian bush that gets into your blood.

That has certainly been the case for Tom Thomsen.

His story could easily be made into a movie – what he has learnt and what he has done with horses across time and distance is quite breathtaking.

Now he has moved on to mentoring other riders coming through in the sport of endurance.

Nothing has stopped his love and enthusiasm for riding, even at the age of 83. And nothing has diminished his recognition of the horses he has had the good fortune to have been involved with...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/24-01-2026/a-life-with-horses/

American rider and brumby complete 4,400km journey across Australia

ABC.net.au - Full Article

By Rachel Boothman
20 January 2026

In short:

American rider Gin Szagola and her former wild brumby, Fable, have completed a coast-to-coast journey across Australia. The pair spent eight months on the road after setting off from New South Wales on May 20 last year Travelling up to 32 kilometres a day, they covered more than 4,400 kilometres, tracking the entire journey.

When people decide to travel across Australia, it is usually behind a steering wheel, but 25-year-old Gin Szagola chose four hooves and a saddle instead.

After eight months and 4,400 kilometres in the saddle, Ms Szagola and her horse Fable have come to the end of their journey at Forrest Beach in Busselton, 200 kilometres south of Perth.

The ride began in Tathra on the New South Wales south coast in May last year, taking the pair through Victoria, South Australia and across the Nullarbor Plain...

Read more here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-21/american-rider-brumby-journey-across-australia/106238888

FEI Endurance Forum 2026: Youth, Safety, and the Future

Cavallomagazine.it - Full Article

During the two-day event in Perugia, the world of equestrian endurance focused on the strategic guidelines for the evolution of the sector, including new generations, sustainability and international comparison. 19 January 2026

The FEI Endurance Forum 2026 concluded in Perugia., a key event for the international community of the discipline, which brought together stakeholders in the sector – athletes, coaches, veterinarians, officials, judges, and organizers – representing over 40 countries.

During the meeting, a shared desire to strengthen a development model based on responsibility, organizational skills, and attention to the principles that characterize endurance emerged clearly.

One of the most significant moments of the Forum was the session dedicated to Young Riders (the category of athletes between 14 and 21 years old) in which young protagonists offered concrete insights on central themes such as education, training, economic sustainability and their conscious approach to endurance, giving rise to a direct comparison with more experienced athletes and with the different points of view present on the international scene...

Read more here:
https://www.cavallomagazine.it/en/sport-equestri/fei-endurance-forum-2026-perugia

Isle of Wight youngster takes Endurance GB junior title

CountyPress.co.uk - Full Article

14 January 2026
By Jon Moreno

A YOUNG equestrian rider from the Isle of Wight has been crowned Endurance GB junior champion after a remarkable season on the national circuit.

Alice Critchison, 12, of Niton, claimed the title thanks to a series of consistently high scores throughout the 2025 campaign, with her pony, Ashley Kate — better known as Pumpkin.

Alice competes in endurance riding — a long‑distance discipline that measures a horse’s stamina and speed, as well as the rider’s skill across tough routes.

Welfare is central to the sport, with compulsory veterinary checks before, during and after each ride, to ensure horses remain fit to continue...

Read more here:
https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/25765851.isle-wight-youngster-takes-endurance-gb-junior-title/

Endurance GB appoints Maggie Pattinson as Team GBR Senior Squad Chef d’Equipe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12 2026

Endurance GB, the national governing body for endurance riding in Great Britain, has announced the appointment of Maggie Pattinson as Team GBR Senior Squad Chef d’Equipe — a key leadership role guiding Britain’s senior endurance riders on the international stage. The appointment follows a rigorous national selection process and places Pattinson at the forefront of Great Britain’s senior endurance programme as preparations begin for upcoming FEI championships.

Her first championship in the role will be the FEI Endurance World Championships for Seniors, to be held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. Ahead of this, she will attend the FEI Endurance European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Jullianges, France, in 2026 in a shadowing capacity — a strategic move, with the same venue set to host the Senior European Championships in 2027.

A lifetime shaped by horses

Now based in Surrey, Pattinson’s life has been defined by horses from an early age. She first rode at the age of two and has since developed decades of experience across riding, coaching, team leadership and horse welfare.

Her career has taken her across the globe, with riding and professional experience in countries including Canada, Switzerland and Mongolia. She has produced horses to FEI international endurance level and built a reputation for thoughtful, welfare-led horsemanship. “Horses are simply part of my DNA,” Pattinson said. “Everything I’ve done — professionally and personally — has revolved around them.”

Proven leadership on the international stage

Pattinson recently concluded a 12-year tenure as Chef d’Equipe of the England Home International Endurance Team, where she became widely respected for her calm authority, strong welfare focus and ability to build cohesive teams under pressure. She also plays a senior role in the internationally renowned Mongol Derby — one of the toughest equestrian challenges in the world — contributing to rider preparation, welfare oversight and high-level decision-making in extreme conditions. “These environments teach you that pressure changes everything,” Pattinson explained. “Clear thinking, calm leadership and always putting the horse first are essential — especially when it really matters.”

Endurance GB leadership response

Endurance GB Chair Larissa Whiley commented:

“Maggie impressed the interview panel with her depth of experience, clarity of vision and unwavering commitment to horse welfare and team culture. She understands that championship success is built over time, through trust, communication and teamwork.”

Performance Director Annie Joppe added:

“Maggie brings a rare blend of empathy, authority and international experience. Her leadership will be invaluable as we prepare British riders and horses for future championships.”

Looking ahead

Pattinson says her focus will be on both immediate championship preparation and the long-term development of British endurance. “Success isn’t just about individual results,” she said. “It’s about building depth, supporting riders early in their journey and creating teams that truly work together.”

As Team GBR looks ahead to a demanding international calendar, Pattinson will play a central role in shaping Britain’s presence at the highest level of the sport. “I’m incredibly proud to represent Team GBR,” she added. “I want people to feel inspired — to believe that with commitment, teamwork and a genuine partnership with the horse, anything is possible.”

UAE: Dubai Ruler Present at HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup

http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival/index.html

Sheikh Mohammed watches on as Hamda and SW Hinkul land showpiece Endurance Cup honours

Januaryt 10 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: When the going gets tough, the tough get going and Hamda Jasim Ahmed proved her mettle amply late on in the flagship event of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Saturday, 10 January.

Victory might have tasted sweeter for the Al Bawadi Stables rider who achieved the feat in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in whose honour the festival ran for the 19th time in 2026.

Hamda had done well during the course of the day to move up consistently on the leaderboard, but was placed 10th going into the final loop of the 160 km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup. It was clear either a miracle or a gargantuan effort was needed for Hamda to overhaul the rest of those ahead of her and success miraculously became a reality following a sublime effort from her mount SW Hinkul. Ensuring her 12-year-old gelded partner would pass the vet examination at the end while having to ride hard was always going to be difficult to juggle. However, backed by a solid team, Hamda did just that to win well, completing the six-loop ride in a time of six hours 14 minutes and 19 seconds (6:14:19) at an average speed of 25.65 kph.

Hamda was 36 seconds clear of next best F3 Stables rider Maitha Mohamed Al Qubaisi, who was timed at 6:14:55 aboard Casino. The ladies were followed home by MRM Stables pair Mansour Saeed Al Farsi and Tatarinu. The third-placed pair were timed at 6:15:22.

Hamda began the day placed 24th at the end of the first loop, but gained ascendancy with absolute consistency over the next four sessions to reach 10th going into the final loop over 20 km. There, she revved up her partner in a calculated manner and easily overcame her challengers to win the biggest prize of her career.

Sheikh Rashed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Major Gen. Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Rais, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, and Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre), were present at the trophy presentation ceremony.

One of the most prestigious competitions on the world endurance calendar, the festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Champion and one of the most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport.

The festival, organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, is held under the patronage and support of Sheikh Mohammed and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to the development of equestrian sport, the delivery of world-class sporting events, and further cements Dubai’s position as the global capital of endurance riding.

UAE: Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares

http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival

January 8 2025

MRM win Gamilati after a late charge from Al Bastaki and Bullio Markan

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Late drama turned out to be the order of the third day’s action in the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Thursday, with MRM Stables’ snatching a stunning late victory in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors courtesy of a fine partnership between Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki and his mount Bullio Markan.

The pair began the last of the four loops of the 120 km ride fifth - and overcame a 39-second deficit to ultimately post an 11 second success in the third event of the world-renowned festival that carries the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Al Bastaki and his seven-year-old chestnut mare were clocked at four hours 26 minutes and 15 seconds (4:26:15) and managed an average speed of 27.04 kph for the ride, their last burst of pace helping them get over the line comfortably with second-best rider Mohamed Saleh Al Attas, riding Al Wathba Stables’ Ro Shy Star, timed at 4:26:26.

One of the UAE’s top riders and last year’s HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares double-winning rider Saif Al Mazrouei, also representing MRM Stables, finished third on Bullio Ahnu, a further three seconds adrift with 4:26:29 on the clock.

The lead changed hands at the end of every loop, with Al Mazrouei putting himself in a strong position to win after seizing the top of the leaderboard going into the fourth and final loop.

The day began with Al Reef Ajban Stables pairing of Ahmed Al Hashmi and Epilobe taking hold of the lead during the first loop spanning 40 km. However, with the pair failing to hold on, the door opened for their opponents and Catalina Llorens, riding Jumeirah Stables’ Sekunda, was quick to take advantage. Al Mazrouei, rooted to second over the first two loops, decided to make his move during the third over 25 km and appeared in a solid position to defend his title.

However, Al Bastaki and Bullio Markan had other plans and having moved with cautious consistency from ninth to seventh to fifth over the first three loops, the pair saved their best for the last phase of the competition over 20 km. There, Al Bastaki really revved up Bullio Markan’s engine and his persistence was rewarded after she obliged by powering home to take a well-earned victory.

Al Bastaki’s triumph in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares follows the success of Al Mugheer in the Private Stables’ ride on the second day of the festival on Wednesday. The opening day of the meeting on Tuesday witnessed Milena Mendez claim victory in the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ladies Ride.

The five-day His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and concludes with the showpiece His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160 km competition, on Thursday 10 January.

MRM Stables pairing of Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki and his mount Bullio Markan celebrate crossing the finish in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors

UAE: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Private Stables Ride

www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival

January 7 2026

Al Mugheer win Private Stables Ride at HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Al Mugheer were crowned champions of the Private Stables ride on the second day of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Wednesday after Mohammed Rashed Mugheer Al Ameemi and his mount Zeus FF managed to script a narrow six second victory in the 120 km competition.

Emirati rider Al Mugheer and his nine-year-old partner navigated the four-loop event in four hours 30 minutes and 38 seconds (4:30:38), having dominated the second half of the event. The pair seized the lead at the half-way mark of the competition to win with second placed compatriot Mohamed Salem Al Hammadi and First Du Puy, representing Alfawaris Private Stables, in hot pursuit only to fall short by six seconds after completing the ride in 4:30:44. Lebanon’s Aya Ali Akkoumi and At Dial Range Sharjah, riding for Al Khayool Private Stables, placed third with a time of 4:31:11.

After the event got underway, SM Private Stable pairing of Eisa Hamoud Alkhayari and Cadete TB flexed their muscles and took top spot on the leaderboard with a brisk start during the first loop spanning 40 km.

The pair were however disqualified at the end of the second loop over 35 km after Cadete TB was declared unfit to compete further following gait issues. That witnessed the lead passing on to Uruguayan rider Federico Ferber, who partnered Al Ain Endurance Stables’ HC Nael. A further amendment took place and the lead changed hands for the second - and final - time when Al Ameemi took charge during the course of the third loop spanning 25 km. Al Ameemi started the day in fourth and had moved up one place during the second loop and climbed a further two spots during the second loop to seize the initiative going into the final loop over 20 km.

And both he and Zeus FF showed much resilience to thwart challenges from their opponents and win the race which carried a unique incentive to encourage Emirati breeding of endurance horses.

Al Mugheer Private Stables’ victory follows Milena Mendez’s success in the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ladies Ride on Tuesday. The five-day His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and comprises a further two rides with the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (120 km) scheduled on Thursday, 8 January, before the meeting concludes with the showpiece His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160 km competition, on Thursday 10 January.

Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, the General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, presents the trophy to Al Mugheer Private Stables, winners of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Private Stables Ride.

UAE: HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Ladies Ride

http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival/ January 6 2026

Goldstream flows for Mendez and M7 on opening day of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The 19th His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival got underway at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Tuesday, 6 January, with M7 Endurance Stables rider Milena Mendez dominating the meeting’s opening event, the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ride for Ladies sponsored by Azizi Developments.

Argentina’s Mendez is no stranger to the sands of the United Arab Emirates and her experience in the saddle of Goldstream (trained by Mohammed Ahmad Al Subosi) showed as the pair overcame an early deficit to stamp their authority on the 120 km four-loop ride. Mendez and Goldstream registered an average speed of 27.51 kph to clock the best time of four hours 21 minutes and 45 seconds (4:21:45) and win with over three minutes and four seconds to spare from second placed M7 teammate and Emirati rider Shamma Darwish Alshihi, who rode SW Ikran (4:24.49).

Finishing third was Sara Mohammed who rode ABH Endurance Stables’ Rushoz Lieutenant in 4:25:11.

Mendez finished with the eighth best time at the end of the first loop spanning 40 kms, a stage that saw Maryam Ahmad Al Tamimi seize the initiative on the back of Zabeel Stables’ Castlebar Shindagha. Al Tamimi and her mount lost ground, slipping one spot on the leaderboard to second as Mendez and Goldstream snatched the summit and stayed rooted throughout giving the rest of the competition no chance as they kept moving further away to finish well ahead.

Mendez’s teammate Alshihi and her partner SW Ikran did well to finish second after finding themselves 28th at the end of the first loop. They moved up five spots during the second loop spanning 35 km and were up to ninth at the end of the third loop over 25 km. Alshihi revved her mount further to eventually take second place on the podium.

Third-placed pair Sara and Rushoz Lieutenant started at sixth, dropped to 13th and moved up to seventh before settling for the final podium spot.

Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, presented the winners with their silverware in the presence of Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, the General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary General of the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation.

The five-day His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and comprises a further three rides with the Private Stables competition (120 km) hosted on Wednesday, 7 January, followed by the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (120 km) on Thursday, 8 January.

The Festival concludes with the showpiece His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160 km competition, on Thursday 10 January.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 to begin on 6 January

Festival brings together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar

19th edition opens with the 120 km Ladies ride, the first of four events on the festival programme

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5 January 2026: Dubai is set to host the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seih Al Salam, with the competition set to begin on 6 January.

Held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the festival will bring together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar.

One of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, the festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, a World Endurance Champion whose long-standing support has played a central role in the development of equestrian sport. The festival reflects the UAE’s commitment to the development of equestrian sport and the delivery of world-class sporting events, while further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for endurance riding. Since its inception, the festival has attracted elite riders and leading endurance stables from around the world.

Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the 19th edition gets underway on Tuesday, 6 January with the 120 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments. The Ladies ride is the first of four events on the festival programme and will be followed the next day by the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Private Stables over 120 km. The competition includes a dedicated incentive to support Emirati 

breeders.

The 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, will take place on Thursday, 8 January, with the festival concluding on Saturday, 10 January with the 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Over the years, the festival has played a significant role in raising competitive standards while showcasing the UAE’s advanced organisational capabilities in hosting major equestrian championships to the highest international standards.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, said the festival has continued to evolve and strengthen its global standing thanks to the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflecting his vision of establishing Dubai as a leading global destination for endurance riding.

Ahmed Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said preparations have been completed at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City to welcome riders from around the world. He noted that the festival represents a key fixture on the international endurance calendar and that DIEC provides a highly competitive environment for athletes, while offering an engaging experience for spectators and guests.

Al Kaabi said Dubai Equestrian Club continues to play a key role in advancing endurance riding at the international level, with the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival reflecting the UAE’s leadership in delivering competitions that meet the highest standards of the sport.

Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre), said: “We are proud to sponsor the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a landmark event on the global equestrian calendar that reflects His Highness’s vision to advance endurance riding and elevate the sport’s international standing. This sponsorship is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to supporting heritage sports that are deeply rooted in our identity and values, that reflect the discipline and excellence we uphold at Emirates.

“The event also reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for world-class equestrian competitions, bringing together elite riders and horses from around the world. We look forward to yet another exciting edition of the championship that builds on its strong legacy and delivers a high-calibre sporting experience for participants and audiences alike.”

Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments and Azizi Group, said: “We are proud to once again be part of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, one of the most prestigious fixtures in the global endurance calendar. Equestrianism is deeply embedded in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and Dubai continues to exemplify world-class hospitality and leadership in

hosting events of this scale. Sponsoring this festival for the ninth consecutive year reflects our enduring commitment to initiatives that unite communities, celebrate excellence, and enrich lives.”

Al Tayer Motors and Defender will sponsor the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares for the 15th time and will be giving away vehicles, including Defenders, as prizes to the winners.

Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing, Al Tayer Motors, said: “We are honoured to be part of this iconic festival, reaffirming our commitment to the UAE’s equestrian community and local sporting events. Beyond showcasing our Defender range, renowned worldwide for their durability and all-terrain capability, we take pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate heritage, foster community engagement, and strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship across the nation.”

At the 2025 edition, MRM Stables claimed both the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, following victories by Saif Al Mazrouei riding Magic Glenn Torque and Bullio Ahnu, respectively, while the Ladies Cup was won by Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables after Zamzam Hamad Al Hosani secured victory riding Dorzok.

The Private Stables competition was claimed by Al Awasif Stables, with Ali Mohammed Al Blooshi taking the title riding Sandine Raptor.

Top photo Left to right: Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, HE Khalifa Thani bin Obood Al Falasi, Board Member of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Dr Ghanem Al Hajri Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF)