I think that this event represented the maturity of our sport at the International level. It was a very tight race - a tightly contested race. I'm not sure how much more advantage can be gained in future events by 'getting better' at any single aspect of competition. With more things being equal (training, nutrition, crewing, strategy) we are beginning to see the true brilliance and athletic ability of the horse and the skill and horsemanship of the rider prevail.
I have written many many words about this event, about Malaysia as host, about the efforts behind a WEC. This link will take you there -
WEC wrap up - Steph's view
Congratulations to all who endeavored and to all who succeeded!
Steph Teeter
Endurance.net
Showing posts with label 2008WEC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008WEC. Show all posts
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
[WEC Reports] Spain Wins Individual Gold as U.S. Battles Illness and Elements
USEF.org
Release: November 12 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia - Besting a Championship field of riders, Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton galloped home to Gold on Nobby, with a ride time of 8:48:06. Argentinean rider, Agustin Vita, riding Baraka Ibn Al Tamah won Silver, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem of the United Arab Emirates, gained the Bronze on Tazoul El Parry at the 2008 World Endurance Championship held at Terengganu, Malaysia, on the edge of the South China Sea. Nobby and Ponton were also awarded the Best Condition. The first ten riders finished within one hour of the winning time. The Gulf Countries of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain swept Team Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively.
Kathy Brunjes riding Theatric was the first and only member of the United States team to finish in 24th position while Valerie Kanavy riding Flash Flame came in shortly after her in 25th place. The six member U.S. squad finished one team and one individual rider after an exceptional run of bad luck. Team member, John Crandell riding Saba Shams, was eliminated at Gate Two for lameness. Cheryl Dell, riding one of the highest rated horses, Reason To Believe, was stricken with a debilitating illness and had to withdraw at the same gate. Early in the ride, a heavy rain storm caused flooding on the trail, but it was the bolt of lightning that finished off the team. When lightning struck a tree as Jan Worthington on the aptly named, Golden Lightning, and Meg Sleeper on Syrocco Reveille, traveled through the water on the trail, the horses received the shock. The horses were flipped end over end, dumping riders and gear. Fortunately, no one was badly hurt at the time, but the scrapes and bruises on the horses took their toll over the remaining 70 miles, and both horses were eventually eliminated for lameness. Forty-eight horses finished the ride of the 127 starters.
United States Equestrian Federation Director of Endurance Vonita Bowers said, "We had a plan and stuck to it, but we had some bad luck. The horses were very ready. We had no metabolic issues and we had good recoveries. We knew the speeds that we wanted to go and we stuck fairly close to those speeds. Except for the unforeseen things such as illness and lightning, we rode our ride the way we planned. The selection process gave us the best horses and the best riders, and the training session system of selection worked well."
Chef d'Equipe, Becky Hart commented, "In spite of the outcome, a lot of good things happened here. Everyone worked like a team; when a rider was pulled, they pitched in to help. We are now moving onward and making plans for Kentucky."
Held once every two years, the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship was staged from the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, situated on the South China sea on the coastline north of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. 129 riders from 32 countries were invited to compete. The sponsorship and location were promoted by avid endurance rider, the King of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahumud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah. The world's top riders were joined by members of the Royal families of Bahrain and Dubai.
Due to the tropical climate, the 160 km event began at 5:30 p.m. and ran throughout the night.
The U.S. Training Squad is already preparing for the 2010 Endurance Championship ride to be held as part of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. This is the 3rd time the United States has hosted the World Endurance Championship. It was held at Front Royal, Virginia, in 1988 and in Fort Riley, Kansas, in 1996.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/13/2008 12:08:00 AM
Release: November 12 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia - Besting a Championship field of riders, Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton galloped home to Gold on Nobby, with a ride time of 8:48:06. Argentinean rider, Agustin Vita, riding Baraka Ibn Al Tamah won Silver, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem of the United Arab Emirates, gained the Bronze on Tazoul El Parry at the 2008 World Endurance Championship held at Terengganu, Malaysia, on the edge of the South China Sea. Nobby and Ponton were also awarded the Best Condition. The first ten riders finished within one hour of the winning time. The Gulf Countries of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain swept Team Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively.
Kathy Brunjes riding Theatric was the first and only member of the United States team to finish in 24th position while Valerie Kanavy riding Flash Flame came in shortly after her in 25th place. The six member U.S. squad finished one team and one individual rider after an exceptional run of bad luck. Team member, John Crandell riding Saba Shams, was eliminated at Gate Two for lameness. Cheryl Dell, riding one of the highest rated horses, Reason To Believe, was stricken with a debilitating illness and had to withdraw at the same gate. Early in the ride, a heavy rain storm caused flooding on the trail, but it was the bolt of lightning that finished off the team. When lightning struck a tree as Jan Worthington on the aptly named, Golden Lightning, and Meg Sleeper on Syrocco Reveille, traveled through the water on the trail, the horses received the shock. The horses were flipped end over end, dumping riders and gear. Fortunately, no one was badly hurt at the time, but the scrapes and bruises on the horses took their toll over the remaining 70 miles, and both horses were eventually eliminated for lameness. Forty-eight horses finished the ride of the 127 starters.
United States Equestrian Federation Director of Endurance Vonita Bowers said, "We had a plan and stuck to it, but we had some bad luck. The horses were very ready. We had no metabolic issues and we had good recoveries. We knew the speeds that we wanted to go and we stuck fairly close to those speeds. Except for the unforeseen things such as illness and lightning, we rode our ride the way we planned. The selection process gave us the best horses and the best riders, and the training session system of selection worked well."
Chef d'Equipe, Becky Hart commented, "In spite of the outcome, a lot of good things happened here. Everyone worked like a team; when a rider was pulled, they pitched in to help. We are now moving onward and making plans for Kentucky."
Held once every two years, the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship was staged from the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, situated on the South China sea on the coastline north of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. 129 riders from 32 countries were invited to compete. The sponsorship and location were promoted by avid endurance rider, the King of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahumud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah. The world's top riders were joined by members of the Royal families of Bahrain and Dubai.
Due to the tropical climate, the 160 km event began at 5:30 p.m. and ran throughout the night.
The U.S. Training Squad is already preparing for the 2010 Endurance Championship ride to be held as part of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. This is the 3rd time the United States has hosted the World Endurance Championship. It was held at Front Royal, Virginia, in 1988 and in Fort Riley, Kansas, in 1996.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/13/2008 12:08:00 AM
Monday, November 10, 2008
[WEC Reports] New Zealand: They did it!
NZEquestrian.org.nz
9/11/2008 4:20:09 p.m.
Andrea Smith and horse Sierra Nevada were placed 31st in the 160km World Endurance Championship in a time of 11:46 yesterday.
Kevin James the High Performance Director said today that the team is very happy with Andrea's performance and that she has done NZ proud. When asked how Andrea was feeling today, Kevin said "a box of fluffy ducks".
There were 127 starters in the World Championship with an unbelievable 70 that "vetted out". The low completion rate says a lot about how difficult the climatic conditions and track may have been.
Smith's completion and excellent placing has given NZ the ability to compare, how we sit on the international stage. It is at times like these that the future of the sport, heading into WEG 2010, looks very promising and exciting for Endurance NZ.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/11/2008 01:19:00 AM
9/11/2008 4:20:09 p.m.
Andrea Smith and horse Sierra Nevada were placed 31st in the 160km World Endurance Championship in a time of 11:46 yesterday.
Kevin James the High Performance Director said today that the team is very happy with Andrea's performance and that she has done NZ proud. When asked how Andrea was feeling today, Kevin said "a box of fluffy ducks".
There were 127 starters in the World Championship with an unbelievable 70 that "vetted out". The low completion rate says a lot about how difficult the climatic conditions and track may have been.
Smith's completion and excellent placing has given NZ the ability to compare, how we sit on the international stage. It is at times like these that the future of the sport, heading into WEG 2010, looks very promising and exciting for Endurance NZ.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/11/2008 01:19:00 AM
[WEC Reports] The Aussies: 12th FEI WEC 2008
12th FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 by Sharon Meyers
What a roller coaster of an adventure this ride has been.
Maria Alvarez Ponton won the ride. Her bay French-bred Arab gelding Nobby (Best Conditioned) is only a little fellow but is neatly put together - an athletic horse. They traveled at 21.41 for the final leg.
Second: Agustin Vita, UAE.
Third: Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, UAE.
Fourth: HH Sh Majid Bin Mohd Al Maktoum, UAE.
The Australians vetted through to a huge cheer. The horses looked as though they could go out on another leg! Penny Toft and Don placed 18th and Kristie McGaffin and Tierview Maverick 19th. A sterling effort all round. The Australian contingent worked hard throughout the night and morning.
Derek Armitage and Moorah Park Mickerby, Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo, Brook Sample and Brookleigh Excalibur and Meg Wade and China Doll did not complete the ride.
Penny Toft and Don and Kristie McGaffin and Tierview Maverick both completed in 18th and 19th position. Their big striding horses ate up the course and they came back to base looking extraordinarily well after each loop. The Australian crew did a sterling job strapping the horses, as did the roving crew meeting the riders out at the crew points. A great team effort from everyone. Our team consisted of Penny, Kristie, Meg and Matthew.
It was a tough ride with the weather conditions that prevailed at the time. A huge storm hit the area with lightening strikes and thunder claps that hurt your ears. Lighting struck the media tent and the Aussie base. The Aussies received a nasty electric shock including Kristy and Maverick. The thunderclap that followed was unbelievable – we all jumped out of our skins! Fortunately Matt and I were not in the media tent at the time when it was struck by the lightening. I believe two American horses were knocked off their feet while out on the track as a result of a lightening strike.
I was surprised at the speed that Spaniard Maria Alvarez Ponton travelled at throughout the ride. It was obvious from the start she was out to win the ride. Her support team at the crew points were like a well-oiled machine – they never missed a beat. Maria never stopped, they just ran along side throwing water over the horse and doing what was necessary. One the first loop her speed was 20.45, second loop 17.56, third loop 19.44, fourth 15.83, fifth 17.71, sixth 16.80 and seventh 21.41. Maria led for all loops except Loop Two where she came in second. I went and had a close look at her horse Noddy while waiting for Best Conditioned. He is a lovely purebred Arab gelding with kind eyes, very athletic looking, well put together and quite small. For the pedigree conscious he has three crosses to Nabeg. Noddy looked as though he could go out again, a credit to his rider and team.
The Team Results
First – UAE
Second – Qatar
Third – Bahrain
Fourth – Portugal
More...
Photos by Matt Bennet
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/11/2008 01:15:00 AM
What a roller coaster of an adventure this ride has been.
Maria Alvarez Ponton won the ride. Her bay French-bred Arab gelding Nobby (Best Conditioned) is only a little fellow but is neatly put together - an athletic horse. They traveled at 21.41 for the final leg.
Second: Agustin Vita, UAE.
Third: Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, UAE.
Fourth: HH Sh Majid Bin Mohd Al Maktoum, UAE.
The Australians vetted through to a huge cheer. The horses looked as though they could go out on another leg! Penny Toft and Don placed 18th and Kristie McGaffin and Tierview Maverick 19th. A sterling effort all round. The Australian contingent worked hard throughout the night and morning.
Derek Armitage and Moorah Park Mickerby, Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo, Brook Sample and Brookleigh Excalibur and Meg Wade and China Doll did not complete the ride.
Penny Toft and Don and Kristie McGaffin and Tierview Maverick both completed in 18th and 19th position. Their big striding horses ate up the course and they came back to base looking extraordinarily well after each loop. The Australian crew did a sterling job strapping the horses, as did the roving crew meeting the riders out at the crew points. A great team effort from everyone. Our team consisted of Penny, Kristie, Meg and Matthew.
It was a tough ride with the weather conditions that prevailed at the time. A huge storm hit the area with lightening strikes and thunder claps that hurt your ears. Lighting struck the media tent and the Aussie base. The Aussies received a nasty electric shock including Kristy and Maverick. The thunderclap that followed was unbelievable – we all jumped out of our skins! Fortunately Matt and I were not in the media tent at the time when it was struck by the lightening. I believe two American horses were knocked off their feet while out on the track as a result of a lightening strike.
I was surprised at the speed that Spaniard Maria Alvarez Ponton travelled at throughout the ride. It was obvious from the start she was out to win the ride. Her support team at the crew points were like a well-oiled machine – they never missed a beat. Maria never stopped, they just ran along side throwing water over the horse and doing what was necessary. One the first loop her speed was 20.45, second loop 17.56, third loop 19.44, fourth 15.83, fifth 17.71, sixth 16.80 and seventh 21.41. Maria led for all loops except Loop Two where she came in second. I went and had a close look at her horse Noddy while waiting for Best Conditioned. He is a lovely purebred Arab gelding with kind eyes, very athletic looking, well put together and quite small. For the pedigree conscious he has three crosses to Nabeg. Noddy looked as though he could go out again, a credit to his rider and team.
The Team Results
First – UAE
Second – Qatar
Third – Bahrain
Fourth – Portugal
More...
Photos by Matt Bennet
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/11/2008 01:15:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Bahrain endurance team receive award
Gulf-daily-news.com
10th November2008
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team yesterday received the bronze medal following their third place finish in the World Endurance Horseride Championship which concluded on Saturday at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengganu.The Bahraini team was captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who came eighth in the individual category.
Other riders of the Royal team were Ghazi Al Dossary who was ninth overall, Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The Bahraini team is coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while the team manager is Dr Khalid Hassan who received the trophy on behalf of Shaikh Nasser who returned to Bahrain right after the race.
A total of 242 riders, representing 34 countries from across the world started this race but few managed to cross the finish line due to heavy rain, especially in the first three stages.
The awarding ceremony was held under the patronage of the Malaysian monarch Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin who deputised his wife to honour the winners.
Maria Mercedes of Spain won the race while Argentinean rider Agustin Vita finished second and Sultan bin Sulayem of the UAE was third.
Finished
The next four places were won by UAE riders - Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum finished fourth and was followed by Mohammed Al Saboosi, Mubarak bin Shafia and Abdulla bin Hazeem in that other.
Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid congratulated the members of the UAE and Qatari teams who finished first and second respectively in the team event, adding that the Gulf nations will now pose a stronger challenge to the Europeans, Americans and the Australians.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/10/2008 04:39:00 PM
10th November2008
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team yesterday received the bronze medal following their third place finish in the World Endurance Horseride Championship which concluded on Saturday at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengganu.The Bahraini team was captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who came eighth in the individual category.
Other riders of the Royal team were Ghazi Al Dossary who was ninth overall, Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The Bahraini team is coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while the team manager is Dr Khalid Hassan who received the trophy on behalf of Shaikh Nasser who returned to Bahrain right after the race.
A total of 242 riders, representing 34 countries from across the world started this race but few managed to cross the finish line due to heavy rain, especially in the first three stages.
The awarding ceremony was held under the patronage of the Malaysian monarch Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin who deputised his wife to honour the winners.
Maria Mercedes of Spain won the race while Argentinean rider Agustin Vita finished second and Sultan bin Sulayem of the UAE was third.
Finished
The next four places were won by UAE riders - Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum finished fourth and was followed by Mohammed Al Saboosi, Mubarak bin Shafia and Abdulla bin Hazeem in that other.
Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid congratulated the members of the UAE and Qatari teams who finished first and second respectively in the team event, adding that the Gulf nations will now pose a stronger challenge to the Europeans, Americans and the Australians.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/10/2008 04:39:00 PM
Sunday, November 09, 2008
[WEC Reports] Riders give event the thumbs up
New Straits Times - Full Article
By Ajitpal Singh - ajitpalsigh@nst.com.my
THE 12th FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC), which concluded yesterday was an intense competition among the best endurance riders in the world in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
The race was a success as 48 riders or 38.09 per cent of the 126 participants completed the 160km race, one of the highest completion rate ever to be recorded in this event.
Riders also praised the challenging track conditions.
Spain's Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton emerged as the individual champion, becoming the 10th woman in the history of WEC to achieve the feat.
Argentina's Vita Agustin and the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Sultan Ahmed Sultan Sulayem won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Maria's horse - Nobby, was also named the "Best Condition Horse" in the competition.
"I would not have won if not for Nobby's perfect condition during the race. I'm happy that my horse won the award," said Maria at the closing ceremony at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu yesterday.
More...
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/10/2008 02:19:00 AM
By Ajitpal Singh - ajitpalsigh@nst.com.my
THE 12th FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC), which concluded yesterday was an intense competition among the best endurance riders in the world in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
The race was a success as 48 riders or 38.09 per cent of the 126 participants completed the 160km race, one of the highest completion rate ever to be recorded in this event.
Riders also praised the challenging track conditions.
Spain's Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton emerged as the individual champion, becoming the 10th woman in the history of WEC to achieve the feat.
Argentina's Vita Agustin and the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Sultan Ahmed Sultan Sulayem won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Maria's horse - Nobby, was also named the "Best Condition Horse" in the competition.
"I would not have won if not for Nobby's perfect condition during the race. I'm happy that my horse won the award," said Maria at the closing ceremony at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu yesterday.
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/10/2008 02:19:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Asia reigns top in World Endurance Championship
Gulfnews.com - Full Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 09, 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia: A colourful ceremony brought the curtain down on the World Endurance Championship as officials hailed the 'no casualty' event a success in tropical Malaysia - one of the toughest environments for riders and horses.
The King of Malyasia Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abideen Bin Al Marhum Sultan Mahmoud who took part in the 160-km endurance ride in which the UAE reigned supreme with a team gold, graced the prize distribution ceremony on Sunday and a gala dinner function was later held.
Later, speaking to Gulf News, Ian Williams, the FEI Director for Non-Olympic equestrian sport, said Malaysia confirmed the global status of endurance.
"A lot of people were sceptical about this championship because of the tropical climate. But the teams took on board the challenges and addressed them and we saw some high levels of horsemanship..."
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 10:39:00 PM
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 09, 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia: A colourful ceremony brought the curtain down on the World Endurance Championship as officials hailed the 'no casualty' event a success in tropical Malaysia - one of the toughest environments for riders and horses.
The King of Malyasia Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abideen Bin Al Marhum Sultan Mahmoud who took part in the 160-km endurance ride in which the UAE reigned supreme with a team gold, graced the prize distribution ceremony on Sunday and a gala dinner function was later held.
Later, speaking to Gulf News, Ian Williams, the FEI Director for Non-Olympic equestrian sport, said Malaysia confirmed the global status of endurance.
"A lot of people were sceptical about this championship because of the tropical climate. But the teams took on board the challenges and addressed them and we saw some high levels of horsemanship..."
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 10:39:00 PM
[WEC Reports] I'm on cloud nine, says UAE endurance winner
Gulfnews.com - Full Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 09, 2008
Terengganu: Winning a gold medal in the World Endurance Championship with the UAE team in his very first appearance in his country's colours, Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim is still on cloud nine.
After the triumphant UAE team led by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, returned home after winning the team gold and an individual bronze medal, Bin Huzaim was elated after receiving the gold medal for being a member of the winning quartet.
Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Mohammad Ahmad Ali Subose and Bin Huzaim took the team gold while Sultan Bin Sulayem won the bronze in the individual event.
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 10:38:00 PM
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 09, 2008
Terengganu: Winning a gold medal in the World Endurance Championship with the UAE team in his very first appearance in his country's colours, Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim is still on cloud nine.
After the triumphant UAE team led by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, returned home after winning the team gold and an individual bronze medal, Bin Huzaim was elated after receiving the gold medal for being a member of the winning quartet.
Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Mohammad Ahmad Ali Subose and Bin Huzaim took the team gold while Sultan Bin Sulayem won the bronze in the individual event.
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 10:38:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Terengganu prepared to organise WEC if given chance
New Straits Times
2008/11/09
SETIU, TERENGGANU:
The Terengganu state government is prepared to organise the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in future if given the opportunity to do so, said Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said.
"We are prepared to become the main sponsor in view of the good response from the public besides the benefits derived in terms of the state's economic activity," he said.
He disclosed this to reporters after the prize giving ceremony for the WEC 2008 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at Lembah Bidong, near here today.
In the championship that ended yesterday, Spanish rider Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton emerged as champion in the individual category while the team from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) won in the team category. Ahmad said that in the WEC 2008, the state government only assisted in ensuring the smooth running of the championship organised by the National Sports Institute with the cooperation of the Equestrian Association of Malaysia and sanctioned by International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 04:40:00 PM
2008/11/09
SETIU, TERENGGANU:
The Terengganu state government is prepared to organise the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in future if given the opportunity to do so, said Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said.
"We are prepared to become the main sponsor in view of the good response from the public besides the benefits derived in terms of the state's economic activity," he said.
He disclosed this to reporters after the prize giving ceremony for the WEC 2008 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at Lembah Bidong, near here today.
In the championship that ended yesterday, Spanish rider Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton emerged as champion in the individual category while the team from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) won in the team category. Ahmad said that in the WEC 2008, the state government only assisted in ensuring the smooth running of the championship organised by the National Sports Institute with the cooperation of the Equestrian Association of Malaysia and sanctioned by International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 04:40:00 PM
Saturday, November 08, 2008
[WEC Reports] Azizie, Halim do Malaysia proud
Azizie Ismail was the best-placed Malaysian finishing 34th in a time of 11:54:32s.
New Straits Times
THEY many not have won any medals but Azizie Ismail and Abdul Halim Alihan brought cheer to the Malaysian camp at at the Terengganu Endurance International Park yesterday.
They were the only two finishers among the 12 Malaysians who took part in the gruelling 160km FEI World Endurance event which was won by Spain's Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton, astride Nobby.
Azizie and Halim finished 34th and 39th respectively in times of 11:54:32s and 12:27:53. The event started with 126 riders and only 48 lasted the distance.
Malaysia's hopes for a placing in the team event were dashed when all four horses were eliminated for various reasons
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse Ibrahim Paschal Larzac was eliminated after the fifth loop as were Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak (third loop), Mohd Faizal Ismail (fourth loop) and Rosdam Mohd Noor (fifth loop). The King had to ride under extreme weather conditions caused by a thunderstorm between loops one and two.
He said that he was pleased other Malaysian riders were able to complete the race under such difficult conditions.
"I'm sad because my horse could not continue but I am happy that there were so many fans who came to watch the event."
The six other Malaysian riders in the individual category who were also eliminated included former World No 1 Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani.
The others were Datuk Abdullah Taib, Che Ahmad Yusri, Muhammad Firdaus Hamid, Norlaily Bunyamin and Zainuddin Yusof.
A beaming Halim said although he had completed 160km races before, finishing the WEC was a special feat that he would cherish.
"I only started endurance racing two years ago and earned a ticket to compete in event on merit," said the Sarawakian who started as a groom and riding boy at the Royal Terengganu Stable Club in 2006.
The 27-year-old rider, who has competed in four 160km endurance competitions this year, is ranked 161st in the world and his best result was fifth placing at the Saera event in Australia in June.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/09/2008 02:31:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Qatar turn out to be surprise package
Gulfnews.com - Full Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
November 08, 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia: Qatar turned out to be the surprise package as they grabbed the silver medal in the team championship while Argentina's Vita Austin took the silver in the individual event of the 2008 World Endurance Championship as the two countries announced their arrival on the endurance scene.
Qatar's win, which was fashioned by Atta Mohammad Beer, Faleh Nasser Abugnaim and Mohammad Sultan Al Suwaidi now means that the Gulf nations will pose a stronger challenge to the Europeans, Americans and the Australians.
While the UAE have already underlined their supremacy in the sport, Qatar followed up their silver medal in the individual and team events in the Doha Asian Games with a superb display in the team championships in Portugal last year when they won the silver medal in the European Open.
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 10:25:00 PM
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
November 08, 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia: Qatar turned out to be the surprise package as they grabbed the silver medal in the team championship while Argentina's Vita Austin took the silver in the individual event of the 2008 World Endurance Championship as the two countries announced their arrival on the endurance scene.
Qatar's win, which was fashioned by Atta Mohammad Beer, Faleh Nasser Abugnaim and Mohammad Sultan Al Suwaidi now means that the Gulf nations will pose a stronger challenge to the Europeans, Americans and the Australians.
While the UAE have already underlined their supremacy in the sport, Qatar followed up their silver medal in the individual and team events in the Doha Asian Games with a superb display in the team championships in Portugal last year when they won the silver medal in the European Open.
More...
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 10:25:00 PM
[WEC Reports] BAHRAIN TAKES THIRD PLACE IN FEI ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008
Bahrain News Agency
08 11, 2008
MANAMA, NOV 8 (BNA)-- BAHRAIN ENDURANCE TEAM LED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE HORSE RACING FEDERATION SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA CLINCHED THIRD PLACE IN THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008.
MEANWHILE, ON THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL SPAINS MARIA MERCEDES ALVAREZ PONTON ASTRIDE NOBBY NOT ONLY OVERCAME HUNDERSTORMS AND PITCH DARKNESS BUT ALSO HER MALE CHALLENGERS TO WIN THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 INDIVIDUAL TITLE, WHILE THE UAE CLINCHED THE TEAM TITLE AT THE TERENGGANU INTERNATIONAL ENDURANCE PARK (TIEP) IN LEMBAH BIDONG, SETIU REPORTED THE MALAYSIAN NEWS AGENCY, BERNAMA TODAY. MARIAS WIN UNDERLINED SPAINS SUPREMACY IN WORLD ENDURANCE RACES AS IT WAS THEIR SECOND VICTORY IN THE INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY IN THE PRESTIGIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER MIGUEL VILLA UBACH WON THE TITLE IN 2006 IN AACHEN, GERMANY. THE SPANISH RIDER LED FROM START TO FINISH WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SECOND LOOP WHERE SHE CAME IN SECOND BEHIND ARGENTINAS AGUSTIN VITA TO COMPLETE THE 160KM RACE IN A TIME OF 8 HOURS 48 MINUTES AND 06 SECONDS. HER WIN ALSO MAINTAINED WOMENS DOMINANCE IN THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP AS SHE BECAME THE 10TH WOMEN TO WIN THE INDIVIDUAL TITLE OUT OF 12 EDITIONS, SINCE 1986. APART FROM UBACH IN 2006 THE ONLY OTHER TIME MEN WON THE TITLE WAS IN 2002 WHEN SPAIN HOSTED THE CHAMPIONSHIP. AHMED AL MAKTOUM OF THE UAE WON IT THEN. VITA WENT ON TO CLINCH SECOND PLACE WITH A TIME OF 857:55S WHILE UAES SULTAN AHMED SULTAN SULAYEM CLOCKED 909:31S TO TAKE THIRD PLACE. MARIA WHO STARTED THE 160KM RACE AT 5. 30 PM YESTERDAY TOGETHER WITH 126 OTHER RIDERS WHO COMPETED IN THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM EVENTS, COMPLETED THE FINAL LOOP (LOOP 7) AT 7. 18 AM THIS MORNING AS THE FIRST RIDER WHILE THE LAST RIDER CAME INTO THE FINAL CHECK POINT AT 11. 40 AM. IN THE TEAM EVENT, MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES UAE, QATAR AND BAHRAIN MADE A CLEAN SWEEP OF THE TOP THREE PLACES WHILE DEFENDING CHAMPION FRANCE WERE RELEGATED TO 9TH SPOT AS PORTUGAL, SPAIN, ITALY, CANADA AND ARGENTINA FINISHED AHEAD OF THEM. THE TOTAL TIMES RECORDED BY UAES THREE TEAM MEMBERS, 27 HOURS 57 MINUTES 59 SECONDS GAVE THEM THE TEAM TITLE AHEAD OF QATAR WHO FINISHED WITH A TIME OF 2847:17S FOR SECOND PLACE WHILE BAHRAIN SNATCHED THIRD PLACE FROM PORTUGAL WITH A TIME OF 3055:34S. THE GRUELING RACE THAT WAS FLAGGED OFF AT 5. 30 PM YESTERDAY WITH 126 RIDERS SAW ONLY 50 RIDERS COMPLETE THE RACE WHILE 76 WERE ELIMINATED FOR VARIOUS HEALTH REASONS TO HORSES OR THE RIDERS. BY THE FIRST LOOP, 21 RIDERS HAD BEEN ELIMINATED AND ANOTHER 10 SAW THE EXIT IN THE SECOND LOOP, 15 AFTER THE THIRD LOOP, 13 MORE WERE ELIMINATED IN THE FOURTH LOOP WHILE THE FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH LOOPS SAW TEN, FOUR AND THREE RIDERS DISQUALIFIED RESPECTIVELY.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 08:47:00 PM
08 11, 2008
MANAMA, NOV 8 (BNA)-- BAHRAIN ENDURANCE TEAM LED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE HORSE RACING FEDERATION SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA CLINCHED THIRD PLACE IN THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008.
MEANWHILE, ON THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL SPAINS MARIA MERCEDES ALVAREZ PONTON ASTRIDE NOBBY NOT ONLY OVERCAME HUNDERSTORMS AND PITCH DARKNESS BUT ALSO HER MALE CHALLENGERS TO WIN THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 INDIVIDUAL TITLE, WHILE THE UAE CLINCHED THE TEAM TITLE AT THE TERENGGANU INTERNATIONAL ENDURANCE PARK (TIEP) IN LEMBAH BIDONG, SETIU REPORTED THE MALAYSIAN NEWS AGENCY, BERNAMA TODAY. MARIAS WIN UNDERLINED SPAINS SUPREMACY IN WORLD ENDURANCE RACES AS IT WAS THEIR SECOND VICTORY IN THE INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY IN THE PRESTIGIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER MIGUEL VILLA UBACH WON THE TITLE IN 2006 IN AACHEN, GERMANY. THE SPANISH RIDER LED FROM START TO FINISH WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SECOND LOOP WHERE SHE CAME IN SECOND BEHIND ARGENTINAS AGUSTIN VITA TO COMPLETE THE 160KM RACE IN A TIME OF 8 HOURS 48 MINUTES AND 06 SECONDS. HER WIN ALSO MAINTAINED WOMENS DOMINANCE IN THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP AS SHE BECAME THE 10TH WOMEN TO WIN THE INDIVIDUAL TITLE OUT OF 12 EDITIONS, SINCE 1986. APART FROM UBACH IN 2006 THE ONLY OTHER TIME MEN WON THE TITLE WAS IN 2002 WHEN SPAIN HOSTED THE CHAMPIONSHIP. AHMED AL MAKTOUM OF THE UAE WON IT THEN. VITA WENT ON TO CLINCH SECOND PLACE WITH A TIME OF 857:55S WHILE UAES SULTAN AHMED SULTAN SULAYEM CLOCKED 909:31S TO TAKE THIRD PLACE. MARIA WHO STARTED THE 160KM RACE AT 5. 30 PM YESTERDAY TOGETHER WITH 126 OTHER RIDERS WHO COMPETED IN THE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM EVENTS, COMPLETED THE FINAL LOOP (LOOP 7) AT 7. 18 AM THIS MORNING AS THE FIRST RIDER WHILE THE LAST RIDER CAME INTO THE FINAL CHECK POINT AT 11. 40 AM. IN THE TEAM EVENT, MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES UAE, QATAR AND BAHRAIN MADE A CLEAN SWEEP OF THE TOP THREE PLACES WHILE DEFENDING CHAMPION FRANCE WERE RELEGATED TO 9TH SPOT AS PORTUGAL, SPAIN, ITALY, CANADA AND ARGENTINA FINISHED AHEAD OF THEM. THE TOTAL TIMES RECORDED BY UAES THREE TEAM MEMBERS, 27 HOURS 57 MINUTES 59 SECONDS GAVE THEM THE TEAM TITLE AHEAD OF QATAR WHO FINISHED WITH A TIME OF 2847:17S FOR SECOND PLACE WHILE BAHRAIN SNATCHED THIRD PLACE FROM PORTUGAL WITH A TIME OF 3055:34S. THE GRUELING RACE THAT WAS FLAGGED OFF AT 5. 30 PM YESTERDAY WITH 126 RIDERS SAW ONLY 50 RIDERS COMPLETE THE RACE WHILE 76 WERE ELIMINATED FOR VARIOUS HEALTH REASONS TO HORSES OR THE RIDERS. BY THE FIRST LOOP, 21 RIDERS HAD BEEN ELIMINATED AND ANOTHER 10 SAW THE EXIT IN THE SECOND LOOP, 15 AFTER THE THIRD LOOP, 13 MORE WERE ELIMINATED IN THE FOURTH LOOP WHILE THE FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH LOOPS SAW TEN, FOUR AND THREE RIDERS DISQUALIFIED RESPECTIVELY.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 08:47:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Bahrain: HM THE KING HAILS SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT
Bahrain News Agency
08 11, 2008
MANAMA, NOV 8 (BNA)-- HIS MAJESTY KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA SENT A CABLE OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE HORSE RACING FEDERATION (BREEF) SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA FOR CLINCHING THE BRONZE MEDAL IN THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 HELD IN MALAYSIA.
HM THE KING HAILED THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BAHRAIN ENDURANCE TEAM LED BY SHAIKH NASSER WHICH IS CONSIDERED AN OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT. HE ALSO SAID THAT SHAIKH NASSERS PODIUM ACHIEVEMENT ALONG WITH HIS BROTHERS FROM THE UAE AND QATAR IS CONSIDERED AN ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR GCC YOUTH IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. HM THE KING WISHED SHAIKH NASSER CONTINUED SUCCESS IN FUTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS. MEANWHILE, HM THE KING WILL RECEIVE TOMORROW SHAIKH NASSER AND BREEFS FIRST DEPUTY SHAIKH KHALID BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA ON THE OCCASION OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT. HE WILL ALSO RECEIVE MUHARRAQ TEAM ON THEIR WINNING OF THE ASIAN FEDERATION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HS/ 08-NOV-2008 20:08
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 08:46:00 PM
08 11, 2008
MANAMA, NOV 8 (BNA)-- HIS MAJESTY KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA SENT A CABLE OF CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE HORSE RACING FEDERATION (BREEF) SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA FOR CLINCHING THE BRONZE MEDAL IN THE FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 HELD IN MALAYSIA.
HM THE KING HAILED THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE BAHRAIN ENDURANCE TEAM LED BY SHAIKH NASSER WHICH IS CONSIDERED AN OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT. HE ALSO SAID THAT SHAIKH NASSERS PODIUM ACHIEVEMENT ALONG WITH HIS BROTHERS FROM THE UAE AND QATAR IS CONSIDERED AN ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR GCC YOUTH IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. HM THE KING WISHED SHAIKH NASSER CONTINUED SUCCESS IN FUTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS. MEANWHILE, HM THE KING WILL RECEIVE TOMORROW SHAIKH NASSER AND BREEFS FIRST DEPUTY SHAIKH KHALID BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA ON THE OCCASION OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT. HE WILL ALSO RECEIVE MUHARRAQ TEAM ON THEIR WINNING OF THE ASIAN FEDERATION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HS/ 08-NOV-2008 20:08
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 08:46:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Mohammed bin Rashid wins "Godfather of World Endurance Race" award
Wam.org.ae
Nov 8, 2008 - 07:36 -
WAM Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, Nov. 8, 2008 (WAM) -- The King of Malaysia, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud, has granted H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the "Godfather of World Endurance Horse Race" Award in recognition of Sheikh Mohammed's great contributions and support for world endurance horse race.
The Malaysian monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Higher Organising committee of the World Endurance Horse Race, granted the title to Sheikh Mohammed on behalf of all participants in the race.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, received the award on behalf of his father from Sultan Mohammed, the brother of the Malaysian King, during a short but colourful ceremony attended by a number of officials and orgisers of the race.
In a comment, Datu Siri Doctor Mohammed Saleh Nour, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the World Endurance Horse Race, said the award was an international sports honour being granted to the most significant personalities of the sport in recognition of their great contributions in sustaining the sport internationally.
He explained that the award is granted once only in decades to an extraordinary international sports personality whose support and contributions to the world Endurance Horse Race can not be overemphasised. He said the award was the least the committee can award to "a great knight who exerted great efforts in support of endurance horse race and put all his experience on the table to help lift the sport to greater heights".
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 08:44:00 PM
Nov 8, 2008 - 07:36 -
WAM Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, Nov. 8, 2008 (WAM) -- The King of Malaysia, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud, has granted H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the "Godfather of World Endurance Horse Race" Award in recognition of Sheikh Mohammed's great contributions and support for world endurance horse race.
The Malaysian monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Higher Organising committee of the World Endurance Horse Race, granted the title to Sheikh Mohammed on behalf of all participants in the race.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, received the award on behalf of his father from Sultan Mohammed, the brother of the Malaysian King, during a short but colourful ceremony attended by a number of officials and orgisers of the race.
In a comment, Datu Siri Doctor Mohammed Saleh Nour, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the World Endurance Horse Race, said the award was an international sports honour being granted to the most significant personalities of the sport in recognition of their great contributions in sustaining the sport internationally.
He explained that the award is granted once only in decades to an extraordinary international sports personality whose support and contributions to the world Endurance Horse Race can not be overemphasised. He said the award was the least the committee can award to "a great knight who exerted great efforts in support of endurance horse race and put all his experience on the table to help lift the sport to greater heights".
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 08:44:00 PM
[WEC Reports] New world endurance champion says Shaikh Mohammad was inspiration
Gulfnews.com - Full Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 08, 2008, 19:00
Terengganu, Malaysia: "If I am standing here as the world endurance champion it is only because of the support of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai," said the Dubai-based Maria Alvarez Ponton after making it almost a start-to-finish victory in the 160-km FEI World Endurance Championship here on Saturday.
"He gave us everything. We owe everything we have or done in horses to him. This victory is his," said Maria, who first came to Dubai to work as a stable rider seven years ago.
She met Jaume Punti Dachs, who was a trainer for Shaikh Mohammad's horses and after marriage the two created a record by becoming the first husband-wife pair to win a silver and bronze medal in the European Championship.
"Shaikh Mohammad allowed us to ride in competitions and that has helped. He has always been supportive of us and this win is also due to the experience of riding with the best UAE riders during the season," she said.
Riding her favourite horse Nobby, Maria completed the 160-km ride in 8 hours 48 minutes and 06 seconds and said her horse was a world champion.
More...
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 04:49:00 PM
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 08, 2008, 19:00
Terengganu, Malaysia: "If I am standing here as the world endurance champion it is only because of the support of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai," said the Dubai-based Maria Alvarez Ponton after making it almost a start-to-finish victory in the 160-km FEI World Endurance Championship here on Saturday.
"He gave us everything. We owe everything we have or done in horses to him. This victory is his," said Maria, who first came to Dubai to work as a stable rider seven years ago.
She met Jaume Punti Dachs, who was a trainer for Shaikh Mohammad's horses and after marriage the two created a record by becoming the first husband-wife pair to win a silver and bronze medal in the European Championship.
"Shaikh Mohammad allowed us to ride in competitions and that has helped. He has always been supportive of us and this win is also due to the experience of riding with the best UAE riders during the season," she said.
Riding her favourite horse Nobby, Maria completed the 160-km ride in 8 hours 48 minutes and 06 seconds and said her horse was a world champion.
More...
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 04:49:00 PM
[WEC Reports] King Sad As Horse Eliminated
Bernama.com.my
November 08, 2008 17:17 PM
By Hilary Sebastian
SETIU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Hosts Malaysias hopes of creating history at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 evaporated at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) when all four horses competing in the team event were eliminated due to various reasons.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidins horse Ibrahim Paschal Larzac was eliminated after the fifth loop while three other team members, Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak astride Blue Bronco lasted only until the 3rd loop, Mohd Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr) the 4th loopand Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo) the 5th loop.
"I'm sad because my horse could not continue but I am happy that there were so many fans who came to watch the event," said Tuanku Mizan at the TIEP in Lembah Bidong here today.
The King who had to ride under extreme weather conditions caused by a heavy thunderstorm halfway through the race, was also happy that other riders in the Malaysian team emerged unscathed.
Apart from His Majesty and the three riders, six other riders who competed in the individual category were also eliminated, including former world number one Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani and his steed Navidad. Kamaruddin was the highest ranked Malaysian rider in the 160km race.
The other five, Datuk Abdullah Taib & Kerbalanen Armor, Muhammad Che Ahmad Yusri & Penn 3, Muhammad Firdaus Hamid & Ifra Des Jamets, Norlaily Bunyamin & Bremervale Jessie James, and Zainuddin Yusof & Texas, were unable to continue the race after various stages when their horses were eliminated for a number of reasons ranging from lameness, metabolic problems, time violation and retirement.
The two Malaysian riders who earned the honour of having completed the gruelling race were Md Azizie Ismail & Janor Fee and Abdul Halim Alihan & Brookkleigh Kentara, who finished in 34th and 39th places respectively.
A beaming Halim said though he had completed 160km races before, competing and finishing the FEI World Endurance Championship was a special feat that he would cherish.
"I only started endurance racing two years ago and earned a ticket to compete in the FEI World Endurance Championship on merit," said the Sarawakian who started as a groom and riding boy at the Royal Terengganu Stable Club in 2006.
The 27-year-old rider, who has competed in four 160km endurance competitions this year, is ranked 161st in the world and his best result was fifth placing at the Saera event in Australia in June.
The individual title was won by Spain's Maria Mercedes & Nobby who led the field of 126 riders from start to finish while the team title went to UAE.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 04:02:00 PM
November 08, 2008 17:17 PM
By Hilary Sebastian
SETIU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Hosts Malaysias hopes of creating history at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 evaporated at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) when all four horses competing in the team event were eliminated due to various reasons.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidins horse Ibrahim Paschal Larzac was eliminated after the fifth loop while three other team members, Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak astride Blue Bronco lasted only until the 3rd loop, Mohd Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr) the 4th loopand Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo) the 5th loop.
"I'm sad because my horse could not continue but I am happy that there were so many fans who came to watch the event," said Tuanku Mizan at the TIEP in Lembah Bidong here today.
The King who had to ride under extreme weather conditions caused by a heavy thunderstorm halfway through the race, was also happy that other riders in the Malaysian team emerged unscathed.
Apart from His Majesty and the three riders, six other riders who competed in the individual category were also eliminated, including former world number one Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani and his steed Navidad. Kamaruddin was the highest ranked Malaysian rider in the 160km race.
The other five, Datuk Abdullah Taib & Kerbalanen Armor, Muhammad Che Ahmad Yusri & Penn 3, Muhammad Firdaus Hamid & Ifra Des Jamets, Norlaily Bunyamin & Bremervale Jessie James, and Zainuddin Yusof & Texas, were unable to continue the race after various stages when their horses were eliminated for a number of reasons ranging from lameness, metabolic problems, time violation and retirement.
The two Malaysian riders who earned the honour of having completed the gruelling race were Md Azizie Ismail & Janor Fee and Abdul Halim Alihan & Brookkleigh Kentara, who finished in 34th and 39th places respectively.
A beaming Halim said though he had completed 160km races before, competing and finishing the FEI World Endurance Championship was a special feat that he would cherish.
"I only started endurance racing two years ago and earned a ticket to compete in the FEI World Endurance Championship on merit," said the Sarawakian who started as a groom and riding boy at the Royal Terengganu Stable Club in 2006.
The 27-year-old rider, who has competed in four 160km endurance competitions this year, is ranked 161st in the world and his best result was fifth placing at the Saera event in Australia in June.
The individual title was won by Spain's Maria Mercedes & Nobby who led the field of 126 riders from start to finish while the team title went to UAE.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 04:02:00 PM
[WEC Reports] UAE wins team gold in World Endurance Championship
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 08, 2008, 11:01
Terengganu, Malaysia: The UAE endurance team won the team gold and an individual bronze to totally dominate the 12th edition of the World Endurance Championship.
After Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, made an unfortunate exit after the third stage as his horse went lame, the remaining five riders led by Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum went on to finish in the top seven, one of the best by any country in the world championships.
While Shaikh Mayed along with Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Subose displayed excellent team work to outclass their opponents and claim the prestigious team gold, Sultan Bin Sulayem finished ahead of the gold-winning UAE quartet to take the individual bronze.
Dubai-based Spanish rider Maria Alvarez Ponton won the individual gold with Argentina's Augustin Vita taking the silver.
A total of 127 riders from 32 countries took part in the first ever night ride.
Results of the Deyaar-sponsored 160-km FEI World Endurance Championship:
* 1. Maria Alvarez Ponton-Spain- (Nobby) 8hrs 58mins 06 secs
* 2. Augustin Vita-Argentina-(Barakah Ibn Al Tamah) 9:07.55;
* 3. Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem (Tazoul El Parry ) 9:19.31
* 4. Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Spenda Crest Kamouflage) 9:24.42;
* 5. Mohammad Ahmad Ali Subose (Koum Des Jamets) 9:31.38;
* 6. Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya (Zakah Zahara) 9:31.39;
* 7. Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Castlebar Kadeen) 9;31.40.
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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 02:05:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Bahraini riders stay in the fray
Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Horseride team successfully completed the first two stages of the 160-km World Endurance Horseride Championship which got underway yesterday at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengga.
The team, being led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, put up a spirited show in the first stages of this challenging race which concludes today.
The Bahrainis managed to stay in the race despite the heavy rain which started before the event and continued to fall throughout the early stages of the race.
The remaining five Bahrainis in the fray are Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The Bahraini team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan was appointed team manager.
A total of 242 riders representing 34 countries started this challenging race but only 90 riders could finish the first two stages.
Crossed
In the first stage, which was over 28 kms, 108 were able to complete the race, including Spaniard rider Maria Alvarez who crossed the finish line in one hour, 24 minutes and 29 seconds.
Behind her was Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (1:25:24) of the UAE in second place while Qatari Abdulla Al Mirri (1:27:23) was third.
Bahrain's first rider to finish this stage was Al Dossary who clocked 1:40:20, followed by Abdulla (1:41:23), Shaikh Nasser (1:43:46), Mahmood (1:44:43), Taher (1:46:44) and Shaikh Khalid (1:58:23).
In the second stage, Al Mirri moved on top and was ahead of Alvarez who went down to second while Shaikh Hamdan dropped to third.
The first Bahraini rider to end this stage was Al Dossary who marked three hours, 13 minutes and 59 seconds.
The next Bahraini was held by Abdulla (3:19:29), Mahmood (3:23:12), Taher (3:30:33), Shaikh Nasser (3:39:24) and Shaikh Khalid (3:55:17).
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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 02:01:00 PM
BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Horseride team successfully completed the first two stages of the 160-km World Endurance Horseride Championship which got underway yesterday at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengga.
The team, being led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, put up a spirited show in the first stages of this challenging race which concludes today.
The Bahrainis managed to stay in the race despite the heavy rain which started before the event and continued to fall throughout the early stages of the race.
The remaining five Bahrainis in the fray are Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The Bahraini team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan was appointed team manager.
A total of 242 riders representing 34 countries started this challenging race but only 90 riders could finish the first two stages.
Crossed
In the first stage, which was over 28 kms, 108 were able to complete the race, including Spaniard rider Maria Alvarez who crossed the finish line in one hour, 24 minutes and 29 seconds.
Behind her was Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (1:25:24) of the UAE in second place while Qatari Abdulla Al Mirri (1:27:23) was third.
Bahrain's first rider to finish this stage was Al Dossary who clocked 1:40:20, followed by Abdulla (1:41:23), Shaikh Nasser (1:43:46), Mahmood (1:44:43), Taher (1:46:44) and Shaikh Khalid (1:58:23).
In the second stage, Al Mirri moved on top and was ahead of Alvarez who went down to second while Shaikh Hamdan dropped to third.
The first Bahraini rider to end this stage was Al Dossary who marked three hours, 13 minutes and 59 seconds.
The next Bahraini was held by Abdulla (3:19:29), Mahmood (3:23:12), Taher (3:30:33), Shaikh Nasser (3:39:24) and Shaikh Khalid (3:55:17).
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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 02:01:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Spain's Maria Mercedes Sweeps Individual Title, UAE Clinch Team...
Bernama.com
November 08, 2008 17:06 PM
By Hilary Sebastian
SETIU, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Spain's Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton astride Nobby not only overcame thunderstorms and pitch darkness but also her male challengers to win the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 individual title, while the UAE clinched the team title at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, Saturday.
Maria's win underlined Spain's supremacy in world endurance races as it was their second victory in the individual category in the prestigious championship after Miguel Villa Ubach won the title in 2006 in Aachen, Germany.
The Spanish rider led from start to finish with the exception of the second loop where she came in second behind Argentinas Agustin Vita to complete the 160km race in a time of 8 hours 48 minutes and 06 seconds.
Her win also maintained women's dominance in the World Endurance Championship as she became the 10th women to win the individual title out of 12 editions, since 1986.
Apart from Ubach in 2006 the only other time men won the title was in 2002 when Spain hosted the championship. Ahmed Al Maktoum of the UAE won it then.
Vita went on to clinch second place with a time of 857:55s while UAEs Sultan Ahmed Sultan Sulayem clocked 909:31s to take third place.
Maria who started the 160km race at 5.30pm yesterday together with 126 other riders who competed in the individual and team events, completed the final loop (loop 7) at 7.18am this morning as the first rider while the last rider came into the final check point at 11.40am.
In the team event, middle east countries UAE, Qatar and Bahrain made a clean sweep of the top three places while defending champion France were relegated to 9th spot as Portugal, Spain, Italy, Canada and Argentina finished ahead of them.
The total times recorded by UAEs three team members, 27 hours 57 minutes 59 seconds gave them the team title ahead of Qatar who finished with a time of 2847:17s for second place while Bahrain snatched third place from Portugal with a time of 3055:34s.
The grueling race that was flagged off at 5.30pm yesterday with 126 riders saw only 50 riders complete the race while 76 were eliminated for various health reasons to horses or the riders.
By the first loop, 21 riders had been eliminated and another 10 saw the exit in the second loop, 15 after the third loop, 13 more were eliminated in the fourth loop while the fifth, sixth and seventh loops saw ten, four and three riders disqualified respectively.
The prize giving ceremony would be held tomorrow at TIEP.
RESULTS:
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY:
1. Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton & Nobby (Spain)
08:46:06 seconds
2. Agustin Vita Agustin & Baraka Ibn Tamah (Argentina) 08:57:55s
3. Sultan Ahmed Sultan Sulayem & Tazoul El Parry (UAE) 09:09:31s
4. Shaikh Majid Mohd Al Maktoum & Spenda Crest Kamouflage (UAE) 09:14:42s
5. Mohd Ahmad Ali Subose & Koum Des Jamets (UAE) 09:21:38s
6. Mubarak Khalifa Shafya & Zakah Zahara (UAE) 09:21:39s
7. Abdulla Thani Huzaim & Caslebar Kadeen (UAE) 09:21:40s
8. Rachel Jaumotte & Rukban Dikruhu (BEL) 09:32:18s
9. Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa (BHR) 09:33:28s
10. Atta Mohammed Beer (OTR) 09:34:38s
TEAM CATEGORY:
1. UAE 27:57:59S
2. Qatar 28:47:17s
3. Bahrain 30:55:34s
4. Portugal 30:58:52s
5. Spain 31:25:24s
6. Italy 34:31:37s
7. Canada 38:25:45s
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 01:36:00 PM
November 08, 2008 17:06 PM
By Hilary Sebastian
SETIU, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Spain's Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton astride Nobby not only overcame thunderstorms and pitch darkness but also her male challengers to win the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 individual title, while the UAE clinched the team title at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, Saturday.
Maria's win underlined Spain's supremacy in world endurance races as it was their second victory in the individual category in the prestigious championship after Miguel Villa Ubach won the title in 2006 in Aachen, Germany.
The Spanish rider led from start to finish with the exception of the second loop where she came in second behind Argentinas Agustin Vita to complete the 160km race in a time of 8 hours 48 minutes and 06 seconds.
Her win also maintained women's dominance in the World Endurance Championship as she became the 10th women to win the individual title out of 12 editions, since 1986.
Apart from Ubach in 2006 the only other time men won the title was in 2002 when Spain hosted the championship. Ahmed Al Maktoum of the UAE won it then.
Vita went on to clinch second place with a time of 857:55s while UAEs Sultan Ahmed Sultan Sulayem clocked 909:31s to take third place.
Maria who started the 160km race at 5.30pm yesterday together with 126 other riders who competed in the individual and team events, completed the final loop (loop 7) at 7.18am this morning as the first rider while the last rider came into the final check point at 11.40am.
In the team event, middle east countries UAE, Qatar and Bahrain made a clean sweep of the top three places while defending champion France were relegated to 9th spot as Portugal, Spain, Italy, Canada and Argentina finished ahead of them.
The total times recorded by UAEs three team members, 27 hours 57 minutes 59 seconds gave them the team title ahead of Qatar who finished with a time of 2847:17s for second place while Bahrain snatched third place from Portugal with a time of 3055:34s.
The grueling race that was flagged off at 5.30pm yesterday with 126 riders saw only 50 riders complete the race while 76 were eliminated for various health reasons to horses or the riders.
By the first loop, 21 riders had been eliminated and another 10 saw the exit in the second loop, 15 after the third loop, 13 more were eliminated in the fourth loop while the fifth, sixth and seventh loops saw ten, four and three riders disqualified respectively.
The prize giving ceremony would be held tomorrow at TIEP.
RESULTS:
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY:
1. Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton & Nobby (Spain)
08:46:06 seconds
2. Agustin Vita Agustin & Baraka Ibn Tamah (Argentina) 08:57:55s
3. Sultan Ahmed Sultan Sulayem & Tazoul El Parry (UAE) 09:09:31s
4. Shaikh Majid Mohd Al Maktoum & Spenda Crest Kamouflage (UAE) 09:14:42s
5. Mohd Ahmad Ali Subose & Koum Des Jamets (UAE) 09:21:38s
6. Mubarak Khalifa Shafya & Zakah Zahara (UAE) 09:21:39s
7. Abdulla Thani Huzaim & Caslebar Kadeen (UAE) 09:21:40s
8. Rachel Jaumotte & Rukban Dikruhu (BEL) 09:32:18s
9. Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa (BHR) 09:33:28s
10. Atta Mohammed Beer (OTR) 09:34:38s
TEAM CATEGORY:
1. UAE 27:57:59S
2. Qatar 28:47:17s
3. Bahrain 30:55:34s
4. Portugal 30:58:52s
5. Spain 31:25:24s
6. Italy 34:31:37s
7. Canada 38:25:45s
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/08/2008 01:36:00 PM
Thursday, November 06, 2008
[WEC Reports] Equestrian event opening does Malaysia proud
New Straits Times
2008/11/07
KUALA TERENGGANU: It was an evening to remember for some 50,000 people who attended the opening ceremony of the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak on Wednesday night.
Not only was it a historic night as it was the first time the nation was hosting the prestigious equestrian competition, but the lavish ceremony, opened by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, had also impressed many.
There were cultural song and dance, an acrobatic horse show by Lorenzo, fireworks display and performances by popular artistes, including M. Nasir, Ramli Sarip, Jamal Abdillah, Ella and Mawi.
But not many would know the spectacular fanfare was put together in less than a week by event management company Dale Lokman Associates Sdn Bhd.
Its managing director, Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, said he was entrusted with the task late last month but the go-ahead for the programme and opening ceremony came only about a week ago. He said at such short notice, it was a wonder the show got off the ground. But the hard work and sleepless nights paid off as the event was a success, judging by the many congratulatory phone calls and messages received after the show.
Time, Mahadzir said, was the team's biggest constraint, but everything fell into place at the right time.
He said he did not know why the tournament organiser had waited that long to hire an event manager for the opening ceremony, but he decided to accept the challenge.
Event deputy director Morne Hashim said she believed it was a rescue job of sorts. However, for the love of the country and the sport, she accepted the challenge of putting up a production with a cast of almost 1,000.
She said an ideal period for such a job would be at least three months but with grit and determination, anything could be done and done well.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 03:05:00 AM
2008/11/07
KUALA TERENGGANU: It was an evening to remember for some 50,000 people who attended the opening ceremony of the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak on Wednesday night.
Not only was it a historic night as it was the first time the nation was hosting the prestigious equestrian competition, but the lavish ceremony, opened by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, had also impressed many.
There were cultural song and dance, an acrobatic horse show by Lorenzo, fireworks display and performances by popular artistes, including M. Nasir, Ramli Sarip, Jamal Abdillah, Ella and Mawi.
But not many would know the spectacular fanfare was put together in less than a week by event management company Dale Lokman Associates Sdn Bhd.
Its managing director, Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, said he was entrusted with the task late last month but the go-ahead for the programme and opening ceremony came only about a week ago. He said at such short notice, it was a wonder the show got off the ground. But the hard work and sleepless nights paid off as the event was a success, judging by the many congratulatory phone calls and messages received after the show.
Time, Mahadzir said, was the team's biggest constraint, but everything fell into place at the right time.
He said he did not know why the tournament organiser had waited that long to hire an event manager for the opening ceremony, but he decided to accept the challenge.
Event deputy director Morne Hashim said she believed it was a rescue job of sorts. However, for the love of the country and the sport, she accepted the challenge of putting up a production with a cast of almost 1,000.
She said an ideal period for such a job would be at least three months but with grit and determination, anything could be done and done well.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 03:05:00 AM
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