UAE: Khan wins 120km endurance race

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
February 07, 2009

Dubai: Roshan Ali Siraj Khan turned hero for the hundreds of work riders based in many endurance stables here in the UAE when he won the 120km Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge endurance ride at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

The 24-year-old, who is a work rider in the Hadaybit Assalam Stables owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, improved with each of the five stages to win from a strong field of riders.

Riding an 11-year-old grey gelding, Kalkadoon Vagabond that was trained by Hassan Bin Ali, Khan completed the 120km ride in four hours 28 minutes at an average speed of 24.72km per hour.

UAE national team riders and Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose finished second and third respectively on a day when the early morning cool weather turned sultry later in the day before changing to chilly conditions.

But Khan, whose previous best was a fifth place finish last year, finished the first stage of 32km in 28th position, was 11th after 63km and after the third loop and 90km, managed to move into sixth position. The Indian rider from the desert state of Rajasthan, which is also famous for the Marwari breed of horses, was third after the penultimate stage and went on to finish ahead of his better known rivals.

"My horse gave me the feeling that he would do well after the first stage. I have been riding ever since I came here there years ago but today's result was fantastic," said the winner who drew the loudest cheers while receiving the trophy and the keys to a four wheel drive vehicle.

Ali Muhairi, who finished second, said the changing weather affected his horse.

"However I am pleased with this result and I am looking forward to the President's Cup in Abu Dhabi next week," he said.
Results (top five) of yesterday's Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 120-km endurance ride: Roshan Ali Shiraj Khan-India-(Kalkadoon Vagabond) 4hrs 48mins 53secs; Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi (Garaman Mikado) 4:49.16; Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Sabousi (India Eskalonik) 4:53.31; Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Xandu Haj Buba) 4:54.27; Mohammad Jasim Rahimi (Whyneemah Jaspah) 4:57.37.

UAE: Endurance Races Set

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 7,2009

TOP riders from Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are in the fray for the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship, sponsored by Maalem, today at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Today's event features one race each for men and women. In the six-stage men's race, which is over 160km, 40 riders representing 15 stables have confirmed their participation.

Among the leading entrants are Hussain Al Nayem, Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa, and Ali Ashoor, all from Al Fateh Stable.

Other favourite stables taking part include Al Asayel, Bahrain Riding School, Al Mughirat, Al Shuwamekh and Hassan Al Ruwaie Stable.

This challenging race, the main event of the day, is divided into six stages - 30km each for the first four stages, 25km for the fifth and 15km for the sixth.

The women's race, which is the first women's event of the season, will be over 120km divided into five stages.

The women riders include Saudi Arabia's Latifa Al Shaikh of the Kingdom's Stable, Layla Al Reda and Jamila Ahmed of the UAE besides Bahrain's Shaikha Najla bint Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa of Al Fateh Stable.

The women's race will be divided into five stages, including 30km each for the first and second, 25km for the third, 20km for fourth and 15km for the fifth.

An additional 100km open race, which is open to men and women of various age-groups, will see riders compete over four stages - 30km each for the first and second, 25km for the third and 15km for the fourth and final stage.

Attending the races will be Turkish actress Tuba Buyukustun who is the chief guest. The 26-year-old popular Turkish, known in the Arab region by Lamees, will award trophies and other prizes to the top riders.

The federation named its officials for both the veterinary and grounds jury committees. The veterinary committee is being headed by Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and includes veterinarians from Poland, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, India and Bahrain.

Maximum weight allowed for participants in the 160km race is 75kg, which is also the limit for the women riders taking part in the 120km race.

UAE: Stage Set for UAE Cup

Khaleejtimes.com

6 February 2009

ABU DHABI - The President of the United Arab Emirates Cup endurance ride will be held on Saturday at the Bou Thib Endurance Village, Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi, a press release said.

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in cooperation with the Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi, is organising The President Cup for Junior and Young Riders. Over 50 youngsters have already confirmed their participation for the CEN-JY, Two-star, 120-km ride, which will be run in five phases of 30 km, 30km, 24km, 20km and 16 km respectively. The ride will begin at 6.30am.

The day will also feature two Federation Qualifying rounds of 44km and 80km respectively which has attracted a field of over 90 riders. Qualifying riders are organised by the UAE Equestrian Federation every week to enable the riders to qualify to participate in longer-distance rides.

All the rides on Saturday will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Shaikh Saqr bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Ali Ghanim Al Marri, Khalifa Ghanim Al Marri, Rashed Salem Mohammed Al Faresi, Mohammed Hatim Jumaa Al Junaibi, Hussein Ali A Marzouqi, Uma Mencia Uranga, Hamdan Mousa Mohammed Ali Hammadi, Hamad Ibrahim Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Naser Khamis Ali Saeed, Rashed Ahmed Al Baloushi, Abdul Aziz Salemeen Al Ameri, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed Al Faresi, Nasser Khjamis Al Saeed are some of the contenders for the juniors championship.

The Emirates Heritage Club is closely involved in the development of several traditional and cultural activities and sports in the country, including endurance riding.
The club also provides vital training facilities for children in the UAE. The opening of its modern and excellently planned endurance village has been welcomed by the equestrian fraternity as an important step in the development of endurance riding in the UAE.

UAE: Endurance Seminar for Judges, Veterinarians

Khaleej Times
29 January 2009

DUBAI — The Veterinary Department of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation is conducting an Advanced Endurance Seminar and FEI Refresher Course for Endurance veterinarians and Judges at Abu Dhabi on February 12, a press release said.

The seminar is being held with the cooperation of the Organising Committee of the President’s Cup Endurance ride to coincide with the President’s Cup Endurance Challenge which is scheduled to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on Saturday, February 14.

The seminar will be conducted by Dr. Hallvad Sommerseth, Head of the Veterinary Department at the UAE Equestrian Federation and Mr. Ian Williams, Director of Non Olympics Department.

For details contact the Veterinary Department on (9712)6661800.

Abu Dhabi: Al Kamda registers first win at Shaikh Mansour Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

M. Satya Narayan
January 24, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Ahmad Saeed Al Kamda registered his first career-win riding Al Galyb HCF in the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup, a 100-kilometre ride restricted to riders and owners of private stables.

It could have been a 1-2 for the Al Kamda family but Rashid Saeed Al Kamda, who finished holding hands with the eventual winner Ahmad Saeed, was eliminated after his horse Jeelan failed the post-ride vet check due to metabolism reasons.

Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, who has won such an event for private stables, finished second while the young Aliya Ali Mohammad Al Marzouqi was third.

"I have been involved with horses since a child and have been riding for well over a decade but this is my first win," said the 25-year-old Al Kamda.

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Abu Dhabi: Al Beloushi ends season's drought

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

M. Satya Narayan
January 24, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, one of the most consistent performers in the UAE's domestic circuit, finally ended his wait for his first win of the season at the Emirates International Endurance Village on Saturday.

The champion trainer-cum-rider scored an emphatic win, leading from start to finish, in the 120-kilometre Al Wathba Cup.

Yesterday's ride, sponsored by Sorouh Real Estate, China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation and the Breeding Stables of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, in Normandy, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The Al Reef Stables' star rider Yousuf, who has trained winners in nine of the rides held so far this season, had missed winning on quite a few occasions but when the win did come it was an authoritative one. Riding 11-year-old Roherty Bold, Yousuf set the pace early as he registered a speed of 27.77 kilometres per hour in the opening loop of 32 kilometres and from then on was in control, scoring his fourth win on the bay gelding.

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Abu Dhabi: Ladies endurance day

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

M. Satya Narayan
January 24, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi and Australian ace Margaret Wade drove away with a 4WD car each after finishing first and second in yesterday's Sorouh-sponsored Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Challenge 90-km ride at Emirates International Endurance Village.

For Afra, it was a great win as she started the final stage behind the experienced Wade, who has won the Australian National Championship four times and has a lot of experience riding in the World Cup.

But riding Al Reef horse Kassalo, Afra rode the final 16 kms at an average speed of 27.55 kms to finish with almost two minutes to spare. Wade, who finished the first 30-km stage in second place then forged ahead and led for the next two stages of 24kms and 20kms.

However Afra's horse Kassalo, a 14-year-old part Arab trained by champion Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, did well to overturn an 18-second deficit into a comfortable win.

"Last year I won at the Al Asayel Ladies championship series and this is another great win for me. It was really very tough as the pace set by the riders was very high," said the winner, who was given the keys to her car by young Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin ZayedAl Nahyan.

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Qatar: Al Shaqab team to compete in Heir Apparent Endurance Cup

Thepeninsulaqatar.com

1/23/2009

Doha: The Al Shaqab Endurance Team has entered an impressive roster of 21 riders in the two divisions of the His Highness Heir Apparent Endurance Cup.

The competition will be held on Saturday (January 24), 5:30am at the Qatar Endurance Village near Sea Line.

The Al Shaqab Team is headed by Owaida Al Hajeri, general supervisor; Hadi Nasser Al Ramzani, manager and trainer; and Jabr Nasser Al Ramzani, assistant manager.

Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation, will be represented by 13 riders in the 119 km Senior Division with a strong group of eight riders set to compete in the 100 km Junior Division.

Leading riders for the Al Shaqab team include: Atta Mohammed Beer, winner of the 2008 H H Heir Apparent senior division; and Faleh Nasser Saleh Bughenaim, winner of last year's junior division.

In addition to training the team, Hadi Nasser Al Ramzani will also compete as a rider.

Abu Dhabi: Top riders set to return to action

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

M. Satya Narayan
January 22, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Some of the top riders in the UAE will be seen in action in tomorrow's 120-km Al Wathba Cup and the 100-km Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for Privately-owned horses to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

The China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation (CPECC), the breeding stables of Shaikh Mansour based in Normandy, France along with Sorouh Real Estate PJSC are sponsoring the two rides.

"The management of CPECC thanks Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Presidential Affairs and President of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, for giving us the opportunity to be involved in the two prestigious endurance events on January 24," said Liu Xihui, Vice President of CPECC.

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Abu Dhabi: Busy weekend for equestrian sport

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
January 21, 2009

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) in Al Wathba will stage two endurance rides on Saturday, and in the process, making it three rides in two days over the weekend.

After announcing Friday's Ladies ride on Tuesday, Adnan Sultan, the Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said the 120km Al Wathba Cup and the 100km Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for Privately-owned horses would be held at the EIEV on Saturday.

"The breeding stables of Shaikh Mansour based in Normandy, France along with Sorouh Real Estate PJSC and China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation (CPECC) are sponsoring the two rides," he said.

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UAE: SOROUH CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT OF EQUESTRIAN SPORT

EyeOfDubai.com

HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup and the Al Wathba Cup to take place on 24 January at the Emirates International Endurance Village


Sorouh Real Estate PJSC, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developers, today announced its sponsorship of the 100km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for privately owned horses and the 120km Al Wathba Cup. These two exciting races are to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday 24 January.

The 120-km Al Wathba Cup is an important event which Sorouh is delighted to be part of alongside the Breeding Stables of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Normandy, France.

The His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for privately-owned horses is a prestigious endurance event aiming to encourage the participation of private stable owners, a goal which, as a strong supporter of equestrian sport in the region, is shared by Sorouh. The event gives the best riders from privately owned stables in the UAE an opportunity to compete with one another, encouraging them to further develop their skills at world class competition level.

In a statement released by Sorouh, the company stated:
“Sorouh would like thank His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, for giving Sorouh an opportunity to support these important events in the Abu Dhabi equestrian calendar.“

Sorouh has been a strong supporter of equestrian sport since the company was established in 2005. This announcement follows Sorouh’s sponsorship of the UAE’s First Ladies Endurance Cup will be held at the Emirates Endurance Village on 23 January 2009 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Show Jumping Championship held at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club from 15 - 17 January 2009.

Sorouh’s support of UAE horse racing is part of an extensive social, cultural and educational sponsorship programme, which recognizes the company’s responsibility not only to its employees, customers and tenants, but to the residents of the entire United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi: First-ever ladies-only equestrian endurance ride becomes a reality

Gulfnews.com - Full article

By M. Satya Narayan
January 20, 2009

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will be breaking new ground when they stage their first-ever ladies only ride on Friday.

"Friday's Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansoor Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup will be the first ever ride only for ladies and the event is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Presidential Affairs," said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, the Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian club during a press conference here yesterday.

"A total amount of Dh500,000 including two four-wheel-drive cars for the riders taking the first two places, will be up for grabs.

"All riders who finish will the 90km ride will be given cash awards," Al Nuaimi said.

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Abu Dhabi: Al Jahouri wins Endurance Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
2009 January 17

Abu Dhabi: Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, riding nine-year-old gelding EO Jaras, won the prestigious 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 160-km ride on Saturday at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

The Al Wathba Stables' trainer-cum-rider, who finished second in this ride last year, unleashed a terrific pace on the final loop of 19km to win from Dalpat Singh Ganpat Singh and Indian work rider with another Abu Dhabi-based stable ­- Al Reef.

Al Jahouri, who was fifth going into the final loop, whipped up a 30.87kmph speed on the grey Purebred Arabian gelding, and that effort saw him win the Omega-sponsored event.

"This is the second outing for this horse after he was eliminated despite finishing first in a junior ride. But today he was just classy and I always knew he would run a big race," said Al Jahouri, who holds the world record for a 120-km ride.

"I started well and finished the first 32kms in 5th place but later paced the ride and dropped to 11th and 10th positions in the next two loops of 32kms and 29kms," he said.

"When I went out on the final loop some of the best riders were ahead of me including last year's winner Omair Hussein. I am greatly satisfied with this win," he said.

Al Jahouri completed the 160-km ride in a timing of six hours 39 minutes and 11 seconds at a ride average speed of 24.05 kmph.

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Dubai: Hamdan leads UAE challenge today

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By Alaric Gomes
January 16, 2009

Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, heads a strong UAE field at today's second running of the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City.

The FEI CEI*** 160km ride, to be held over six loops from 6am today, is being organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club with sponsorship from Omega for the second year.

The ride has attracted a strong field of riders from all over the world, with the UAE squad led by Shaikh Hamdan the favourite to win the title.

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Dubai: Hamdan-led team holds advantage

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By Alaric Gomes
January 15, 2009

Dubai: Defending champion Omair Hussain Al Baloushi and last year's runner-up Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri believe a strong presence of UAE riders led by Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum holds a distinct advantage going into this weekend's His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup.

The CEI*** 160km ride to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday, has attracted a field of some of the top endurance riders from across the globe.

And though the field includes the top three on the 2008 FEI World Rankings, Al Baloushi still believes the title will stay back in the UAE, given the home advatange.

"Every rider out there will be a threat," predicted defending champion Al Baloushi.

"There are a lot of good riders and superb horses in the ride, but the competition will be among the local riders," added last year's runner-up Al Jahouri, the trainer-cum-rider from Al Wathba Stables.

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Abu Dhabi: Endurance challenge for women

Gulfnews.com

Staff Report
Published: January 13, 2009

Abu Dhabi: The inaugural Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansour Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Challenge, a ride exclusively featuring lady riders from the UAE and outside, will be held on Friday, January 23, at the Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

The CEN 90-kilometre ride is open not only to all lady endurance riders having a valid endurance riding license issued by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation but also for any non-resident foreign riders nominated by their respective National Federations.

This is the first time an endurance ride exclusively featuring lady riders is being held at Al Wathba, thanks to the keen support for such events from Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Chairman of EIEV.

Shaikh Mansour, who is currently competing in the Body Weight ride series, provides a substantial boost to equestrian activities in the country. In fact, he was the architect behind a long-distance horse race for persons with special needs, which was held at the EIEV in Al Wathba in February last year.

Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, stated: "Endurance riding is a reflection of our country's deep-rooted history and tradition and love for the horses. If highly successful, this will be an annual event henceforth. We thank Shaikh Mansour for supporting this event".

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad scores giant victory

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
January 10, 2009

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, won the second round of the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) Ride series in Bahrain on Saturday to emerge as the overall leader with the final round left.

Riding Tahhan, Shaikh Mohammad completed the gruelling 120-km distance in a time of four hours 53 minutes and 14 seconds to finish ahead of Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Firhos de Paute.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, came third aboard EO Fawati and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, fourth on Carrallio.

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UAE: Top UAE riders for Bahrain event Mohammad leads UAE's charge

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
January 06, 2009

Abu Dhabi: UAE riders led by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, are likely to dominate the second leg of the FEI Three-Star Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) Ride Series to be held in Bahrain on Saturday.

The ride is being organised at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Bahrain Royal Endurance and Equestrian Federation (Breef) will see the UAE's top riders take on some of Bahrain's best and many others from around the world.

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Emirates Heritage Club calls off endurance festival

Published: January 03, 2009, 12:34

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Heritage Club has called off the third Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed International Endurance Festival, which was in progress at the Bou Theib Endurance Village in Al Khatam.

The decision is part of the official mourning declared in the country to mourn the death of Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, who passed away Friday morning in London.

In a statement, the higher organising committee said that the death of Shaikh Rashid is “a great national loss that plunged us to deep grief.”

Abu Dhabi: Al Reef bag top two places on day one

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
January 01, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Al Reef Stables rider Ahmad Salem Al Beloushi, riding Spoutnik, emerged as day one leader in the three-day 240 kilometre Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup here yesterday.

The Al Reef rider managed to finish marginally ahead of Mohammad Jasem Rahimi on Tonki Dee Boo Kentucky, out of 64 riders who started in this important ride which is part of the Endurance Festival being held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, at the Boutheib Endurance Villagein Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi.

Riders are required to cover 80 kms each day in the 240 kms ride.

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