Bahrain: Shaikh Saqer and Dossary lift titles

JABUR Al Dossary was crowned champion in the seniors race while Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa won the juniors section of the Prime Minister Endurance Horseride Championship yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

A total of 75 riders from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia took part in this prestigious event which was organised for the first time with the support of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

In the seniors race, which was over 120 kms, Al Talia Stable's Al Dossary completed the five-stage race in five hours, 39 minutes and 50 seconds with an average speed of 21.19 kmph.

Al Dossary was followed by another Al Talia Stable rider Ahmed Al Ruwaiei (5:57:01) in second place with Ghazi Al Dossary (6:02:57) of Royal Endurance Team third.

The juniors race, which was also over 120 kms divided into five stages, featured a stiff battle between riders of the Royal Endurance Team and Al Asayel Stable.

Eventually, it was Royal Endurance Team rider Shaikh Saqer who completed the race on top in 6:07:28 and ahead of Al Asayel Stable duo Abdulaziz Adam (6:36:48) and Hamad Ibrahim who were second and third respectively.

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa took part in the seniors race but bowed out during the fourth stage after his horse suffered an injury.

Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was also in the fray in the 60-km qualifying race which was a warm-up event and open to young riders.

Shaikh Nasser thanked the Prime Minister for his support to this championship, adding that such initiative will boost the sport in the Kingdom.

The race was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa who deputised for the Prime Minister.

General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Breef endurance committee head Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi were also present at the event

Results (name of horse and time in brackets):

Senior: 1 Jabur Al Dossary (Omsura Nasrohin, 5:39:50), 2 Ahmed Al Ruwaiei (Hurst Star, 5:57:01), 3 Ghazi Al Dossary (Freelance Al Danatti, 6:02:57), 4 Ahmed Abdulla (Maraka, 6:14:26).

Junior: 1 Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa (Lilanna, 6:07:28), 2 Abdulaziz Adam (Muniki, 6:37:48), 3 Hamad Ibrahim (Hard).

UAE: Hamdan ushers in two new endurance rides

Published: 04/02/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)
Hamdan ushers in two new endurance rides

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, announced the creation of two new endurance rides - open only to small stables and individual owners and riders.

Shaikh Hamdan attended yesterday's Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup endurance event at the Dubai International Endurance City. The event was won by Mansour Ahmad Al Sabousi.

Shaikh Hamdan said the two rides will open up opportunities for many such riders from smaller stables and individual owners who can never compete against the big stables.

he winner of the first of these two new rides next week will receive a Nissan Patrol and the second-placed rider will be richer by Dh50,000.

Commenting on the high speeds being the average in UAE rides, Shaikh Hamdan said this was mainly due to the conducive climate prevailing here and also because of the quality of horses competing here.

Congratulating the UAE football team on winning the Gulf Cup, he said: "Initially everyone thought the favourites were Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but the UAE players showed vast improvement after losing their first game."

Meanwhile, two of Shaikh Hamdan's best Purebred Arabian horses will not be running in today's President's Cup race in Abu Dhabi and Shaikh Hamdan said: "Both Madjani and Al Soudi are nursing minor injuries and we don't want to risk them."

Shaikh Hamdan also felt the need for separate trainers for Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds.

Earlier yesterday, Mansour Ahmad Al Sabousi, riding Musical Gully Tamdourine, won the 120km FEI CEI three-star Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup. The pair completed the ride in 4 hrs 46mins and 36 seconds at an average speed of 25.12kmph.

UAE: 2007 Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge

(photos by Caroll Gatelier, see more)


Leonard Liesens from the Dubai Endurance City Seih Assalem where he competed in the 120km CEI*** event. "I finished 22nd out of 80 starters. Dubai has changed in just one year. Now there is grass everywhere in the vet and grooming area and horses are trotted on the grass as well.

Speed has increased as well. If you don't navigate 23Km/H or more, you are nowhere and no question to loose even a handful of seconds at the vetgate or on the track. What amazes me is the recovering time at the vetgate with horse galoping at 25..28 Km/H on the track.

I had a sweet french mare who was here since only 3 month. Hafiza du Mas, a mare with proven bloodlines by Dormane, ex Jamila du Mas, trained by Antonio Moreno and owned by Shaikh Mohammad. We finished 22nd at 19Km/H, maintaining a constant pace the whole race.

The mare is here only since 3 month and I think will progress a lot. She had already 2 160Km races in France at her credit. I had great fun, never any sign of tireness from her."

Full Photos and ride recap

Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup 12okm winner: Mansour Ahmad Al Sabousi

Results 120km

Results 82km Qualifier

Results 43km Qualifier

Brasil: 2007 WEC for Young Riders: Team Brasil

Italy: 2007 Gubbio Nations Cup

Thursday 24 May
9.30 a.m. Opening stables
Friday 25 May
10.00 a.m. Opening registration
15.00 p.m. Vet visit: metabolic
16.00 p.m. Vet visit: trot
18.30 p.m. Briefing pre-race
19.30 p.m. Gala Dinner

Saturday 26 May6.00 a.m.
Start cat. CEIO*** 160 km7.00 a.m.
Start cat. CEI C*** 120km8.30 a.m.
Start cat. CEN**B 90 km2130 a.m.
Best Condition and Prize Ceremony

Wednesday May 14th

Expiry date for inscriptions
Inscriptions must be sent by fax
to +39 075 9272315by e-mail: info@faulaarabs.com


Race Informations
Faula Arabs, 06024 Gubbio (Pg)
ITALIAFax: +39 075 9272315 /
Mobile phone: +39 347 3681792
info@faulaarabs.com


ENTRIES 2007CEIO***
Km 160Entry in Principle: 26th March 2007
Nominated Entry: 26th April 2007
Definite Entry: 14th May 2007
CEI*** Km 120
Definite Entry: 14th May 2007


Endurance Village
(Roman Theatre)

Portugal: 2007 Endurance European Championship "Open"

What is the Endurance European Championship "OPEN“

The International Equestrian Federation (F.E.I) has the guardianship of the Championship; The Endurance European Championship, of the Senior, happens every two years, intercalated with
the World Championships; Such as the name suggests, it’s meant for the European nations
and, therefore, it is with World Championships; Due to the huge attendance of the discipline, F.E.I. decided to include in these Championships the assignment "Open"; At the end, it is the equivalent to a World Championship once most of the countries of all the continents mark presence in this European Championship "Open".

Any national championship, of the Europe or the World, as well as the so called 4 stars (****) competitions, must be competed in a 160 km ride, in one same day, in varied lands, in order to test the resistance of the horse. The departures are given in line, i.e. in set, and with free speed. It is, at the end, a true race of horses in long distances.

It will have, however, two classifications - the final classification of the European Championship (individual heading and team heading), attributed only to the European nations and the final classification of the "Open" competition, also attributed by individual and teams, but having in account all the participant nations of the event.



8th September
2007 Portugal Endurance European Championship “OPEN”:
30 nations, 200 riders and horses, 325km2 of protected nature

A first time event in Portugal in what concerns equestrian sport but also in what concerns any other sport:

It will allow to bind the image of Portugal and link it to the development of other sides not yet explored such as the equestrian tourism and all the natural resources in the area that surrounds Lisbon;

It will impel in an active way the discipline of Endurance;

It will provide the national riders, participating in the event, with a bigger knowledge and more experience in the plan of international competition;

It will shake the national investment in what concerns the acquisition of new mountings, of believing in future projects, new knowledge of training and preparation of horses and riders.

It will allow that all the FEP officials, technicians and organisers, have direct contact with the international’s competition panorama, which, in any other way, is almost impossible to deal with;

It will allow the agents who have the guardianship of the national sports to realise, undoubtedly, that the equestrian development in Portugal is being implemented and successfully implemented, not only in what can be seen in the results but also in what relates infrastructures and the participants:

It will bring a new vision of the equestrian sport to the institutions related with the various intervenient sectors such as:

The tourism, hotels, gastronomy, trips, the several routs created in the meanwhile such as the Wine Rout or the Bull or Ribatejo Rout;

Developing the agriculture by presenting outdoors other agents such as our cattle, rice-paddies, marshes, pastures or the Tejo’s estuary, amongst many others;

That national economy starts to look to the equestrian sport as a partner in Portugal name’s divulgation, inside and outside of the county;

That the top equestrian events become credible and of national impact.

Contacts Organizing Committee of the Event Paulo Branco - Vice President of FEP (Portuguese Equestrian Federation) for the discipline of Endurance and Technical Director of the Competition e-m@il:paulobranco@fep.pt Engº Francisco Barradas Drª Antónia Mota Portuguese Equestrian Federation: Av Manuel da Maia, 26 – 4º Dto 1000-201 Lisboa Tel: 21 847 87 74/5/6 Fax: 21 847 45 82 www.fep.pt General Secretary of FEP Manuel Bandeira de Mello e-m@il: mbmello@fep.pt Secretary Filipa Rebelo de Andrade e-m@il: frandrade@fep.pt Julita Santos e-m@il: paulobranco@fep.pt

Australia: Cowra's new national champion

photo: National champion Erika Lindsay riding Kintimani Charisma and Allix Jones riding Bo at Tingha in October.

Cowra has a new state champion with Erika Lindsay being crowned 2006 national junior rider of the year for the Australian Endurance Riding Association (AERA).

Lindsay took out the award after a long hard year of competition that saw her ride not only all over NSW but also in Victoria and Queensland.

She finished on a total of 108 points ahead of fellow New South Wales rider Allix Jones.

Points are awarded on the basis of where the competitor finishes on each ride. Extra points are awarded for competing longer rides over the 100 kilometres mark.

Lindsay also finished runner-up in the NSW point score on distance covering a staggering 1,750 kilometres over the course of the year. She was also runner-up in the one horse/one rider category with her mainstay gelding Kintimani Silver Motif. The duo covered a combined 1,270 kilometres together.

Kintimani Silver Motif also finished in second place for junior horse of the year.

Lindsay's other horse - Kintimani Charisma - was also in the NSW top ten in ninth place.

In the middleweight division, Lindsay's father Alan, came in runner-up for the New South Wales distance rider of the year covering 1,305 kilometres.

Woodstock's Karen Rhodes placed tenth on points for the year and her gelding Shadow came in fourth and seventh respectively for distance and points on the NSW point score.

In the heavyweight division, Andrew Bailey - also from Woodstock - came in seventh overall for the year in NSW.

The NSW ERA Annual General Meeting will feature the presentation of awards in Bathurst on February 10.

The AGM will no doubt have a strong contingent from the Lachlan Club supporting several important motions brought by the club in the running of the zone.

The 2007 riding calendar put out by NSWERA features and all encompassing schedule with a huge variety in courses and locations.

Anyone interested in competing locally can contact a committee member for details at Helen Brown 6345 0107, Karen Rhodes 6345 0257 or Annette Bailey 6345 0083.

Bahrain: Riders gear up for endurance challenge

TWO riders from Saudi Arabia have confirmed their participation in the Prime Minister Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Mohammed Al Saba'a and Abdulrahman Al Musallamani submitted their entries and more are expected to register before the start of the event.

Both riders will be taking part in the seniors event which will be over 120 kms with Al Saba'a riding Housani, which is owned by Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, while Al Musallamani will ride Faraj, owned by Abdulla Al Musallamani.

The race is divided into five stages, starting with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 for the third, 20 for the fourth and 15 for the fifth.

The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) received entries from four new riders for the senior event. They are Hossam Al Faraj, Jaffer Al Alawi, Ibrahim Abdali and Yousef Yaqoub.

In the juniors race, which is also over 120 kms, four riders from Hawar Stable - Tawfeeq Jaber, Jassim Isa, Salman Isa and Mohammed Jassim - have confirmed their entries.

Meanwhile, the federation continued preparations for this event being organised with the full support of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The federation printed special t-shirts carrying a picture of the Prime Minister for all riders taking part.

Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi said the veterinary tests will take place at the village on Saturday before the start of the race.

Al Alawi said the commissioner for the championship will be Mahmood Abdulsaheb who is being assisted by Mohammed Dadulla and Fahad Al Rumaihi. The veterinary committee is headed by Dr Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia and includes 12 members from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.
Gulf Daily News article

Al Shaqab to sponsor Endurance European Championship Open

Web posted at: 1/31/2007 2:15:18

(photo: Paulo Branco (left), organiser of the Qatar Challenge European Endurance Open Championship 2007 receiving the sponsorship agreement from Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Shaqab Endurance Manager, at the Shaqab Endurance premises in Doha, yesterday.)

DOHA • The Qatar Foundation (Al Shaqab) will be the main sponsor of the Qatar Challenge Endurance European Championship Open 2007 to be held in Portugal on September 8 this year.

The sponsorship agreement was signed at the Shaqab Endurance premises, Rayyan, yesterday.

This is the first time Qatar is sponsoring an international endurance championship which will be participated by more than 60 countries.

Paulo Branco, European Championship President and Portugal Equestrian Federation President received the sponsorship agreement from Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Shaqab Endurance Manager.

Khalid Sulaitin, Head of Material and Contract Directorate of Qatar Foundation was also present during the signing ceremony.

Qatar Endurance Team will participate with 6 riders and horses.

The Endurance, also known as Raid, are competitions of endurance for horses.

full article

Bahrain: Prime Ministers Cup Endurance race set

PREPARATIONS are underway for the first Endurance Race for the Prime Minister's Cup scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.

Top riders from Bahrain and overseas are expecting to take part in this event to be organised with the support of the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

This race, which covers a total distance of 120km, will be held for the first time following directives from Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser said he is honoured to have got the green light from the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to organise this event, which underlines his support for equestrian sports.

The Breef chief said the race will be open to senior and junior riders from Bahrain and overseas. The federation has already started receiving entries from Bahrain and other GCC countries for this prestigious event.

This race will be the fourth of the season, which kicked off with the Season Opening Championship, the Kingdom Holding Championship and Bahrain International Open Championship.

"After the Prime Minister's Cup, we will host a series of events over the course of five months, including His Majesty the King's Cup on March 7, a 120-km race on April 7 and a 100km Open Endurance Championship on May 5," said Shaikh Nasser.

The Breef chief extended his gratitude and appreciation to Euro Motors, the exclusive importers for Land Rover in Bahrain, who are sponsoring the federation championships this season.

"As the sole authority for organising all equestrian activities, games and events in the kingdom, the federation works to actively promote professional show jumping and endurance racing in Bahrain," added Shaikh Nasser.

"We are expecting a large number of entries for the championship," said Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

"The Prime Minister is one of the top figures in Bahrain who has shown his love to equestrian sports and especially endurance races. Hosting this event was to show the Bahraini riders' appreciation to the Prime Minister who has been always supportive to this sport," he said.

"The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation is always keen to provide all facilities to ensure the success of these events and create a competitiveness environment throughout the season," said Shaikh Khalid.

Gulf Daily News article

Great Britain to field four riders at USA 20MT CEI***

Four British riders will meet in Ridgecrest CA USA to represent Great Britain at the Twenty Mule Team AERC/FEI sanctioned endurance race February 3rd 2007 in Ridgecrest CA, USA. The course has been the site for several USA team selection endeavors in the past and is one of the demonstration rides for the US team. Stiff competition is expected over scenic desert terrain.

Three riders (Pauline Beech, Emily Matthews and Dom Freeman) will represent GB in the FEI*** 160 km event. EGB member Suzanne Malden will participate in the 104 Km (65 mile) event.

Riders and team vet Paulo Fasano will be arriving from afar – Pauline will be traveling from the UK to be paired up with Dom Freeman’s seasoned 100 mile horse ‘Paris’.

Emily Matthews, who is flying in from Princeton New Jersey will be paired again with ‘Marquis de Fad’, and Dom Freeman will be traveling from California with the three horses and riding Proud Legacy+. Suzanne Malden will be arriving from San Diego with her mare Oleandra to make up the British Team.

Paulo Fasano has shepherded the UK off-continent team efforts as head vet since 1999 and will be making the trip from Sao Paulo, Brasil. The British contingent will be further complemented with FEI technical delegates Stevie Martin and Rosemary Attfield, and foreign veterinary delegate Dr Len Beech who will officiate at the FEI*** 160 and YR** classes.

The team is fortunate to have experienced sports photographer Daniel Murphy attending the event to photograph the British riders, vet and officials in action.

Ride details can be found on AERC Website

International FEI Medication Control Forum

19/01/2007

The FEI is pleased to announce details of an International Forum on Medication Control, hosted by the UAE Equestrian Federation.

The Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday 14th February 2007. Location of the Forum is at the Police Headquarters on the outskirts of the City.

It will commence at 12.00 noon and finish at 18.30pm. FEI National Federations are invited to send representatives to the Forum which is open to Riders, Trainers, Owners, Veterinarians and FEI Officials.

Presentations will be given by senior personnel from the FEI Headquarters in Switzerland and the FEI Medication Advisory Group together with a representative from the FEI Central Laboratory in Paris, France.

All expenses/costs in respect of travel, accommodation etc is to the charge of the delegate and is not covered by the organizer. There is no charge for the Forum itself.

Applications must be made by the National Federation of the Delegate direct to:
The UAE Equestrian and Racing FederationP.O.Box 3234Khalidya StreetAbu Dhabi, UAE

Email: uaefed@emirates.net.ae

UAE: Al Bloushi keeps good work going for Al Reef

(photo:
Megan Hirons/Gulf News
Winner Omair Hussain Al Bloushi rejoices as he starts the last lap of the Nakheel-sponsored 120km endurance race. )

Abu Dhabi: Young rider Omeir Hussain Al Bloushi won his second ride of the season and kept the Al Reef Stable's flag flying high at the Dubai International Endurance City here yesterday.

Omeir partnered Al Barak to win the Nakheel-sponsored 120km Endurance Ride here yesterday from a field of 72 who started at 6.15am yesterday.

Completing the 5-stage ride in 4 hours 43 minutes and 14 seconds, at an average speed of 25.22kmph, the pair gave the all-conquering Al Reef Stables their seventh win in nine rides of the current UAE endurance season.

"It is great to win as all the top riders were in the running for a win today. Al Barak is a great endurance horse and I was always confident.

"I thank Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and all those at Al Reef Stables who have been supporting me ever since I took up this sport," said Omeir, who has also notched up quite a few wins as a junior rider.

"After the very first stage, when we were placed fourth, I knew we had a good chance. Al Barak just kept going throughout the ride," said the winner.

It was Dubai's Mansour Ahmad Al Sabousi who prevented a clean sweep of the top three places by Al Reef riders when he finished second on Dunwingeri Maakhal, around 11 minutes behind the winner.

Al Reef's Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi and Spaniard Jesus Manuel Al Berna finished third and fourth, respectively, as the Abu Dhabi stable extended their total domination.


[More ...]

UAE: Al Reef Champs

By Amith Passela

28 January 2007

DUBAI — The Al Reef Stables won their seventh endurance silverware from nine races when Omair Husain Al Baloushi claimed yesterday’s 120-kilometre Nakheel Challenge here at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Omair won with more than 10 minutes to spare on 15-year-old Crossbred gelding Al Barak for his second endurance silverware of the season for the Abu Dhabi Stables of Shaikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Mansoor Ahmed Al Sabousi onboard 14-year-old grey gelding Dunwingeri Maakhal crossed the finish line in second ahead of the Al Reef pair Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi on Algalahn and Jesus Manuel Berna astride Estaban.

“It has already been a remarkable season and today’s win was another wonderful result for the stable,” said Omair, who was claiming his second endurance silverware of the season. “The race was tough as usual and my horse gave me a great ride. He was travelling well throughout the race and when it came to a push he found an extra gear to pick up again,” added Omair, who also won a junior ride at the start of the season to follow up his two victories in open class.

His more experienced stable companions, cousin Yousef and Spaniard Berna, occupied third and fourth spots. Both Yousef and Berna have won two races each and with Omair’s success yesterday, have won six of the seven rides between them for the Al Reef.

“It really don’t matter who crosses the finish line first as long as Al Reef is winning,” said Yousef, who broke the course record last week at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

“It’s a fantastic result for the stables. The horses are in great shape thanks to the excellent team we have spread between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. I think everyone has contributed in the stables success,” added Yousef, an assistant trainer in the stables Al Ain wing.

Results of the top 5 finishers: 1. Omair Husain Al Baloushi in 4hrs 43min 14 sec on Al Barak for the Al Reef Stables. 2. Mansoor Ahmed Al Sabousi, 4.54-12, Dunwingeri Maarkhal (His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai). 3. Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi, 4.56.23, Algalahn (Al Reef). 4. Jesus Manuel Berna (Esp), 4.58.11, Estaban (Al Reef). 5. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, 5.18.36, Iknour de la Biro (Al Asafa Limited).

Khaleej Times Article

Qatar: Bahraini rider in third place

SHAIKH Mohammed bin Khalid bin Saqer Al Khalifa of Al Fateh Stable made a superb international debut by taking third place overall in the junior category of the 12-km GCC Endurance Horseride Championship held in Doha yesterday.
Riding Valentino, the young Bahraini crossed the finish line in six hours, 16 minutes 39 seconds among 30 riders from across the Gulf region who took part in the event which was won by Qatar's Mohammed Al Mirri of Al Shaqab Stable riding Bentley.
Second was Abdulrahman Mohammed, another Qatari rider who steered Jawab who is owned by Shaikh Mohammed bin Nawaf Al Thani.
The race was divided into five stages, starting with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.
Shaikh Mohammed was one of three Bahrainis who participated in the junior race. The remaining two were Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa and Mohammed Abdulsamad.
In the senior section, five Bahraini riders were in the fray. They were Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Abdulrahman Al Saad, Jaffer Mirza and Ali Bosafar.
Shaikh Mohammed said he was delighted over this result on his maiden international appearance.
Shaikh Mohammed dedicated the victory to Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who supported him at the race.
Shaikh Mohammed confirmed that the level of competition at the race was high and he did not expect to take a podium finish. But he was proud to make up for the disappointing results of the other Bahraini riders in this category.
In the senior race, all five Bahraini entrants were unable to complete the race which was also over 120km and split into five stages of similar distances.
Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser congratulated Shaikh Mohammed on taking third place in the race, saying that it was a well-earned result for Shaikh Mohammed who performed well throughout the race.
Gulf Daily News article

French Juniors to miss Argentina WEC

The favourites to win the Junior World Championships will be following the race from the comfort of their own homes this year.

France's chef d'equipe Jean-Louis Leclerc has announced that his talented team, winners in the Czech Republic last year, will not be participating."It is a very long way and expensive to travel without sponsorship and the ride comes at a difficult time of year for french schools".

The 2007 World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders will be held on March 16 at the Campo de Mayo “Escuela Militar de Equitación” one of the most well known equestrian venues in the region where several major equestrian international competitions in several disciplines have already taken place. The new venue is only 35 km. away from Buenos Aires downtown.

More information can be found at the 2007 J/YR Web website: http://www.mundialyr.com.ar/ingles.html

UAE: Strong field likely for Nakheel endurance ride

26/01/2007


Dubai: Nakheel will be once again lending their valued support to Dubai's fourth ride of the season, to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City tomorrow.

The Nakheel Endurance Ride is an FEI CEI 120-km event and is expected to attract a strong field as the UAE endurance season gets into top gear.

The Nakheel Ride starts at 6.15am at the Dubai International Endurance City, which is one of the world's top endurance venues with state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities.

Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi, the winner of the Dubai World-sponsored opening ride of the season here, Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, who took the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Ride, and Omega Cup winner Yousuf Abdullah Al Hammadi are all expected to be part of a strong field of riders. The ride will be run in five stages of 32, 32, 27, 18 and 11kms.

Tomorrow's Nakheel ride also assumes importance as points won here will count for the Dubai Endurance Challenge - a new competition unveiled by the Dubai Equestrian Club this season.

Collect points

Worth a total sum of Dh700,000, the Dubai Endurance Challenge will take into account all FEI rides staged at the Dubai International Endurance City for the 2006-2007 season.

Riders, trainers, horses and stables will earn points depending on their finishing position in these rides, and, at the end of the season, the table toppers will be crowned the Dubai Endurance Challenge Champion Rider, Trainer, Horse and Stable respectively.

Manal Shaheen, Director - Sales, Marketing & Customer Service, said: "Endurance racing has a rich heritage within the UAE, and Nakheel has a long history of support for the sport.

"Nakheel is building the vision of Dubai, but in looking towards the future, we must not forget our past. We are therefore very proud of our association with the Dubai Endurance Challenge."



Gulf News article

Bahrain: Prime Minister's Cup endurance race is set

Thursday 25 January 2007

BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) is organising an Endurance Race for Prime Minister's Cup on February 3 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

This race over 120 kms will be held for the first time following directives from Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser said he is honoured to get the green signal from Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to organise this event. The Breef chief said the race will be open to seniors and junior from Bahrain and overseas. The federation has already started preparations for this prestigious event by sending out invitations to all leading riders in the GCC.

This race will be the fourth of the season which kicked off with the Season Opening Championship. The Kingdom Holding Championship and the Bahrain International Open Championship were the other two events.

Meanwhile, Euro Motors have come forward to sponsor Breef activities for the rest of the season. The exclusive importers for Land Rover Bahrain presented Breef with five 2005 model Land Rovers for use during its events to be held till May 5 this year.
Other major events due this season are His Majesty the King's Cup on March 7, a 120-km race on April 7 and an 100-km Open Endurance Championship on May 5. Euro Motors will also have a BMW displayed at the village to showcase some of BMW's latest premium luxury vehicles.

Gulf News article

Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan attends ride

Sheikha Maryam wins Al Masaood Jewellery Endurance Cup
- 22 Jan 2007
Sheikha Maryam bint Omer Al Qassimi rode to a thumping victory in the 80-km FEI CEI Two-star Al Masaood Jewellery Endurance Cup held on Friday, January 19, 2007 at the Al Asayel Endurance Centre, Sweihan, Abu Dhabi. She finished the ride in a timing of 3 hours 28 minutes and 45 seconds riding on an average speed of 22.99 kmph. The ride was part of the three-round Asayl Ladies Championship.

Sheikha Maryam partnered 10-year-old Anglo Arab Grey Gelding Kalkadoon Kampala, owned by Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qassimi.

hough Sheikha Madiya Hasher Manan Al Maktoum crossed the finish line first, her horse Huzie D Ax was eliminated after the final vet check. As many as 31 ladies had a mass start at 6. 30 am and 13 of them completed the ride.

Second place went to Spanish rider Maria Alvarez Ponton who rode 11-year-old Grey Gelding Agecroft Jos on an average speed of 22.90 kmph to complete the distance in three hours, 29 minutes and 35 seconds. Third place went to Layla Abdul Aziz Al Radha who rode Darling Du Couderc and took a time of 3 hours, 56 minutes and 31 seconds and rode on an average speed of 20.29 kmph.

The ride was attended by Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan, mother of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, who gave away the prizes and the trophies to the winning ladies said: "I am very pleased to see all the young girls coming together and participating in the endurance ride in one arena. We like to encourage young ladies to train themselves in endurance and expect larger participation in the future." She thanked Dr. Sheikh Sultan for his continuous guidance and support for the young ladies.

Sheikha Alyazia bint Sultan al Nahyan, Manager of the Al Asayl Endurance Centre, which organized the ride in cooperation with the UAE Equestrian Federation, said: "This is good beginning for the Emirati lady riders who sometimes find it difficult to ride along with men. There were lot of requests from young lady riders for a separate ride just for women and Al Asayl decided to organize this three round championship. We hope to get more participants for the future rides."

Sheikha Alyazia who also rode in the championship decided to retire at Gate 2 keeping "the health of the horse in mind." However she was quite happy that her sister Sheikh Hissa bint Sultan al Nahyan finished in the fourth place. She said they are looking forward to organize rides in bigger scale and are open to suggestions.

A beaming and excited Sheikha Maryam who finished in the first place said that though she had been riding for the last seven years she had never taken part in a championship ride. "When I started off today, I was confident of finishing in the first place but had doubts." Her happiness was double fold as her sister Sheikha Hissa bint Omer Al Qassimi had also successfully completed the ride in the eighth place. She said the course was very rough and challenging and posed a real endurance test for the riders and the horses. Sheikha Maryam has taken a temporary break from studies at HCT to manage Dahaisa Stables in Ras Al Khaimah.

Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha is not new to endurance riding. She has participated in several international championships with good success rate. She said she took part in the Al Asayl Championship for the 'beautiful experience it provided."

Other ladies who complete the 80-km ride are:

4. Sheikha Hissa bint Sultan Al Nahyan, Salashil, 4 hours, six minutes, 19 seconds
5. Brenda Cooke, Sazeldean Falaan, 4 hours, six minutes, 25 seconds 6. Mari Gallicu, Mutafawq, 4 hours, 7 minutes, 20 seconds
7. Muna Alhai Abdul Aziz Alhai, Highland View Mckilfop, 4 hours, 12 minutes, 20 seconds
8. Sheikha Hissa bint Omar Al Qassimi, Bartimaeis, 4 hours, 12 minutes, 21 seconds
9. Sue Sidebottom, Saphire de Sinuhe, 4 hours, 14 minutes, 20 seconds
10. Martha Mary Misheff, Zad Al Khyr, 4 hours, 17 minutes 40 seconds
11. Dac Deruy, Tasia, 4hours, 21 minutes and 10 seconds
12. Daniele Winker, Eurales Joice, 4 hours, 50 minutes, 29 seconds

The day also witnessed 40-km Federation Qualifier in which six riders out of ten participants qualified. Those qualified include:

Cristina Calin, (Cindy), Reema Shaban Ibrahim Al Hasan (Rivendell Sharman), Amna Jumaa Al Alawi (Soughan/Shakira), Madiyah Massaod Al Mehairi (Sulia), Azza Mohd. Helal Al Kaabi (Sahl), Humyan bint Khalid Al Meraikhi (Randa).

The Al Asayl Ladies Endurance Championship Round 2 and Round 3 are scheduled to be held on February 9 and March 9, 2007 respectively, at the end of which the Ladies Champion will be selected based on a point system.

New Zealand: Sportsman takes on fresh legs

photo: WINNING COMBINATION: Geraldine endurance horse rider Nigel Kerr (standing) with partner June Whuang aboard his horse Saparah.

When knee troubles put a stop to his multisport passion Geraldine man Nigel Kerr found a way to continue with endurance events – a pair of fresh legs.

Swapping running shoes for a set of metal ones Mr Kerr acquired an Arab horse by the name of Saparah and continued training in a different fashion.

While he is modest about his multisport achievements, taking claim to "some minor successes in veteran sections" his training knowledge has taken him to significant success in the equestrian scene.

"I think the multisport has helped with the horses, it's the same training and feeding," he said.

Mr Kerr has now clocked up over 1000 competition kilometres on Saparah and ridden his way into top placings.

In just his second season he finished fourth in the South Island and third in the National endurance horse riding championships, both 100km events.

He was also placed fourth in accumulation of points out of all endurance horses in New Zealand.

And he is already on his way to success this season, finishing second in the recent South Island Championships and set compete in the nationals at Foxton at easter.

Mr Kerr is a member of the Mt Nimrod endurance club and is at present also training a second horse.

While he said it is an expensive sport, the enjoyment he gets outweighs the cost.

"I'm quite competitive, I like to finish on the podium," he laughed.

But it's not without the help of his partner June Whuang who takes on the role of chief groom when he is competing.

During the intervals at the endurance events Miss Whuang takes complete care of Saparah while Mr Kerr gears up to get back out on the course.

Mr Kerr said while the credit always went to the horse and rider, a lot of the success was due to the efficiency of the groom.

While Miss Whuang had not had much previous experience with horses Mr Kerr said she had picked everything up quickly and was a great support.

But Miss Whuang has held her own and Mr Kerr has not got away without a bargain for her hard work.

While she is his right hand woman when it comes to endurance competitions he has to put his foot forward for her on the dance floor each week at rock n roll dance lessons.