FEI rebukes 2005 World Endurance Championship hosts

Horse&Hound.co.uk

Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor

7 June, 2007
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has officially reprimanded the organising committee of the 2005 World Endurance Championships, putting an end to a two-year doping saga.

In January 2005, the World Endurance Championships ended in controversy when the results were overturned at the medal ceremony by the organising committee (Emirates International Endurance Racing) — without the FEI's permission. France's Barbara Lissarague was crowned World Champion instead of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nayan.

Afterwards, organisers said Hachim — the horse ridden to victory by Sheikh Hazza — had failed a doping test (see panel, right). But the FEI refused to acknowledge this at the time, although its laboratories later confirmed the horse had tested positive for methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory drug.

An extrapolated legal process ensued before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ultimate arbitrators in sporting disputes, upheld Sheikh Hazza's disqualification and the FEI turned its attentions to the organising committee.

"Whether or not Sheikh Hazza was ultimately found to have committed a doping offence had a bearing on certain issues raised in the protest filed with the FEI against the organising committee," said FEI legal director Alexander Mc Lin. "It was only after that was assessed that all the issues relating to the organising committee's actions could be looked at."

He said: "A reprimand will go on the record," adding that this would be "taken into consideration" if the organising committee applied to host another event.

But what actually happened in Dubai is still not clear. The plot reads more like a Dick Francis novel than a judicial process.

In the CAS judgement it is stated that Hachim was "allegedly the subject of persistent doping rumours".

Giving evidence to CAS, organising committee vice-chairman Saeed H Al Tayer said a "reliable source" told him Hachim was doped, but refused to name that source.

He testified that, based on those rumours, the organising committee declared second-placed Ms Lissarague the winner. Sheikh Hazza was mounted at the medal ceremony but left halfway through.

Mr Mc Lin told H&H last week: "What exactly occurred is still not entirely clear. Clearly, the organising committee acted on information it obtained from a laboratory."

Mr Mc Lin further explained that, unlike police, the FEI does not have the powers to force parties to reveal their evidence.

He added: "If the perception is that the FEI didn't investigate this enough, I can assure you that is not the case.

"The FEI has to make a decision based on what evidence it has, and unfortunately the evidence in this case was not conclusive."

H&H was unable to contact the organising committee, Emirates International Endurance Racing, for comment, nor the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, to comment on behalf of Sheikh Hazza.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (7 June, '07)

Andes horseback challenge

Photo Credit: © Pablo Betancourt

5 June, 2007

A HORSE riding opportunity of a lifetime following Charles Darwin’s route through the remote Andes Mountains has been launched by youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

The Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge provides riders with the opportunity to take on a unique equestrian experience and raise money for disadvantaged young people across the UK.

The six-day challenge takes place from February 1-10 2008 and will see riders trek more than 150km on horseback across the stunning landscape of the snow-capped Andes mountain range, from Mendoza in Argentina and to the Chilean capital of Santiago.

Accompanied by a team of local “gauchos” (horsemen), participants will experience “cabalgata” or traditional horseback trekking. They will ride with western-style saddles and bridles and negotiate steep climbs, rugged terrain and remote mountain passes, crossing rivers and camping out under the stars each night along the route. The itinerary follows one of Charles Darwin’s expedition trails and passes breathtaking ravines, ancient volcanoes and hot springs, as well as taking in the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

With up to eight hours a day in the saddle at high altitude (up to 4,500m), participants need to be confident riders and have a high level of fitness - committing to follow a comprehensive training schedule in the months leading up to departure in order to prepare for the intense physical demands of the journey.

Endurance GB rider Fiona Fairhurst took part in the first Andes Challenge earlier this year. She said: “Although for me the horse riding itself wasn’t most difficult part of the challenge, this is certainly no trek up the Brecon Beacons – the Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world – the scenery is jaw-dropping and the route is tough.

But the challenge is far more than just an amazing riding experience. Being away from everyday life in an environment like this allowed everyone to learn something about themselves and their lives. On a mountain, miles from anywhere, you are just concentrating on surviving, but everyone pulls together and the team spirit created is remarkable.”

The Trust’s Challenges aim to raise £500,000 over the next year to help thousands more young people across the UK to realise their potential and turn their lives around.

For more information or to sign up on the Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge call 020 7543 1370 or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/andes.

FRA: France Victorious at CEIO Nation's Cup

By Endurance.Net
The French endurance team was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2007 CEIO Nation's Cup held June 2 at the endurance venue at Compiegne France.

Detailed results of the race are on www.endurance.net

[More ...]

Bahrain Third at France Challenge

Bahrain: Gulf Daily News

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team bagged third place overall in the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship at the Compiegne racecourse near Paris.The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, completed the six-stage, 160-km race in 11 hours, 25 minutes and 20 seconds.

They were behind champions France who crossed the finish line first in 9:31.08, followed by Belgium (10:08:36) in second place.

The four-member Bahraini squad consisted of Mohammed Abdulaziz, Yousif Taher and Ghazi Al Dossary apart from Shaikh Nasser.

The race was dominated by French riders who took the top four positions in the individual event with Thomas Philippe finishing first in 1:12.30, followed by compatriot Begaud Jacque (1:01:12) in second place, Dietsch Pascal (1:06:55) third and Lemoine Maryli (1:08:10) fourth.

Bahrain's Abdulaziz finished ninth overall in 1:19.57, Taher was 13th in 1:30.30, while Al Dossary withdrew from the race following an injury to its horse.

Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations - Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE - took part in the championship but only 17 riders completed the race.

Top officials from Compiegne Province attended the event and presented trophies to the top three teams and the first 15 riders in the individual event at a prize-giving ceremony.

Shaikh Nasser expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team both in the team event and the individual category.

"We took this race very seriously and were keen to complete it without any injuries as we have a number of other races to take part in Europe in the next two months," said Shaikh Nasser.

It is Bahrain's second appearance at the Compiegne racecourse having taken part in the 2005 Europen Championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.

"This race was a qualifier for the 2007 Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September and those who complete three races over 160 kms will qualify for this prestigious event," added Shaikh Nasser.

"It's a privilege to be taking part in such a prestigious event. The result is also very good despite the fact that we took part in this event without our main horses. The horses we took part are in are the ones based in Europe," said Shaikh Nasser.

"The environment here is amazing and the Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sand tracks," he said.

The team will return today from Paris and continue preparations for future races to be held in the UK and France next month.

Results (in order of country, horse, total time):

Individual event: 1 Thomas Philippe (France, Joel Gabirat, 1:12:30 hrs), 2 Begaud Jacque (France, Koum Des Jamets, 1:01:12), 3 Dietsch Pascal (France, Hifrane Dui Barth, 1:06:55), 4 Lemoine Maryli (France, Sherahki, 1:08:10), 5 Van Den Abeele (Belgium, Epson Dela Brus, 1:09:13) 6 Mosti Laurent (France, Xalene Dela Dro, 1:13:13).

FEI: 2008 WEC Qualification Criteria - 10:40 requirement dropped

World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau

The FEI Technical Committee, together with the FEI Endurance Department have now submitted the final wording of the World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau.

The original Criteria which was posted on the FEI Web site and circulated to all FEI National Federations for comment has been amended with regard to the maximum ride time allowed at the additional qualification ride - to be achieved within twelve months of the nominated entry date of the 2008 Championship.This is now the same as the other qualification ride to be achieved within twenty four months of the nominated entry date.

The original thinking behind the suggestion of a shorter maximum ride time for the additional qualifier was to ensure that horses competing in Malaysia had proven levels of increased fitness. However, some Federations felt that the differing conditions found at FEI 160 km events around the world made this increased requirement unfair on certain nations. Further, there was concern that the need for additional speed was contrary to the desire for increased levels of horsemanship that are not directly linked to the ability to increase speed.

The FEI Technical Committee will therefore address these fitness issues by applying stricter criteria on the day of competition as provided for under art 807 and 808 of the FEI Rules for Endurance Events.

Final Qualification Criteria: Horsesport.org

The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride

California - Plumas County News
5/30/07
By Centella Tucker
Special to Feather Publishing

The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride was held May 19 in Greenville and attracted riders from California and beyond.



The event, co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greenville and the Indian Valley Riding and Roping Club, brought 33 entrants to Coppercreek Camp for the first 100-mile endurance ride in Greenville.

This ride was held with the hope of attracting the AERC National Championship Ride to this site in 2008 or 2009.

Riders followed the trail over the Keddie Ridge saddle to Walker Lake and back.

They later traveled through Haun's Meadow and along the ridge overlooking Lake Almanor.

The first to finish completed the ride in just over 13 hours, including 2 hours 45 minutes of mandatory rest times at five veterinary checks where the well-being of the horses was evaluated.

Anderson resident Betsy Adamson on Wriana's Destiny and Redding resident Deanna Guinasso on RGR Flash Fire rode across the finish line in a photo finish at 6:34 p.m., after a 5:30 a.m. start.

First-place horse Wriana's Destiny also earned the Best Condition Award.

Other special recognition goes to First Junior Rider Katie Lydon and Rusty of Manton.

First Featherweight was Betsy Adamson of Anderson on Wriana's Destiny.

First Lightweight was Deanna Guinasso of Redding on RGR Flash Fire.

First Middleweight was Ron Belknap of Coarsegold on Sussman.

First Heavyweight was Gina Hall of Carson City, Nev., on Fire Mountain Destiny.

The Turtle Award went to Cynthia LeDoux-Bloom of Fort Bragg, riding SJ Kerensky to the finish at 12:46 a.m. Sunday, May 20, after an early afternoon fall slowed her pace.

The toughest rider was Renie Burnett of Anderson on Czentinel, who finished 25th with a possible broken collarbone.

Malaysian King to visit rural Qld horse event

ABC News Online

The King of Malaysia and some of the world's best horse riders are heading to Queensland's south Burnett for an international endurance event.

Nanango residents are preparing the small rural town for its first royal visit.

Atop the Blackbutt Range, Nanango has been battling drought and the loss of coal mining jobs.

A royal visit, and the influx of 1,000 people for an international endurance ride on the Queen's Birthday long weekend is a welcome distraction.

Barbara Timms from the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association concedes a royal competitor has been something of a challenge.

"We've had all the embassies sending out their demands for what's required and that sort of thing," she said.

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has booked an entire motel, one of only four in the township.

Horse buyers are expected from the United Arab Emirates and there have been rumours of offers of $1 million for one noted Queensland-bred champion.
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Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser bags second place

Bahrain Gulf Daily News


ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa came second in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy held yesterday in UK.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, headed the five-member Bahraini team which included Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

Shaikh Nasser settled for second position after gruelling competition with Great Britain's Liz Taylor, who won the race.

As for the other Bahraini riders, Shaikh Talal took fourth-place ahead of Abdulla who came fifth, Mahmood sixth and Abdulsamad seventh. The event, which was the first for the Bahraini team this year and took place near Tottenham, consisted of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.

The Royal Endurance Team took part in the 120-km race which was divided into four stages.

The first stage was over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage was over 20 kms. After the race, Shaikh Nasser and other team riders were congratulated by His Majesty King Hamad. This event was part of the team's training programme in Europe which also includes participation in other races in the UK, France and Portugal.

The King of Malaysia to compete in Endurance ride in Australia

Equestrian Federation of Australia



Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan
EFA National Office, Friday, 25 May 2007

The Nanango CEI 3-Star 160 km International Endurance ride near Kingaroy in Queensland will have a royal competitor. The current King of Malaysia hopes to gain the necessary qualification to compete in the FEI World Endurance Championships, which will be held in his country next year.

As the Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan* was elected King of Malaysia at the Conference of Rulers in on 3 November 2006. He will serve as the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia for the next five years.

The 45-year-old King is a keen Endurance rider and will join an international field of riders and officials from New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Poland Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Australia in this ride.

The event is conducted by the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association, a club of the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA), which is affiliated with the Equestrian Federation of Australia and governs the sport of Endurance on its behalf.

The ride itself will start at 5:00 AM on Saturday, 09 June 2007, at the Nanango Showgrounds. Most riders are expected to complete the distance of 160 km by late afternoon. A number of veterinary examinations at five so-called “vet gates” will ensure the horses’ welfare and assess their fitness to continue the ride.



*Note: The full name of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia is Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj.

Royal team gear up for France event

Bahrain Gulf Daily News


ROYAL Endurance Team delegation arrived in France for the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at Compiegne racecourse of the Equestrian Stadium, near Paris.

The race, which is over 160km, is regarded as a qualifier for Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September.

The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, had taken part in the Europe 2005 edition championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.

Other team members include Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations have so far confirmed their entry for the championship. They are Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE.

Shaikh Nasser said the team have been always keen at taking part in these races to gain more experience despite the tough and inconvenient environment surrounding these venues.

The Breef chief said only four riders will compete in this race and will be chosen according to their fitness and physical conditions.

The five-member team have taken part in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy which was held yesterday in the UK, near Tottenham, where Shaikh Nasser came second.

The Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sandy tracks in the imperial forest of Compiegne and holds the 2004 record of participating nations - 19 nations and 87 competitors, half of them were foreigners.

Shaikh Abdullah in top form

Khaleej Times

28 May 2007

DUBAI - Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qasimi produced top class form to win the hotly contested Dukeries 160km FEI in England. It was a splendid accomplishment for the winner of the individual bronze medal at the 2007 JYR World Championship. He was riding Castlebar Sobea on whom his brother finished 4th in JYR WC. This eight-year-old mare was bred in Australia by Meg Wade and Chris Cates

The ride location was in Nottinghamshire where lie the present day remains of Sherwood Forest, once the playground of kings and dukes. It originally comprised huge private estates, established by nobility in a 200-year shopping spree that used the profits from the industrial revolution. Clumber Park, Thoresby and Welbeck were the country seats of powerful dukes. Today, they are still known as 'The Dukeries'

From the start Shaikh Abdullah alongside his endurance trainer Anzag Mahmood Chaudhry rode at a smart pace averaging the fastest, 17.37kph, over the opening loop of 40km but a trio of British riders, including the third place finisher Susan Hawes, were determined to overcome the UAE challenge.

The foremost was Fiona Hamilton who held a fifteen minute lead over the UAE duo at the end of the fourth stage. But at the vet gate, the UAE horses made smart presentations that sent them out just three minutes behind.
It was a jubilant Shaikh Abdullah who crossed the finish holding the UAE flag just ahead of Chaudhry. This was the first time that both their horses Castlebar Sobea and Sergai had competed in a 160km ride. Shaikh Abdullah has now set his sights on being selected to represent the UAE at the 2007 Open European Championship due to be held in Portugal in September.

Six-member Royal Team for UK ride

Gulf Daily News - Bahrain

SIX-member Royal Endurance Team is in the UK to participate in the Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy scheduled for today at 7.30am (Bahrain time).

The Bahraini team will be captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes Khalid Al Ruwaie, Jaffer Mirza, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

The event, which will be the first for the Bahraini team this year, will take place near Tottenham and consist of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.

The Royal Endurance Team will take part in the 120-km race which will be divided into four stages. The first stage will be over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage will be over 20 kms.

Shaikh Nasser, accompanied by team rider Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, reached the race venue yesterday and was briefed about the race.

The Breef chief also watched the veterinary tests of the team horses ahead of the championship.

Shaikh Nasser later met with members of the team and team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and stressed on the importance of this race which is named after Bahrain. Dr Hassan said the Bahraini team is expected to impress in this competition.

Australia: Clare completes hat-trick

Invernell Times

LOCAL endurance rider, Clare Fleming and her purebred Arabian gelding Mangueira Moksha have continued on their winning way following the recent Eden Creek Endurance Ride.

The pair (pictured below) won the Best Conditioned Horse Award for the third time this season.

The two vets that presided over the weekends' activities, examined Moksha an hour after he had finished the 80km ride.

He was deemed to be the winner, based upon his ability to be able to go on, his fitness, freshness and soundness.

It was a big weekend, with close to 100 horses completing in either the 40km training ride or the 80km Endurance Ride.

Earlier Clare rode her Anglo mare Birramalee Queen of Hearts in the 40km ride.

They completed successfully, with a ride time of just over three hours. They were presented with a thermos as a completion prize.

On Sunday morning, the 80km ride started in the cold and wet track following an inch of rain on the Friday evening.

Clare decided to take it easy for this ride, as she is planning to ride Moksha in the 110km International Trans Tasman Endurance Ride on the June long-weekend in Nanango, Queensland.

Clare and Moksha did the ride in just under six hours.

They took it steady, so as to avoid any leg injuries or muscle soreness, which might arise from riding and sliding about in the muddy conditions. Moksha passed all the vet checks and successfully completed the ride. Much to her surprise, Clare finished second in the Lightweight division, and was third rider across the finish line.

At presentation, Clare was given two bags of horse feed and a feed bin for her prizes.

FRA: National CEI** Championship Festival - Ribiers France

Alice Proust
Endurance.Net
Buchel Benoit riding Miette Coco raced to finish first in the qualification race for the upcoming World Endurance Championship for Young Horses.

(Detailed results: Complete Result(PDF).


The race was the first event of the 3 day Endurance Festival which will culminate in the race for the 2007 CEI** Championship of France which will be held Saturday on the same course.


[More ...]

New Zealand: May Endurance Newsletter (1.1 mb)

Portugal : Race Trial of European Championship and National Championship of Portugal

Alice Proust

On Saturday 28th of April was held on Barroca D'alva, a CEI*** 160 Km ride, which both serves as trial of the European Championship and National Portuguese Championship.

There were many riders from the international endurance riding field :
Jack Begaud (FRA), Joao Raposo (POR), Ana Margarida Costa (POR), Juan Paulo Branco (POR), Maria Alvarez (ESP), Jaume Punti Dachs (ESP), Leatitia Goncalves (FRA), Carlotta Dupas (FRA), Marilyn Lemoine (FRA), Grégoire Tilquin (FRA), Rui monteiro (POR).

The ride was divided in 5 loops of 38, 32, 29, 32 and 29 Kilometres and respective hold time of 30, 40, 50 and 50 minutes.


...full report

Malaysia: King Among Contestants For YDSM-PENN Endurance

King Among Contestants For YDSM-PENN Endurance

SETIU, May 5 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is leading the Malaysian challenge at the YDSM-PENN equestrian endurance championship participated by 79 contestants at the Terengganu Equestrian Park at Lembah Bidong here today.

Tuanku Mizan who will be riding a horse named "Bartavia" will be up against 14 other contestants including one each from Brunei and Indonesia in the 160km race that ends at 3 pm tomorrow.

Other categories being contested for the championship organised by the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation (YDSM) and PENN Endurance Equestrian Club are the 80km, 40km, and 26km.

The endurance race was flagged-off by the Terengganu Regent Advisory Council president Tengku Baderul Zaman Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud.

The two-day championship is in preparation for the World Equestrian Endurance Championship 2008 to be hosted by Terengganu next year.

Tuanku Mizan will attend a banquet and present prizes to contestants at Kelab Teluk Warisan in Pulau Duyong tomorrow night.

-- BERNAMA

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Bahrain: Royal Victory!

ROYAL Endurance Team riders - Mohammed Abdulaziz, Ghazi Al Dossary and Jaffer Mirza - bagged the top three positions in the Endurance Horseride Championship held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation, was the last event of the season and the second held at night.

The event was dominated by the Royal Endurance Team whose captain and Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa decided not to take part in the event.

Riders from Bahrain and other GCC countries participated in this race which was over 100 kms and divided into four stages with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third and 15 kms for the fourth and final stage.

Riding Farhooz, Abdulaziz came on top in four hours, 22.35 minutes. Al Dossary was second in 4:34:53 with Mirza third in 4:36:53.



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FEI: Minutes of FEI Endurance Technical Committee Meeting on April 2, 2007

Among the interesting Item:
* - Consider a "star" rating system for riders and horses
* - Maintain a focus on training and courses (Vet, TD, Judges)
* - 2008WEC, test events and special qualifications
and more.

FEI Minutes (PDF)

2008 WEC Qualification Requirements

FEI Article 825 (WEC Qualifications) (PDF)

Qatar: BD13,000 cash awards for endurance challenge

A total prize-money of BD13,000 is up for grabs when the Bahrain Open Endurance Horseride Championship begins tomorrow at 6pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.

The season's final event, which is being held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, covering a distance of 100 kms, will be divided into four stages with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third while the fourth and final stage is over 15 kms.

The top 10 riders in the race will be awarded cash prizes with the winner getting BD3,000, BD2,200 for second place and BD1,800 third place.

Riders from Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable as well as top riders from Qatar have arrived on the island for the challenge.

The Kingdom Stable team include three women riders - Alya'a Al Huwaiti, Latifa Al Shaikh and Noora Al Yousif, as well as Mohammed Al Mahlasi and Abdulrahman Al Hawas.

Five other individual riders from Saudi Arabia - Hamad Al Shimmiri, Nawaf Al Otaibi, Humood Al Shimmiri, Abdulla Al Nabhan and Bader Al Misfir - are also in the fray.