Malaysia: EDARAN RIDE AT WEC 2008 VENUE

View Full Edaran Coverage
3 July 2007, Kuala Lumpur - The fifth annual ride of the much anticipated Edaran Endurance Classic will be held from 26--29 July 2007.

As the foremost endurance ride in the country, the EDARAN ENDURANCE CLASSIC has decided to hold its 2007 ride at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, Terengganu, the venue of the World Endurance Championship 2008. This decision was made to give full support to the world event.

This year's ride will be jointly organized by Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and Edaran Digital Systems Berhad (EDARAN).

Edaran Endurance Classic 2007 takes on a special significance and will provide the opportunity for riders to obtain their certificate of competitiveness (COC) to be able to participate in WEC 2008. At the same time it provides foreign riders the opportunity to familiarize themselves to riding conditions in tropical condition.

The ride anticipates a good number of riders including international riders who will be training to qualify for the WEC 2008. Foreign riders who have regularly participated in the EDARAN ENDURANCE CLASSIC rides have continued to bring with them a wealth of experience and skills in the sport of endurance riding.

"Foreign riders present real benefits to the sport of endurance riding in Malaysia through the sharing of knowledge and technical ?know-how' and we are happy to welcome them to our rides," said Dato' Abdul Hamid Mustapha, the Joint-Chairman of the organizing committee.

"We are most privileged and honoured to have the involvement of YDSM as Joint-Organiser of this year's ride, especially because the State of Terengganu will be the Hosting State of WEC 2008. The keen and committed involvement of the YDSM has enabled the organizing committee to hold the event outside of its traditional base in ar-Raudhah Equine Centre, Selangor. This is indeed a most valuable and exciting experience for all involved in the event ," said Dato' Hamid Mustapha.
WEC 2008 - An Opportunity to Showcase Country's Capabilities
"Winning the bid to host the WEC 2008 did not come without effort and due credit must be given to His Majesty The Yang DiPertuan Agong for playing a key and major role in winning the bid. It is now the responsibility and duty of all of us to ensure that the WEC 2008 is held successfully if Malaysia is to enjoy the benefits of hosting this world class event," said Dato' Hamid Mustapha.

Dato' Hamid added that main objective of the EDARAN Endurance Classic 2007 is to keep the momentum of international interest in and awareness that is building towards WEC 2008 in Terengganu.

" We believe that Malaysia's hosting of the WEC 2008 is a chance in a lifetime opportunity to showcase our country's capabilities as a host and organizer of a world class sports event like the WEC" said Dato' Hamid .

"It is our hope that through rides like the EDARAN ENDURANCE CLASSIC 2007, we will be able to contribute towards a successful hosting of WEC 2008. " added Dato' Hamid.

Joint -Chairman Dato' Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor applauded EDARAN for choosing to hold the Ride at the official venue of WEC 2008. He said that this year's Ride has also been ideally timed to build up momentum for the official trial ride that will be held in November this year.

"The YDSM is very happy to be involved in the Ride. Holding the event in Terengganu will not only provide riders the opportunity to train and familiarize themselves to riding conditions in Terengganu but equally important, it will provide the opportunity for our local support crew and event managers and organisers to learn and prepare themselves for the WEC 2008. This ride, in many ways, can serve as a ?trial' event from which we can identify areas that may need further improvement and preparation for the WEC 2008," said Dato' Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor.

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All Africa Games: Egypt shines in weightlifting, Algeria in horse-riding

Full report on All African Games

Endurance: The host nation won two gold and one silver in the endurance equestrian event. The Algerian trainer praised the result as "outstanding", with rider Karim Djabli on Boheira taking gold in the individual event. Abderrahmane Saidi on Kalbi took silver in the same event, while the Algerian team of Karim Djebli, Ahmed Fayed, Mohamed Rabei and Rafik Bdidi earned the team gold. The bronze in the individual event went to Libya’s Khaled Terhoune on Feqir.

In team competition, South Africa won silver and Libya took the bronze. The twenty-one riders from South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Swaziland, Libya and Algeria taking part in the endurance event rode a distance of 50km on Saturday and a further 50km on Sunday, starting and finishing at Maramane.

African Games: Djabli Karim, riding "Boheira" Endurance winner

Reuters: Kenyans win five Paralympic golds at All Africa Games

Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:40 AM IST136

ALGIERS (Reuters) - Kenya raked in five gold medals in Paralympic athletics to put pressure on the medal leaders at the end of the fifth day of the All Africa Games on Sunday.

Two Kenyan gold medals from Samuel Muchai (1,500m) and Abraham Tarbei (5,000m) put the east African nation renowned for its distance running prowess in a good position with a total of six golds in all events combined.

Algeria, South Africa and Tunisia were runaway leaders at the end of the previous day with 16 gold, 11 silver and 16 bronze, 15-10-11 and 11-11-14 respectively.

Muchai led a Kenyan medal sweep in the race for the totally blind in 4:15.16 as Henry Wanyoike, who won the 5,000m the previous night, added silver in 4:22.01. Francis Thuo, second to Wanyoike the previous day, completed the haul in 4:22.51.

Tarbei added Kenya's second Sunday gold in the 5,000m for the partially blind in 15:25.45. He finished ahead of Ethiopia's Tesfalem Gebru (15:29.30) and Tunisia's Fauzai Mohamed (15:46.16).

Algeria's Abiza Amine won the 1,500m for the partially blind in 3:59.96 ahead of Kenya's Henry Kirwa who timed 4:00.50.

In Blida, Algeria's horse-riding team snatched two gold medals on Sunday, one in the individual event and the other in the team event, as well as a silver medal in the endurance event. Algeria's Djabli Karim, riding "Boheira", won gold in the individual event.

Nigeria beat Egypt 3-0 to win the women's team's table tennis gold at Rouiba. In a women's group B soccer match, Ghana beat Senegal 3-0 at the Stade Omar Hamadi Bologhine to join Nigeria in the semi-finals.

FRA: New Champions of France

Celine Schwart on King Farhoz de Paute achieved the Championship of France on Saturday at the St. Galmier course. They held a steady pace with a group of 8 riders through the day. The final phase of the race saw a speed of greater than 23 km/hr as the 2006 Champion Jack Begaud on Kheopsy du Pilat pushed hard.

Verginie Atger on Kaena and Jean Luc Riou on Lasco du Prat both pushed hard to catch the front runners, competing the 6th phase in 24.51 and 24.76 km/hr respectively, but fell a bit short. a 1 second differential between Begaud and Atger, followed by Riou 10 seconds later decided 2,3,4 in this 164km endurance race!

1 - Celine Schwartz on King Farhoz de Paute
2 - Jack Begaud on Kheopsy du Pilat
3 - Verginie Atger on Kaena

Detailed timing and overall results of the 54 starters (with 29 competions) from 10 countries maybe found at: EnduranceEurope.net

Malaysia: Edaran Endurance Classic moves to Terengganu

from Equestrian.com.my



by Peter Ibrahim Abisheganaden. Photos by Natasha Mustapha.

The 5th Edaran Endurance Classic was launched today with an endurance horse and rider mounting up at Saffron Restaurant in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

For the first time, the Edaran Endurance Classic will not be held at Ar-Raudhah Equine Centre, its home for the first four editions. In support of Malaysian endurance, the Edaran Endurance Classic will instead be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, Terengganu, the venue of next year's World Endurance Championships, from 26th to 29th July 2007.

In moving the event to the WEC course, it gives Malaysian and visiting riders a chance to familiarize themselves and prepare for next year’s World Championships. As a CEI 3-Star 160 km event, it provides riders with another opportunity to gain their first stage of the Certificate of Capability that is required for participation in the World Endurance Championships.

Malaysia currently has eight riders who have obtained the first stage of the CoC by completing a 3-Star event inside 13 hours 20 minutes at a speed of 12 km/h. They are Nik Sabaruddin, Dato’ Abdullah, Faizal Ismail, Zul Sha’ari, Hj. Shu’aib Ishak, Amir Abdul Ghani, Nadiah Tajuddin Ramli, and the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

A field of 20 riders is expected for both the 160 km and 20 km rides. Both are FEI recognised 3-star events. The 120 km ride also serves as a Junior and Young Rider international event. There are also 80 km and 40 km rides. A total of 120 riders are expected to take part in the various categories.

Five foreign riders from Australia, Belgium and U.S.A. are expected at the event. In response to an Equestrian.Com.My question, we were told they would ride Ar-Raudhah owned horses.

“Foreign riders present real benefits to the sport of endurance riding in Malaysia through the sharing of knowledge and technical “know-how” and we re happy to welcome them to our rides,” said Dato’ Abdul Hamid Mustapha, the Joint-Chairman of the Organising Committee.

He also welcomed Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor as the Joint-Chairman. Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor represents Yayasan Di-Raja Sultan Mizan, who run the Terengganu International Endurance Park venue.

Dato’ Hamid Mustapha also said, “Winning the bid to host the WEC2008 did not come without effort and due credit must be given to His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for playing a key and major role in winning the bid. It is now the responsibility and duty of all of us to ensure that the WEC2008 is held successfully if Malaysia is to enjoy the benefits of hosting this World Class event.”

In the Question & Answer session, Equestrian.Com.My asked if there were any participants from Sabah, specifically Melinsung Ranch. The response from Competition Director Mohamad Din bin Mat was that whilst they had been invited, they were not expected to attend.

Bahrain: Shaikh Khalid sixth

Gulf Daily News
LEADER of Al Khaldiya Stables team Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished sixth in the St Galmier Endurance Race for the Bahrain Cup, held yesterday in France under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation.

The 120-kilometre race was won by Inora Paulgans of France, who bested 91 other riders from the Czech Republic, Brazil, Britain, Denmark and Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid presented the Bahrain Cup to Paulgans at the end of the race, which consisted of five stages: the first was over 35km, the second 30km, the third 20km, the fourth 29km and the fifth for 10km.

Shaikh Khalid's Al Khaldiya team included Yousef Taher, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Ahmed Abdulla and Jaffer Merza.

Leader of the Bahrain Royal Endurance team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa phoned Shaikh Khalid to congratulate him for the result and his excellent effort and performance.

FRA: CEI**120km Bahrain Cup Results

The CEI** 129km race has completed. There were 80 starters in the event, with 56 placements at the finish and 24 eliminated during the course of the event. Enora Boulenger, riding Idais Tobiha surged at the to pass Celine Schwartz on Hevenroz de Paulte and finish first. Schwartz nd Isabelle Boyor on Djalba du Barraly had ridden a close race during the first 3 phases of the race, running 1 and 2 for the first 90km.

The race ran the yellow (30km) and green (29km) loops each two times. These phases will also be used during the upcoming 160km National Championship event.

Complete Results on EnduranceEurope.net

FEI Endurance Task Force Starts Work

July 12, 2007 FEI Press

The six selected Chairmen of the newly established FEI Endurance Task Force held conference calls over the last two weeks to discuss and agree on their respective timetables and reporting procedures.

Each Chairman, together with their two co-members, will now start to review the various areas which have been designated to each Division.

Specific email addresses have been established so that National Federations can send any comments and suggestions they may received from their members directly to the Task Force Chairman.

Regular reviews will take place each month after the respective Chairman has provided the FEI with an updated report on the progress achieved. These reports will also be featured on the FEI Endurance Web pages.

A fuller report will be issued in October 2007 which is the half way point in the review process. The final report is scheduled to be released in March 2008 when the proposed new rules will be circulated to National Federations for comment and feedback.

Those new rules will come into force in January 2009.

FRA: National Championship of France

The 2007 Edition of the French National Championship will occur this Saturday. The Hippodrome in St. Galmier will be the primary venue of this event.

Endurance.Net and EnduranceEurope.net will have Merri Melde and Alice Proust at the event to provide images and stories from their unique perspectives. The official event web site is: http://ceistgalmier.free.fr/ - coverage will be provided at:

EnduranceEurope.net

More to Come!!

Top endurance horse Vlacq Khamul put down

From

horseandhound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor

11 July, 2007
Top international endurance horse Vlacq Khamul has been put down after a "catastrophic" pastern injury.

The 12-year-old pure-bred Arab, known at home as "Kham", was owned and ridden Tricia Hirst from Meifod, Powys. The pair had competed around the world — most recently as part of Team GB at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen (August 2006).

"I am absolutely devastated," international endurance rider Tricia told H&H. "He was a horse of a lifetime — he took me around the world to places I never thought I would go to."

Kham was destroyed on Saturday at Rossdale & Partners in Newmarket where Tricia had taken him for a second opinion for a niggling lameness in his left fore.

"We'd had X-rays, nerve blocks, everything — but our vet found nothing, only a small hole at the back of his pastern," said Tricia. "So, because I was competing at Euston Park over the weekend, which was fairly near to Rossdales, I took him there for an MRI scan. They did more X-rays and an MRI but found nothing.

"So Marcus Head said he wanted to do another lameness work-up from scratch, starting with nerve blocks."

Tricia set out on the Euston Park ride with her daughter, but received a call on Saturday to say that the Arab's pastern had catastrophically broken down in front of staff during the trot-up. There was no choice but to destroy the much-loved family horse.

"He was part of the family. In 2004 he was ranked 9th in the world and was the 6th best pure Arab. In 2005 he partnered me at the European Championships in Compiegne and then my son Philip rode him in Bahrain at the Young Riders World Championships," said Tricia. "But I just had to carry on at Euston, it was awful."

Tricia said she had a number of other young horses at home, and a two-year-old by the same sire as Vlacq Khamul that she has bred herself.

"But none are quite like him," she added.

Horse and Houng article

All African Games: Endurance as Equestrian sport

(source: China, Peoples Daily Online)


The ninth All-Africa Games is to be unveiled on Wednesday in Algiers, capital of the North African country Algeria. The following is a brief introduction of this year''s edition of the Games.

The Algerian authorities have chosen Algiers, Tipaza town, Boumerdes and Blida town to host the games. The four venues are scattered over a radius of about 60 km, Kenyan media reported

According to material on the official web site of the Games, over 20 events will be held in this year''s games. The events for the disabled such as athletics, wheelchair basketball are also included in the timetable.

Equestrian sport will make its debut at the ninth Games and will involve endurance riding and show jumping. The sport was first included in the Olympic Games in 1900.

High-profile events will be athletics, swimming and weightlifting in which Africans conquer the world in past major international sports events. For athletics, three-time world cross country championship Edith Masai has predicted that the heated contest between Kenyans and Ethiopians will extend to Algiers.

Kenya has sent its ever largest team to the pan-African event since the country hosted the 1987 Games in its capital of Nairobi.What brings more limelight to the games is that it is part of the qualifiers for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in some events, while in other events like table tennis, it is the sole chance for African sports people to fight for slots of the Olympic Games. Many countries have attached importance to the process of choosing team members.

In addition, several athletes have said that their aim is not just to end up in the medal bracket but using the continental games to prepare for the World Championships in Osaka this August.

AUS: Moyston - Hundreds endure endurance ride

Hundreds endure endurance ride

One of the 100 horses and riders to compete in the endurance ride held at Moyston.
One of the 100 horses and riders to compete in the endurance ride held at Moyston.
MOYSTON - Moyston'S Endurance Ride has been hailed a success, with the event attracting more than 100 riders and their horses from across the state.

The 5am start, on an icy Sunday morning, for the 80kilometre endurance ride did not deter riders from getting involved in the event.

Event organiser Sioux Reid said the weekend was enjoyed by many people of all ages.

"We even had one lady in her 70s participate in the 80kilometre ride," Reid said.

More than 200 people attended a spit roast dinner and band performance on Saturday night, which had `lots of people up dancing'.

Riders were very positive about the weekend, with many commenting on the great facilities at the Moyston recreation reserve and the beautiful scenery.

"We had riders telling us that when the sun broke out of the clouds the view across the Grampians' plains was just fantastic," Reid said.

The Sunday ride went smoothly thanks to the assistance of the police, CFA and many volunteers from around the region.

"As long as we have that kind of support, we'll hold it again," Reid said.

Results

Heavyweight: 1st Dianne Tobin riding Commanche Man, 2nd Carl Adamson riding Bowzatus, 3rd Luke Steele riding Shadrach. Fittest horse Bowzatus.

Middleweight: Equal 1st Fay Bushby riding Pyrenees Phenomenon, Fiona McAuley riding Corandirk Edison, 2nd Janine Stembridge riding Storm, 3rd Jan Scholes riding Gayland Mariah. Fittest horse Gayland Mariah.

Lightweight: 1st Brittnee D'Hondt riding Breema Currowen Winston, 2nd Kelly Armistead riding Khamsin, 3rd Shannon Decker riding Kanafor Kassan. Fittest horse Breema Crrowan Winston.

Junior: 1st Samantha Noble riding Springbridge Bungerdore, 2nd Jessie McKinnon riding Sandine Belcoo, 3rd Caitlyn Sidlouskis riding Kanafor Kassan. Fittest horse Springridge Bungerdore.



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Shaikh Nasser wins race in UK

Shaikh Nasser wins race in UK

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led the Bahrain Royal team to victory in the Thetford International British Endurance Race for 160km, defeating a number of European champions.

Shaikh Nasser finished the race in a total time of eight hours and 16.2 seconds (8.16.21) with an average speed of 19km per hour. World champion Jack Pego came second with a total time of 8.34.11, while third place went to Sofia Arinda with a total time of 8.34.12.

The first stage of the 160km race, which was for 39kms, saw Shaikh Nasser place third riding his horse Basic. Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of UAE came first followed by his brother, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Bahrain's Ghazi Al Dossary finished the stage in 13th place while his teammate, Raed Mahmood, finished in 14th place.

In the second stage, which was for 27kms, Shaikh Nasser came second behind Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who came first. Ghazi Al Dossary and Raed Mahmood finished 12th and 13th, respectively.

In the third stage, which was for 34kms, Shaikh Nasser led the race and succeeded to remain on top until the end of the race.

In the 120km race, Shaikh Daej bin Salman Al Khalifa finished in the 12th place with a total time of 6.47.58 hours, while UAE's riders Mubarak bin Shifya and Mohammed Ali came first and second, respectively.

Meanwhile, the endurance royal team will be leaving today to participate in the St Gelmir endurance race which will start next Thursday for 120kms. Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the team.

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GBR: A successful Ride day at Euston!

Near Thetford, in the SouthEast of Great Britain, on the morning of 8 July and Endurance Race began at 6am. 18 Riders from 9 countries starting the three CEI classes. The race was used as a proving point for the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar endurance squads as they prepare for the upcoming European Endurance Championship in September. 2 riders from Britain, 2 from India, and 3 from France competed the starting field of the 160km race.

The day also saw CEI*** 120km CEIYR*** 120km events, as well as 6 CEN classes, ranging from 100km Endurance level to 41km CR rides. In all, @100 riders particiapted in a full day of endurance.

HH Sh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa riding Basic Instinct won the day at the 160km distance, followed by the 3 French riders. At the 120km, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya riding Omani Iman was first to finish while in the 120km Young Rider class, Sarah Rogerson and Chantalle prevailed.

Complete Results

Bahrain Royal Endurance team set for England race

Bahrain - Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance team is set to participate this morning in the Thetford Endurance Race in England.

This will be the second participation for the Royal team in the Thetford race with both senior and junior teams, and will serve as a preparation for the next Endurance Europe Championship.

The race will consist of two different categories, including the 160-kilometre distance and the 120km event.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Bahraini team in the 160km event along with Ghazi Al Dossary and Raed Mahmood; while Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Al Khalidiya Stables team in the 120km event along with Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and Jaffar Merza, who will be a substitute rider.

Participate

Meanwhile, the UAE's riders are also set to participate in the 120km race, led by sons of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister and vice-president of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The pre-race medical check-up was held yesterday with the attendance of all the participants.

Several members of the Royal Endurance squad are also set to participate in the St Gilmer Endurance race in France.

The delegation is led by team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan, and includes riders Yousif Taher, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Ghazi Al Dossary, Ahmed Abdulla, Mohammed Abdulaziz, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulsamad and Jaffar Merza.

PanAm - Definite List of Entries: 8 countries 3 continents

Paticipants from 8 countries on 3 continents are listed by Cidinha Franzão on EnduranceBrasil. A full 12 member Adult squad from home country Brazil is joined by 12 Young riders to complete the Brazilian entries. Argentina and Uruguy each field both Adult and Young Rider teams while Chile, COLÔMBIA, and GUATEMALA each field partial teams. Open competitors from ÁFRICA DO SUL and GRÃ BRETANHA complete the field of 48 on the definite entries for the CEI**** event to be held July 19-20 near SÃO PAULO - BRASIL! Follow the lead up to the event at:

EnduranceBrasil


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USEF Approves New Drug for Horses

The board of directors of the United States Equestrian Federation has approved the use of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Equioxx (firocoxib).

This new NSAID is the first cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing drug to be approved by the FDA for use in horses. The drug specifically targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body, and spares COX-1, which is associated with many beneficial functions, including production of the protective mucous lining of the stomach.

Firocoxib is restricted to use outside competition until the rule allowing its use takes effect August 1, 2007.

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Endurance changing for the good

Dubai: Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: July 02, 2007, 00:24

Abu Dhabi: Ever since Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was elected as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), many equestrian disciplines including endurance riding have seen changes for the good.

The sport of endurance, in which the UAE are one the strongest competitors, is not only one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world but has also been evolving into a highly competitive sport.

Under the FEI, the Endurance Committee has been testing and experimenting on various aspects of the sport as part of the Endurance Review which is being conducted during 2007 and early 2008.

Finish line

In the recent CEI Three-star 120km Bab Al Shams endurance ride held at Assisi in Italy, the organisers Assisi Endurance Lifestyle experiment with the new "Formula One Finish" which has been mooted to make endurance rides more attractive and spectator friendly.

As against the current practice of waiting for all the fit horses to complete the ride within the stipulated time, in Assisi the new move involved the closing of the out gates onto the course loops one hour after the arrival of the first horse to cross the finish line.

Any horse stopped by the use of the 'Formula 1' finish at a Vet Gate was still required to complete all Vet examinations and, in doing so, meet all of the parameters to continue even though not being required to do so.

Ian Williams, FEI Director of Endurance who was present at the event was quoted on the FEI website as having said, "Those involved in the trial were very positive with the outcome.

"We will now pass the findings on to the FEI Endurance Task Force who will consider the possibilities further.

"We will need to also further trial this style of finish over 160km to gain a full picture of its effect."

Speaking to Gulf News, Vijay Moorthy, Head of Endurance at the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said, "The 'Formula One' finish when adopted does make it easier for the horses as well as those officials involved in the event.

"It makes the sport a little more spectator friendly and is easier for the media also," Moorthy added.

FRA: 2007 Florac First to Finish

1	11:14	FRA	DEMIERRE Cecile	SHAMAN
2	11:30	FRA	BOISSERON Catherine	EULALIE D'OUT LAW
3	11:30	FRA	SOUCHARDPierre	DARKAN

There were 74 Horse/Rider teams at the 4:00AM start. At this time, 7 have finished this world class course. 26 teams are still on the course as night falls in the Florac valley! Detailed Results

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FEI News: 'Formula 1' Finish receives warm approval

At the CEI 3* 120km event held last weekend, on the outskirts of the world famous Italian city of Assisi, the proposed 'Formula 1' finish was tested to much approval.

This test is the third in a series of trial events being undertaken as part of the Endurance Review which is being conducted during 2007 and early 2008.

The first trial involved a scientific study of Endurance horses competing in Dubai in February this year. The second trial, held in Portugal in the spring, tested the use of four vet gates (rather than five) over a 160 km course to ensure riders took more responsibility for the care of their horses rather than relying of the Veterinary Officials.

Last weekend's trial involved the closing of the out gates onto the course loops one hour after the arrival of the first horse to cross the finish line. Any horse stopped by the use of the 'Formula 1' finish at a Vet Gate was still required to complete all Vet examinations and, in doing so, meet all of the parameters to continue even though not being required to do so.

All of the horses effected by the closure of the course were supportive of the trial and felt that it was in line with the need to protect the horse in Endurance competition.

Whilst the riders were confident in their horse's ability to go on and complete the full distance despite the unusual hot temperatures experienced on the day, they felt that the closing of the course and the ability to still be placed in the overall standings was good for the sport.

Ian Williams, FEI Director of Endurance who was present at the event commented, 'Those involved in the trial were very positive with the outcome. We will now pass the findings on to the FEI Endurance Task Force who will consider the possibilities further. We will need to also further trial this style of finish over 160km to gain a full picture of its effect'.

The Organisers had worked hard to attract the general public to this showcase event. Fashion shows, an open air Gala Dinner and breathtaking firework display took place on the eve of the competition. Some 10,000 people watched the event on the day, increasing to over 20,000 who attended the prize-giving ceremony and the following musical entertainment, all of which took place below the floodlit medieval city of Assisi with its many churches and cathedrals.