Bahrain: Endurance race offers BD30,700 prize money

Bahrain Gulf Daily News
Saturday, December 15

A TOTAL prize-money of BD30,700 is up for grabs in today's 120-kilometre National Day Endurance Horseride Championship which begins at 6am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.

The top 15 riders in the junior and senior races will receive cash prizes. The winner of the junior race will get BD3,000, runner-up BD2,000, third-placed rider BD1,500 fourth-placed BD1,200 and the fifth placed BD1,000.

In correspondent figures in the senior races are BD4,000, BD3,000, BD2,500, BD2,000, BD1,500 while the sixth placed rider will receive BD1,000.

Sponsored

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead riders from Bahrain and Jordan in this event being sponsored by Batelco.

Also taking part is Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid will take part in the senior race which will see a total of 48 riders in the fray while 23 entrants are confirmed for the junior race.

Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation president Princess Alia bint Al Hussain has arrived specially for this event.

The race's judging and technical committee will be headed by Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi, and includes Abdulsamad Al Busta, Haider Al Zo'bi and Ali Ghuloom.

Strong field likely for National Day Cup - Dec 12 2007

Gulfnews.com - Full story By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: December 12, 2007, 23:32

Abu Dhabi: The starting line-up for Saturday's Nakheel-sponsored National Day Cup endurance ride could end up as one of the largest ever for an endurance ride with over 150 riders having provisionally entered.

Among those who have entered is Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the winner of the individual as well as team gold at last month's Pan Arab Games in Cairo.

Final list

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said, "As of now we have over 150 entries and this could increase. However the final list of starters will only be known after the pre-ride veterinary check. But we do expect one of the largest fields of riders for this event which is now an important one in the UAE season."

The FEI three-star ride, which will be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, will be contested over five stages of 32kms, 30kms, 24kms, 18kms and 16kms.

Ahmad Al Jaziri, Nakheel's Senior Manager, Events & Sponsorship, said Nakheel was getting involved for the third time with an endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

"This is the second time we are supporting the National Day Cup and this is a matter of pride for us. The response to the event has been terrific and we are glad to be involved with this heritage sport of the UAE."

Apart from Dh400,000 on offer for the winners and other top finishing riders there are also a lot of awards for the spectators.

Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq said a Kia car was on offer for the spectators.

"The first 2,000 fans will be given free raffle tickets which will help them to win the car."

Guatemala: Malasia es el destino

Para los jinetes guatemaltecos Byron López, Clarissa de Wit y Fernando Paiz, el sueño de clasificar al Mundial de Endurance del otro año en Malasia, está muy cerca.

Y es que el fin de semana pasado los tres cumplieron una de las dos pruebas que la Federación Internacional Ecuestre pide como requisito para participar en el Malasia Challenge 2008.

[More ...]

Bahrain: Endurance race to feature five stages

Gulf Daily News
December 11

FIVE stages will be featured at the 120-km National Day Endurance Horseride Championship, scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The race, to be organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation and sponsored by Batelco, consists of a 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth.

Additional 85-km and 60-km qualifying races will be held during the event. The races are open to new riders and horses as the 85-km race will be divided into three stages with the first two stages over 30 kms while the third is over 20 kms. The 60-km race consists of two stages of 30 kms each

The veterinary examination will be held on Friday near the race venue in Sakhir from 2.30pm till 5pm. The weight of the participants in the main race should not exceed 75 kms.

Meanwhile, the organising committee announced members of the judging and technical committee which is headed by Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi and includes Abdulsamad Al Busta, Haider Al Zo'bi and Ali Ghuloom.

Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa earlier said that the race marks Bahrain's National Day Celebrations and is open to riders of all ages and nationalities.

Shaikh Nasser thanked Batelco which recently announced its sponsorship to the federation's programmes.

The Breef chief said that valuable prizes will be given away to the top riders, adding that the race promises to feature stiff competition among the participants who started their preparations much earlier for the event.

Great Britain: Eskar's an Endurance Star

Full Article - Midweek Herald

devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
12 December 2007
ENDURANCE rider Kirsty Wiscombe, from Lyme Regis, has just returned from the Endurance Great Britain Annual Awards ceremony where she picked up an armful of awards.

They were Reserve Supreme Champion, Best Arab, second in Senior Trophy and third in Best Graded. Kirsty, and her horse Eskar, were 27 points behind the Supreme Champion (having missed the last qualifier to compete in France) and several hundred points ahead of the next horses.

She has battled back from the death of her GB team horse Crimson Skye in January and breaking her own ankle in several places.

She said: "I just wanted to give up. My injury meant withdrawing from the World Equestrian Games squad, and we fought for two months to heal Crimson Skye's broken leg before having to have him put down. It was a terrible season."

A new horse, the seven-year-old pure bred Arab Eskar managed to change her mind. "He achieved things I didn't think were possible for a horse of his age," she said.

He was fourth in the tough 160km ride at Cirencester in June, also winning the best condition award. He had another best condition award at Firle two day ride and the season, curtailed by the Foot and Mouth outbreak restrictions, ended with a 16th place in the two day FEI three star ride Les 2 Jours de Montcuq in the South of France.

Kirsty said: "He is now one of the few 160km qualified seven year olds in the world and I had several French riders wanting to buy him."

It was a remarkable effort considering as well the marathon of actually getting there - 815 miles, 26 hours, including ferry trip, door to door.

Eskar finished the season 194th in the FEI world rankings and the combination are back on the GB senior squad. Their first team assessment will be in February.

Next season Kirsty will have four horses competing. Eskar and Connie (who also had a good season and is aimed at the 160km Golden Horseshoe class next year) and two new novices, Yawl Hillbilly, a homebred stallion, and Ishtar Spirit, a four year old part bred Arab mare who will be ridden by young rider Stevie Jones.

Junior rider Shelby France (who lives in Lancashire) who Kirsty has been training/escorting, was also crowned Junior Champion.

Dubai: A fast 120km

Results

1. Hassan Bin Ali (Al Jamaal Jafar) 4 hrs 50 mins 17 secs:
2. Omair Hussain Al Beloushi (Koringkloof Indian Star) 4:56.24;
3. Mohammad Rashed Saeed Al Subose (Kishon Zeal) 5:11.09;
4. Hamad Mohammad Al Ahbadi (Agecroft Jos) 5:15.20;
5. Roshan Ali Shiraj Khan (Le-Wardi Daneska) 5:16.10.


Ali's fast pace guides him home

Hassan Bin Ali victorious in endurance race

Endurance has changed, says winner

Jeni Gilbert EnduranceGB Supreme Champion 2007

At the EnduranceGB Annual Awards Dinner on 1st December Jeni Gilbert was announced as our new Supreme Champion and was awarded a Saddle, kindly donated by Lorna Winn of Saintwestwell Saddlery Full results now available....

[More ...]
Trophy Winners

FEI: Endurance Task Force update

FEI Bureau Meeting. November 2007

The main item brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval following the meeting of the FEI Endurance Committee in Paris (FRA) on 2 April 2007 was the progress made by the Endurance Task Force established to carry out a full review of the discipline.

The Task Force’s mandate is to proactively gather ideas/suggestions and propose changes indicative of the collective wish to continue to develop and raise the standards and perception of international Endurance around the world, keeping Horse Welfare issues as a primary concern.

Assigned areas of responsibility include:
1. Qualification – James Bryant (CAN): Criteria for Championships, Horse Log book/Results Record, Weights, Regional Championships, Handicap System, Leasing of Horses
2. Organization – Vijay Moorthy (IND): Public perception, Dress, Terminology, Abandonment of Events – Protocol, Approved technology, Handicap system.
3. Equine Protection - Fred Barrelet (SUI): Equitation training, Equine research, Minimum rest period between events, Local environment monitoring, Hold/Presentation/Criteria evaluation, Progression through ride distances.
4. Education – Maurizio Stecco (ITA): TD/Course designers, Availability of qualified officials, Maintenance of Official status, FEI database, Courses and development, Star rating of officials.
5. Legal Controls – Art Priesz (USA): Metabolic eliminations, Rider suspension, Enforced rest periods (horses).
6. Competition Structure – John Robertson (GBR): Low level distances (are they a danger?), star rating of distances, Number of vet gates – climate, TD responsibilities, Progressive closing of vet gates, Best Condition Rules.

The areas that have been looked at by the Task Force are:

- Qualification criteria for horses and riders to compete in FEI events
- Logbook
- Event Development (Public perception)
- Dress
- Terminology
- Abandonment of Events
- Approved Technology
- Handicap System
- Roles of Official
- Training of Officials
- Categories and Rankings of Officials
- Low Level Distances
- Star Rating - distances
- Technical Delegate Responsibilities
- Best Condition Rules
- Minimum weight

National Federations to Report Metabolic Eliminations

The FEI has requested new reporting procedures of all National Federations and Ride Organizers. This entails reporting metabolic eliminations for all events, both CEI and CEN. Note that riders (and horses) Certificate of Capability (CoC) will be withdrawn if:

1) a metabolic elimination which requires invasive treatment occurs within 6 months of the Nominated Entries Date for the 2008 WEC.

2) two consecutive metabolic eliminations occur within the same 6 month period.

This loss of CoC will likely effect the decision by riders, trainers, and owners with respect to the application of invasive treatment following an endurance event. It is assumed that intravenous re-hydration following a metabolic elimination will cause the withdrawal of the CoC.

Endurance-Belgium.com Report

FEI Letter to National Federations

FEI Article 825.6 - Final Qualification Criteria

You may comment below.

2008 HH Presidents Cup - Foreign Rider Invitations

December 2
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club

Invited Riders and Horses, H.H. Presidents Cup, 16 February, 2008

England
Susan Haves and 'Jade Rani'

Spain
Eloina Fernandez and 'Rayito'
Patrizia Mariscal and 'Kat Adal Kaiser'

Portugal
Joao Rapos and 'Quinza'
Filipe Cacherinha and 'Papoila'

Germany
Gabriela Foerster and 'Priceless Gold'

France
Marilyn Lemoine and 'Sheraki'
Phillipe Benoit and 'Akim Du Boulve'
Virgine Atger and 'Kangoo D' Aurabelle'

Italy
Maura Liviana and 'Cyriak'
Chiara Marrama and 'Magic Start'
Patrizia Giacchero and 'India'

USA
John Crandell and 'HH Saba Shams'
Kathy Brunjes and 'Theatric'
Steve Rojek and 'Seyvilla Triproof'

For previous Endurance.Net coverages of HH President's Cup:
http://www.endurance.net/2005PresidentsCup/
http://www.endurance.net/international/2006presidentscup/
http://www.endurance.net/international/uae/2007PresCup/

Uruguay to host 2009 Pan American Championship

December 3, 2007
Steph Teeter
www.Endurance.Net

The FEI has accepted Uruguay's bid to host the 2009 Pan American Championship. The competition will be held during the month of April, which is autumn in South America and the weather is typically cool and pleasant. The exact location of the competition has not been determined, but a possible venue might be Punta del Este, the popular resort town on the southern coast of Uruguay. This area, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Rio del Plata River, is modern and upscale and a very popular vacation destination with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, country clubs and resorts. It also offers everything for a beautiful and challenging competition - forests, grasslands, lakes and long stretches of sandy beach. The Club Burnett, a large equestrian center is being considered as a venue which would provide a large competition area complete with stabling for the horses.

According to Ketty Friedman, a Uruguay FEI 4* Judge who has been involved with International Endurance in Uruguay since 1997, there is a very dedicated core group of people who have been working together to build the sport in this country. They will work during the next several months to finalize the date and the venue for the 2009 event. Gustavo Sclavo, president of the Uruguay Equestrian Federation has strong ties with Endurance discipline, has also been instrumental in building International Endurance in Uruguay, and in helping secure the bid for the 2009 Pan American Championship. They are certain that Uruguay will host a world class event and they look forward to introducing the world to this small South American country.

Uruguay Endurance - Endurance.Net coverage of 2007 Rocha Internacional





Photos: Beach at Punta del Este, Ketty Friedman and Gustavo Sclaro at Rocha Internacional Endurance, Pueblocasa - artist Carlos Paez Vilaro, Sailboats at Punta del Este

Al Beloushi's dominating display - Dec 1 2007

Gulfnews.com - Full Story
Winners of 120 KM international and 100 KM for junior and young riders of Endurance Ride with Mohammad Saif Al Neyadi, Head of Board of Directors of Emirates Heritage Club at Boud Thieb Endurance Village. Photo by Abdul Rahman

Al Beloushi's dominating display gives him another first-place finish

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: December 02, 2007, 01:07

Abu Dhabi: Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri featured in their second successive 1-2 finish in two weeks to bag top honours in the Sorouh-sponsored - 120km UAE International Endurance Cup ride here on Saturday.

Yousuf, the champion of last season and representing the all-conquering Al Reef Stables, came up with another superb ride on Charlande El Sharif to finish ahead of the Al Wathba star Ali Khalfan.

Yousuf, who won the ride on November 24 at the Dubai International Endurance City ahead of Ali Khalfan, completed the 120-km ride in a time of 4 hours 56 minutes and 58 seconds.

The Al Reef trainer-cum-rider has almost a 100 per cent record on the 10-year-old chestnut gelding, yesterday's being his second win while the pair also completed a 240-km three-day ride before the runner failed the final vet check after finishing first.

Important ride

It was yet another dominating performance by the Al Ain-based champion as he forged ahead on the first loop and then allowed the others to gather pace and pass him before making his run in the final two stages of the five-stage ride.

"Yes, being one of the favourites has its own share of pressures. Most of the riders want to stay close to me and watch for what I do," he said after his win.

"I maintained the same speed for most part of the first four stages while the others did get ahead. Charlande is a great champion and he stayed good till the finish which helped me win today," said Yousuf, who now turns his attention towards the National Day Cup ride.

"That is an important ride and I have two horses earmarked," he added.

Ali Khalfan's second place finish for Al Wathba Stables came after young stable-mate, Abdullah Rashid Mohammad Saeed Al Naqbi, rode Leblond to a smart win in the 100km ride for Juniors and Young Riders.

Results

Surouh-sponsored - 120 km UAE International Endurance Cup

(top five):

1. Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi (Charlande El Sharif) 4 hrs 56mins 58 secs;

2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (SB Silver Choice) 5:01:49;

3. Majid Mohammad Salam Al Sabri (Manana Travis) 5:16:56;

4. Hassan Bin Ali (Nassat) 5:21.33;

5. Ahmad Salim Al Beloushi (Silversprings Kabir Arwa) 5:21.38.

Surouh-sponsored - 100 km UAE International Endurance Cup for Juniors

(top five):

1. Abdullah Rashid Al Naqbi (Leblond) 3:49.52;

2.Kimberley Dean -GBR-(Karabil Wyoonah) 4:32.09;

3. Omair Hussain Al Beloushi (Al Galahn) 4:32.32;

4. Kayleigh Smith -GBR-(Torryburn Gallant) 4:32.45;

5. Aliya Ali Mohammad Al Marzouqi (Kyama De Lux) 4:44.32.

Pan Arab Results

Detailed Results for the recent Pan Arab Endurance Race are now available:
[More ...]

Yousef maintains his hot streak

The key players at the Bab Al Shams Challenge endurance ride celebrate the latest success of last season's star man Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi.

Gulfnews.comBy M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: November 25, 2007, 00:26

Dubai: Last season's champion rider Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi and Estaban, another top performer among horses last season, combined in impressive fashion to win the Bab Al Shams Challenge 120km endurance ride on Saturday.

In a thrilling tussle for supremacy, Yousef, along with Al Wathba rider Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Sha-Ali and Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton on Antares Sauveterre, battled throughout the five-stage 120km ride, which kicked off endurance action for the Dubai Equestrian Club at the Dubai International Endurance Village.

It was Ali Khalfan who led for most of the first three stages, with Maria in close pursuit while Yousef and Estaban were in sixth place during the first half of the ride.

Worried

"The ride was run in two groups. The first group of which I was a part set a very fast pace and I was a bit worried. But I kept him behind and went for it in the final two loops," said Yousef, who was riding Estaban for the first time.

The 15-year-old bay gelding was earlier trained by Spaniard Jesus Manuel Berna and was one of the top horses of the previous season.

"This was one of the fastest rides and the average speed was very high. In the last stage we touched 26.37 km/h," said Yousef, who won five rides last season.

The winners were timed at four hours, 42 minutes and 32 seconds, with Ali Khalfan second in 4:47.08.

Ali Khalfan said he was equally worried about his horse which just kept pulling him during the start.

"I really found it very difficult to keep him as he kept pulling. In fact I was keen to retire after the third stage but the grooms said Sha- Ali [his horse] was in good shape. I am happy he finished and the second place is certainly a good result for the stables," Ali Khalfan said.

Maria, another top performer of last season, once again displayed superb form and in fact posed a stiff challenge to the two UAE riders. After being placed fourth in the first two stages she moved into second in the third stage before being pushed back by Yousef and Ali Khalfan.

Earlier in the morning a total of 103 riders got off to a mass start in this Bab Al Shams Resort-sponsored ride which was also DEC's first of the season. Two Qualifier rides were also held at the venue in Seih Assalam.

Dubai Equestrian Club General Manager Ali Moosa Al Khamiri; Abdin Nasralla, General Manager, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa; and Hussain Mohammad Hussain, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, gave away the trophies after the finish.

Results: Bab Al Shams Challenge 120km

1. Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi (Estaban) 4hrs 42 mins 32 secs;

2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Sha-Ali) 4:47:08;

3. Maria Alvarez Ponton (Antares Sauveterre) 5:13:05;

4. Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose (Hamlet El Indalo) 5:16.12;

5. Naser Abdullah Al Marzouqi (Ras Islam) 5:19.03.

Aziz dances Foxtrott to 100km victory

Gulfnews.com
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: November 25, 2007, 00:26

Abu Dhabi: Layla Abdul Aziz used all the experience gained as a UAE rider in the world championships to win on Saturday's 100km Al Ain Endurance Cup at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.

Riding 10-year-old bay gelding Foxtrott 40, Layla paced her run and ensured her horse was in a fit condition at the final vet check which helped her clinch first place and drive away with a new Nissan Pathfinder.

Layla finished third behind India's Narayan Singh on Al Qudra and UAE's Fahd Abdullah Mubarak on Nakita. But both Al Qudra and Nakita were eliminated due to lameness and metabolic reasons respectively.

Full marks

However, Layla's horse Foxtrott 40 was cleared with full marks at the final vet check and she was declared the winner.

"This was the first time winning on this horse," said Layla, who had finished sixth at the World Junior Championship and fourth at the next World Championship in the Czech Republic. Layla came up with a steady performance as they averaged around 21.47 km/h for the 100-km ride which was restricted to riders from smaller stables.

"It was a tough ride and I just kept my horse behind initially and then ensured he lasted the distance," said the winner.

Results

1. Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha (Foxtrott 40) 4hrs 39 mins 31 secs; 2. Gulam Nabi Mohammad Arf-Pakistan-(Tiramisu 2) 4:43.30; 3. Saeed Amhi Al Mansouri (Shawol) 5:07.58; 4. Saeed Bin Helweh (Vonk) 5:24.28; 5. Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi (Alonha Kaila) 5:43.14.

DHL Jordan announces sponsorship for Equestrian Tahani al Masri

AlBawaba.com article
Posted: 25-11-2007 , 08:38 GMT


DHL Jordan, the leading express and logistics provider in the Kingdom, has announced its support and sponsorship for budding equestrian Tahani Matouq al Masri who just participated in her first Wadi Rum Endurance Race. The sponsorship is in line with DHL Jordan's commitment to supporting young local athletes and raising the standard of this noble sport.

The Wadi Rum Equestrian Endurance Race took place on the 14th of November in Wadi Rum and covered 120 km. A number of outstanding equestrians who qualified in the preliminary race of 80 km and registered with the International Equestrian Federation also took part in the race.

Masri who only trained for a total of 10 months was among the first and few who reached the finish line.

Bara Obeidat, Marketing Manager at DHL Jordan, said, "The DHL Jordan team are proud to offer their support for upcoming equestrians with a promising future. Our sponsorship is part of our commitment to support the local community and with it we hope to play our part in shaping the future of Jordanian youth and in turn putting Jordan on the international map."

Tahani al Masri thanked DHL Jordan for taking the initiative to sponsor her in this race and for supporting her first participation in it. She said that this is the most important stage for the champions of this sport who wish to excel on an international level.

She added, "Participating in these types of races and championships helps an equestrian to hone her talents and consolidates her ability to overcome all the obstacles in her way. Receiving this sponsorship from DHL helps to raise awareness of this sport and also helps to build confidence and bring encouragement in this challenge.”


About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specialising in providing innovative and customised solutions from a single source.

DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than 60bn euros in 2006.



© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

Bab Al Shams to sponsor first ride of the season - Nov 23 2007

Gulfnews.com - Full article
Staff Report
Published: November 23, 2007, 01:05

Dubai: A strong field of riders is expected to take part in the Dh550,000 Bab Al Shams Challenge tomorrow, the opening event of the endurance season at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC).

The November 24 challenge, a FEI three-star 120-km ride organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), is the first of eight rides at DIEC, including six FEI and two National competitions.

Dubai Equestrian Club General Manager Ali Moosa Al Khamiri said: "We are delighted that Bab Al Shams is continuing its long association with Dubai International Endurance City in sponsoring the opening ride.

"The first ride of the season is always an exciting event, and many of the leading riders will be in action, hoping to get their campaigns off to the best possible start. We look forward to seeing many of you there for what should be a great day."

Higher categories

Abdin Nasralla, General Manager, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Endurance Races again this year. The Endurance Races are a national tradition and form part of the cultural heritage of the UAE; as such they share a strong synergy with Jumeirah Bab Al Shams's own efforts to support and promote UAE national culture as well as highlighting the Jumeirah Group's continued commitment to Stay Different.

"We look forward to welcoming participants and supporters for the 'Bab Al Shams Challenge'."

The Bab Al Shams Challenge starts at 5.30am and will also stage two Qualifier Rides over a distance of 40 and 80 kms, in which riders and horses can qualify for rides of higher categories.

Mayed leads UAE's clean sweep

photo: Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum completes his golden ride on Omani Iman at the Pan Arab Games in Cairo.

Gulf News Article


By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: November 20, 2007, 00:27

Cairo: Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum led a golden display by the UAE riders who picked up two gold medals and a silver and bronze apiece in a total sweep of the medals on offer at the 11th Pan Arab Games here on Monday.

Shaikh Mayed, on Omani Iman, crossed the finish line just ahead of UAE teammates Salem Rashid Bin Ghadayer and Mohammad Al Subose with the three completing a 1-2-3 finish in the individual event.

Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya finished fourth to extend the UAE's domination and help the UAE win the team gold also. The team members were Shaikh Mayed, Sultan Bin Sulayem, who was eliminated in the fourth stage, Bin Shafya and Ali Subose.

"We are very proud with this achievement which has helped the UAE once again assert its supremacy in this sport. We are also happy to finish as the Pan Arab champions in both the individual as well as team event," said Shaikh Mayed after his win.

Shaikh Mayed and Omani Iman completed the 120-km ride in a timing of 6 hrs 43 mins and 56 seconds.

Later, Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim on Spendacret Kamouflage took fifth place to make it a memorable day at the Saqqarah Endurance Village here.

This was UAE's second sweep of the medals after they won both the individual and team gold medals at the Asian Games in Doha last December apart from also bagging the individual bronze.

Chilly weather

Early yesterday, a total of 42 riders got off to a 6 am start and with the temperature remaining chilly for almost the first two loops the horses seemed to have it easy. However, the loose sandy terrain littered with stones and rocks made it a bit treacherous but the UAE riders managed to steer clear.

Salem Rashed led the UAE pack with Shaikh Mayed in second place after the first stage of 36 kms, followed by Bin Shafya and Al Subose with Bin Sulayem in sixth and Bin Huzaim in eighth positions.

Shaikh Mayed, along with Bin Shafya, was close behind up to the third loop at which stage they had covered a distance of 85kms.

With two stages left, the gap had widened and UAE looked headed for a double triumph. The Libyan squad had four of their riders making an early exit while both Saudi Arabia and strong contenders Bahrain also had two riders eliminated.

That eased a lot of pressure on the UAE front-runners but the tricky terrain was still the danger as most of those eliminated were due to lameness.

In the team championship, the UAE team had mustered an incredible 105 minute lead over Qatar while Saudi Arabia were third a further 20 minutes behind at the end of the third stage.

Results

1. Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum (Omani Iman) 6hrs 43 mins 56 secs
2. Salem Rashed Bin Ghadayer (Dalton Du Capimont) 6:43.58
3. Mohammad Ali Al Subose (Kevin Du Narthoux) 6:44.01
4. Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya (Kaysand Farrazah) 6:44.03
5. Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Spendacret Kamouflage).

Just 700 flu cases in NSW likely to still be active - Nov 20 2007

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story

Disease specialists estimate there are now only 700 active cases of equine influenza in New South Wales.

Epidemiologists, who study the patterns of diseases in populations, have been monitoring the flu outbreak closely, using information collected to report the situation and make predictions.

They say their findings provide strong encouragement that the disease is under control and eradication is achievable.

Some of their findings are shown in the two accompanying maps.

The infections are placed in one of three categories.

There are those under 21 days, which are deemed "recent" and still likely to be active. Those over 21 days are deemed "older" and are expected to be inactive. The third category is resolved, where officials have tested inactive areas and formally declared them disease-free.

Their research shows that the number of cases under 21 days old peaked late in September, and started to decline from about the second week of October to reach the current level of about 700 cases state-wide.

Numbers of older cases has increased progressively since late September. Increasing numbers of cases have now been resolved, with work progressing to actively resolve cases, particularly in outlying areas and clusters. The total number of cases is starting to level off at around 5500 to 6000 as the number of recently reported IPs declines.

There have been a total of 73 newly infected premises identified during the last week, compared to 85 last week and 255 the week before that. The great majority of new cases have been in the purple zone, with additional cases in clusters at Wee Waa, Grenfell, Gunnedah, Armidale/Walcha, Dubbo and Parkes.

The estimated dissemination rate (EDR) for a disease is the average number of new cases generated by each existing case. An EDR of greater than 1 indicates that the disease will continue to spread and the epidemic will continue. Conversely, an EDR of less than 1 means that the epidemic will gradually die out.

The graph below shows that the EDR for horse flu has progressively declined since about mid-September and has been below 1 for most of the time since early October. The dotted lines show the 95% confidence limits for the estimate. The slight ups and downs of the EDR over time are probably due to variations in reporting over time.

"Although the EDR estimates are probably affected by some under-reporting, the graph provides strong encouragement that the disease is under control and eradication is achievable," the epidemiologists said.

And the Winner Is....

For once I'm in the right spot for something as the awards ceremony is just about to begin within the regulation time after the arrival of the front runners. Tables are being filled with boxes and bags of gifts and tasteful silver and gold plate trophies line up in front of a sign for the sponsors of this event, PMA, which is some kind of investment company. The platform in front of the cafeteria is full of white robed men with either glistening white or red and white head scarves carefully folded back over their shoulders. There are, in fact, horses standing not 10 feet away who have not yet gone out to do the final loop but what the hay? There are people here who, I suppose, have seen enough endurance today. Everyone is waiting to award the individual prizes in the competition.

First place and individual gold goes to HE Sh. Majid Mohamed Al Maktoum
Second place and individual silver goes to Salem Rashid Ghadier
Third place and individual bronze goes to Mohamed Ahmad Ali Al Subose
Fourth place goes to Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafiya

All four are riding horses from the Maktoum stable in Dubai.

And that's all folks.







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