European endurance champion loses title for medication offence

Horse & Hound - Full Article

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor Horse & Hound
22 January, 2008

Open European endurance champion Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya has been stripped of his title after his horse Zakah Zahara tested positive for a banned substance at the championships in Portugal last September.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) pairing had been promoted to first place in the Open Qatar Challenge after first rider over the line Sultan Bin Sulayem and Nashmi did not pass the final vetting.

But Zakah Zahara tested positive for a medication offence. French rider Jean Phillipe Frances and Hanana Du Bois have been promoted to first place.

There is no suggestion that Zakah Zahara was doped to gain an advantage.

An International Equestrian Federation spokesman said: "In these fast track cases as long as the rider pays a fine plus costs there is no further sanction, other than their withdrawal from the competition.

"Competition horses should not be taking any medication and this rule is in place to stop horses competing while ill or recovering from illness. In this case there was still some medicine in the horse's system."

Mubarak Khalifa Al Shafya is the manager and trainer of the Al Asaafa Endurance Stables, owned by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Abu Dhabi: Fine show in Al Nahyan ladies Challenge - Jan 19 2008

Zawya.com - Full story

Saturday, Jan 19, 2008

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi, on Jen A Dale Zamarah, came up with a consistent performance to win the Hydra Properties-sponsored 100km first round of the Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Challenge ladies' endurance event at the Al Asayel Endurance Village here on Friday.

Afra, riding the 13-year-old chestnut Jen A Dale Zamarah from Al Reef Stables, recorded a steady average speed of just over 25 kmph throughout the 4-loop ride to top the 31-strong field with a timing of 3 hrs 64 mins 36 secs.

Aliya Ali Mohammad Yousuf Al Marzouqi on Wadhnan finished second while Bayan Abdullah Abbas Ahmad on Reesville Saban completed a sweep for UAE women riders.

Behind them were two British riders, Kayleigh Smith and Sue Sidebottom and the top five gained valuable First Round points and will be taking a shot at the overall title after two more rounds.

Impressive response

Yesterday's ride, sponsored by Hydra Properties, saw a total of 31 lady riders from many countries taking part at this venue in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan gave away the prizes to the winners. "We thank our father for his support which has made it possible for the lady riders to compete and enhance their abilities," said Shaikh Mohammad.

Shaikha Aliyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the winner of last year's challenge, said the support of Hydra Properties was a big boost for the competition.

"When we have strong sponsors it will help more stables to take part and enhance the quality of competitions," she said.

"I could not take part in the opening round as I was tied up with the organising of the event.

"This year, it was a bigger event. I will be taking part in the second round," said Shaikha Aliyazia.

"We now have stabling facilities for 40 horses which will allow the competitors to come here the night before and base their horses ahead of the ride," she said.

'Conducive for riding'

"Apart from this, the recent rain has settled the terrain and the loops were in very good condition and conducive for riding," Shaikha Aliyazia added.

"We are also working towards inviting lady riders from other GCC countries," she said.

Friday's 100-km ride was run in four loops of 30kms, 30kms, 24kms and 16kms.

© Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.

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Abu Dhabi: Hassan clinches Book Fair-Sorouh Cup - Jan 19 2007

Gulfnews.com - Full story

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: January 19, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Hassan Bin Ali, on Blackheath Kira, finished ahead of Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Omani Iman, to win the 120-km Abu Dhabi International Book Fair-Sorouh Cup endurance championship held at the Emirates International Endurance Village here on Saturday.

In a ride which saw a fast pace being set early by the two Beloushis, Omair and Yousuf, Hassan and Shaikh Mayed did well to finish just three minutes of each other in the five-loop 120-km event sponsored by Sorouh and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

Both Hassan and Shaikh Mayed were on the same horses in the National Day Cup ride, held at this very venue. Shaikh Mayed was third and Hassan Bin Ali was fifth in that ride held on December 15. While Omair Hussain Abdullah Al Beloushi retired his horse after the first stage, Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi's Estaban failed the vet check in the second stage.

Convincing winner

That left Hassan as the leader and he finished first in each of the four remaining loops to emerge a convincing winner. They recorded an average speed of just under 26km/h to complete the 120-km ride in 4 hours 37 minutes and 04 seconds. It was Hassan's second win this season. "It was a fast race and a tough one. The climate was good so it was helpful," said the winner.

Shaikh Mayed, who was seventh after the first stage, gradually moved up. Omani Iman has been a good partner for the Asian Games gold medallist as he won the Pan Arab Games individual gold in Cairo on the same horse.

Spanish star Jaume Punti Dachs, better known as Juma in the UAE, came in third. The silver medallist at last year's European Open Championship, Juma and his horse Don Sala finished third.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended yesterday's ride.

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Abu Dhabi: Fine Show - Jan 18 2008

Gulfnews.com - Full story

Abu Dhabi: Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi, on Jen A Dale Zamarah, came up with a consistent performance to win the Hydra Properties-sponsored 100km first round of the Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Challenge ladies' endurance event at the Al Asayel Endurance Village here on Friday.

Afra, riding the 13-year-old chestnut Jen A Dale Zamarah from Al Reef Stables, recorded a steady average speed of just over 25 kmph throughout the 4-loop ride to top the 31-strong field with a timing of 3 hrs 64 mins 36 secs.

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Abu Dhabi: Impressive field for Book Fair-Sorouh Cup - Feb 17 2008

Gulfnews.com - Full story

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: More than 100 riders are expected to take part in the 120-km Abu Dhabi International Book Fair-Sorouh Cup endurance event to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of ADEC said a total purse of Dh400,000 was on offer for Saturday's ride.

"The ride will be run in five stages of 32kms, 30kms, 24kms, 18kms and 16 kms," he said.

Juma'a Al Qubaisi, director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair said...

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Abu Dhabi: Ladies endurance ride receives tremendous boost - Jan 16 2008

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: January 16, 2008, 00:43

Abu Dhabi: The First Round of the Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Challenge endurance competition has attracted over 35 entries and with Hydra Properties lending its support this event for lady riders has received a tremendous boost.

Shaikha Hessa Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Shaikha Madiya Hasher Mana Al Maktoum, Shaikha Maryam Bint Omer Al Qasimi and Shaikha Asma Taleb Al Qasimi along with riders from the UAE, France, Germany, Uruguay, US, Australia, Great Britain and Canada are among the 35-plus who have entered so far.

"We have brought in many changes and the 100-km CEI two-star FEI ride will be held at the Al Asayel Endurance Village (AAEV) in Sweihan, which has been spruced up for the three-round competition," said Salem Al Ketbi, President of the AAEV Organising Committee.

A new logo and enhanced prize money and a car for the overall winner of the three-round Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Challenge was also announced at the press conference.

"The winner of Friday's round will get Dh30,000, the second-placed rider Dh25,000 and Dh15,000 for the third place. The owner of the Best Conditioned horse will get Dh10,000," said Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq.

Great pride

"This is of particular importance and we take great pride in being part of this endeavour," said Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim, CEO of Hydra Properties in a message.

"Under the guidance of Dr. Shaikh Sultan, the Al Asayel Endurance Centre has evolved into another of the UAE's major venue with a focus on women riders.

"Sport is an integral part of all projects unveiled by Hydra Properties and we take it as our responsibility to support and help in the progress of UAE sportspersons to reach international levels," he said.

Friday's 100-km ride will get off to a mass start at 6.30am and the ride will be run in four loops of 30, 30, 24 and 16kms.

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Abu Dhabi: Emirati girls can do well, says Hessa - Jan 16 2008

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: Shaikha Hessa Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said Emirati girls were now getting the opportunity to take part in competitive riding and very soon they will gain success at the highest level.

Speaking to Gulf News at the Al Asayel Endurance Village in Sweihan yesterday, Shaikha Hessa said: "Emirati girls had not quite had the chance to compete, but now they were coming out. Over the last few years we have had some good competitions here," she said.

"Ladies rides have been catching up and are more competitive now as was seen in last year's Al Asayel Challenge. Very soon Emirati girls will be able to compete against the boys and hopefully make it to the UAE team," she added.

Immense support

Shaikha Hessa, who will be riding Sabee in Friday's 100km Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Challenge Round 1, said she has been supported a lot by her father. "But for him all this would not have been possible. My elder sister Shaikha Alyazia, who won last year's Three-round Challenge, also helps me," said Shaikha Hessa, who is in her final year at Zayed University.

"I am doing my internship in my subjects (International Studies and English Literature) and of late have had more time to train here," she said.

"Arabian horses are very good-looking, tough and they try hard. It is nice to work with them," Shaikha Hessa said.

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Bahrain: Endurance race for Arab women set - Jan 15 2008

Gulf-daily-news.com

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) plans to organise the first Arab Endurance Championship for Women later this year, Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa revealed yesterday.

The race is expected to attract a good number of female jockeys from various Arab nations.

Shaikh Nasser has directed officials to kick-start preparations for the championship. He added that Breef will soon announce the date of the endurance event, along with its stages and other details.

Breef last week organised the National Guard Open Endurance Horseride Championship, which included a women's race over 100km.

The event witnessed strong participation from female jockeys with promising talents. Bahrain's Manal Fakhrawi of the Royal Endurance Team clinched the win, followed by Saudi Arabia's Latifa Al Shaikh in second and Qatari Khadeeja Al Bastaki in third place.

Malaysia: Success in the Desert!

As we followed the riders around on the final loop I was struck, once again, by the honesty of Endurance as a sport. His Majesty - Tuanku Zainal Abidin - King of Malaysia, was riding a horse provided by HH. Sh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - a very good horse. He had been crewed and supported all day by Jaume (Juma) Punti's barn - probably the best crewing possible. He was given ultimate opportunity for rest and food at each hold. There were a dozen cars following His Majesty and Halim- Dubai police, staff, security, even his family was following along during this final 19km.

But still, even with the best that money and position can provide, it ultimately comes down to effort and determination and physical endurance. And this was an honest effort - no short cut - no special favors - man and horse - 100 miles of endurance. His Majesty was tired. As head of state his government duties are demanding, and time for riding and physical training is precious and limited, and as a rider in his late 40's he was older than most of the other riders out on the course. And he was in pain. Riding in UAE is different from any other type of riding. It is fast and physically demanding, and if one is not accustomed to hours of cantering it can be exhausting. Riding the gallop uses a different set of muscles to maintain the back and forth rhythm, a very different motion for every muscle group. And without sufficient core strength, it becomes difficult to maintain the balance and keep the column straight and still while the waist and hips do the work.

But his jaw was set, and his arm was clamped to his side, and only his endurance - determination - could finish this ride. Nobody could do it for him, nobody could make it any easier for him. The horse looked fantastic - Ibrahim Pascha Larzac deserves the 'horse saint' medal of the year. He was eager all day but smooth and steady, only doing what he was asked or allowed to do, never pulling, always changing leads, always 'happy'.

The tension was palpable - all those cars, idling along in sight of the riders, spread out along beside and behind, filled with all those people, all eyes glued on His Majesty and Halim. The pressure to finish, to represent his country well and honorably must be daunting. And if all the mental pushing and wishing could have been turned into physical power during that last loop, I think he would have been air born ...

They alternated walking, trotting and cantering. The crew walked along beside His Majesty and Halim between crew points when the pace allowed. They didn't crew, didn't assist, just walked beside them. Juma walked beside him also. A word or smile every so often, he was there for moral support. And Halim, young and fit and eager and always smiling - every step was a step for his King.

The loop was a big circle around the venue, and most of the time we could see the Endurance City lights off in the distance. As the horses turned the last corner, heading down the 5km track that leads into the venue, they asked to canter - and so they did. No vehicles are allowed on this final stretch, so we fanned out along the access roads. From our vantage point (Mark Dial was driving, Shri Kanth (DVM) with us) I could see the riders framed against the white railing, lights along the track illuminated the horses legs as they did a steady gallop into camp. The vehicle lights were fanned out - it was a little foggy with the cooling air and moisture from the rain. Very moving - an image and feeling I won't ever forget. And sometimes the immensity of the moment overwhelms me. Just a 'regular person' with the honor and opportunity - the cosmic circumstance - to be here in a foreign country - an Arab state - witnessing a phenomenal display of character, and endurance, on the part of a Malay King - a man who could have chosen an easier path, an easier sport, but didn't.

Mark dropped Shri Kanth and I off at the finish line so we could meet the riders and he drove around to the in gate to help with arrival and crewing. We could see/hear/feel the riders coming in. A third horse had joined His Majesty and Halim, a grey horse ridden by Jairo Rodriguez Berenguer of Spain, they came across the line together. There was hushed cheering, I think the 19km's of emotion and tension still had a grip on everybody... the riders took their horses through the ingate and the crews went to work. His Majesty watched the horses disappear into a flurry of blue tshirts and buckets and was reluctantly herded to the chalet by his staff. There were quite a few people left at the vetting area - the vets and officials and FEI folks... Halvard Somerseth (one of the vets) who always makes me laugh came up with a big grin on his face, and some silly comment about 'The King and You' . A good laugh... cosmic circumstance.

The horses passed the final check brilliantly - bouncy trot and Ibrahim 'the great' still looked happy. What a horse. The horse that Halim was riding , Ismael, a rangy tough horse, pulsed at 47 within a couple minutes. I never saw him over 49 at any of the vetgate presentations. He was not as easy to ride as Ibrahim - a lot more work for Halim - but tough and fit and I think an 11 hour 100 was a walk in the park for him.

Tuanku Mizan is planning to come back for the Presidents Cup. If he finishes this ride in CoC time he will be qualified to represent Malaysia in the WEC. It will be in 6 weeks - Juma said it would be no problem for the horses - and I don't doubt him after watching them all day. I suspect that for Tuanku Mizan, after the pain and fatigue wear off, the elation and sense of accomplishment will settle in. (this is what makes all of us endurance junkies). I suspect he will spend the next 6 weeks doing his King job on the surface, but perhaps his dreams will be out there in the desert...

Steph


Complete Event Covage on Endurance.Net and EnduranceEurope.Net

UAE riders making the difference

Gulf News - full article

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Report
Published: January 14, 2008, 00:54

Abu Dhabi: Much before Saturday's His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, the UAE riders had asserted their superiority by winning World, European, Asian and Pan Arab championships.

But Saturday's world record for a 160-km ride by Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on 11-year-old Charlandre Al Sharif left many of the equestrian world's top brass gasping in disbelief.

Omair and Charlandre bettered the old record set by another UAE rider last year by more than 13 minutes, but more than the effort it was the manner in which it was achieved that drew admiration from the vast bunch of riders and officials.

After doing speeds of around 25 kmph over the first three loops, Omair took just under two minutes to present his horse for the veterinary check. But when after 140kms, Omair and Charlandre Al Sharif still registered an incredible speed of 30.29kmph on the final loop, a large gathering waited to see how the horse would fare at the final vet check before being named winner.

Sinking in

And when the electronic heart-beat rate monitor flashed 49 beats per minute, which was much lower than the allowed 65bpm, did the record-breaking effort really sink in?

Two-time world champion Valerie Kanavy from the US did 9 hrs and 07 second when the 1998 World Endurance Championship was held here.

Most of the UAE riders and their crew watched as Kanavy's team impressed with their crewing during the ride and in between the loops.

On Saturday the world watched when the UAE horses, particularly Charlandre Al Shariff took less than two minutes to recover during the first five loops!

The winner averaged a speed of 24.71 kmph for the 160km ride while the best-placed international rider, Laurent Most of France on Khandela des Vialette averaged 20.20kmph while finishing 9th.

In perspective

Putting Saturday's world record in perspective was Ian Williams, head of FEI Endurance Committee. "This course is not easy as many riders have told me, it is a challenging course. There is a limit and we are getting close to that."

"These are elite horse and are unique. And if they keep coming back and doing the same speeds, then we have to accept and respect them," he said.

"The UAE riders are uncovering hidden talent, they are digging deeper and only time will tell. But with our veterinary checking system quite tight we have to agree that this is something special," he added.

Saturday's world record for a 160-km ride by Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on 11-year-old Charlandre Al Sharif left many of the equestrian world's top brass gasping in disbelief.

Malaysia's King finishes HH Shk Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup

photo: His Majesty riding Ibrahim Pascha Larzac (left) and Halim riding Ismayla D'Escailine crossing the finish at the HH Shk. Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup.

January 13, 2008
Endurance.Net

His Majesty Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, King of Malaysia, crossed the finish line of the 160km (100 mile) Endurance race at 8:16 PM for a total ride time of 11:07:01. His Majesty and Malaysian rider Abdul Halim Ali Han both completed the race after dark for 29th and 30th place finishes, out of a starting field of 137 riders.

The event, named in honor of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, rule of Dubai and Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, was one of the world's premier Endurance Events, held at the Emirates International Endurance City in Dubai, UAE. In addition to a large field of UAE riders, there was a large field of top foreign riders in attendance at the invitation of the Organizing Committee.

The race was won by UAE rider Omair Husain Al Bloushi riding Charlandre El Shari in 6:28:28 - a record breaking time for a 160km course. Top placing foreign rider was Laurent Mosti from France, riding Khandela des Vialette to a 9th place finish with a time of 7:55.

Official results can be found at Dubai International Endurance City website.

Photos and event coverage can be seen at Endurance.Net coverage website.

UAE: Omair's World Record

Gulf News: Full Article and more photos




photo Gulf News: Omair Hussain Al Beloushi canters home holding the UAE flag as he celebrates his victory in the 160-km Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 at Dubai International Endurance City at Seih Assalem in Dubai on Saturday.

Omair's world record

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: January 12, 2008, 23:29

Dubai: Some of the world's top riders were awestruck when the UAE's Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on 11-year-old Charlandre El Sharif chose the world's richest-ever endurance ride to set a world record, which will take some beating.

The inaugural Omega-sponsored His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, which was billed as the most valuable endurance ride in the world, will now go down in history for also attracting the most number of riders for a non-championship ride (137) and also for the world record as Omair and Charlandre El Sharif shaved off over 13 minutes from the existing record.

The 22-year-old rider from Abu Dhabi's Al Reef Stables looked supremely confident as he finished first in five of the six loops in yesterday's 160-km event, which had attracted some of the world's most prominent riders.

Omair and Charlandre El Sharif revelled under ideal conditions to complete the 160-km ride in 6 hours 28 minutes and 28 seconds - an effort which was impossible a few years back.

It certainly was an amazing display by a promising rider on a champion horse from the all-conquering Al Reef Stables. In 2005, this venue witnessed a new record for a 160-km event when Barbara Lissarrague and Georgat did 7 hrs 04 mins 14 secs. The 7-hour barrier was broken by Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure (6:41:33) in the His Highness The President's Cup ride in February last year.

On target

Omair, who created a world record for the 100-km distance with the same Charlandre El Sharif last year, said he went for the record. His uncle and trainer Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, who was also a favourite in yesterday's ride, had predicted a record when speaking to Gulf News on the eve of the ride, and his nephew delivered on that promise. "Right from the word go we wanted to go for the record. The weather was ideal and my horse is a great champion," said Omair, who registered his third win with Charlandre and eight of his career.

Omair received a standing ovation as he cantered home holding the UAE flag and his effort earned him the fabulous trophy, a Nissan 4x4 vehicle, Dh250,000 and a prestigious watch from sponsors Omega.

Al Wathba Stables' Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Leblond finished second to carry home Dh200,000 and a Nissan 4x4 vehicle, while Mohammad Rashid Saeed Al Subosi on Genio II finished third and also drove away with a Nissan 4x4 vehicle and Dh150,000.

Results

Top five: 1. Omair Hussain Al Beloushi (Charlandre El Sharif) 6hrs 28 mins 28 secs - New world record for a 160-km ride. Old record: Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure (6:41:33)

2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Leblond) 6:51.44;

3. Mohammad Rashid Saeed Al Subosi (Genio II) 7:15.04;

4. Thani Mohammad Al Muhairi (Macquarie Park Sedition) 7:18.31;

5. Shaikh Juma Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum (Kheops de Lozelle) 7:33.49.

[More ...]

Al Bloushi wins HHSM Endurance Cup in 6:28:28 Run

Omain Hussain Al Bloushi
Riding Chalandre El Sharif
Image by Cidinha Franzão

Omair Hussain Al Bloushi, on Charlandre El Sharif, clipped over 13 minutes from the existing world record to win the AED 1.5 million 160-km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup at the Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Al Reef Stables rider and his 11-year-old chestnut gelding dominated most of the six-loop ride and coped best with the wet and chilly weather to finish the 160-km distance in a time of 6 hours 28 minutes 28 seconds.

The previous record for a 160-km event was held by Sheikh Khaled Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure (6:41:33) which was created at the HH The President’s Cup ride in February last year.

"I was determined to go for the record as the conditions were perfect. My horse is a champion and this is the second record we have together. Last year we created a new record for a 100-km ride," said Al Bloushi, who finished with the UAE flag flying high in his hands.

The Al Reef youngster has so far won eight rides and dedicated his success to Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the driving force behind the Al Reef Stables.

Al Wathba Stables rider Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Leblond finished second in a timing of 6hrs 51 mins 44 seconds.

The pace set by the UAE riders was too hot to handle. European Open champion Jean Phillipe Frances, whose horse was eliminated for lameness in the second loop, said: "It is amazing, the speed set by the winner. The UAE riders are virtually unbeatable at home."

Earlier at 6.00 am in the morning, with overnight rain still falling, 137 riders got off to a mass start in the inaugural HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club.

It was a record field for a non-championship ride and truly complemented the Omega-sponsored event which carried the biggest ever purse of AED1.5 million, four 4x4 vehicles and a prestigious watch from Omega.

"It has been a great day of racing. The field was not only one of the biggest but the best horses and riders took part and it was not a surprise that a world record was created," said Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club.

Complete Results at Endurance.Net and EnduranceEurope.net

Al Maktoum Cup: 24.47 km/hr Pace for 120km

Riders are maintaining a fast 24.47km/hr race through the first 120km of this 160km event. 23 riders have entered Gate 4, with only 40km to go in the CEI*** event. 48 are eliminated!

Complete Coverage at Endurance.Net and EnduranceEurope.net

UAE: 108 Listed as Starters for 160km Race

108 Riders are listed as starters for the 2008 Shk Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Endurance Cup at the Dubia International Endurance City.

Weather is cool (58df/18c) moist (it is raining) and windy at the start.

Complete Coverage on endurance.net and EnduranceEurope.net

Dubai: HRH Tuanku Mizan of Malaysia to ride in UAE

His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, the King of Malaysia, and Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are part of the nearly 130-odd riders who are expected to start in the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 on Saturday.

King Tuanku and Shaikh Mayed will be joined by 26 international riders and more than 100 riders from the UAE, including many international riders based here in the UAE.

With a whopping Dh1.5 million and four 4x4 vehicles on offer, Saturday's ride will go down as the richest-ever endurance ride.

Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), the FEI CEI 3-star 160-km ride is sponsored by Omega and will be held at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Shaikh Mayed, who recently emerged a double gold medallist, winning the individual as well as team gold in the Pan Arab Games, is also an Asian team gold medallist and heads a strong line-up of UAE riders.

Prominent among them are World junior silver medallist Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Asian Games bronze medallist Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Salem Rashid Bin Ghadeyer, Hassan Bin Ali, Ali Al Muhairi, Ali Khalfan Al Muhairi and last season's top UAE rider Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi.

Some more big names are expected to line up ahead of Friday's pre-ride veterinary check, to be held at the venue in Seih Assalam.

Saturday's ride will be run in 6 loops of 32km, 32km, 28km, 28km, 21km and 19km. The top 25 riders will get a slice of the prize money. Three Best Conditioned Horse awards are also on offer.

John Robertson, the technical delegate for the ride, said the riders and horses were put through strict quarantine controls.

"Everyone has been obeying the rules and since most of them have been here before, it is no problem," said the Briton, who has been based at the Quarantine Stables in the Dubai International Endurance City.

"Security of the horses and ensuring that there is no contamination are our prime concerns," he said in a DEC press release.

"We have demarcated separate areas for their training and since all these horses are from Europe, we just have one large stable here," Robertson said.

Among the international riders, the French have entered a strong 12-member squad, which includes European Open champion Jean Philippe Frances, Barbara Lissarrague, the winner of the 2005 World Championship held in Dubai, and a few riders who have been on the gold medal-winning teams from France at the World and European Championships.

Top Australian rider Meg Wade, German ace Melanie Arnold, top Italians Fausto Fiorucci, Gianluca Laliscia and UAE-based Spanish rider Jaume Punti Dachs will be part of the international line-up here on Saturday.

Complete Coverage on Endurance.Net

Dubai: Upping the Ante -- 4 4x4s 4 Winners!

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has generously given the world’s most valuable endurance race, named in his honour, a wonderful boost after adding four 4x4 vehicles to the AED 1.5million prize-money on offer.

Earlier this week, the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) announced the world’s richest-ever endurance ride – the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 – with Omega as the title sponsor.

Twenty six international riders will be joined by competitors from the UAE and the rest of the region in the 160-km event which is an FEI CEI 3* event, to be held at Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.

General Manager of the DEC, Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, said: “We are indebted to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his extremely kind gesture, which is sure to make competition even more fierce for this fabulous event.”

Entrance is free and enthusiasts can sample the action up close on the course as DEC will operate a fleet of 4x4 cars for desert drives. Alternatively, fans can keep in touch with the action via big screens.

There will be plenty of action off the track too with a variety of family entertainment and a jazz band that will play throughout the day.

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Dubai: Taylor banks on previous experience

With just one day left before the top-class AED1.5million HHSM Endurance Cup 2008 field line up for Friday’s pre-ride veterinary check, the Dubai International Endurance City was a hive of activity.

While the 26 international riders and horses have been training in their allotted areas, many UAE riders were also out having a feel before the world’s richest endurance race on Saturday, organized by Dubai Equestrian Club and sponsored by Omega.

Liz Taylor, who is one of the three British riders in the fray, is hoping to bank on the experience she gained last year in the HH President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi.

Taylor finished 18th last year on Falaina Bint Chatanz and is once again accompanied by the 14-year-old horse.

“That was the first time I was ever riding on sand and it was a good experience. It was a quality field and we finished 18th and we learnt a lot from that,” said the 24-year-old who is employed with the British Farmers Union.

Taylor, who has been riding in competitions for about 12 years, enjoys a good record with her horse.

“Falaina Bint Chatanz has been a consistent performer and we have completed seven 160-km rides together including a win, a second and a third-place finish,” said Taylor.

In the President’s Cup held in February last year, Taylor and Falaina Bint Chatanz completed the 160-km ride in 8 hrs 57 mins 56 seconds with an average speed of 17.85 kmph.

“We have done about 18.5 kmph and I would be glad if we cross the 19kmph speed level and finish well,” said Taylor.

John Robertson, the Technical Delegate for Saturday’s FEI CEI 3* 160-km contest, said the riders and horses were put through strict quarantine controls.

“Everyone has been obeying the rules and since most of them have been here before it is no problem,” said the Briton, who has been based at the Quarantine Stables in the Dubai International Endurance City.

“Our prime focus has been security of the horses and to ensure there is no contamination,” he said.

“We have demarcated separate areas for their training and since all these horses are from Europe we just have one large stable here.”

With the final list of entries being finalized, the horses will go through the pre-ride veterinary check on Friday afternoon before the expected pre-dawn start at 6.00 am on Saturday.

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Oman: HM presides over Royal Horse Race Festival

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said presided over the annual Royal Horse Race Festival at Al Adiat horse race track, in the wilayat of Seeb yesterday.

The festival was attended, along with His Majesty the Sultan, by members of the royal family, the chairmen of the State Council and Majlis Al Shura, ministers, advisers, members of the State Council and Majlis Al Shura, undersecretaries and members of the diplomatic corps in the Sultanate.

The festival began with the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan, when the Royal Anthem was played.

The festival included interesting shows for military procession, carriages, girl jockeys’ march and trotters, in addition to speed riding and rodeo sport.

After this, the horse race for His Majesty the Sultan Cup started. The race included six rounds namely, Al Akhdahar Fort for pure Arabian horses for 1,800 metres; Al Bustan Fort for pure Arabian horses for female riders for 1,100 metres; Al Shariq Fort for thoroughbred horses for 1,600 metres; Al Khandaq Fort for pure Arabian horses for 1,100 metres; Jibreen Fort for pure Arabian horses for 1,600 metres and Shamoukh Fort for pure Arabian horses for 2,100 metres.

The six rounds of the race included polo shows for male, female and young riders; beauty display of horse and young camels; foals for horses and other breeds shows; razha and music carriage show and endurance race show.

There were displays for horse-riding skills, fun race, carriage-riding by children, tent-pegging, hurdle race for children in addition to displays for sword, javelin, tent-pegging skills and arrow-shooting from a fast-moving carriage and cavalry display for the Olympic trilateral.

The festival also included a display for carriage race, common horse march, a carriage dragged by 20 horses, young foals programme at the grass field followed by the final plateau for the festival.

After this, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said handed over His Majesty’s Cup for the first winner of the sixth round of the Al Shamoukh Fort for pure Arabian horses and prizes for the first winners of the other rounds.

After this, the Royal Anthem was played signalling the conclusion of the horse race and then His Majesty the Sultan left the horse race track.

Around 2,533 participants took part at the festival, including 967 students and trotters in addition to 837 horses.


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2005 WEC Champion Lissarrague back in Dubai

World champion partners ‘family horse’ in Dh1.5 million HHSM Endurance Cup 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008

With Saturday’s Dh1.5 million HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 fast approaching, most of the international riders were out with their horses doing some light training in the desert tracks in Seih Assalam.

Raid De Bozouls, the horse which 2005 World Endurance Champion Barbara Lissarrague of France will be riding on Saturday, was also out having a workout yesterday morning.

Lissarrague, the winner of the 2005 World Endurance Championship held here at the Dubai International Endurance City, was expected to arrive today, so training the horse in the meantime was her husband-cum-trainer-cum rider Christian Lissarrague.

“Raid De Bozouls has been with us for over six years now and he is more a family horse as me, my wife as well as my daughter Nina have been riding him in competitions," said Christian, as he prepares the horse to compete against some of the best riders and horses in the world.

“Raid De Bozouls has adapted well since arriving here on January 4 but we will have to wait and see how he is on the eve of the ride”, said Christian.

The French horse will be one of the 26 international entries who take on a strong contingent of UAE riders in the six-loop FEI.CEI 3* ride sponsored by Omega.

“My daughter Nina, who is a junior national rider with the French team finished fifth on Raid De Bozouls in October and he is back after a good rest,” added the French trainer.


Christian was however not sure whether the European riders could keep pace with the hosts.

“Races here are very fast and Barbara did very well when she won the world championship in 2005. But it is a different race and a different horse,” he said.

“One thing for sure is that UAE’s progress in endurance has changed the sport. There are more breeders and more horses and overall it has benefited many. The facilities here are the best in the world and with such a strong field for Saturday’s ride it will be a great experience,” added Christian.

“We have 12 French riders and with the World Championship to be held in Malaysia later this year, the French Equestrian Federation will be monitoring the progress of the riders and horses.

“Being an annual affair, this HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 will help in international riders to come here, participate and prepare for the big championships.

“The UAE riders will be starting off as the favourites and the French have always been at the forefront. An interesting competition is in store on Saturday and the ride will be a fast-paced one,” concluded Christian.

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