Rajasthan: Raring to Go

Business Standard - full article
Anand Sankar / New Delhi February 03, 2008

In the cold rajasthani desert, the marwari horse shows its mettle in endurance racing.

The moon is still high above the horizon in the wee hours of a freezing winter morning.

I stagger out of my tent to see a fully suited rider warming himself in front of a roaring fire. His mount has already been exercised and is raring like him to head out into the darkness. The day promises to test their skill to the limit.

Horse racing is definitely the pinnacle of equestrian sport and draws massive attention worldwide. But within horse racing there is a niche called endurance equestrian that is the realm of only a few chosen mounts and their riders.

There was a chance to witness this very specialist sport at the recently concluded National Endurance Championship in the shrublands of Dundlod, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan.

Preparations had begun months in advance, and finally the stables of Dundlod were ready to host the championship. For the five riders who rode into the darkness, a gruelling 25 km course awaited, which they had to lap four times.

It was quite a sight to watch the riders set off, and to follow them in the numbing cold down the track that wound along unpaved roads, sandy tracks, gravel and fertile agricultural lands. It made one appreciate the toughness of the sport.

Endurance racing traces its history to the age when horses were the only means of transport over vast distances. But today it is considered the most strenuous form of horse racing, requiring both horse and rider to compete at the peak of their ability. As one of the judges at the championship pointed out: “The rider must not tire as he will tire the horse, and if the horse tires the rider will tire.”

Standard distances at an endurance meet are 60, 80, 100 and 160 km, which are rated one-, two-, three- and four-star races respectively. In general, the horse and rider to complete the ride in the shortest time are classified winners.

But between laps and at the end of a race the horses undergo a medical examination for which their heart rate must be lowered to 64 beats per minute, and they must pass a check for soundness and dehydration. An unfit horse is eliminated.

Preparation for the race begins very early. Horse and rider build their stamina gradually through hours of practice. The rider must master the art of pacing his horse, and learn to understand his mount’s condition to watch out for tiredness.

In between each lap there is a 30-minute break, and it resembles a pit stop in a Formula 1 race. While the rider refreshes himself, the horse is cooled down, massaged, fed and watered and made to pass the medical examination.

As always, there is plenty of drama. Of the five riders who set out, one has to call it a day after the first lap as his horse injures its ankle. Another horse succumbs to tiredness by the halfway mark and in the final lap it’s a head-to-head contest between two horses while the last contestant staggers in exhausted just two minutes before the race closes at 5 pm.

This edition of the national championship is special because all the horses except one thoroughbred of the Indian Army are of the Marwari breed. The stable at Dundlod, owned by royal scion Kanwar Raghuvendra Singh, is famous for its pioneering efforts to resuscitate the bloodline of the Marwari.

Predictably, it won the championship’s signature 100 km race. The last edition of the Asian Games in 2006 at Doha featured endurance riding for the first time and predictably again, it was the Arabian breeds that dominated because of their “incredible stamina and natural endurance”. But Singh has high hopes for the Marwari.

The Marwari horse has been a favourite of the warrior classes in India for centuries. A stocky and powerfully built horse, it has starred in many previous editions of the national endurance championships.

Its main advantage is the ability to adapt to most environmental conditions, and Singh says with selective breeding and sustained complete nutrition, his horses have sometimes reached a proportion of 17 hands (the height of the horse at its shoulder).

“We are working for the promotion, preservation, conservation and more international recognition of the Marwari horse,” says Singh.

“Even foreign riders have shown their confidence in the horse’s endurance ability. Yes, with the right kind of support, we believe this breed can one day challenge the supremacy of the Arabian horses.”

Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion's First Foal Due in April

Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion, the colt cloned from Valerie Kanavy's two-time World Champion Endurance horse, Pieraz, will have his first foal on the ground in April to the mare Dziupla. Born in 2005 in Italy, he now stands at stud in France.

Pieraz, a gray gelding, won the World Endurance Championship at the The Hague in 1994 with Valerie Kanavy, and the World Endurance Championship in Fort Riley in 1996 with Valerie's daughter, Danielle Kanavy. In total, he won 12 160-km races.

The first mare bred to Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion in 2007 was Varoussa, the 2000 World Endurance Championship winner at Compiegne. Varoussa is by the indomitable Persik.

More information on Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion at www.cryozootech.com

Warsan Endurance Challenge

photo: Anzaq Mehmood, Sheikha Madiya Al Maktoum, and Arsad Khan finishing the Warsan Endurance Challenge

February 2, Bou Thib Endurance Stable
Warsan Endurance Challenge CEI*** 120km

Top Five Finishers:
1. Fakhar Abbas Mohd riding Ultimo: 5:46:18
2. Omair Husain Abdulla Al Bloushi riding Parlour Mountain Legend: 5:53:39
3. Iqbal Karim Ikramul Haque riding Toreado: 5:53:41
4. Sheikha Madiya Hasher Mana Al Maktoum riding JG Rose: 6:35:50
5. Arsad Ali Saudi Khan riding Cindy: 6:35:51

2008 WEC Qualification Review

A Brief Review of the Minimum Qualification Criteria for the 2008 World Endurance Championship, Malaysia, November 7-9, 2008

FEI: Article 825.3, section 3.1:
"To be qualified to participate in any Championship or any other CEI4* ride, a rider/horse as a combination has to have successfully completed a CEI 3* (or above) ride, the combination, in doing so, meeting the parameters and conditions as defined in art.825.4. This minimum qualification must be achieved within 24 months prior to the closing date of nominated entry."

The FEI has announced that the closing date of Nominated Entries for the 2008 WEC is August 21, 2008. Closing nomination date is October 1, 2008..

FEI: Article 825.4:
"The rider/horse must:
1. Successfully complete the ride equal to, or greater than, the published Championship or CEI4* distance (5kms tolerance allowed).
2. Successfully complete the ride ... in a ride time equal to, or less than, 13 hours 20 mins. per 160km distance.
3. Successfully complete the ride in the same time frame as the published Championship or CEI4*"

A CEI3* completed on or after August21 2006 with a ride time equal to, or less than, 13 hours 20 mins., meets this (825.3, 3.1) minimum qualification.

FEI: article 825.5 :
"Additional Qualification Criteria applicable only to Malaysia 2008.

To be qualified to participate in WEC Malaysia 2008 a rider/horse as a combination has to have successfully completed an additional FEI CEI 3* (or above) ride, the combination, in doing so, meeting the parameters and conditions as defined below. This additional qualification must be achieved within 12 months prior to the closing date of nominated entry.

The rider/horse must:
1. Successfully complete such additional ride equal to, or greater than, the published Championship or CEI4* distance (5kms tolerance allowed).
2. Successfully complete such additional ride in a ride time equal to, or less than, 13 hours 20 mins. per 160kms distance.
3. Successfully complete the ride in the same time frame as the published Championship or CEI 4*."

In order to qualify for Malaysia WEC, the same rider/horse combination must have completed TWO CEI3*rides: BOTH a CEI3* on or after September 1 2006 AND a CEI3* on or after August 21 2007.

In addition, per FEI article 825.6 :
"1. Any horse qualified as per articles 825.3, 825.4 and 825.5 above that within 6 months of the closing date for nominated entries is elimiated from any FEI or National competition for Metabolic reasons, requiring immediate invasive treatment (while still under competition veterinary control), will forfeit such qualification.
2. Any rider qualifed as per the articles above who, within 12 months of the closing date for nominated entries, is eliminated from any two consecutive events (FEI or National) for Metabolic reasons will forfeit such qualification."

Any HORSE which has a Metabolic Elimination (requiring invasive treatment) on or after February 21, 2008 will forfeit the qualification.

Any RIDER who gets 2 consecutive Metabolic Eliminations August 21 2007 and after, will forfeit the qualification.

Official PDF file with Qualification Criteria

Salem Rashed and Fakhar show fine form

Gulf News - full article
Photo - Gulf News: Salem Rashed Bin Ghadayer (No 55) and Abdulla Thani Bin Huzaim rejoice during the presentation ceremony at Dubai Endurance Village.
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: February 03, 2008, 00:45

Abu Dhabi: Salem Rashed Bin Ghadayer on Dell Hama came up with a stirring final loop to win the Dubai World Challenge 120-km endurance ride at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

In another ride held at Boudtheib Endurance Village, Fakhar Ahmad on Altimo scored his and Al Asayel Stables' first ever win in a 120-km open ride while winning the Warsan Endurance Challenge.

However, it was Salem Rashed's performance in Dubai which caught the eye as the gutsy rider who suffers from partial blindness started in fifth place on the final loop of 12kms.

Hassan Bin Ali on Stoney Brook Scarab, who led from the second stage onwards, was first out on the final loop with Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim, Jaume Punti Dachs and Yousuf Abdullah Hammadi ahead of Salem Rashed.

But Salem Rashed, over nine minutes off the leader, urged Dell Hama and the 12-year-old gelding obliged with a speed of 26.37km/h on the final 12-km loop to finish first.

Al Reef Stables Mohammad Jasem Rahimi finished second, but his horse Kentish PK Touchwood was found lame at the vet check leaving Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim on Spendacrest Kamouflage to take the second spot.

Salem Rashed, who is one of the most popular riders in the UAE, said it was Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who asked him to ride the winner while Shaikh Hamdan rode Matta Mia Larry which was retired after the third stage.

"This is Shaikh Hamdan's horse and he asked me to ride it," said Salem Rashid.

Crown Prince has a keen interest in sports

Khaleej Times Online - full article

Hisham Al Gizouli (Staff Reporter)
2 February 2008

DUBAI - The sports community within the United Arab Emirates has enthusiastically welcomed the appointment of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Dubai’s Crown Prince.

Shaikh Hamdan, is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, which is known for educating and developing outstanding leaders. The young Shaikh Hamdan is already filling leadership positions. He is the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Dubai Executive Council, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and he spearheads the Center for Young Business Leaders which was called into existence by Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Besides his official duties and obligations, Shaikh Hamdan is an enthusiastic and successful sportsman. He has won several gold medals for endurance horse races. His biggest triumph was the gold medal for the team endurance race that was won by him along with his brothers Shaikh Rashid, Shaikh Ahmad and Shaikh Majid during the Asian Games in Doha in 2006. Shaikh Hamdan also won the Zabeel Billiard Championship thereafter.

Shaikh Hamdan is equally a talented footballer and took part in many friendly tournaments along with his elder brother Shaikh Rashid where he displayed plenty of skills.

He was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Sports and Cultural Club a few years ago before he became the President of the Dubai-based club Al Ahli.

According to Khalifa Sulieman, chairman of the club’s board of directors, Al Ahli is one of the most successful clubs in the UAE since its foundation in 1970. It took Al Ahli only four years after its establishment to win the UAE league twice consecutively in 1975 and 1976 then again in 1980. Drawing hometown fans, Al Ahli have been and continue to be one of the most popular sport teams in the UAE. After a period of decline, Al Ahli back on top under Shaikh Hamdan, winning its fourth league title in 2006 and continued to be dominating club in UAE by winning its sixth President Cup’s title.
Prominent sportsmen, including Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police Force, Matar Al Tayer, director-general of the Roads & Transport Authority and Qasim Sultan, vice-chairman of the National Olympic Committee, Ebrahim Abdul Malik, secretary-general of the NOC and other top officials have all praised the move saying that it has come in the right time for the best interest of the sports community and the nation at large.

UAE: Rashid shines

Kaleej Times Online - full article
By Hisham Al Gizouli
3 February 2008

DUBAI - Salem Rashid bin Ghadayer stayed on course to claim the Dubai World Challenge FEI CEI 120km endurance race for Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum here at the Seih Assalam Endurance City yesterday.

Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim was five seconds behind in second place and Mohammed Hilal Salem in third as Dhahi Abdullah Khamis followed in fourth position. Ghadayer finished strongly after completing the first 30km loop in ninth. And dropped to 10th in the next 30 kilometres before he moved to finish eighth by the end of loop three, then fourth by the end of loop four and headed the field on the last 20km loop of the day.

"The field is closely grouped and looks like a wide open race at this stage. For me, it’s a great achievement which I present to Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum," the winner said later.

In the meantime, 89 riders lined up for the prestigious trophy led by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, astride his 11-year-old Arabian gelding.
Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim led briefly in the early stages before Hassan bin Ali put himself into contention and advanced to lead by the end of the second loop. By the end of loop three, Yousif Abdullah Al Hamadi moved to second and put much pressure on the early leader. But, the experienced rider maintained his first position through loop four and looked like a winner with 17km to go. At that point, Huzaim gave his horse a reminder and settled on the heels of the leaders with only five seconds separating between the first and third. "I think my horse did good work and has been always trotting keenly thanks to the hard work by the trainer and connections," Huzaim added.

Dubai World Challenge CEI*** 120km

photo: Dell Hama at Best Condition Judging



Rashed accepting award from Dubai World and Dubai Equestrian Club



Salem Rashed bin Ghadeyer rode Dell Hama to a spectacular 1st place finish at the 2008 Dubai World Challenge. The pair left the final vet gate well behind the leaders and overtook them in the home stretch for a winning time of 4:55:54.

The Dubai World Challenge was held at the Dubai International Endurance City and organized by Dubai Equestrian Club. Sponsored by Dubai World, first prize was a Nissan Patrol car, and total prize money for the ride was AED550,000.

Top 5 Finishers:
Salem Rashed bin Ghadayer - UAE - Dell Hama : 4:55:54
Abdullah Thani bin Huzain - UAE - Spendacrest Kamaflouge: 4:59:01
Mohd Hilal salim Obaid Al Balarti - UAE - Miro Stilz: 5:02:09
Dhahi Abdulah Khamis Al Dhahi - UAE - Dunwinger Maakhal: 5:04:47
Jaume Punti Dachs - ESP - Antares Sauveterre: 5:06:48


For photo galleries and results at Endurance.Net

For Dubai International Endurance City and official results

UAE: Strong field all set for battle in Dubai World ride - Feb 2 2008

Gulfnews.com - Full story

Staff Report
Published: February 02, 2008, 01:39

Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are likely to be part of a strong line-up for Saturday's Dubai World Challenge FEI CEI*** 120 km endurance ride to be held at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC).

A total of 89 riders had their horses cleared at yesterday's pre-ride veterinary check for the Dh 550,000 ride which is being sponsored by Dubai World.

Apart from Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mayed, consistent performers this season like Hassan Bin Ali, Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and many other UAE and international riders complete the line-up.

Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World and also a top endurance rider who won the bronze at the last Asian Games in Doha said: "Dubai World attaches great importance to this sport because it stems from our national heritage and is a hobby that has been popular with our forefathers for hundreds of years."

Fantastic occasion

"It is of vital importance to support the efforts aiming at preserving this traditional sport through organising endurance races.

"Dubai World will always support social and sports activities in the UAE in general and in Dubai in particular in line with its vision of realising the integration of all economic, social, cultural and sports sectors." General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Ali Moosa Al Khamiri said, "It is wonderful Dubai World is sponsoring what will be a fantastic occasion.

"We are in the heart of the endurance season, and standards within the UAE are at an all time high right now.

Warsan Challenge

"Due to the increasingly high speeds of these races, leading riders will be hoping to set new world records, which should make for exciting viewing.

"The Dubai Equestrian Club wishes its partners Dubai World, and the competitors and spectators alike an extremely enjoyable and successful day."

Today's ride comprises of five loops of 31km, 32km, 27km, 18km and 12km, and is the sixth of eight contests to be held at DIEC this 2007-08 season.

Another FEI CEI*** 120 km endurance, the Warsan Endurance Challenge, will also be held today at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi. Two Qualifier rides will also be held along with the 120-km open ride and over 70 riders including 20 for the Warsan Challenge will be in the fray.

Consistent performers this season like Hassan Bin Ali, Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi and many other UAE and international riders complete the line-up.

UAE: Riders eye world record at Dubai World Challenge

Photo: Mr. Farid Mohammed Ahmed, Secretary General Dubai World, and Mr. Ali Moosa Al Kamiri, General Manager Dubai Equestrian Club

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Endurance.Net

The Dubai Equestrian Club is delighted to announce details of the Dubai World Challenge FEI CEI*** 120 km endurance ride to be held at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

Total prize money for the ride is AED 550,000 and General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Mr Ali Moosa Al Khamiri said: “It is wonderful Dubai World is sponsoring what will be a fantastic occasion on Saturday.

“We are in the heart of the endurance season, and standards within the UAE are at an all time high right now.

“We expect some quality entries and due to the increasingly high speeds of these races, leading riders will be hoping to set new world records, which should make for exciting viewing.

“The Dubai Equestrian Club wishes its partners Dubai World, and the competitors and spectators alike an extremely enjoyable and successful day.”

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World said: “Dubai World attaches great importance to this sport because it stems from our national heritage and is a hobby that has been popular with our forefathers for hundreds of years."

“Dubai World has always been known for sponsoring equestrian events, out of its belief of the necessity to preserve all initiatives contributing towards the safekeeping of heritage symbols that are particular to our society and culture.

“It is of vital importance to support the efforts aiming at preserving this traditional sport through organizing endurance races.

“Dubai World will always support social and sports activities in the UAE in general and in Dubai in particular in line with its vision of realizing the integration of all economic, social, cultural and sports sectors.”

The ride comprises of five loops of 31km, 32km, 27km, 18km and 12km, and is the sixth of eight contests to be held at DIEC this 2007-08 season.

Bahrain: Royal victory! - January 27 2008

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Story

BAHRAIN Royal Endurance team captain Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa raced to victory atop Shar Rushkin yesterday in the Batelco Endurance Horseride Championship at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, crossed the line in five hours, 51 minutes and 34 seconds with an average speed of 20.38 kms per hour. The race was held over 120 kms.

The Royal Endurance Team riders dominated the event taking nine of the top 10 positions among more than 50 riders in the fray.

More...

Great Britain: Double win for Hannah - Jan 25 2008

Hexham-courant.co.uk - Full Story

A TEENAGE endurance rider has won a prestigious riding award for the second year running.

Hannah Shotton (15), of Hexham, was presented with the Four for the North Bedmax Trophy for 2007, a trophy which she also bagged in 2006.

And the talented youngster was also named National Reserve Junior Champion at the National Endurance GB Awards dinner in December.

The Bedmax Trophy contest is open...

More...

Bahrain: HM Receives BREEF President and Triumphant Team - Jan 22 2008

Bahrain News Agency
Manama, Jan. 22 (BNA) -- His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa received here on Tuesday President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser introduced Bahrain team which came first in Europe Endurance Open Championship in which he personally came in the 7th place on the individual level. HM The King welcomed them and praised their honorable achievements in the world contest, recently held in Portugal. He also hailed BREEF President key role and that of his colleagues in paving the way for such success in terms of members rehabilitation and moral and material support which were behind BREEF excellence in regional, Arab and global events. HM The King encouraged the team to exert further efforts in future contests to keep Bahrains reputation shining in all fields. During the meeting which was also attended by the royal court minister, Shaikh Nasser was honored to present the medals to HM The King in recognition of his royal support. Shaikh Nasser also expressed thanks and appreciation to HM The King for his continued support, saying it would further prod BREEF to make more achievements. Shaikh Nasser praised the performance of the Bahraini team, attributing their accomplishment to the teams resolution to succeed and to the strong cooperation and dedication of all members, wishing them further success in the prosperous era of HM The King. MTQ .

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.

More...

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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