Bahrain: Riders gear up for Endurance

Bahrain Gulf Daily News Article

Riders gear up for Endurance
Published: 13th March 2008

Endurance.Net Coverage

RIDERS from Saudi Arabia and Jordan have confirmed their entries for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at 5am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Among the prominent riders from Saudi Arabia are Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, Humood Al Shimirri, Nawaf Al Otibi, Abdulla Al Bahyan, Bader Misfir and Mansoor Al Shimirri.

From Jordan, six riders are in the fray. They are Jehad Shaltoogh, Lorance Al Fayez, Subhi Khalil, Shakeeb Wahbi, Musamah Balawna and Abdulhamid Al Saleh.

The event consists of races for senior and junior riders, both over 120km. Each race will be divided into five stages with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

Veterinary examination is scheduled for tomorrow, starting at 3pm at the veterinary area at the village. The examination will continue until 5pm.

The organisers are presently preparing the endurance village for the prestigious event by installing new facilities like the a special stand for the podium.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Hashim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said that the development made by the equestrian sport achieved by this sport on the international level is a result of the directives and efforts of Shaikh Nasser.

He said these directives and encouragement have put the equestrian sport on the world map through the achievements made over the last few years.

"Bahrain's endurance horseride sport has made large strides, taking it beyond the local and Gulf geography and recording unique and brilliant results for Bahrain in the world circles all within a period of not more than eight years since the Royal Equestrian Association was formed," said Shaikh Hashim.

"The keenness and follow-up of Shaikh Nasser and his judicious leadership of the federation has put the equestrian sport on the world map in record time, making it a competitor to be reckoned with against Gulf championships and on international levels."

Shaikh Hashim said Bahrain has proved its ability also to stage and organise the strongest championships and to compete in them at the same time, adding that the world at large has seen the World Junior Championship which has won high praise by all teams participating in it, in addition to the successful annual organisation of His Majesty King Hamad Championship in which all champions from the Gulf countries participate.

He added that Bahrain is also able to organise the World's Senior Championship, given its potential which contributes to the success of the event.

Shaikh Hashim said that His Majesty the King's directives and constant follow-up of the equestrian sport is a strong moral support for Bahrain's riders.

British endurance squad horse injured in road accident

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full story

Nessie Lambert, news writer

12 March, 2008
British endurance rider Rachael Claridge has been involved in a road traffic accident with her British squad horse, Blue Chip Prince Meliodas, or "Mel".

Rachael was enjoying a morning hack when at 8.45 am a low trailer passed her on a quiet country lane between Blackborough and Sheldon in East Devon:

"The driver did pass wide and slow but the empty trailer bounced on the tarmac which spooked Mel. He shot backwards before I could stop him," Rachael told H&H.

The driver of that vehicle and the one behind stopped to assist Rachael when it became apparent that Mel had serious flesh wounds to his left hock and inner thigh.

More...

FEI Appoints Secretary General

Fei.org

March 10 2008

The President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, HRH Princess Haya, has today announced the appointment of Alex McLin to the position of Secretary General, effective immediately. The appointment follows an extensive consultation period, with the National Federations, and the interviewing of a number of external candidates. Mr. McLin, who joined the FEI in March 2005, is currently the General Counsel & Deputy Secretary General of the FEI and has been Acting Secretary General since September 2007.

Educated at Duke University, a member of the New York Bar and having previously worked for the World Economic Forum, Mr McLin (37) is highly experienced in sports law, governance and management.

HRH Princess Haya said, "Alex McLin has shown that he is an excellent leader who has a profound understanding of the need to deliver the plans for horsesport in an expedient and apolitical fashion.

The mixture of youth and wisdom that is found in Alex McLin heralds a new era for the role of Secretary General and reflects the changing trend in sport away from the era of colourful sports administrators. As in business, sport is discovering that skill and creative delivery are powerful allies whose effect can be equally well delivered by a quiet approach."

South Africa: Horse Quarantine and Export

Full Story

11 March 2008

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture (Provincial Government of the Western Cape)

Statement by Cobus Dowry Minister for Agriculture in the Western Cape

The 2004 outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) in South Africa's Export Zone in the Western Cape led to an embargo on the import of horses by the European Union (EU). Apart from an estimated R250 million loss of revenue for South Africa, the impact on employment and foreign market share was also significant.

There are currently 34 horses in South Africa's export facility, Kenilworth Quarantine Station. Once the horses have completed their 40 day pre-export quarantine on the 15th of April, they will be transported by air to the EU. Included in the quarantine are South Africa's elite competition horses representing disciplines such as polo, endurance, Olympic events and horseracing.

Given the extent of the current AHS outbreak in the east and north of the country, all horse owners, transporters and associations/clubs are urged to exercise great caution when deciding to move horses from outbreak areas to those free of infection.

Transportation of infected horses remains one of the main sources of new outbreaks that can lead to the death of susceptible horses and negatively impact South Africa's export status.

Consequently, the State Veterinary Services have imposed an embargo on the movement of horses into South Africa's Export Zone from many parts of the country, but especially from the following Provinces:
Gauteng Province
Eastern Province
KwaZulu Natal

For more information on movement controls into the Western Cape, please contact:
Dr Gary Buhrmann
Chief State Veterinarian, Boland

Or, alternatively contact the local State Veterinary office in your area.

Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Email: avjaarsv @ pgwc.gov.za

Bahrain: Top riders set for 120km race

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Story

March 12 2008

MORE than BD58,000 prizemoney is up for grabs in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday.

The prizemoney will be shared by the top 10 riders in the senior and junior races with a total distance of 120km approved for both events.

The top prize in the senior race will be a vehicle worth BD16,000 for the champion. Runners-up will get BD7,000, BD6,000 for third place, BD5,000 for fourth and BD4,00 for fifth.

The remaining five riders will also be honoured with six place to have BD3,000, BD2,500 for seventh, BD2,000 for eighth, BD1,500 for ninth and BD1,000 for 10th place.

In the junior race, BD26,400 will be divided into five prizes with the winner to be awarded BD6,000 while runner up gets BD5,000.

Third play will have BD4,000, BD3,000 for fourth place, BD2,500 for fifth, BD2,000 for sixth, BD1,500 for seventh, BD1,000 for eighth, BD800 for ninth and BD600 for 10th.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa confirmed the participation of the UAE's Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoom in the event.

Shaikh Majid, son of UAE Crown Prince and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, was the winner of the endurance race held during the Arab Games in Egypt.

The event, to be staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, will be sponsored by Al Areen Holding Company, Gulf Holding Company and International Bank.

Shaikh Nasser meet Al Areen Holding Company chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa and expressed his appreciation to the company for its support to the event.

The meeting was also attended by Gulf Holding Company vice-chairman Ahmed Al Ameer and officials from the Breef.

Shaikh Ahmed expressed honour to sponsor the prestigious event, adding that the company has been always keen to offer its support to the sports activities in Bahrain.

Shaikh Ahmed said he is confident about the abilities of the federation to organise the championship to be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.

Preparations are in full swing at the endurance village to host the event. Goys planning and follow-up director Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa visited the venue and inspected its facilities ahead of the championship.

Shaikh Abdulla was joined on this tour by officials from the Crown Prince Court and the federation.

Cash boost for Endurance global growth

A plan to fund the development of Endurance in countries keen to participate in the sport was unveiled at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 10, 2008, 00:32

Abu Dhabi: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world's governing body for equestrian sport, has for the first time tied up with a private company to help spread one of its disciplines - Endurance.

Ian Williams, Endurance Chief at the FEI, has signed a two-season deal with Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim of Hydra Properties for the sponsorship of a series of development programmes in countries which are starting out in the sport.

"This is the first time ever the FEI is involved in such a partnership and we are very delighted. The Dh500,000 support will help FEI-approved officials to conduct seminars and courses which will help National Federations to equip their officials and cadres in organising endurance rides," said Williams."

Dr Al Fahim, CEO of Hydra Properties, termed the support as "an innovative endeavour".

"Princess Haya Bint Hussain, Wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and President of FEI, has with her visionary leadership taken equestrian sport to a new high.

"We thank Princess Haya and the FEI for giving us this opportunity to be involved in this worldwide educational programme for the development of Endurance Sport, which is a discipline very close to the UAE and is part of our culture and heritage," he said.

"Apart from the sponsorship of officials, Hydra Properties will be involved in providing support material at various courses and seminars to be held in new and developing countries so the officials in these countries can advance their knowledge and capability in organising endurance events," he said.

"The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club will also be part of this endeavour and I thank them for their support," Dr Al Fahim said.

This is the first time ever the FEI is involved in such a partnership and we are very delighted."

Ian William, FEI Endurance chief

NZ: Horse of Year endurance race a fast contest

Pacifica with the winner's garland.

Horsetalk.co.nz article
The 103km endurance competition at the Horse of the Year show at the weekend was a closely fought event, with the winner Kirstin Deuss, riding Pacifica, finishing in just under five hours.

The riders left the main stadium at the Hastings showgrounds at 6am on Friday morning, heading 32km across the Tukituk River and out to Haupiri Station at Ocean beach to end the first loop. Three more loops were run on the station, taking the riders well down towards Cape Kidnappers.

There were 25 combinations taking part, including riders from South Africa. It was a galloping finish for Deuss and second placed Teresa Birkett, whose horse unfortunately fell on the road during the run in.

Pacifica also won the best conditioned award. The mare was bred in the South Island by Belinda Simons and is half Polish, being by Earth Wind and Fire from Oceania (Ocean Monarch x Dellmount Ishtar by Cairo).

Results
1st Kirstin Deuss
2nd was Teresa Birkett
3rd was Tony Masters
4th Denise Hill
5th Petra Deacon
6th Jenny Chandler

Bahrain: Top riders set for endurance championship

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for His Majesty King Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain international Endurance Village in Sakhir. Top riders from Bahrain and the GCC will take part in the annual event which will be over 120km and will consist of senior and junior races. Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa gave his directives to the organisers to start preparing to host this championship which is open to all ages and nationalities. Shaikh Nasser extended his appreciation to Batelco for sponsoring the association's programmes besides Al Areen and Gulf Holding Companies which will sponsor the event along with the International Bank. Coverage on Endurance.Net

Abu Dhabi: Abdullah secures first career victory

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan Senior Reporter
Published: March 09, 2008, 00:03

Abu Dhabi: Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim, on 11-year-old grey gelding Omani Iman, scored his first career win at the open level when he won the Emirates Challenge 120-km endurance ride yesterday.

Abdullah, who dominated for most of the 120-km event held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, did have some fight on the final stage when Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose, on Deen, put up a brave challenge.

Terrific pace

Abdullah and Omani Iman were second after the first 32kms and later took the lead in the second stage. Maintaining an average speed of around 25km/h, Abdullah was still in the lead after four loops and 104kms.

Abdullah was followed by Dhahi Abdullah Khamis, on Nahsaar, but Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose on Deen, fifth at that stage, unleashed a terrific pace. Touching a high average speed of 31.32km/h on the final 16kms, Mohammad Rashid made a brave attempt to catch leader Abdullah but the latter did well to reach the finish line first.

Dhahi Abdullah Khamis, on Nahsaar, finished third while another strong contender, Omar Hussain Al Beloushi, was fifth on Cameo Zinnia behind Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri.

Abdullah, who won a luxury car and a slice of the Dh400,000 on offer, credited his horse for the win.

"Omani Iman is a great champion and has had some outstanding performances. I found him fresh and he did well to just keep going, even when challenged," said the 22-year-old youngster who is rider at the Al Aasfa Stables.

With the stables sending out the first and third-placed horses, trainer Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, said it was a good achievement.

"There were some very strong riders and horses in the field. We have had a fair share of success this season," said Bin Shafya.

Results

Hydra-sponsored Emirates Challenge 120-km endurance ride:

1. Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Omani Iman) 4 hrs 46 mins 47 secs

2. Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose (Deen) 4:48.54

3. Dhahi Abdullah Khamis Al Dhahi (Nahsaari) 4:55.06

4. Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri (Abyaneh) 5:00.06;

5. Omar Hussain Abdullah Al Beloushi (Cameo Zinnia) 5:02.48.

More...

UAE: Major event for ladies planned

Gulf News Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 08, 2008, 01:09

Abu Dhabi: Encouraged by the success of the Three Round Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge endurance series for lady riders, the Al Asayel Endurance Village Organising Committee is looking to add an international event next season.

Shaikha Shaikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, who attended the event on Friday, said that 10 per cent of all revenues from the three rounds will be donated to the 'Make My Wish Come True Foundation' for the benefit of terminally ill persons.

Speaking to Gulf News, Shaikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said, the driving force behind the endurance ride for ladies in Al Asayel, said "This year's three rounds was a huge success. We were able to get some very good sponsors and the quality of competitions was high.

"We are looking at having a major event with invited riders from all over the world as well as the GCC countries.

"It will be like a women's World Championship," Shaikha Alyazia said.

UAE: Afra and Shamsah share limelight at Ladies Challenge

Presentation ceremony for the Hydra Properties-sponsored Third Round of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge endurance ride, in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 08, 2008, 01:27

Abu Dhabi: Shamsah Awad Al Otaiba won the Hydra Properties-sponsored Third Round of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge endurance ride for ladies while Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi finished fourth to win the overall championship.

Shamsah, on Yarandoo Jakara Silver, came up with a fine display of horsemanship when she took three hrs 49 mins and 10 secs to win on Yarandoo Jakara Silver in yesterday's 100-km FEI ride at the Al Asayel Endurance Village in Sweihan.

It was a great result for the Al Asayel Endurance Village as Shaikha Hessa Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan on former race horse Agrab Al Nas took the sixth place.

Luxury car

Earlier, in the duel for the overall winner after Three Rounds of the Challenge, first round winner Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi finished fourth on Waterlea Tuppence to garner crucial points.

With Second Round winner Sue Sidebottom having to make an unfortunate exit as her horse was found lame just before the final stage of 16 kms to leave the Al Reef Stables' Afra a winner of a Dh 150, 000 luxury car.

Yesterday's winner, Shamsah Awad said she had to keep her horse in check during the initial stages of the 4-stage ride.

"This is the same horse on which I finished fifth in the Second Round and he was also the Best Conditioned horse after that event.

"He looked very fresh and I had to keep him that way," said Shamsah.

Stiff fight between Al Suwaidi and Sidebottom

Gulf News Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 07, 2008, 01:24

Abu Dhabi: The UAE's Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi and British rider Sue Sidebottom are involved in a close battle to win the Dh150,000 car on offer for the overall winner of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge Endurance Ride series.

Today's Hydra Properties-sponsored third and final round of the 100-km Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge Endurance Ride for Ladies at the Al Asayel Endurance Village will see the top two along with a handful of other riders making a determined bid to win the overall title.

Afra leads with 200 points followed by Sue on 180 with Aliya Ali Al Marzouki (145), Briton Kayleigh Smith (140) and Reem Shaban on 100, all in with a chance to win today's final round and the overall title.

With 130 points for a win, an additional 45 points on offer for winning the best conditioned horse award gives any one of the top bunch of riders to win.

Bonus points

The rider who partners the same horse and completes all three rounds will also get an additional 100 bonus points.

Speaking to Gulf News, Sidebottom said she may not be riding Fenwick Cadenza, the horse with which she was placed fifth in the first round and won the second round.

"A final decision will be made later in the day. However, I would like to first complete the ride which will; give me a bonus of 50 points for completing all three rides," she said.

"There are some very good riders and Afra, Kayleigh and Aliya are all in with a chance. It will be a strong and highly competitive affair tomorrow," said Sue.

The FEI CEI Two-star event starts at 6.30am and will be run in four loops of 30, 30, 24 and 16kms.

FEI Endurance Task Force - Recommendations and Proposed Rule Changes

FEI Press News

The six Endurance Task Force Chairman (pictured above) are now making final checks to the document that contains their proposed rules changes in advance of it being circulated to the FEI Technical Committee members for Endurance. Throughout the period of review the Task Force has operated as an independent body and has been in touch with a wide cross section of people involved within the discipline.

The document, which is in the form of a new Endurance Rule Book contains proposals for change in the following areas:

Phase distances, hold times, rest periods and number of vet gates
Course design
Abandonment of Events
Time and record keeping
Forbidden Assistance
Dress Code
Weights
Retirements
Competition Distances related to *Rating
Horse and Rider eligibility to FEI events
Mandatory Rest Periods for Horses
Horse Log Books
Championship Qualification
Team numbers
Veterinary Examinations

The proposed changes have resulted in amendments being suggested to every page of the existing FEI Rules for Endurance Riding (2005 edition).

Mrs Ruth Carlson, Acting Chair of the FEI Endurance Technical Committee commented, "I am very happy that the work of the Task Force has been a success and I look forward to reading their proposals. On behalf of my Committee I would like to thank the Task Force members for all their hard work and thought put into the project"

Junior/Young Rider European Endurance Championships 2008

FEI Press News 06/03/2008

The FEI has received a late Calendar Application from the ESP Federation to host a CEIYJ3* 120km event to be held in Oviedo (ESP) on 3 May.

Oviedo (ESP) is the venue for the Junior and Young Rider European Endurance Championships from 12 to 14 September later this year. It is thought this late Calendar Application will be used as a trial run over the same course, using the same facilities as the Championships to take place later in the year.

The FEI Endurance Committee will appoint the Technical Delegate for the Championships at their meeting to be held in Interlaken (SUI) this April. The appointed TD is then expected to travel to Oviedo in May to oversee the event and make any necessary suggestions and/or recommendations to the Organising Committee in preparation for the Championships.

This is the first time a Junior/Young Rider Championship has been held in Spain since the inaugural Junior/Young Rider World Championships on 8 September 2001. This event had 13 Nations competing with over 50 starters. Team Gold was won by the home nation, Spain, with Individual Gold going to the UAE and HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Australia: Endurance riders prepare for their long-awaited comeback

Hawkesbury.yourguide.com.au

Brendan Rhodes

THE NSW Endurance Riders Association will finally make its comeback after the Equine Influenza crisis with a Q60 endurance training ride at Upper Colo Reserve on Sunday, March 16.

The ERA will hold a 40km training ride and 20km social ride on the day and is hoping to attract similar numbers to last year, when nearly 100 riders took part in what is a leisurely non-competitive ride aimed at training horses for longer events or simply a social outing with your horse and friends.

"It's lots of fun and you don't have to be an endurance rider to participate, so come along and take the opportunity to ride part of the historic Tom Quilty track with a group of friendly people," the ERA’s Claudia Reid said.

"Everyone is welcome, including Pony Club members and whole riding groups, and there will be completion prizes and encouragement awards.

"It's great to be back riding again after the long break due to the EI, and getting back on the great tracks through the picturesque Colo Valley, which are ideal for novice riders and horses.”

The Upper Colo Fire Brigade will provide a canteen on the day, which starts with vetting at 7am, with camping available on the Saturday night at a fee of $5 payable to the Ranger in attendance.

Riders are asked to be at the reserve early with their Horse Travelling Statement to allow plenty of time to complete paperwork, with entry fees being $45 for the training ride and $25 for the social ride, while a NSWERA day membership is $10 for trainers and $5 for socials.

Call Reid on 4575 5206 or email ningadoo@hotmail.com for more information, or download a pre-nomination form from www.nswera.asn.au

The form must be signed and forwarded to her either by mail to 191 Lower Colo Road, Colo, 2756, or via email five days before the ride.

Australia: Endurance riders saddling up for big Easter

Tamworth.yourguide.com.au

06 March 2008 - 9:00AM

The Tenterfield Endurance Riders' Association will be conducting an education seminar, introductory rides, training rides and competition rides at the Girard State Forest, east of Tenterfield, over Easter.

The weekend is especially geared towards encouraging newcomers to the sport.

Most endurance ride events are conducted over 80km.

The horses take a mandatory one hour's rest after 40km where they must pass veterinary inspection before being allowed to continue.

Major events like the Quilty Cup are conducted over 160km.

There is great camaraderie among the riders and the events are remarkably enjoyable.

It seems that the horses enjoy themselves even more than the riders.

On Easter Saturday commencing at 9am there will be a two-hour education seminar for newcomers and interested people.

The seminar will cover the basic rules of the sport, how to get started, veterinary checks, and strapping procedures.

Experienced riders will share their knowledge.

Then at 1.30pm for those who bring their horses with them, there will be a 20km introductory ride which will be conducted at a gentle pace to allow newcomers and their horses to gain familiarity with the sport.

While all this is going on, already established endurance riders can join in with one or more of three 40km training rides, one of each being conducted on the Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

On Easter Sunday there will be an 80km open event for established competitors.

There is a lovely campsite at Girard State Forest and everyone is encouraged to come and join the camp.

The camp atmosphere with its bushland setting and all of the horses is most serene.

There will be on-site catering for the weekend but please make bookings for the Saturday evening dinner.

Because of biosecurity protocols, anyone who wants to bring a horse must pre-nominate, and provide information about the horse’s origin and other details.

Please contact Phillipa Lillyman (02) 6737 5438 or Caroline Windle (02) 6736 4612 for pre-nomination and for more

information.

Australia: Endurance riders back on track - Mar 5 2008

SENews.com.au

VICTORIA'S first endurance ride since the equine influenza outbreak will be held at the Bunyip State Park this weekend.

The Tonimbuk Gold Cup group is conducting an 80-kilometre ride starting at the Yarrabubba Reserve in Nar Nar Goon North and traversing roads and tracks throughout the picturesque countryside of the Bunyip State Park and surrounds.

Event organiser Lissy Verity said it was great that riders would finally be able to get back in the saddle.

"This course has been carefully selected," she said.

"It is both a diverse and somewhat challenging course for those returning to the sport after such a long lay-off and those new to the discipline of endurance riding."

Ms Verity said there would be more activity in the area during the days preceding the ride as preparations for endurance events needed a large number of volunteers and hours.

"All relevant authorities are aware of the event and residents along the course have been advised following a letter-box drop last week," she said.

"Signage will be placed at certain locations advising visitors that a horse event is under way.

"However, given the number of horses and riders that will be passing through, we simply ask that visitors to the area take care as they move through the Bunyip State Park over the long weekend."

The endurance ride begins at 6am on Sunday and will conclude late in the afternoon, but riders and organisers will be on the course the day before.

This follows Yarrabubba Road and goes along Mortimer and Pooley Roads, heading into the Bunyip State Park along Yarrabubba Track.

For more information contact Helen Ward on 0438 594 285.

UAE: Al Subose rides Zephyr to glory

Gulf News article
photo: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News -
Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Marzouki finishes the white loop at the Boutheib endurance village, Al Khatem in Abu Dhabi.

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 02, 2008, 00:09

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose, one of the most promising riders in the UAE, scored a dramatic win in the 120-km Abu Dhabi International Cup at the Boutheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.

Al Subose, who won a bronze medal and was a member of the team gold at the Pan Arab Games in Cairo late last year, in fact finished third in Saturday's ride but the top two riders were eliminated after their horses failed the final vet check, leaving the youngster with a 4WD and the winner's position on the podium.

Al Subose on 10-year-old Part Arab gelding Zephyr completed the five-stage ride in 5 hrs 30 mins and 49 seconds with cousin Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose on Wyman finishing second to complete a brilliant 1-2 for the Dubai-based Emirates Stables.

The finish was dramatic as the leaderboard at the penultimate stage was completely different from those on the podium. The man in hot form, Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi on Set Sail led in the third and fourth loops but had to make an exit and that allowed Naser Abdullah Mohammad Al Marzouqi on Magic Glenn Aaron to finish ahead of Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi from Al Reef Stables. However both the riders were out of the reckoning as their horses failed to pass the final vet check.

Very happy

However, Al Subose's triumph in the end more than made up for Naser's exit as both hail from Emirates Stables. "This is my first win for this season and though it has come late I am very happy," said Al Subose, who was also a member of the UAE junior team which won silver at the World Junior and Young Riders championship held in Argentina last year.

Al Subose, who was 14th after the first 30kms and 13th after the second loop of 30kms, moved into eighth place after the third stage of 24kms. At the end of 104kms (fourth loop) he was placed fifth but his well-paced ride seemed to help when he completed the race with Zephyr to win the Nissan car.

"Midway through the ride my friend predicted I will win though at that stage there were quite a few good riders ahead of me. His prediction came true and I have to give him a big treat," said the winner.

Mohammad Saif Al Neyadi, General Manager of Emirates Heritage Club, gave out the trophies.

Results
1. Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose (Zephyr) 5 hrs 30 mins 49 secs;
2. Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose (Wyman) 5:39.37;
3. Matar Ghanem Al Mansoori (Silver Mistral) 5:45.35;
4. Ahmad Salah Abdullah Ameera (Quartzz) 5:48.07;
5. Maktoum Nawab Al Beloushi (Worthalook) 5:48.21

Hamdan leads UAE sweep in Qatar ride

Gulf News article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 02, 2008, 00:09

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, led a 1-2-3 finish for the UAE in the 120-km FEI CEI three-star Qatar International Endurance Cup held in Doha, Qatar yesterday.

Shaikh Hamdan, the recent winner of the 160-km President's Cup in Abu Dhabi, finished first on Kishon Zeal with average speed of 23.41km for the five-stage 120-km event, according to a Dubai Equestrian Club official.

Shaikh Hamdan was followed home by Salem Rashed Bin Ghadayer on Wadhnan while the UAE's Ali Ghanim Al Marri was third on Cutie.

All three riders came in a bunch to complete another dominating display by the UAE.

Jameela steers Allura Park Star Minoan to victory

Gulf News article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 02, 2008, 00:09

Abu Dhabi: It was a memorable day for Jameela Ahmad as the lady rider from Al Ain Endurance Stables won the 100-km Abu Dhabi Endurance Cup for privately owned horses and small stables yesterday one of the oldest endurance horses currently in competition.

Allura Park Star Minoan, an Arabian chestnut gelding, is a battle-scarred veteran and the 21-year-old carried Jameela to her first win which helped the lady rider wclaim a Nissan car.

Jameela and Allura had together finished fifth in a similar ride held here during the three-day Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival and yesterday the pair pulled it off with an average speed of 21.45kmph for the 100-km distance.

"He is a great horse. During the last ride here I slowed down considerable on the final two loops. But today he showed the willingness to go for it and it is a great day for both of us," said Jameela, who switched to endurance from showjumping a few years back.

While Grand O' Sultan and Pieraz have been legends on the endurance circuits for winning three consecutive and two world championships respectively, Allura Park Star Minoan will also go down as an ageing champion and perhaps has a few more wins up his hooves!

Great result

Jameela and Allura completed the four-stage 100-km ride in 4 hrs 40 min and 20 sec with Abdul Rahman on Fahd and Abdul Aziz Al Redha on Mafalda De Bellevue next home.

Al Ain Endurance Stables chief Mattar Al Yabouni, who just on Thursday scored two goals to star in Al Ain Mineral Water Team's triumph in the HH President's Cup polo, said yesterday's win for the stables was a great result. "With Jameela's triumph, it will be encouragement for more such national riders to come to the fore," Yabhouni said.

Results: 1. Jameela Ahmad (Allura Park Star Minoan) 4 hrs 40 mins 20 secs; 2. Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Marzouqi (Fahd) 4:48.19; 3.Abdul Aziz Al Redha (Mafalda De Bellevue) 4:54.31; 4. Hamad Ebrahim Abdullah Al Marzouqi (El Mudo) 5:09.35; 5. Ahmad Tariq Abdullah Al Mutawa (Quintet) 5:28.15.