Khaleejtimes.com
Allaam Ousman
6 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) — There will be a big royal presence in the World Endurance Championships affirming that horse riding is a sport of the kings.
Hosts Malaysia will be led by none other than their king Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin whose passion for the sport is exemplary. Sultan Mizan who hails from Kuala Terengganu was responsible for bringing the FEI World Endurance Championships to Malaysia for the first time and is a fierce competitor. He came in 29th among 137 riders in the energy-sapping 160-km race in the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup held in UAE in January. The Malaysian monarch was also selected to represent the country at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006, but had to withdraw as it coincided with his proclamation.
Sultan Mizan is not the only 'blue blood' competing in the event. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his younger brother Shaikh Majid, will lead the UAE charge in this gruelling competition. Shaikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games gold and more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk. Shaikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage. Shaikh Hamdan is ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Hamdan is at 33rd.
Among the other royal participants are Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked ninth in the world. The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat. Also in the team is his brother Shaikh Khalid, who won a 160km endurance race in England three months ago.
Women power
Since its inception in 1986, the World Endurance Championship individual title has only been won by two men. In this edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again. In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 133 competitors for this edition are women.
Women riders from the US have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart. Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 and 1998, while her daughter Danielle won the 1996 US edition. France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while UAE's Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 event in Spain.
Age no barrier
Janice Worthington, 68, may be the oldest competitor at this year's World Endurance Championship and is determined to prove that age will not stand in her way of aiming for glory.
With more than 30 years experience of horseback riding, this will be her fifth outing at World Endurance Championship, the first of which was in Compiegne, France in 2000, followed by Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Dubai, UAE (2004) and Aachen, Germany (2006).
One of them is eight-year-old Golden Lightning which she has shipped out here for the championship.
Despite her age, Janice has chalked up over 48,500km in the saddle and has not showed any signs of slowing down. Just two months ago, she won a 160-km all-night endurance race in the United States.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:17:00 PM
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
[WEC Reports] Inspection to kick-start world meet
New Straits Times
2008/11/06
THE World Endurance Championships unofficially start today with the first horse inspection at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
The inspection of horses is the most crucial part of the WEC as riders will be eliminated if their mounts fail the test. A total of 133 horses will be inspected by the Veterinary Commission and the Ground Jury at the Vet Gates.
Veterinary Commission Dr Hosain Abbara said previous world meets have witnessed mounts failing the first inspection.
"Affected riders will have to withdraw as they cannot replace their horses," said Hosain at the TIEP yesterday.
"However, most horses pass the first inspection. I cannot predict what will happen tomorrow (today), but from my own experience, there will likely be failures."
Today's inspection will include taking the horse's temperature, measuring its heartbeat rate, respiration rate and a full metobolic profile. The horses will also be trotted to confirm its soundness.
"If there is anything abnormal with a horse, the case will be referred to a special committe for a decision," added Hosain, who was president of the veterinary panel at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
The 160km race is divided into seven loops or phases.
The horses are also inspected after completion of each loop and again after they have crossed the finish line. So the first horse across the finish line is not necessarily the winner.
Meanwhile, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is predicting a 30 per cent completion rate at the WEC.
"It's going to be a difficult race, the toughest ever in a world meet. The humidity will take a toll on the riders and horses," said an FEI official.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:21:00 AM
2008/11/06
THE World Endurance Championships unofficially start today with the first horse inspection at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
The inspection of horses is the most crucial part of the WEC as riders will be eliminated if their mounts fail the test. A total of 133 horses will be inspected by the Veterinary Commission and the Ground Jury at the Vet Gates.
Veterinary Commission Dr Hosain Abbara said previous world meets have witnessed mounts failing the first inspection.
"Affected riders will have to withdraw as they cannot replace their horses," said Hosain at the TIEP yesterday.
"However, most horses pass the first inspection. I cannot predict what will happen tomorrow (today), but from my own experience, there will likely be failures."
Today's inspection will include taking the horse's temperature, measuring its heartbeat rate, respiration rate and a full metobolic profile. The horses will also be trotted to confirm its soundness.
"If there is anything abnormal with a horse, the case will be referred to a special committe for a decision," added Hosain, who was president of the veterinary panel at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
The 160km race is divided into seven loops or phases.
The horses are also inspected after completion of each loop and again after they have crossed the finish line. So the first horse across the finish line is not necessarily the winner.
Meanwhile, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is predicting a 30 per cent completion rate at the WEC.
"It's going to be a difficult race, the toughest ever in a world meet. The humidity will take a toll on the riders and horses," said an FEI official.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:21:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Bahrain Riders set for top showdown
Gulf-daily-news.com
6th November 2008
SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will arrive in Malaysia today for the World Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengga.
Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, and Shaikh Khalid, who is the Breef first vice-president, will lead a six-member Bahrain Royal Endurance team in this night race set to be flagged off at 12noon (Bahrain time).
The other four Bahraini riders are Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan is the team manager.
The Bahrainis will be among 140 riders representing 34 countries from across the world who are taking part in this challenging event to be run over 160kms.
Among top countries in the fray are the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the US.
Besides Bahrain, the other GCC countries in the fray are the UAE, Oman and Qatar.
The race will be divided into seven stages - 28 kms for the first, 27 kms for the second, 28 kms for the third, 27 kms for the fourth, 23 kms for the fifth, 18 kms for the sixth while the seventh and last stage is over 10 kms.
This will be Bahrain's third appearance in the World Championship scince their debut in the 2005 edition in Dubai. They then took part in the 2006 championship in Akhn, Germany.
This time the Bahrainis are eying a podium finish in this prestigious $200,000 championship which features teams and individual races.
Overall
The overall winner will claim $22,000 while the runner-up receives $16,000. The third and fourth placed runners will get $13,000 and $11,000 respectively.
In the teams category, the winners receive $22,400 while the runners-up get $19,200. The third and fourth placed teams will receive $14,400 and $12,000 respectively.
The owner of the horse 'with the best condition' will receive $20,000.
The Bahraini riders yesterday underwent a pre-ride inspection which was followed by 'weighing in'.
A prize-distribution ceremony is scheduled for Sunday.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:19:00 AM
6th November 2008
SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will arrive in Malaysia today for the World Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengga.
Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, and Shaikh Khalid, who is the Breef first vice-president, will lead a six-member Bahrain Royal Endurance team in this night race set to be flagged off at 12noon (Bahrain time).
The other four Bahraini riders are Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan is the team manager.
The Bahrainis will be among 140 riders representing 34 countries from across the world who are taking part in this challenging event to be run over 160kms.
Among top countries in the fray are the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the US.
Besides Bahrain, the other GCC countries in the fray are the UAE, Oman and Qatar.
The race will be divided into seven stages - 28 kms for the first, 27 kms for the second, 28 kms for the third, 27 kms for the fourth, 23 kms for the fifth, 18 kms for the sixth while the seventh and last stage is over 10 kms.
This will be Bahrain's third appearance in the World Championship scince their debut in the 2005 edition in Dubai. They then took part in the 2006 championship in Akhn, Germany.
This time the Bahrainis are eying a podium finish in this prestigious $200,000 championship which features teams and individual races.
Overall
The overall winner will claim $22,000 while the runner-up receives $16,000. The third and fourth placed runners will get $13,000 and $11,000 respectively.
In the teams category, the winners receive $22,400 while the runners-up get $19,200. The third and fourth placed teams will receive $14,400 and $12,000 respectively.
The owner of the horse 'with the best condition' will receive $20,000.
The Bahraini riders yesterday underwent a pre-ride inspection which was followed by 'weighing in'.
A prize-distribution ceremony is scheduled for Sunday.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:19:00 AM
[WEC Reports] France wary of favourites' tag
New Straits Times
2008/11/06
By : Ajitpal Singh
VERY few people are betting against France winning the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) which starts tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
The French team have numerous star riders, own a record four WEC team titles and carry an aura of invincibility in endurance racing.
There is no denying France, the reigning world team champions, are heavily favoured to win a fifth time.
The French, however, pointed out that things won't be as simple as they look.
"It's true that we have great chances to win the WEC team event, but that doesn't mean it's a done deal," said France team leader Jean-Louis Leclerc.
"It's humid here unlike in France. My riders are inexperienced in such weather conditions and they need a good strategy to overcome it.
"However, racing at night would not be a problem for the team as we have raced in night events in Europe.
"We arrived on Oct 17 to prepare for the event. The riders have tested the course a few times and are prepared."
France won their first world team title in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, and again in 1994 (Den Haag, the Netherlands). They were victors for a third time in 2002 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain and again in 2006 in Aachen, Germany.
France have also won two world individual titles through Maya Killa Perringerard (2000-Comoiegne, France) and Barbara Lissarague (2004-Dubai, UAE).
This time around, France have named a stronger team comprising riders who won the European individual and team titles in Spain, last year.
The team includes European individual champion Jean Philippe Frances, who rides Hanaba Du Bois, Virginie Atger (Hadia De Jalima), Philippe Benoit (Akim Du Boulve), Pascale Dietsch (Hifrane Du Barthas), Caroline Denayer (Gwellik Du Parc) and Julien Lafaure (Jharez De Cabirat).
However, those selected are not necessarily the best from France as absent are World No 1 Jack Begaud, World No 3 Laurent Mosti and World No 10 Vincent Dupont.
"Begaud had two horses qualified for the WEC here. However, he sold his horses. It would have been great to have him around. I'm not sure about Mosti and Dupont," said Leclerc.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:15:00 AM
2008/11/06
By : Ajitpal Singh
VERY few people are betting against France winning the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) which starts tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
The French team have numerous star riders, own a record four WEC team titles and carry an aura of invincibility in endurance racing.
There is no denying France, the reigning world team champions, are heavily favoured to win a fifth time.
The French, however, pointed out that things won't be as simple as they look.
"It's true that we have great chances to win the WEC team event, but that doesn't mean it's a done deal," said France team leader Jean-Louis Leclerc.
"It's humid here unlike in France. My riders are inexperienced in such weather conditions and they need a good strategy to overcome it.
"However, racing at night would not be a problem for the team as we have raced in night events in Europe.
"We arrived on Oct 17 to prepare for the event. The riders have tested the course a few times and are prepared."
France won their first world team title in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, and again in 1994 (Den Haag, the Netherlands). They were victors for a third time in 2002 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain and again in 2006 in Aachen, Germany.
France have also won two world individual titles through Maya Killa Perringerard (2000-Comoiegne, France) and Barbara Lissarague (2004-Dubai, UAE).
This time around, France have named a stronger team comprising riders who won the European individual and team titles in Spain, last year.
The team includes European individual champion Jean Philippe Frances, who rides Hanaba Du Bois, Virginie Atger (Hadia De Jalima), Philippe Benoit (Akim Du Boulve), Pascale Dietsch (Hifrane Du Barthas), Caroline Denayer (Gwellik Du Parc) and Julien Lafaure (Jharez De Cabirat).
However, those selected are not necessarily the best from France as absent are World No 1 Jack Begaud, World No 3 Laurent Mosti and World No 10 Vincent Dupont.
"Begaud had two horses qualified for the WEC here. However, he sold his horses. It would have been great to have him around. I'm not sure about Mosti and Dupont," said Leclerc.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:15:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Six Americans set to Vie for 2008 FEI World Endurance Champions...
Usef.org
Release: November 05 2008
Lexington, KY – 160 km on horseback is no easy feat. But 142 riders from 34 nations will undertake the task when the FEI World Endurance Championships get underway in Terengganu, Malaysia November 6-9, 2008.
The US has six horse/rider combinations in Malaysia under the guidance of three-time World Champion Becky Hart, who is serving as Chef d'Equipe. The team includes another multiple world champion: Valarie Kanavy. She is hot off of a win at the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Championships in the 100-mile Championship. In that victory she rode King Ali Gold 45 minutes clear of the runner-up, but the Fort Valley, VA rider will contest the World Championships on Flash Flame, a 10-year-old Arabian mare.
Katharine Brunjes left the Maine winter behind headed to the desert for her second World Championships. She is diligently preparing for the night ride in Malaysia aboard Theatric, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding she has had since he was an unbroken 4-year-old.
Brunjes and Theatric were invited to compete in the Sultan's Cup in 2007 which served as the test event for these World Championships. They finished fifth. Improvements have been made all over the venue based on the experiences of the previous year's event. The team has settled in well and Brunjes looks forward to the competition getting underway.
"The team is in good spirits and we are exercising and training daily," said Brunjes. "On Monday we had our long ride leading up to the event. We rode our training loop front-wards and backwards several times to accumulate 20 miles. Our training track – each country has an individual training track to maintain our quarantine status until race day – is just 10.4 km, so we had to do some creative riding to get the mileage we need. The horses look great, are acclimating nicely and we are pleased with how each horse has settled in."
John Crandell III and Saba Shams made the trek to Malaysia from Star Tannery, VA. The 9-year-old Arabian gelding is owned by Ann Crandell – the pair prepared for the World Championships with a runner-up finish at the 2008 Greenway Gallivant in Florida in July.
Like Crandell, Cheryl Dell, from Springville, CA, is riding in her first World Championship on Reason to Believe. The 10-year-old Arabian gelding was third in the Owyhee 100 in Idaho. This is the sole combination from the West Coast.
Two eight year old Arabians round out the group of six in Malaysia. Both Syrocco Reveille and Golden Lightning are contesting their first World Championships. Ridden by Dr. Meg Sleeper and Jan Worthington, respectively, they both have experienced pilots. Sleeper rode Saba Shams at last year's test event in Terengganu and was part of the US team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Sleeper and Syrocco have had two top three finishes in North America in 2008.
Worthington, from Scales Mound, IL, and Golden Lightning won the Greenway Gallivant in July and Worthington was a member of the 2000 World Championship Team.
The competition gets underway at 5:30 pm local time on Friday November 7. For results and more information, please see: http://www.malaysia-wec.com.
For more information, please contact Joanei Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 11:03:00 PM
Release: November 05 2008
Lexington, KY – 160 km on horseback is no easy feat. But 142 riders from 34 nations will undertake the task when the FEI World Endurance Championships get underway in Terengganu, Malaysia November 6-9, 2008.
The US has six horse/rider combinations in Malaysia under the guidance of three-time World Champion Becky Hart, who is serving as Chef d'Equipe. The team includes another multiple world champion: Valarie Kanavy. She is hot off of a win at the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Championships in the 100-mile Championship. In that victory she rode King Ali Gold 45 minutes clear of the runner-up, but the Fort Valley, VA rider will contest the World Championships on Flash Flame, a 10-year-old Arabian mare.
Katharine Brunjes left the Maine winter behind headed to the desert for her second World Championships. She is diligently preparing for the night ride in Malaysia aboard Theatric, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding she has had since he was an unbroken 4-year-old.
Brunjes and Theatric were invited to compete in the Sultan's Cup in 2007 which served as the test event for these World Championships. They finished fifth. Improvements have been made all over the venue based on the experiences of the previous year's event. The team has settled in well and Brunjes looks forward to the competition getting underway.
"The team is in good spirits and we are exercising and training daily," said Brunjes. "On Monday we had our long ride leading up to the event. We rode our training loop front-wards and backwards several times to accumulate 20 miles. Our training track – each country has an individual training track to maintain our quarantine status until race day – is just 10.4 km, so we had to do some creative riding to get the mileage we need. The horses look great, are acclimating nicely and we are pleased with how each horse has settled in."
John Crandell III and Saba Shams made the trek to Malaysia from Star Tannery, VA. The 9-year-old Arabian gelding is owned by Ann Crandell – the pair prepared for the World Championships with a runner-up finish at the 2008 Greenway Gallivant in Florida in July.
Like Crandell, Cheryl Dell, from Springville, CA, is riding in her first World Championship on Reason to Believe. The 10-year-old Arabian gelding was third in the Owyhee 100 in Idaho. This is the sole combination from the West Coast.
Two eight year old Arabians round out the group of six in Malaysia. Both Syrocco Reveille and Golden Lightning are contesting their first World Championships. Ridden by Dr. Meg Sleeper and Jan Worthington, respectively, they both have experienced pilots. Sleeper rode Saba Shams at last year's test event in Terengganu and was part of the US team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Sleeper and Syrocco have had two top three finishes in North America in 2008.
Worthington, from Scales Mound, IL, and Golden Lightning won the Greenway Gallivant in July and Worthington was a member of the 2000 World Championship Team.
The competition gets underway at 5:30 pm local time on Friday November 7. For results and more information, please see: http://www.malaysia-wec.com.
For more information, please contact Joanei Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 11:03:00 PM
[WEC Reports] UAE Riders Set for World Endurance Championship
Khaleejtimes.com
Allaam Ousman
6 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) - The six-member UAE team led by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, were in high spirits 48 hours before the start of the 12th FEI World Endurance Championships which is being held in Malaysia for the first time.
ShaikhHamdanbinMohammedbin Rashid AlMaktoum,CrownPrince of DubaiThey have been installed as the top contenders for the world title having in their ranks accomplished riders and because of their familiarity with the tough terrain and humid weather conditions which are expected to prevail in this first ever night race on Friday.
Team member Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim speaking to the Khaleej Times said they were well primed to aim for the title. "We are ready and confident of doing well. With a little bit of luck we could strike gold," said Bin Huzaim, who is ranked fifth in the FEI world rankings.
The UAE riders which includes Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammed Ahmad Al Subose, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya and Sultan Ahmed Sultan bin Sulayem, arrived on Monday while the horses landed on Wednesday on a special Boeing aircraft.
Asked whether they felt any pressure since they have been tagged as favourites, Bin Huzaim said they looked at it positively. "It's a night race but we have experience of night races. The humidity is nothing new to us because we experience it back home. But it will be a tough race but the same difficulties will apply to all the competitors," he said.
The weather during daytime was 25 degrees Celsius but humidity could rise up to 80 per cent. The Terengganu International Endurance Park is the first sole endurance village in south east Asia. Situated in the fishing town of Merang, 25km north of Kuala Terengganu, competitors will ride along the coastline of the South China Sea, through plantations, fishing villages and forests.
"There are a lot of trees while the fifth loop is hilly," observed Bin Huzaim after the team performed a track recce on Wednesday. "But the weather is nice, people are nice," he added.
Asked about the fitness of the horses, he said: "All are in good condition. We are ready."
Asian Games gold medallist Shaikh Hamdan is set to ride Jazyk. Shaikh Majid will be aboard European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage.
Shafya is booked on Zakah Zahara, Sulayem on Tazoul El Parry, world no. 4 Al Subose will be riding Koum Des Jamets and Bin Huzaim Castlebar Kadeen.
A total of 133 riders from 32 countries have assembled for this world championship which will be cover a distance of 160km divided into seven stages.
Meanwhile, Uruguay believe it is their turn to win the title having in their midst world no.2 Juan Miguel Pio Olascoaga Amaga, the highest ranked rider in this competition. However, they have never won a title in the World Endurance Championship since its inception in 1986.
Amaya, 28, a winner of two 160-km titles this year, said he and his teammates have the experience to wrest the title from hot favourites the United Arab Emirates and France.
"We have been training hard and our horses have adapted well to the humidity. We like the track as it's flat and soft.
"I hope to compete both in the individual and team events for Uruguay," said Amaya. "As the top seed in the individual event, the pressure will be on me to perform. My strategy on race day is to get a head start and maintain my speed throughout. I need to opt for this strategy as my main rivals will be doing the same."
UAE on the other hand produced the youngest and first male winner of the world championship in Jerez, Spain in 2002 when Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed won the coveted title. UAE also have come close to claiming the team title on several occasions.
The World Endurance Championship was officially inaugurated on Wednesday night by the Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium following a spectacular opening ceremony.
Ian Williams, non-Olympic sports director of FEI, the world body governing equestrian sports, read out a special message on behalf of FEI head Princess Haya bint Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressing her inability to attend the event. Princess Haya wished everyone a great competition, a sporting competition and great endurance competition.
The ceremony began with a colourful dance ensemble with the theme Malaysia Welcomes the World 'Selamat Datang' followed by the march past of the participating teams.
Another eye-catching performance was the performance by Malaysia singers, a horse show by Lorenzo, the Flying Frenchman, and a dazzling fireworks display.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 10:58:00 PM
Allaam Ousman
6 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) - The six-member UAE team led by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, were in high spirits 48 hours before the start of the 12th FEI World Endurance Championships which is being held in Malaysia for the first time.
ShaikhHamdanbinMohammedbin Rashid AlMaktoum,CrownPrince of DubaiThey have been installed as the top contenders for the world title having in their ranks accomplished riders and because of their familiarity with the tough terrain and humid weather conditions which are expected to prevail in this first ever night race on Friday.
Team member Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim speaking to the Khaleej Times said they were well primed to aim for the title. "We are ready and confident of doing well. With a little bit of luck we could strike gold," said Bin Huzaim, who is ranked fifth in the FEI world rankings.
The UAE riders which includes Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammed Ahmad Al Subose, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya and Sultan Ahmed Sultan bin Sulayem, arrived on Monday while the horses landed on Wednesday on a special Boeing aircraft.
Asked whether they felt any pressure since they have been tagged as favourites, Bin Huzaim said they looked at it positively. "It's a night race but we have experience of night races. The humidity is nothing new to us because we experience it back home. But it will be a tough race but the same difficulties will apply to all the competitors," he said.
The weather during daytime was 25 degrees Celsius but humidity could rise up to 80 per cent. The Terengganu International Endurance Park is the first sole endurance village in south east Asia. Situated in the fishing town of Merang, 25km north of Kuala Terengganu, competitors will ride along the coastline of the South China Sea, through plantations, fishing villages and forests.
"There are a lot of trees while the fifth loop is hilly," observed Bin Huzaim after the team performed a track recce on Wednesday. "But the weather is nice, people are nice," he added.
Asked about the fitness of the horses, he said: "All are in good condition. We are ready."
Asian Games gold medallist Shaikh Hamdan is set to ride Jazyk. Shaikh Majid will be aboard European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage.
Shafya is booked on Zakah Zahara, Sulayem on Tazoul El Parry, world no. 4 Al Subose will be riding Koum Des Jamets and Bin Huzaim Castlebar Kadeen.
A total of 133 riders from 32 countries have assembled for this world championship which will be cover a distance of 160km divided into seven stages.
Meanwhile, Uruguay believe it is their turn to win the title having in their midst world no.2 Juan Miguel Pio Olascoaga Amaga, the highest ranked rider in this competition. However, they have never won a title in the World Endurance Championship since its inception in 1986.
Amaya, 28, a winner of two 160-km titles this year, said he and his teammates have the experience to wrest the title from hot favourites the United Arab Emirates and France.
"We have been training hard and our horses have adapted well to the humidity. We like the track as it's flat and soft.
"I hope to compete both in the individual and team events for Uruguay," said Amaya. "As the top seed in the individual event, the pressure will be on me to perform. My strategy on race day is to get a head start and maintain my speed throughout. I need to opt for this strategy as my main rivals will be doing the same."
UAE on the other hand produced the youngest and first male winner of the world championship in Jerez, Spain in 2002 when Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed won the coveted title. UAE also have come close to claiming the team title on several occasions.
The World Endurance Championship was officially inaugurated on Wednesday night by the Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium following a spectacular opening ceremony.
Ian Williams, non-Olympic sports director of FEI, the world body governing equestrian sports, read out a special message on behalf of FEI head Princess Haya bint Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressing her inability to attend the event. Princess Haya wished everyone a great competition, a sporting competition and great endurance competition.
The ceremony began with a colourful dance ensemble with the theme Malaysia Welcomes the World 'Selamat Datang' followed by the march past of the participating teams.
Another eye-catching performance was the performance by Malaysia singers, a horse show by Lorenzo, the Flying Frenchman, and a dazzling fireworks display.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 10:58:00 PM
[WEC Reports] 800 to maintain security at endurance show
Nst.com.my
2008/11/05
KUALA TERENGGANU, TERENGGANU:
Eight hundred policemen will be deployed to provide security for partcipants and guests at the four-day FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 which starts in the Bidong Valley, Setiu, tomorrow.
Terengganu deputy police chief Datuk Jalaludin Abdul Rahman said today that the guests included the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah.
"Their safety, from the moment they arrive until they depart will be our responsibility," he told a news conference here.
He the police had also sought the cooperation of the public and residents in the surrounding areas to stay away from the tracks as their presence might scare the horses.
The championship will see 133 riders from 32 countries competing at the Terengganu International Endurance Park, the first time that the FEI championship is being held in a tropical country.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 04:51:00 PM
2008/11/05
KUALA TERENGGANU, TERENGGANU:
Eight hundred policemen will be deployed to provide security for partcipants and guests at the four-day FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 which starts in the Bidong Valley, Setiu, tomorrow.
Terengganu deputy police chief Datuk Jalaludin Abdul Rahman said today that the guests included the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah.
"Their safety, from the moment they arrive until they depart will be our responsibility," he told a news conference here.
He the police had also sought the cooperation of the public and residents in the surrounding areas to stay away from the tracks as their presence might scare the horses.
The championship will see 133 riders from 32 countries competing at the Terengganu International Endurance Park, the first time that the FEI championship is being held in a tropical country.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 04:51:00 PM
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
[WEC Reports] Amaya buoyant on Uruguay's chances
The New Straits Times Online
2008/11/05
By : Ajitpal Singh
photo: Amaya kisses his beloved horse Ar Vale after a training session in Lembah Bidong yesterday. — Pic: IMRAN MAKHZAN
URUGUAY believe it will be their year to be crowned world champions in both the individual and team events at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) which starts tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
But their fortunes will depend on World No 2 Juan Miguel Pio Olascoaga Amaya, the highest ranked rider in this competition.
For the record, Uruguay have never won a title in the WEC, which incepted in 1986.
Amaya, 28, a winner of two 160-km titles this year, said he and his teammates have the experience to wrest the title from hot favourites the United Arab Emirates and France.
"We have been training hard and our horses have adapted well to the humidity. We like the track as it's flat and soft.
"I hope to compete both in the individual and team events for Uruguay," said Amaya at the TIEP in Setiu yesterday.
"As the top seed in the individual event, the pressure will be on me to perform. My strategy on race day is to get a head start and maintain my speed throughout. I need to opt for this strategy as my main rivals will be doing the same."
At the WEC, Amaya will be riding his trusted eight-year-old horse Ar Vale which he has been riding for the past seven months.
The others in the Uruguay squad are Adriana Basso MacGregor, who will be riding Ed Virka, Flavia Maria Danvila (Count Spot), Sofia Maria Danvila (Nortea), Juan Cruz Aranda (Espartaco In) and Isadora Mackinnon (Guarda Costa). Their coach is Amaya's father, Pio Olascoaga Silveira.
Unlike in previous editions, the WEC in Terengganu will start tomorrow evening after the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) had taken into account the humid conditions in Terengganu.
The 133 riders will have to complete 160km in 13 hours and 20 minutes. The race will be broken into seven loops or phases.
Amaya also described the facilities, including the stables, at the TIEP as world class.
"The TIEP offers the best facilities for riders and horses. I have raced in may courses and I must say, this course has the best stables and track."
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 02:25:00 AM
2008/11/05
By : Ajitpal Singh
URUGUAY believe it will be their year to be crowned world champions in both the individual and team events at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) which starts tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
But their fortunes will depend on World No 2 Juan Miguel Pio Olascoaga Amaya, the highest ranked rider in this competition.
For the record, Uruguay have never won a title in the WEC, which incepted in 1986.
Amaya, 28, a winner of two 160-km titles this year, said he and his teammates have the experience to wrest the title from hot favourites the United Arab Emirates and France.
"We have been training hard and our horses have adapted well to the humidity. We like the track as it's flat and soft.
"I hope to compete both in the individual and team events for Uruguay," said Amaya at the TIEP in Setiu yesterday.
"As the top seed in the individual event, the pressure will be on me to perform. My strategy on race day is to get a head start and maintain my speed throughout. I need to opt for this strategy as my main rivals will be doing the same."
At the WEC, Amaya will be riding his trusted eight-year-old horse Ar Vale which he has been riding for the past seven months.
The others in the Uruguay squad are Adriana Basso MacGregor, who will be riding Ed Virka, Flavia Maria Danvila (Count Spot), Sofia Maria Danvila (Nortea), Juan Cruz Aranda (Espartaco In) and Isadora Mackinnon (Guarda Costa). Their coach is Amaya's father, Pio Olascoaga Silveira.
Unlike in previous editions, the WEC in Terengganu will start tomorrow evening after the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) had taken into account the humid conditions in Terengganu.
The 133 riders will have to complete 160km in 13 hours and 20 minutes. The race will be broken into seven loops or phases.
Amaya also described the facilities, including the stables, at the TIEP as world class.
"The TIEP offers the best facilities for riders and horses. I have raced in may courses and I must say, this course has the best stables and track."
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 02:25:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Janice's love for riding evergreen
The New Straits Times Online
2008/11/05
photo: Janice is most happy when on a horse. (The New Straits Times Online)
JANICE Worthington, at 68, holds the distinction of being the oldest competitor at the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC). Age, according to the United States rider, will not stand in her way of attaining glory.
With more than 30 years of experience in horseback riding, she's looking forward to a fairytale outing at the WEC which starts at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, tomorrow.
This will be Janice's fifth outing in a WEC, the first of which was in Compiegne, France in 2000, followed by Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2004) and Aachen, Germany (2006).
Janice, who has four grandchildren, lives in Illinois where she has a 300-acre ranch and 65 horses. One of them is eight-year-old Golden Lightning which she has shipped out here for the championship.
Despite her age, Janice has chalked up over 48,500km in the saddle and has not showed any signs of slowing down. Just two months ago, she won a 160-km all-night endurance race in the United States.
"Horse riding has been my first love and I am most happy when on a horse. It's all in the mind and there is no such thing as too old to ride.
"As long as you are mentally fit, you can ride. More so in endurance racing," Janice said at TIEP, Setiu yesterday.
"You only have to worry about your horse because it cannot tell you personally if it is tired or needs a rest," added Janice, who is part of a six-member US team.
"I look forward to doing well here. It's hot and I reckon it will be a challenging race."
The other members of the US team are Kathy Brunjes on Theatric, John Crandell (HH Saba Shams), Cheryl Dell (Reason To Believe), Valerie Kanavy (Flash Flame) and Margaret Sleeper (Syrocco Reveille).
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 02:20:00 AM
2008/11/05
JANICE Worthington, at 68, holds the distinction of being the oldest competitor at the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC). Age, according to the United States rider, will not stand in her way of attaining glory.
With more than 30 years of experience in horseback riding, she's looking forward to a fairytale outing at the WEC which starts at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, tomorrow.
This will be Janice's fifth outing in a WEC, the first of which was in Compiegne, France in 2000, followed by Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2004) and Aachen, Germany (2006).
Janice, who has four grandchildren, lives in Illinois where she has a 300-acre ranch and 65 horses. One of them is eight-year-old Golden Lightning which she has shipped out here for the championship.
Despite her age, Janice has chalked up over 48,500km in the saddle and has not showed any signs of slowing down. Just two months ago, she won a 160-km all-night endurance race in the United States.
"Horse riding has been my first love and I am most happy when on a horse. It's all in the mind and there is no such thing as too old to ride.
"As long as you are mentally fit, you can ride. More so in endurance racing," Janice said at TIEP, Setiu yesterday.
"You only have to worry about your horse because it cannot tell you personally if it is tired or needs a rest," added Janice, who is part of a six-member US team.
"I look forward to doing well here. It's hot and I reckon it will be a challenging race."
The other members of the US team are Kathy Brunjes on Theatric, John Crandell (HH Saba Shams), Cheryl Dell (Reason To Believe), Valerie Kanavy (Flash Flame) and Margaret Sleeper (Syrocco Reveille).
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 02:20:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Rookie Firdaus out to earn his spurs
The New Straits Times Online
2008/11/05
MUHD Firdaus Hamid's first experience with horses was on a pony when he was just nine years old.
Today, at 15, Firdaus is preparing for the biggest race of his career at the FEI (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP), Setiu, starting tomorrow. The Kuala Terengganu-born rider is the youngest Malaysian competitor in the event.
"My involvement began when I was just nine. Picking up the sport is easy in Terengganu, especially those living in villages as farmers keep horses," said Firdaus, a student with SMK Tengku Bariah in Kuala Terengganu, yesterday.
"My first ride was on a pony owned by my father's friend. My love for horses grew but I ventured into show-jumping first before deciding to make a switch to endurance early this year.
"I was competing in a show-jumping event in Ipoh, Perak last year when another rider told me that I was more suited for endurance. I decided to try it and have not looked back since."
Firdaus made an immediate impact on his maiden endurance competition in Uruguay in June, where he earned his first Certificates of Capability (CoC).
A month later he earned his second CoC, also in Uruguay, and made the cut for the world meet.
"I was not expecting to make an immediate impact. The WEC will only be my fourth 160km race. It's going to be tough but I hope to complete the race and earn a good position," he added.
Meanwhile, a host of local artistes will be performing at the opening of the WEC at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu today.
Among those performing are Mawi, Jamal Abdillah, Ramli Sarip and local rock queen Ella.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is also competing in the WEC, will officially open the event.
-- AJITPAL SINGH
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 02:16:00 AM
2008/11/05
MUHD Firdaus Hamid's first experience with horses was on a pony when he was just nine years old.
Today, at 15, Firdaus is preparing for the biggest race of his career at the FEI (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP), Setiu, starting tomorrow. The Kuala Terengganu-born rider is the youngest Malaysian competitor in the event.
"My involvement began when I was just nine. Picking up the sport is easy in Terengganu, especially those living in villages as farmers keep horses," said Firdaus, a student with SMK Tengku Bariah in Kuala Terengganu, yesterday.
"My first ride was on a pony owned by my father's friend. My love for horses grew but I ventured into show-jumping first before deciding to make a switch to endurance early this year.
"I was competing in a show-jumping event in Ipoh, Perak last year when another rider told me that I was more suited for endurance. I decided to try it and have not looked back since."
Firdaus made an immediate impact on his maiden endurance competition in Uruguay in June, where he earned his first Certificates of Capability (CoC).
A month later he earned his second CoC, also in Uruguay, and made the cut for the world meet.
"I was not expecting to make an immediate impact. The WEC will only be my fourth 160km race. It's going to be tough but I hope to complete the race and earn a good position," he added.
Meanwhile, a host of local artistes will be performing at the opening of the WEC at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu today.
Among those performing are Mawi, Jamal Abdillah, Ramli Sarip and local rock queen Ella.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is also competing in the WEC, will officially open the event.
-- AJITPAL SINGH
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/05/2008 02:16:00 AM
Bahrain: Season-opening endurance horse race set
Equestrianbahrain.com
04 November 2008
The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) will host the first endurance horseride of the season on November 22 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
The federation, under its president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, approved the 2008/09 season calendar at its board of directors meeting. The inaugural race of the new season will be a 90-km qualifying event for young riders seeking experience in endurance races.
The first official race this year will be the National Day Championship set for December 13 and is over 120km. That will be followed by a 12km open race on January 3 next year.
Other events are the Women's Open Championship on January 31, the National Stables Championship on February 7, His Majesty King Hamad Cup on March 7, the Crown Prince Cup race on April 3 and the Season-Ending Championship on May 1.
Meanwhile, the Breef members also discussed the showjumping season and confirmed the schedule of its events. The showjumping season will get underway on November 7 with the Season Starting Championship, to be followed by the National Day Championship on December 19, then the Breef Cup on February 13.
In other competitions, the Arab League round for His Majesty King Hamad Cup will be held from February 19 to 22, the second Breef Cup on March 27 and the Season Ending Championship on March 10 and 11.
The federation also decided to form a marketing committee to promote its programmes and activities. The committee, to be headed by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, will start looking for sponsors to support the federation this season.
The meeting was also attended by Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, second vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi, assistant general secretary Dr Khalid Hassan, public relations head Faisal Al Ajmi and members Tawfeeq Salehi, Haider Al Zo'bi, Mahmood Abdulsaheb and Fahad Al Rumaihi.
04 November 2008
The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) will host the first endurance horseride of the season on November 22 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
The federation, under its president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, approved the 2008/09 season calendar at its board of directors meeting. The inaugural race of the new season will be a 90-km qualifying event for young riders seeking experience in endurance races.
The first official race this year will be the National Day Championship set for December 13 and is over 120km. That will be followed by a 12km open race on January 3 next year.
Other events are the Women's Open Championship on January 31, the National Stables Championship on February 7, His Majesty King Hamad Cup on March 7, the Crown Prince Cup race on April 3 and the Season-Ending Championship on May 1.
Meanwhile, the Breef members also discussed the showjumping season and confirmed the schedule of its events. The showjumping season will get underway on November 7 with the Season Starting Championship, to be followed by the National Day Championship on December 19, then the Breef Cup on February 13.
In other competitions, the Arab League round for His Majesty King Hamad Cup will be held from February 19 to 22, the second Breef Cup on March 27 and the Season Ending Championship on March 10 and 11.
The federation also decided to form a marketing committee to promote its programmes and activities. The committee, to be headed by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, will start looking for sponsors to support the federation this season.
The meeting was also attended by Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, second vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi, assistant general secretary Dr Khalid Hassan, public relations head Faisal Al Ajmi and members Tawfeeq Salehi, Haider Al Zo'bi, Mahmood Abdulsaheb and Fahad Al Rumaihi.
[WEC Reports] Veterinarians Deployed To Terengganu For World Endurance Champi...
Bernama.com.my
November 04, 2008 15:41 PM
KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Veterinarians, including from outside the state, have been deployed to Lembah Bidong, Setiu for the upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 starting Thursday.
Veterinary Services Department Director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom said up to 10 veterinarians would assist in monitoring the horses' health as well as carrying out quarantine.
Until Monday, 129 horses from participating countries arrived at the Sultan Mahmud Airport here while several others arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
All the horses are now being quarantined at the Sultan Mahmud Airport and in Lembah Bidong.
"Despite the long journey and climate differences, checks showed that the horses are healthy," he told Bernama when contacted.
The organiser would determine whether the horses were fit for the race, he said.
The horses are from Norway, Slovakia, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia and New Zealand.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead Malaysia's charge at the championship. The team consists of 12 riders.
Malaysia is hosting the championship for the first time.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:49:00 PM
November 04, 2008 15:41 PM
KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Veterinarians, including from outside the state, have been deployed to Lembah Bidong, Setiu for the upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 starting Thursday.
Veterinary Services Department Director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom said up to 10 veterinarians would assist in monitoring the horses' health as well as carrying out quarantine.
Until Monday, 129 horses from participating countries arrived at the Sultan Mahmud Airport here while several others arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
All the horses are now being quarantined at the Sultan Mahmud Airport and in Lembah Bidong.
"Despite the long journey and climate differences, checks showed that the horses are healthy," he told Bernama when contacted.
The organiser would determine whether the horses were fit for the race, he said.
The horses are from Norway, Slovakia, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia and New Zealand.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead Malaysia's charge at the championship. The team consists of 12 riders.
Malaysia is hosting the championship for the first time.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:49:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Heat and humidity could ruin it for participants
The New Straits Times Online
2008/11/04
Zainuddin Muhammad
SETIU, TERENGGANU:
The race is literally heating up. With the 12th edition of the World Endurance Championship at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong kicking off Thursday, heat and humidity are being cited as 'fear factors' by some of the participants.
Even veteran Australian Margaret Wade, who is currently ranked sixth in the world, is struggling with the tropical heat astride China Doll, as she trains in preparation for the competition which is being held in Malaysia for the first time.
A first-timer in this part of the world, the 47-year-old said that it is much hotter and more humid here than in Australia, but after almost two weeks of acclimatising, she and her horse are coping a little better.
She said it was not often that she had to ride throughout the night in previous competitions, and it would take a while for her and China Doll to adjust to the new riding environment.
But Wade, one of six members in Team Australia, said it was all part and parcel of the game and after being in the circle for more than 20 years, she knows what it takes to attain success.
For now, she said that training comprises just four hours on the back of her horse in the morning and a walking session in the afternoon to develop fitness and to get to know the area better.
As for her target in the tournament, she said it would be nice to walk away with the champion's trophy, but she would settle for the best possible finish due to the presence of other world-calss endurance riders.
Her teammate, George Matthew, 40, is equally optimistic of his chances, as he said he and his team members had prepared well for the tournament.
He said one other reason for his confidence is his horse, Brookleigh Ricardo, which has been undefeated in the past two years.
Matthew added that he hoped the nine-year-old Arabian stallion could do it again here in Lembah Bidong, but hopes that there would not be a heavy downpour on race night.
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:40:00 PM
2008/11/04
Zainuddin Muhammad
SETIU, TERENGGANU:
The race is literally heating up. With the 12th edition of the World Endurance Championship at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong kicking off Thursday, heat and humidity are being cited as 'fear factors' by some of the participants.
Even veteran Australian Margaret Wade, who is currently ranked sixth in the world, is struggling with the tropical heat astride China Doll, as she trains in preparation for the competition which is being held in Malaysia for the first time.
A first-timer in this part of the world, the 47-year-old said that it is much hotter and more humid here than in Australia, but after almost two weeks of acclimatising, she and her horse are coping a little better.
She said it was not often that she had to ride throughout the night in previous competitions, and it would take a while for her and China Doll to adjust to the new riding environment.
But Wade, one of six members in Team Australia, said it was all part and parcel of the game and after being in the circle for more than 20 years, she knows what it takes to attain success.
For now, she said that training comprises just four hours on the back of her horse in the morning and a walking session in the afternoon to develop fitness and to get to know the area better.
As for her target in the tournament, she said it would be nice to walk away with the champion's trophy, but she would settle for the best possible finish due to the presence of other world-calss endurance riders.
Her teammate, George Matthew, 40, is equally optimistic of his chances, as he said he and his team members had prepared well for the tournament.
He said one other reason for his confidence is his horse, Brookleigh Ricardo, which has been undefeated in the past two years.
Matthew added that he hoped the nine-year-old Arabian stallion could do it again here in Lembah Bidong, but hopes that there would not be a heavy downpour on race night.
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:40:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Age No Barrier For 68 Year-Old American Rider Janice Worthington
Bernama.com
November 04, 2008 19:04 PM
SETIU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- At 68, Janice Worthington of the United States is the oldest competitor in the FEI World Endurance Championship at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong here from Nov 6-9.
Worthington said age would not stand in the way of her pursuit of sporting fulfillment and glory due her deep passion for horse riding since 30 years ago.
In fact, this is her fifth attempt at the World Endurance Championship. The first was in Compiegne, France in the 2000 edition even though she never came close to winning.
"For me, the adage in endurance racing "that to finish is to win" still applies," she told reporters here today.
Worthington, who has four grandchildren, lives in Illinois where she has a 300-acre ranch complete with 65 horses which she breeds for sale. One of them is the eight-year-old "Golden Lightning", which she has brought here for the championship.
The plucky lady is every bit serious about gunning for the title and did a two-week training stint in Florida recently as the state's climate is almost similar to that of Malaysia.
"To acclimatise myself to the heat and humidity of Malaysia, Florida proved ideal. I think its is very important for the riders to acclimatise themselves especially when it involves hot and humid conditions," said Worthington.
Despite her age, she has chalked up well over 30,000 miles on the saddle and is not showing any signs of slowing down either.
Just a couple of months ago, she won a 100-mile all-night endurance race in the United States.
"Horse riding has been my first love and I am most happy on a horse. It's all in the mind and there is no such thing as too old to ride. As long as you are mentally fit, you can ride. More so in endurance racing," said Worthington, who is part of the six-member American team to the championship.
"I look forward to doing well here. That's why I have taken the trouble to train in Florida because I know I need to prepare the horse and myself to adapt to a different environment which is a challenging one," said Worthington.
The fact that she is in the team will serve as an inspiration to 133 riders from 32 countries who will taking part in the prestigious championship.
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:36:00 PM
November 04, 2008 19:04 PM
SETIU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- At 68, Janice Worthington of the United States is the oldest competitor in the FEI World Endurance Championship at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong here from Nov 6-9.
Worthington said age would not stand in the way of her pursuit of sporting fulfillment and glory due her deep passion for horse riding since 30 years ago.
In fact, this is her fifth attempt at the World Endurance Championship. The first was in Compiegne, France in the 2000 edition even though she never came close to winning.
"For me, the adage in endurance racing "that to finish is to win" still applies," she told reporters here today.
Worthington, who has four grandchildren, lives in Illinois where she has a 300-acre ranch complete with 65 horses which she breeds for sale. One of them is the eight-year-old "Golden Lightning", which she has brought here for the championship.
The plucky lady is every bit serious about gunning for the title and did a two-week training stint in Florida recently as the state's climate is almost similar to that of Malaysia.
"To acclimatise myself to the heat and humidity of Malaysia, Florida proved ideal. I think its is very important for the riders to acclimatise themselves especially when it involves hot and humid conditions," said Worthington.
Despite her age, she has chalked up well over 30,000 miles on the saddle and is not showing any signs of slowing down either.
Just a couple of months ago, she won a 100-mile all-night endurance race in the United States.
"Horse riding has been my first love and I am most happy on a horse. It's all in the mind and there is no such thing as too old to ride. As long as you are mentally fit, you can ride. More so in endurance racing," said Worthington, who is part of the six-member American team to the championship.
"I look forward to doing well here. That's why I have taken the trouble to train in Florida because I know I need to prepare the horse and myself to adapt to a different environment which is a challenging one," said Worthington.
The fact that she is in the team will serve as an inspiration to 133 riders from 32 countries who will taking part in the prestigious championship.
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:36:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Uruguay Team Banks On Women Power in Endurance Riding C'ships
Bernama.com
November 04, 2008 19:26 PM
SETIU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Apart from lining up their top most rider, Olascoaga Amaya, who is the world number two and highest ranked endurance rider in the FEI-World Endurance Championship (FEI-WEC) here from Nov 6-9, Uruguay are also fielding four women riders, including two sisters.
Uruguay coach Pio Olascoaga Silveira said their six riders, consist of two men riders, Olascoaga Amaya and Juan Cruz Caceres Aranda who form the backbone of the team, and four women riders, Adriana Basso Mac Gregor, Isadora Machkinnon and sisters Flavia Maria and Sofia Maria Fernandez Danvilla.
"All the women riders are very passionate about this toughest endurance race. They are well prepared to compete against the 142 riders from 32 countries," he said after a training session held at Pantai Merang, here, today.
Asked on Uruguay's target for the championship, Olascoaga said the team's ultimate aim was to win the team title.
He, however, acknowledged that they will face a strong challenge from defending champions France as well as Portugal, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
"In actual fact, we are not too worried about our competitors but rather the hot and humid weather conditions here that might affect our riders and the horses," he said.
Meanwhile, sisters, Flavia, 24, and Sofia, 22, said since they are not familiar with night riding, they are set to face a new challenge as the race starts at 5pm and goes on right through the night.
"In Uruguay, we seldom ride at night. However, to meet the requirement of this championship, we have trained several times at night and now have some knowledge and confidence of competing against the rest," said Flavia who rides Count Spot.
The FEI-WEC, a 160km endurance horse race held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, is regarded as the toughest horse race in the world as the competition winds around paths along the beach, woods, several water crossings, village settlements, plantations, flat logistic roads and tarmac crossings.
Apart from Uruguay, riders from South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States and Britain are competing.
Malaysia are represented by 12 riders and led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:33:00 PM
November 04, 2008 19:26 PM
SETIU, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Apart from lining up their top most rider, Olascoaga Amaya, who is the world number two and highest ranked endurance rider in the FEI-World Endurance Championship (FEI-WEC) here from Nov 6-9, Uruguay are also fielding four women riders, including two sisters.
Uruguay coach Pio Olascoaga Silveira said their six riders, consist of two men riders, Olascoaga Amaya and Juan Cruz Caceres Aranda who form the backbone of the team, and four women riders, Adriana Basso Mac Gregor, Isadora Machkinnon and sisters Flavia Maria and Sofia Maria Fernandez Danvilla.
"All the women riders are very passionate about this toughest endurance race. They are well prepared to compete against the 142 riders from 32 countries," he said after a training session held at Pantai Merang, here, today.
Asked on Uruguay's target for the championship, Olascoaga said the team's ultimate aim was to win the team title.
He, however, acknowledged that they will face a strong challenge from defending champions France as well as Portugal, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
"In actual fact, we are not too worried about our competitors but rather the hot and humid weather conditions here that might affect our riders and the horses," he said.
Meanwhile, sisters, Flavia, 24, and Sofia, 22, said since they are not familiar with night riding, they are set to face a new challenge as the race starts at 5pm and goes on right through the night.
"In Uruguay, we seldom ride at night. However, to meet the requirement of this championship, we have trained several times at night and now have some knowledge and confidence of competing against the rest," said Flavia who rides Count Spot.
The FEI-WEC, a 160km endurance horse race held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, is regarded as the toughest horse race in the world as the competition winds around paths along the beach, woods, several water crossings, village settlements, plantations, flat logistic roads and tarmac crossings.
Apart from Uruguay, riders from South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States and Britain are competing.
Malaysia are represented by 12 riders and led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
--
Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 11/04/2008 04:33:00 PM
Monday, November 03, 2008
Malyaysa WEC: Bahrain riders ready for Endurance race
Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Team continued their preparations for the World Endurance Championship scheduled for Friday at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengganu, Malaysia.
The team is being led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes five other members. They are Breef first vice-president and Al Khaldiya Stables leaders Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The six-member team, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur, will line-up with the world's top 142 riders from 34 countries in this challenging event which will be over 160km. It commences at 12 noon (Bahrain time).
The team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan was appointed team manager.
This will be Bahrain's third appearance in the world championship. Their debut was in the 2005 edition cup in Dubai. They also took part in the 2006 championship in Akhn, Germany.
The Bahrainis, whose horses were already shipped to Kuala Lumpur and then to Terengganu, will be vying to take a podium finish in this prestigious $200,000 tournament which features teams and individual races.
A total of $100,000 will be split into smaller amounts for the top riders in the individual race, including $22,000 prize for the overall winner, $16,000 for runner-up, $13,000 for third place and $11,000 for fourth.
In the teams category, $80,000 will be divided for the winners, including $22,400 for the champion, $19,200 for runner-up, $14,400 for third and $12,000 for fourth.
Additional cash awards will be given away, including a $20,000 prize for the owner of the horse with the best condition.
Meanwhile, the Bahraini riders will submit their entries today at the endurance park and then attend the opening ceremony tomorrow at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium.
On Thursday, there will be pre-ride inspection, followed by riders' weighing. The riders will then attend the briefing and team declaration on the same day.
The race concludes on Saturday morning, and the prize-giving ceremony will be held the following day.
More than 120 riders, representing 33 countries from across the world, are taking part in the prestigious event. Among top countries in the fray are the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the US.
Besides Bahrain, other GCC countries have also approved their entries. They are the UAE, Oman and Qatar.
The trails consist of shore front, wooded areas, water crossing, village settlements, flat logistic road and tarmac crossing. The trail will be marked with noticeable markers at strategic points to guide the riders.
Coloured markers and signage will be used to differentiate the respective loops. Night riding will be more interesting with respective different coloured lights marking the different loops.
Designated water points along the trail will be provided at approximately every five km distances.
The course will be established today and it will be open for inspection by teams from today until Thursday.
BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Team continued their preparations for the World Endurance Championship scheduled for Friday at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengganu, Malaysia.
The team is being led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes five other members. They are Breef first vice-president and Al Khaldiya Stables leaders Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The six-member team, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur, will line-up with the world's top 142 riders from 34 countries in this challenging event which will be over 160km. It commences at 12 noon (Bahrain time).
The team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan was appointed team manager.
This will be Bahrain's third appearance in the world championship. Their debut was in the 2005 edition cup in Dubai. They also took part in the 2006 championship in Akhn, Germany.
The Bahrainis, whose horses were already shipped to Kuala Lumpur and then to Terengganu, will be vying to take a podium finish in this prestigious $200,000 tournament which features teams and individual races.
A total of $100,000 will be split into smaller amounts for the top riders in the individual race, including $22,000 prize for the overall winner, $16,000 for runner-up, $13,000 for third place and $11,000 for fourth.
In the teams category, $80,000 will be divided for the winners, including $22,400 for the champion, $19,200 for runner-up, $14,400 for third and $12,000 for fourth.
Additional cash awards will be given away, including a $20,000 prize for the owner of the horse with the best condition.
Meanwhile, the Bahraini riders will submit their entries today at the endurance park and then attend the opening ceremony tomorrow at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium.
On Thursday, there will be pre-ride inspection, followed by riders' weighing. The riders will then attend the briefing and team declaration on the same day.
The race concludes on Saturday morning, and the prize-giving ceremony will be held the following day.
More than 120 riders, representing 33 countries from across the world, are taking part in the prestigious event. Among top countries in the fray are the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the US.
Besides Bahrain, other GCC countries have also approved their entries. They are the UAE, Oman and Qatar.
The trails consist of shore front, wooded areas, water crossing, village settlements, flat logistic road and tarmac crossing. The trail will be marked with noticeable markers at strategic points to guide the riders.
Coloured markers and signage will be used to differentiate the respective loops. Night riding will be more interesting with respective different coloured lights marking the different loops.
Designated water points along the trail will be provided at approximately every five km distances.
The course will be established today and it will be open for inspection by teams from today until Thursday.
Malaysia WEC: South Africa looking for improvement
The New Straits Times Online
2008/11/04
photo: Thia Van Niekerk (left) and her brother Cornelius (right) will ride for the South African team while their father Sakkie Niekerk is the team manager. (The New Straits Times Online)
SIBLINGS Cornelius Van Niekerk and Thia hope to lead South Africa to a better outing in the 12th FEI World Endurance Championships at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, starting Thursday.
Their father, Sakkie Niekerk is also the team manager of the South African team.
Cornelius will be riding Ridasa Dr Gbm while Thia will be astride Izra Tendulkar.
The other South African riders are Gillese De Villiers (Traka Crypton), Carmen Du Preez (Nag Sharon Bez), Naomi Muller (Naomi Khyber) and Jenene Pretorius (Ruby).
Sakkie said his charges stand a better chance in the team event.
"We hope to do better than the ninth placing achieved in the 2006 edition in Aachen, Germany," he said at TIEP, Setiu yesterday.
Meanwhile, Cornelius, who is also captain, said it is going to be a difficult race for the team due to the adverse weather conditions in Terengganu.
"This is the first time we are racing in this part of the world. It's hot here compared to Europe. We really hope it will be raining on race day," said Cornelius.
"We have been training hard for the race for quite sometime. We are aiming big and all of us are in confident mood."
2008/11/04
SIBLINGS Cornelius Van Niekerk and Thia hope to lead South Africa to a better outing in the 12th FEI World Endurance Championships at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, starting Thursday.
Their father, Sakkie Niekerk is also the team manager of the South African team.
Cornelius will be riding Ridasa Dr Gbm while Thia will be astride Izra Tendulkar.
The other South African riders are Gillese De Villiers (Traka Crypton), Carmen Du Preez (Nag Sharon Bez), Naomi Muller (Naomi Khyber) and Jenene Pretorius (Ruby).
Sakkie said his charges stand a better chance in the team event.
"We hope to do better than the ninth placing achieved in the 2006 edition in Aachen, Germany," he said at TIEP, Setiu yesterday.
Meanwhile, Cornelius, who is also captain, said it is going to be a difficult race for the team due to the adverse weather conditions in Terengganu.
"This is the first time we are racing in this part of the world. It's hot here compared to Europe. We really hope it will be raining on race day," said Cornelius.
"We have been training hard for the race for quite sometime. We are aiming big and all of us are in confident mood."
Sunday, November 02, 2008
[WEC Reports]Bahrain looking for podium finish
THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa will lead his country in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu on Nov 6-9.The other team members are Shaikh Khalid Hamad Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.
The team is coached by Shaikh Daij Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan is the manager.
This will be Bahrain's third appearance in the world championship following their debut in the 2005 edition in Dubai.
Shaikh Nasser, said the team members are optimistic of a podium finish.
"We have been training for over a year for this championship," Shaikh Nasser told www.endurance.net, recently.
Their preparations started right after finishing second in last year's European Championships in Portugal.
The riders have been training in Europe, where they had a month-long camp in the United Kingdom, Austria and France.
However, Shaikh Nasser said the team will encounter a fierce test as the surface of the race area is presently wet due to continuous rain. But Shaikh Nasser expressed faith in the team members who have gained enough experience to help them pass this stern challenge.
Malaysia: Marisa's first strides to excel in equestrian sports
Thestar.com.my - Full Article
Monday November 3, 2008
By SHAHRIL CHE WAN
MARANG: Having taken up horse riding four years ago, Marisa Hasmah Mokhzani has taken her first strides towards excelling in equestrian sports.
Marisa Hasmah, who is the ninth grandchild of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was among the three youngest participants to take part in the 40km Royal Tournament Endurance Stables/National Horses Show Ride 2008 at Kampung Permatang Seratus, yesterday.
"I was nervous at first but I am glad that I took part in this tournament as the experience gained today can be considered a stepping stone for me to further succeed in this sport," she said after the prize-giving ceremony.
Marisa Hasmah, 12, rode Blanco, an Argentinian horse, during the race.
She said she practised by riding her horses, Blanco and Otto, with her family every Sunday.
She decided to enter the competition after being invited by her friend Her Highness Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah, who is the daughter of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Her father Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir beamed with pride at his daughter’s achievement although she was a novice in the strenuous endurance competition.
He added that his daughter picked up horse riding from Dr Mahathir and the two would ride in Putrajaya and at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club.
"We are proud of her achievement and talent. She is a brave girl," he said. Terengganu's Regent, Tengku Muhammed Ismail, 10, was the youngest participant and got fourth placing with his horse, Harmere Cairo.
His sister Tengku Nadhirah, won fifth place with her horse Aanetta.
The overall champion in the 40km category was Tengku Temenggong Raja, Tengku Baharuddin Sultan Mahmud while the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin won third placing in the 80km category.
King rides to third place in race
New Straits Times Online
2008/11/03
Photo: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (left) taking part in the National Horse Show’s endurance race at the Marang Endurance Track in Marang yesterday. With him are other participants, including his son, Terengganu Regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail (second from right) and his daughter Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah (third from right).
MARANG: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin warmed up for the World Endurance Championship, scheduled for Nov 5 to 9 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park, with a third-placed finish in the National Horse Show's endurance race at the Marang Endurance Track yesterday.
The debut 80km category race at the three-day show, which ended yesterday, was flagged off by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah with 23 riders taking part.
National Horse Show 2008 supreme committee joint vice-chairman Che Mat Din Ismail said the downpour in the morning made the ride more challenging for the competitors.
First place went to Nazuki Muda of Langkawi Endurance Team while Ahmad Ali Abdullah Kanis Mohd Yusoff of D'Bali Stable came in second.
Che Mat Din said the event was a good test of the riders' stamina besides providing opportunities for local grooms to familiarise themselves with new methods of cooling down horses.
He said Terengganu Regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail, 10, his sister Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah, 12, and Marisa Hasmah Mokhzani, also 12, who is the granddaughter of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, participated in the 40km category race.
He added the 70 per cent completion rate in the 40km category was an outstanding achievement as in endurance racing, it was important for both horse and rider to finish in good condition to prove a test of good horsemanship.
New Straits Times Online Article
2008/11/03
MARANG: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin warmed up for the World Endurance Championship, scheduled for Nov 5 to 9 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park, with a third-placed finish in the National Horse Show's endurance race at the Marang Endurance Track yesterday.
The debut 80km category race at the three-day show, which ended yesterday, was flagged off by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah with 23 riders taking part.
National Horse Show 2008 supreme committee joint vice-chairman Che Mat Din Ismail said the downpour in the morning made the ride more challenging for the competitors.
First place went to Nazuki Muda of Langkawi Endurance Team while Ahmad Ali Abdullah Kanis Mohd Yusoff of D'Bali Stable came in second.
Che Mat Din said the event was a good test of the riders' stamina besides providing opportunities for local grooms to familiarise themselves with new methods of cooling down horses.
He said Terengganu Regent Tengku Muhammad Ismail, 10, his sister Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah, 12, and Marisa Hasmah Mokhzani, also 12, who is the granddaughter of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, participated in the 40km category race.
He added the 70 per cent completion rate in the 40km category was an outstanding achievement as in endurance racing, it was important for both horse and rider to finish in good condition to prove a test of good horsemanship.
New Straits Times Online Article
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Great Britain: West Sandford rider wins iconic endurance challenge on debut appearance
Julian Johansen and his Arab gelding CF Samuel won the two-day 80km class at the Golden Horseshoe Ride. (Julian Johansen) CreditonCourier....
-
Michael Pollard was one of the four winners of the 2025 Mongol Derby (Kathy Gabriel) Ca.News.yahoo.com - Full Article Annabel Grossman ... -
Inside.fei.org 17 December 2020 The FEI Board took a series of key decisions on allocation, cancellation, and reopening of bids for FEI C...
-
BNA.bh - Full Article 17 Aug 2025 London, Aug. 17 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majes...
