Champion Maria leads Spanish 1-2-3 in Dubai Ladies ride

Gulf News
photo:Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton wins the Dubai Equestrian Club Endurance Challenge for Ladies at Dubai International Endurance City at Seih Assalem in Dubai on Friday.
Champion Maria leads Spanish 1-2-3 in Dubai Ladies ride. Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: February 27, 2009, 23:08

Dubai: Reigning world endurance champion Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton led a Spanish 1-2-3 in on Friday's 90-km Dubai Equestrian Club Endurance Challenge for Ladies staged at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Riding 13-year-old Antares Sauveterre, Maria led from start to finish in the 90-km event which was spread over four stages. Maria, who won the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia last year when the UAE riders clinched the team gold, cruised home comfortably and later drove away with a brand new car for her winning effort.

She completed the ride in three hours 17 minutes and 01 seconds with a ride average speed of 27.96 kmph.

A total of 77 riders took part in this first Ladies ride of the season being held here by the Dubai Equestrian Club.

While Maria was dominant in her victory her two Spanish compatriots Sonia Le Hecho and Silvia Valenti Vidal also had it easy winning the second and third places respectively.

The UAE's Reem Shaban Ibrahim Hasan, riding Hurst Kariba trained by champion rider Yousef Ahmad Al Belouhsi, finished fourth on her 10-year-old chestnut gelding. Reem was in 16th place after the first loop but after that she gradually moved up to 6th in the second stage and then 5th in the third stage before completing in fourth place.

Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club gave away the trophies and the key of a 4WD car to Maria Alvarez Ponton the winner.

"We had a lot of UAE lady riders in the fray and with some of the world's best international riders taking part it was a good experience for them," said Al Khamiri.
full article

Uruguay: 2009 Pan American Championship update

2009 Pan American Championship - El Panamericano de Endurance - Uruguay


Official website: http://www.panamendurance2009.com/ in Spanish

Date: April 24

Venue: Haras La Perseverancia, Costa Azul, State of Canelones.
55 km distance of Montevideo (Capital) and 30 km from International
Airport of Carrasco

Distance: 120 km

Categories: Senior and Young Riders and Open

On April 25 there will be open FEI rides of 120 km and 80 km

UAE: Shaikh Nasser eyes Dubai challenge

Gulf Daily News

BAHRAIN Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will be looking to clinch the title tomorrow when the third and deciding leg of the 120-kilometre Endurance Horseride Grand Prix is flagged off at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president is presently in second place with 140 points after two legs and behind UAE riders Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both are on 150 points each.

Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Ghazi Al Dossary are the other two Bahrainis to take part in tomorrow's race to be divided into five stages.

Shaikh Mohammed, the UAE vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, steered Tahhan to victory in the second round which was over 120 kms and staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

After coming fifth in the first round in Abu Dhabi where he won 50 points, Shaikh Mohammed gained 100 points for winning top spot in the second race.

Shaikh Mansoor bagged 80 points after finishing second in Abu Dhabi and claimed 60 points for coming fourth in the Bahrain event. He received an extra 10 points for riding the same horse in both races.

Shaikh Nasser claimed 60 points for coming fourth in the first race and 80 for an impressive second place in the second race.

Gained

The Breef chief is being followed by Shaikh Hamadan, son of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with 70 points gained from taking third place overall in the second race of the series.

Shaikh Hamdan was unable to win any points in the first race in Abu Dhabi where he had to pull out as his horse was exhausted.

In the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix held two months ago, the UAE riders dominated the podium with Abdulla bin Hazim winning the race.

He was followed by UAE's Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in second place while compatriot Ahmed bin Harmash was third.

The top 10 riders in each race of the series are gaining points. He winner earns 100 points, while the second placed rider gets 80, third 70, fourth 60, and fifth 50 points. Riders classified sixth through 10th will also bag points.

Shaikh Nasser is expecting a stiff competition in the third and concluding Grand Prix.

The Breef chief said the Bahraini riders were confident and determined to win a spot on the podium.
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Qatar: Al Shaqab endurance team to compete in Qatar Open

Gulf Times
Friday27/2/2009February, 2009

THE Al Shaqab Endurance Team will enter 16 riders in the Qatar Open International Cup at the Qatar Endurance Village in Mesaieed near Sealine tomorrow.
Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, is headed by general supervisor Owaida al-Hajeri, manager and trainer Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani and Assistant Manager Jabr Nasser al-Ramzani.
The competition will begin at 5:30 a.m. and will last approximately 12 hours, allowing the entrants to complete a 120 km course. Entrants from Qatar and the Gulf region will compete for the winning prize of QR 400,000.
As one of the fastest growing international equestrian events, endurance racing consists of varied terrain through a course in the desert.
There are mandatory check points where all horses must pass a veterinary inspection, including tests for heart rate, respiratory abilities and dehydration.
A horse must pass the inspection to continue on to the next check point, including a final inspection at the end of the race to clock an official time. Any horse that does not pass a test in the check point, or is considered lame, is eliminated from the race.
Riders competing on the Al Shaqab Endurance team for the Qatar Open International Cup are the following: Atta Mohammed Beer, Mohammed Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi, Khalid al-Malki, Hassan Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi, Faleh Nasser Saleh Bughenaim, Jassim Mohammed al-Maadhadi, Abdulrahmen al-Sulaiteen, Essa Ahmed Saif al-Mannai, Ali Yousuf al-Malki, Hadi Nasser Ramzani al- Naimi, Sophei Arnaud, Tomas Philippe, Hakeem Ali Khan, AbdullaTowaim al-Marri, Hamad Ali Rashid al-Marri and Naif Ibrahim.

UAE: Mohammad to lead strong line-up

By M Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: February 26, 2009, 23:06

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, will be part of a strong line-up of riders for tomorrow's (Saturday's) Endurance Giants Challenge.

Tomorrow's event is the third and final leg of the three-round challenge, the first of which was held in Abu Dhabi, the second in Bahrain.

Shaikh Mohammad, who won the second leg in Bahrain, earned 100 points for that win and is joint leader with Shaikh Mansour after the first two rounds.

Shaikh Mohammad had finished fifth in the first round for which he earned 50 points and now has a cumulative total of 150 points, the same as Shaikh Mansour.

Shaikh Mansour, who was second (80 points) in the first round, secured another 60 for his fourth place finish in Bahrain and also earned 10 bonus points for riding the same horse in the first two rounds.

Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser, who has tallied 140 points (60+80) is third. Abdullah Bin Huzaim of the UAE had won the opening round.

Tomorrow's ride will be held at the Dubai International Endurance City, which will also see a Ladies Ride being worked off today. The 90-km ride has attracted a sizable number of entries and the winner will receive a car while there is also cash prize on offer for those who finish at the top.

The Endurance Giants Challenge ride gets off to a mass start at 6.00 am tomorrow and all participating riders must weigh at least 75kgs without riding equipment. The points accumulated over the three rounds will decide the overall champion.

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Qatar: Qtel sponsors endurance event

Gulf Times
Wednesday25/2/2009February, 2009

photo: Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani, executive director, Group Human Resources, Qtel (left) and Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani, president of the Qatar Endurance Committee seailing the agreement yesterday

Qtel yesterday announced that it will be the ‘Gold Sponsor’ of the Qatar International Endurance Cup, organised by the Qatar Endurance Committee for Horse Racing.
The Qatar International Endurance Cup is set to take place at the International Endurance Village in Sealine, Mesaieed on Saturday, and the six-hour race is set to attract racing enthusiasts from across the region.
As one of the toughest challenges in Qatar racing, the Endurance Cup is set to feature a number of leading endurance riders.
The partnership was announced at a special ceremony held at Qtel Headquarters in Doha, attended by representatives of the Qatar International Endurance Cup and Qtel.
In its role as Gold Sponsor, Qtel will provide material and technological support for the event, including a range of communication facilities on-site that will enable organisers and visitors to keep in touch with the race’s progress.
Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani, president of the Qatar Endurance Committee, said: “We are delighted that Qtel has agreed to become the Gold Sponsor for this year’s edition of the Qatar International Endurance Cup. The Cup has a very important place in the year’s racing calendar, and we are only able to provide such an exciting spectacle with the support of our local sponsors.”
Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani, executive director, Group Human Resources, Qtel, said: “One of the major goals of our sponsorship programme is to ensure that we are providing support for every event that has an emotional importance for our customers. Horse racing – and endurance racing in particular – has a long-standing appeal for many Qatar nationals, and we are delighted to be associated with an event of this caliber.”
Qtel is a long-term supporter of sport in Qatar and the region. It was a major sponsor of the Gulf Cup 2009, the Sony Ericsson Championships Doha, and the Qtel FIM Endurance World Championship.
At a local level, the company is the Official Sponsor of the Al Murqab Sailing Team, the first private sailing team in Qatar. It also supports a range of local teams and keep fit activity.
“Our sponsorship program blends seamlessly with our corporate social responsibility program, which looks to support the lives and interests of the people of Qatar. By supporting sport at all levels, we are not only ensuring that people can be entertained by sporting spectacles like the Qatar International Endurance Cup, we are also encouraging them to lead fit and active lives through sport, which can contribute to the health of the nation,” concluded Sheikh Saud.
Other sponsors for this year’s Endurance Cup include Qatar Airways, UDC, Qatar Petroleum, and Doha Bank.

UAE: Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri Wins Endurance Race

Khaleej Times
DUBAI - Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri rode Waseem Montasan to victory in the Shaikh Maktoum bin Hamdan Al Maktoum– FEI CEI 119km when 90 riders lined up for honours at Seih Assalam Endurance City on Saturday. Al Jahouri dominated the title for the second straight time for Al Wathab Stables. “It’s something great to win,” said Al Jahouri later. “My horse was picking up very nicely and was always surprising me,” he added.

“I have been preparing this horse for the President’s Cup but we did not send him for the race. He’s a new horse and thank God he did very well on debut. He’s still young and we expect a lot from him,” he added.

The winner covered the distance in four hours, 47 minutes and 37 seconds at an average speed of 24.82 km/hour in the final loop, approximately eight minutes clear of runner-up Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim astride Skyros de Peyrols. The winner has been always going well. He was perfectly poised in third place not far away from the early speed when the riders hit in the heart of the desert under the early rays of the sun. And began to make ground as the race progressed to settle in the heels of front runners by the end of loop three, before he hit the front and held on very strongly.

Indian rider Hestmat Ali, astride Deyar, showed the way in the early stages of the gruelling race as Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri – put his chestnut gelding on the heels of the early speed in third position. In the second loop, the winner dropped back to fourth but he was not far away. Then he fought back to lead by the end of loop four and crossed the finish line to emerge winner. All arrangements have been made at the state-of-the-art endurance facility to host the Giants Challenge to be held on Saturday.

Results: 1- Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri - UAE - riding Waseem Montasan; 2- Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim - UAE - riding Skyros de Peyrols; 3- Salem Rashed bin Ghadayer - UAE – riding Deen; 4- Hassan bin Ali - UAE riding Blackheath Kira; 5- Ahmed Salem Al Sabousi - UAE – riding Louxor El Muskov.

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SA: Local rider ranked tops

South Africa: Hermanus Tims
19/02/2009

Naomi Muller, a local endurance rider from the farm Elandskloof between Hermanus and Caledon, ended the 2008 season at the top of the ERASA (Endure Ride Association of South Africa) rankings for long distance endurance riders.

Naomi was also ranked third overall for short and long distance riders.

During the 2008 season, Naomi represented South Africa on two occasions.

In May 2008 she represented South Africa at the Tri Nations Championships in Hofmeyer in the Eastern Cape. The South African team won the competition and Naomi finished in third place. The Tri Nations Championships is a regional competition between South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

In November she represented South Africa at the 2008 World endurance championship in Teregganu, Malaysia.

A total of 150 riders from 36 countries participated in the event. The South African team finished 16th and Naomi finished in 17th place.

In total, Naomi has represented South Africa on six occasions, at two World championships, at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algeria and at three Tri Nations championships.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and takes place worldwide. The winning horse is the first one to cross the finish line while stopping periodically (every 30km) to pass a veterinary check that deems the animal in good health and “fit to continue”.

Most endurance rides are either 80 or 160 km long, although shorter rides are organised for beginners and a few longer, usually multi-day, rides exist. Winning riders complete 160km rides in 9 to12 hours, depending on the terrain and weather conditions.

full article

Guatemala's Maya Adventure Ride 09

Ingenio Magdalena Challenge 2nd Edition
Wednesday, 18 February 2009 Barbara Schieber



Guatemala - The countdown for this exiting event has begun!

This FEI, (Fédération Equestre Internationale), accredited event will start the 7th of March at 4:00 pm at the Ingenio Magdalena, courtesy of Mister Jorge Leal and family. Ingenio Magdalena has been a key supporter and promotor of this important sport in Guatemala. This is the second year that Ingenio Magdalena has provided their gigantic installations to host this prestigious international event. The Sugar Mill Magdalena is located in La Gomera Escuintla, Guatemala.

For Guatemala's Maya Adventure Ride 2009, Ingenio Magdalena Challenge 2nd Edition, competitors are expected form Central America and Mexico.

There will be a panel of international judges and Mesoamerica's only FEI 4 star judge Licenciada Scarlet de Rodas. FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale, the World authority on equestrian events).

The equestrian team organizing the event is "Jinetes de Aventura"- Adventure Riders. The President of the event is Fernando Paiz. The President of official FEI Judges delegation is Scarlet de Rodas.

This competition will be the qualifier event for different national and international endurance competitions this year and next year.

1. It will establish the national ranking for endurance Guatemala 2009.
2. Classification for the Central American Games 2009.
3. Classification for the World Endurance Competition in USA, 2010.

The FEI categories of endurance races of this event will be:

1. * 80 km
2. ** 120 kms
3. *** 160 kms
4. National category: 40 km


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UAE: Cousins end race in memorable finish

Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: February 14, 2009, 23:12

photo: Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi (right) and Omair Hussain Al Bloushi win first and second places respectively during the HH President of the UAE Endurance Cup 160km ride.
Cousins end race in memorable finish

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: February 14, 2009, 23:12

Abu Dhabi: The Al Beloushi cousins of Yousuf Ahmad and Omair Hussain Abdullah scored a memorable 1-2 finish in the prestigious 160-km President's Cup endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here on Friday.

Yousuf partnered 160-km world record holder Charlandre El Sharif and his younger cousin Omair was on another champion endurance horse Silversprings Kabir Arwa and the two rode past the finish line hand-in-hand to reassert the supremacy of Al Reef Endurance Stables, owned by Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Yousuf received a golden sword, a 4WD car and Dh250,000 for his win while Omair received a silver sword, a 4WD car and Dh200,000 for his effort. Four 4WD cars and Dh1.5 million was on offer in this 10th President's Cup, which was supported by the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hydra Properties and Al Awani Enterprises.

Earlier in the morning 76 riders including 36 from all over the world started in the 160-km event which was run in six stages of 34kms, 32kms, 30kms, 24kms, 24kms and 16kms.

It was one of the strongest fields with last year's winner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE challenge while reigning world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton headed the international line-up.

But it was Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on Silversprings Kabir Arwa, a winner of the 120-km ride here earlier in the season, who dominated the ride from the start in each of the five loops and perhaps it was a family obligation which saw him and Yousuf Ahmad cross the line together and the verdict going in favour of the elder cousin.

However, before the two were out on the final loop, it looked like a close contest as in between Omair and Yousuf (third), it was Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi with Nasser Al Marzouki in fourth place, just three minutes separating the top four.

However in the final 16-km loop, Yousuf Ahmad on Charlandre El Sharif, the horse that wrote the record books in a 160-km ride in Dubai, moved ahead and soon joined the leader Omair and after that it was Al Reef all the way.

Nasser Al Marzouki finished third on the great champion Kaysand Farazzah, two-time winner of the President's Cup (2008, 2006) and second in 2007! He also received the keys to a 4WD car and will also share in the Dh1.5 million prize money.

Ali Al Muhairi finished fourth on Sudan, the same horse with which he had won the National Day Cup and ensured the UAE's domination of this prestigious three-star ride.

Only Maria Alvarez Ponton, with a 8th place finish, figured in the top ten

Shaikh Hamdan made an exit with just the final 16kms left while two other President's Cup winners in the past, Shaikh Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed also failed to complete the ride.

UAE: Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi Wins President’s Cup Endurance Ride

Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times Online >> News >> SPORTS
15 February 2009

ABU DHABI — Champion trainer Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi led a 1-2 in the prestigious 10th edition of the President’s Cup Endurance Ride at the Al Wathba International Endurance Village on Saturday. The Ride was run over the distance of 160 kms. The Ride had a total prize purse of Dh 1.5 million and four cars on offer.

Six stages were run which consisted of 34 kms, 32 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms, 24 kms and 16 kms. Yousef, who has trained nine winners in the season so far from the famed Al Reef Stables, finished ahead of cousin Omair Husain Al Baloushi, also from the Al Reef Stables. Yousef, astride Charlandre El Sharif, finished with a timing of six hours, 30 minutes and 53 seconds, just a second ahead of Omair. Omair, ridig Silversprings Kabir Arwa, had a time of six hours, 30 minutes and 54 seconds. Omair had led the Ride right through before Yousef made the charge in the closing stages.

Twenty riders were invited pack from around the world for the Ride which also included World Endurance champion Dubai-based Spaniard Maria Alvarez Ponton. The Ride was supported by the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs. Winner in 2007 Shaikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his elder brother Shaikh Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan also took part.

Naser Al Marzouki, astride Kaysand Farrazah, from the Al Aasa Stables, was third with a timing of six hours, 33 minutes and 54 seconds. Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, who had won the prestigious National Day Cup, astride Sudan, was looking to clinch a double but it was not to be. Ali, riding the same horse owned by Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was second in the fourth and fifth loop before he came in fourth with a time of six hours, 36 minutes and five seconds.

Results: 1 Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi (Charlandre El Sharif) (Al Reef Stables) 6:30.53s; 2. Omair Husain Al Baloushi (Silversprings Kabir Arwa) (Al Reef Stables) 6:30.54s; 3. Naser Al Marzouki (Kaysand Farrazah) (Al Aassa Stables) 6:33.54s; 4. Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi (Sudan) (Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum) 6:36.05s; 5. Bader Ali Al Kayoumi (Silvina) (Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan) 6:51.08s.

Kuwait: Al Matraqa lifts endurance title

Gulf Daily News

KUWAIT'S Abdulla Al Matraqa, astride Petrol, raced to victory in the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Open Endurance Horseride Championship held yesterday in Kuwait.

Riding for Al Matraqa Stable, the overall winner finished the 120-km race in six hours, 17 minutes and four seconds.

He was followed by Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team riders Shereen Fayez (6:38:25) on Outlaw, Mohammed Al Thawadi (6:39:53) and Abdulrahman Al Saad (6:40:00) in second, third and fourth places respectively.

More than 100 riders from Kuwait, Bahrain and other GCC countries competed in the championship which took place at Kabad desert located in the southwest of Kuwait as part of Kuwait's National Day celebrations.

The race, with a total prize money of $50,000, was divided into five stages -the first two stages of 30 kms, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth.

The prize included $10,000 for the overall champion, $9,000 for second place and $8,000 for third.

Twelve Bahrainis took part in the event led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president and captain of Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, however, was unable to complete the race as he was eliminated in the fourth stage. Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was also out of the race, falling out in the third stage.

The remaining seven Bahrainis were Yousif Taher, Jaffer Mirza, Ahmed Abdulla, Abdulhaq Qadori, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Raed Mahmood and Fahad Ismail.

The Kuwaitis took the top three positions in the first two stages. In the third stage, Shaikh Nasser moved up to second place behind Kuwait's Turki Al Ouni who came first and ahead of third Al Matraqa.

Lead

But Al Matraqa put up a good show in the fourth stage and moved to the top. He was followed by Al Saad in second place and Fayez third.

Al Matraqa maintained his lead in the fifth and final stage to secure a well-earned victory.

There was also an 80-km qualifier, a warm-up race for inexperienced riders.

It was won by Abdulaziz Al Anazi of Kuwait's Nawad Abu Shaiba Stable who finished ahead of two other Kuwaiti riders Thamer Ahmed of Thamer Ahmed Stable and Mamdooh Stable rider Mamdooh Muneef who were second and respectively.

The races were witnessed by Bahrain's Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa while Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi presented the trophies to the winners at a prize-giving ceremony.

Shaikh Nasser said he enjoyed the race and had fond memories of the same race in 2004 when they claimed top positions.

Shaikh Nasser added that this race was a useful experience for his team who are gearing up for the third and final round of the Endurance Horseride Grand Prix scheduled for February 28 in Dubai.

After two rounds, Shaikh Nasser is holding third place overall with 140 points, just 10 behind UAE riders Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan who share the lead.

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UAE: Al Bloushi and Charlandre El Sharif take Win at Presidents Cup

The 2009 HH The President of UAE Endurance Cup concluded with a win by
Yousef Ahmed Al Bloushi riding Charlandre El Sharif, the new world record holder at this distance with a winning time of 6:30:53.

Also at the podium were Omair Husain Al Bloushi who finished 2nd riding Silversprings Kabir Arwa and Naser Al Marzouki finishing 3rd on Kaysand Farrazah. (Kaysand Farrazah was the winning horse in the 2008 Presidents Cup ridden by HH Sh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum.)

Second place horse, Silversprings Kabir Arwa, won the coveted Best Condition Horse awards.

Kuwait: Bahrain Royal Team set for Kuwait race

Gulf Daily News

SOUTHERN Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in Kuwait yesterday along with Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid are set to compete in the 120-kilometre Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Open Endurance Horseride Championship. The two-day event starts today.

Shaikh Abdulla, Shaikh Nasser, and Shaikh Khalid were welcomed upon their arrival by Kuwait News Agency director general Shaikh Mubarak Al Duaij, Bahrain's Ambassador to Kuwait Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Kuwait's Ambassador to Bahrain Shaikh Azzam Al Sabah.

More than 100 riders from Bahrain, Kuwait, and other GCC countries are set to take part in the championship, which will be held at Kabad desert, located in the southwest of the state.

The race is being held as part of Kuwait's National Day celebrations. A total of $50,000 in prize money is up for grabs, including $10,000 to the winner.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid are part of a 12-rider Bahrain team, which also features Yousif Taher, Jaffer Mirza, Abdulrahman Al Saad, Ahmed Abdulla, Mohammed Al Thawadi, Abdulhaq Qadori, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Raed Mahmood, Fahad Ismail and Abdulrahman Al Zayed.

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UAE: On Target (Presidents Cup)

Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: February 13, 2009, 22:58

Abu Dhabi: Some of the world's top riders will be seen in action today at the Al Wathba International Endurance Village, battling for a slice of the Dh 1.5 million in cash and four cars, all part of the bonanza on offer for the 10th running of the President's Cup.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and winner of last year's President's Cup leads a strong line-up of UAE riders, while an invited pack of 20 riders from around the world and the Dubai-based reigning World Endurance champion from Spain, Maria Alvarez Ponton, will be looking to halt the UAE domination.

The prestigious ride is supported by the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hydra Properties and Al Awani Enterprises.

Today's ride will be run over the championship distance of 160 kms and Shaikh Hamdan, who won last year on Kaysand Farrazah, will be riding Wadhnan in a bid to defend his win.

Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2007 winner, along with his elder brother Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will also be in the fray.

Other UAE riders who are expected to be making a strong bid for victory are Al Reef riders Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi and Omair Hussain Al Beloushi; Al Wathba Stables star campaigner, Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, and Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, who rides Sudan today hoping to add the President's Cup to his National Day Cup triumph earlier in the season.

Maria Alvarez Ponton, winner of the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia last year, partners EO Fawati, a horse on which she finished third here earlier this season, and should be there battling for top honours.

The invited riders include Phillippe Benoit, Caroline Denaye, Pascale Dietsch (from France); Australians Penny Toft, Kristie McGaffin and Meg Wade, Portugal's Rui Pereira and Joao Raposo; Italians Simona Garatti, Patrizia Giacchero and Cinzia Iacchelli; Germany's Belinda Hitzler, Stefanie Arnold and Rebecca Arnold, American riders Janice Worthington and John Crandell, Belgium's Maritza Pereira, Spain's Jon Zabalua Dorronsoro, Poland's Beata Dzikowska and Kamila Kart and Jordan's Farah Abunameh.

Over 70 riders are expected to take part in the ride which will be run in six stages of 34 kms, 32 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms, 24 kms and 16 kms and gets off to a mass start at 6 am.


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New Zealand: Avery rides to endurance victory

The Marlborough Express
Friday, 13 February 2009

Talented Waihopai Valley endurance rider Kylie Avery continued her winning form by taking her second championship event for the season at Fairlie last weekend.

Riding Silands Mia Bella, Avery won the South Island Endurance Championship's CEI 2-star 120-kilometre ride by an impressive margin of two hours six minutes over the second-placed horse.

It was the first time the seven-year-old, part-Arabian mare, bred by Avery's mother, Barbara Avery, had attempted the distance.

She finished the demanding course in 7.41.06 hours looking fresh and keen, taking the award for the best-conditioned horse.

The win added to the CEI 1-star 100km North Island Championship Avery claimed aboard her New Zealand representative stallion Silands Jasark at Aria in January.

The final main event on the calendar is the New Zealand Endurance Nationals held in the Wairarapa at Easter where Avery plans to step the mare up to the CEI 3-star 160km event and her stallion to CEI 2-star 120km.

Four other Marlborough riders also attended the South Island endurance champs.

Kevin Prangley, riding his stallion, WD Amir Ibn Kaliph, was second in the CEI 1-star 100km and daughter Alice Prangley rode BTR Symphony to sixth in the CEIJY 1-star 100km.

Unfortunately Linda Harmon vetted out lame in the CEI 3-star 160km main event; Penelope Valk also went out lame in Avery's race.

The Marlborough club hosts its next competitive trail ride this weekend on the Godsiff's Wairau Valley property, The Haycocks.

[full article]

HH the President of the UAE Endurance Cup FEI CEI*** 160 km

Full coverage on Endurance.Net

12th February 2009
Merri Melde
Endurance.Net

The 10th Running of the His Highness the President of the UAE Endurance Cup FEI CEI*** 160 km will be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2009.

The race is sponsored by Hydra Properties, Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Al Wathba breeding stables of Normandy, France, and Al Awani General Enterprises Establishment, whose support for equestrian activities in general and endurance races in particular is an integrated partnership between the economic and sport sectors of the UAE.

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Gulf News article: President's Cup winners will ride away with Dh1.5m and cars
Abu Dhabi: A whopping Dh1.5 million and four cars are up for grabs in the President's Cup 160-km endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba tomorrow.

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An amount of 1.5 million AED has been allocated as cash prizes and will be distributed to all riders who complete the race. In addition, four cars will be awarded as prizes to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, and for Best Conditioned Horse.

115 riders are expected to participate, including 20 foreign invitees from France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, USA, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Poland, and Jordan.

The ride will consist of 6 loops of 34, 32, 30, 24, 24, and 16 km, with holds of 30, 30, 30, 50, and 40 minutes, with 2 presentations to the vets at each hold. Minimum weight carried is 75 kg, and maximum pulse is 64 bmp, with recovery inspections during the 4th and 5th holds.

The race begins at 6 AM.

Foreign riders:

Belgium - Maritza Pereira - Taborah De Sier

France - Phillippe Benoit - Akim Du Boulve
- Caroline Denayer - Kouleur Du Parc
- Pascale Dietsch - Hifrane Du Barthas

Australia - Penny Toft - Kitt
- Kristie McGaffin - Castlebar Darthvader
- Meg Wade - Castlebar Kalahari

Spain - Jon Zabalua Dorronsoro - Eteldjel De Peyrinie

Portugal - Rui Pereira - Trovador Da Oliveirinha
- Joao Raposo - Titanic

USA - Janice Worthington - Golden LIghtning
- John Crandell - LR Jasuur Melika

Italy - Simona Garatti - Drago Sauro
- Patrizia Giacchero - Sunny Boy
- Cinzia Iacchelli - Missouri

Germany - Belinda Hitzler - Shagar 5
Stefanie Arnold - TBA
Rebecca Arnold - TBA

Poland - Beata Dzikowska - Cyryl
Kamila Kart - Cert

Jordan - Farah Abunameh - Zarazeen

Kuwait: Bahrain Royal team for Kuwait event

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead a 12-member Bahrain Royal Endurance Team at the 120-km Kuwait Open Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday. The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president will be accompanied by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, captain of Al Khaldiya Stables, besides 10 other members of Bahrain's finest riders who are expected to reach Kuwait today.

They are Yousif Taher, Jaffer Mirza, Abdulrahman Al Saad, Ahmed Abdulla, Mohammed Al Thawadi, Abdulhaq Qadori, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Raed Mahmood, Fahad Ismail and Abdulrahman Al Zayed.

Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan had already arrived in Kuwait to arrange the accommodation and training venue for the team.

More than 100 riders from Kuwait, Bahrain and other GCC countries are taking part in the championship to be held at Kabad desert located in the southwest of Kuwait as part of Kuwait's National Day celebrations.

The race, which provides a total prize money of $50,000, will be divided into five stages, including 30km each for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

The prize includes $10,000 for the winner, $9,000 for second place and $8,000 for third.

The veterinary examination is set for tomorrow while Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi was named head of the ground jury committee. Other committee members are Abdulsamad Al Busta, Mohsin Al Battal of Kuwait besides Eyad, Nasser, Yaqoob Al Khalaf, Ali Faraj, Falah Fahad, Ali Ghuloom and Mohammed Dadulla.

Commenting on this participation, Shaikh Nasser said he is excited to take part in this event which brings his memory back to 2005 when they won top positions in a similar race which was also held in February.

Shaikh Nasser added that this race will be a useful experience for his team who are gearing up for the third and final round of the Endurance Horseride Grand Prix scheduled for February 28 in Dubai.

After two rounds, Shaikh Nasser is holding third place overall with 140 points, just 10 behind UAE riders Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan who are sharing the lead.

Shaikh Mohammed, the UAE vice-president, Prime Minister and the ruler of Dubai, steered Tahhan to win the second round race which was over 120km and staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

After coming fifth in the first round race held in Abu Dhabi where he won 50 points, Shaikh Mohammed gained 100 points for winning top spot in the second race.

For Shaikh Mansoor, he was given 80 points after finishing second in Abu Dhabi then 60 points for coming fourth in the Bahrain event, received an extra 10 points for riding the same horse in both races.

Shaikh Nasser took 60 points for coming fourth in the first race and 80 after finishing an impressive second in the second race.

The Breef chief is being followed by Shaikh Hamadan, son of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with 70 points gained from taking third place overall in the second race of the series.

Shaikh Hamdan was unable to win any points in the first race in Abu Dhabi where he had to pull out after his horse suffered from exhaustion.
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FEI announces 2010 WEG COC requirement

The FEI has announced the qualification (COC - Certificate of Capability) requirement for the 2010 WEG:

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Australia Fires: Livestock Assessment Begins, Feed Needed

Thehorse.com - Full article

by: Erin Ryder, TheHorse.com News Editor
February 09 2009, Article # 13589

Recovery from the recent fires in the Australian state of Victoria is just beginning. The fires burned an estimated 850 square miles. According to the state's Department of Primary Industries, Victoria produces around 26% of Australia's agriculture and food from 3% of Australia's arable land.

According to a statement on the DPI Web site, livestock assessment teams will go into affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so. They will also asses other losses, and are working with the Victorian Farmers Federation to arrange for emergency feed.

Senior DPI veterinarian and Manager of Animal Health Field Services, Lloyd Klumpp said farmers have three major options:

* Destroy immediately--if the animal is down, unable to walk, has excessive burns, swelling of limbs, or difficulty breathing.
* Keep and nurse--if the animal is mobile and alert or has burns to less than 10% of its body. These animals will need shade, water, feed, daily inspection, and veterinary advice and treatment. They will also need constant reassessment.
* No apparent damage--Livestock will still need shade water and feed and they will also need to be reassessed.

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