Bahrain: Shaikh Hamdan invited to endurance races

Gulf-daily-news.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent an open invitation to Dubai deputy ruler Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum to take part in endurance horse ride events in Bahrain this season.

The invitation followed the successful participation of Shaikh Nasser at the 120km Endurance Horsride Championship held last Saturday in Dubai where Shaikh Nasser took joint victory with Shaikh Hamdan.

During the ride, Shaikh Nasser took part under Fazza Endurance Team from the UAE and managed to complete the race in four hours, 46 minutes and 10 seconds to share with Shaikh Hamdan the top prize of the day which was for Dubai Endurance City Cup.

Commenting on the Dubai ride, Shaikh Nasser said he was surprised with the high speed averages of the riders, especially at the closing stages which featured speed average of 27km per hour despite the hot and humid weather conditions.

Shaikh Nasser said he was honoured to represent Fazza Endurance Team and wear their jerseys in the event, highlighting the strong ties linking Bahrain and the UAE in equestrian sports.

The Bahrain Olympic Committee president also thanked UAE's Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for inviting him to take part in the ride which he described as a huge success.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed pride over Shaikh Nasser's victory.

Shaikh Khalid praised the outstanding performance of Shaikh Nasser at the five-stage ride and wished him success in future events.

Bahrain: Support for FEI chief

Gulf-daily-news.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009


BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday vowed his support to Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of Jordan to maintain her post as International Equestrian Federation (FEI) president.

Shaikh Khalid, chairman of the seventh group at the FEI, headed the Bahrain delegation at the FEI's extraordinary general assembly meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he approved a new law forbidding steroids in equestrian sport.

Commenting after the meeting, Shaikh Khalid said that the decision will serve equestrian sports in the world through protecting all horses from using steroids which may affect their health conditions.

Shaikh Khalid said other members of the group also voted against the adoption of new statutes for the restructuring of the FEI Bureau, the current governing body.

One hundred and two national federations were represented, 85 in person. Out of 98 valid votes cast, there were 49 against, 48 in favor and one abstention.

The FEI also condemned all training methods and practices that are contrary to horse welfare. The welfare of the horse has always been at the core of every aspect of the federation's work as the international governing body for equestrian sport, it said.

Christine Yeoman: suspension from endurance competition lifted

HorseandHound.co.uk
Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
24 November, 2009

Endurance rider Christine Yeoman may compete in international competition once more after a provisional ban was lifted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on 16 November.

In a statement Mrs Yeoman said she was "delighted", adding: "I am not guilty of any wrongdoing and feel this is a very positive step towards clearing my name."

A spokesman for the FEI told H&H that although the temporary suspension had been lifted a final decision is still to be made by the FEI tribunal.

Mrs Yeoman was suspended after her horse Forest tested positive for the banned substance ractopamine at Euston Park on 9 August.

She suggested a contaminated tub of the equine antacid Neigh Lox had caused the positive test (news, 12 November).

A spokesman for Saracen, who distribute Neigh Lox in the UK, said discussions were still ongoing with the American manufacturers and he could not confirm if the substance had caused Forest to test positive.

Canary Islands: Iban Fernandez revalidated his triumph

Ecuestreonline.com - Full Article

Iban Fernandez, ganador el pasado ano en La Palma, revalido el oro en el Campeonato de Canarias de Raid en la categoria de Adultos. Jonathan Morera y Samuel Santos completaron el podio. La categoria absoluta se disputo sobre 120 kilometros de recorrido en las pistas forestales del Monte de La Esperanza.

El jinete palmero Iban Fernandez con su angloarabe 'Dakan' se proclamo Campeon de Canarias Absoluto de Raid, en un acto que tuvo lugar en el Centro Hipico Altoana (La Esperanza) despues de que la Comision Veterinaria de la prueba realizara el ultimo control veterinario a los caballos clasificados...

Iban Fernandez, winner of last year in La Palma, Spain retained the gold in the Canary Raid Championship in the category of Adult. Jonathan Morera and Samuel Santos completed the podium. The absolute level was played over 120 miles of trail in the forest trails of Mount Hope.

The rider Iban Palma Fernandez with Anglo-Arab "Dakan" was proclaimed Champion Raid Absolute Canary in a ceremony held at the Equestrian Center Altoana (The Hope) after the Veterinary Commission conduct the ultimate test for veterinary control classifieds horses...

Mas...

Brazil: Compeonato Brasileiro Dia 05 de Dezembro em Brasilia

The Brazilian Championship 2* and 3* FEI International Competition will be held on 5th December at the Brasilia Country Club. It will be Step 6 of the Championship Enduro
Equestre do Distrito Federal 2009 Equestrian Federal District 2009.

There will be a 160 km CEI 3*, 122 km CEI / CEIYJ 2*, and a 88 km CEI / CEIYJ 1*.

More information can be found at Endurancebrasil.com.br

FEI vice president publicly slams decision to allow bute in sport

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

19 November, 2009

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark

The vice president of the FEI has publicly slammed the decision taken today to re-introduce bute into horse sport.

Sven Holmberg addressed the 102 national federations gathered in Copenhagen for the FEI's general assembly just before he was voted to remain chair of the show jumping committee.

"I support 100% the clean sport programme but the progressive list cuts the legs off that," he said to a quietened room.

"It allows treatment of horses in competition, and it will be rejected by the social media."

Mr Holmberg, who is number two to Princess Haya, FEI president, added: "If you thought recent media reaction against rollkur has been tough, just wait to see what happens with this.

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Spain: Developments for 2010 Lands Kaliber V Raid al-Andalus

Con motivo de la celebracion del SICAB 2009, tenemos el placer de invitarle a la presentacion del V Raid Kaliber Tierras de al-Andalus donde el Sr. Don Diego Antonanzas, director de Sponsoring y Eventos de Imagen de Kaliber, y el Sr. Don Jose Manuel Soto, presidente del Comite Organizador, presentaran las novedades del proximo ano.

El acto tendra lugar el proximo miercoles 25 de noviembre a las 13:00h en la Sala Bahia de FIBES. A continuación se servira una cerveza en el stand de Cruzcampo (Heineken Espana)

SICAB es una feria dedicada exclusivamente al caballo de Pura Raza Espanola, es la maxima expresion de las ferias monograficas en todo el mundo. No existe otra feria dedicada a una sola raza que convoque a un mayor numero de ejemplares.

Se celebra cada año alrededor del tercer fin de semana de noviembre. Pero dentro de este paquete conjunto, se engloban una serie de actividades complementarias que ofrecen una muestra representativa de las características por las que nuestro caballo ha sido admirado a lo largo de la Historia.

Estas actividades son el Campeonato de Espana morfologico, la Copa ANCCE de Doma Clasica, la Copa ANCCE de Doma Vaquera y el espectaculo nocturno.

Finalmente, se organizan tambien unas jornadas tecnicas dirigidas a aficionados y especialistas veterinarios sobre temas especificos.


On the occasion of the celebration of SICAB 2009, the Tierras de Al-Andalus team are pleased to invite you to the presentation of Lands Kaliber V Raid al-Andalus where Mr. Don Diego Antonanzas, director of Sponsoring & Events Image Kaliber, and Mr. Don Jose Manuel Soto, president of the Organizing Committee, present developments next year.

The event will take place on Wednesday November 25 at 13:00 pm in Room FIBES Bay. Then be served a beer at the stand of Cruzcampo (Heineken Spain).

SICAB is a trade show dedicated exclusively to Purebred Spanish Horses; which is a maximum in terms single-theme trade shows. No other event in the world is dedicated exclusively to a single breed that brings together such a large number of horses.
The event is held once a year, about the third week of November. A number of performances and complementary activities are held during the trade show with which a sample of the unique PRE characteristics that have been admired for centuries can be enjoyed.

These activities include the Spanish National Conformation Championship, the ANCCE Dressage Cup, the ANCCE Doma Vaquera Cup, and the evening performance. Likewise, technical workshops are organized for both enthusiasts and veterinary specialists on a number of specific topics.

UAE: Singh and Al Merri post victories in Abu Dhabi

Gulf News
November 23, 2009





Abu Dhabi: Narayan Singh Dungar Singh and Abdullah Ganem Al Merri emerged victorious in the two endurance rides held at the Boutheib Endurance Global Village at Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Riding Al Marek, Singh registered his first-ever win in an endurance ride in a close finish with Ahmad Ali Amer Omar.

Singh and his 15-year-old- grey gelding Al Marek did Al Ain Stables proud as they completed the 120km distance in the UAE Endurance Cup, a national ride organised by the Emirates Heritage Club.

Al Marek's timing of 5 hours 49 minutes and 51 seconds was one second better than the second-placed Rowallan Shanty under Omar.

Top condition

"This is my first ever win since I have been working with Al Ain stables as a work rider. Today the horse looked in top condition and was very convincing in his win," said the 27-year-old Indian rider.

The UAE Endurance Trophy for junior and young riders attracted 42 entries and winning the 100km event was Abdullah Ganem. Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Adviser to the National Security Council Vice- President of Al Ain club, and President Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan distributed the trophies to the winners of the two rides.

Two Federation Qualifier rides over 40kms and 80kms were also held on the busy day at the Boutheib venue.

Results

Top three in 120 Kms ride

1 .Narayan Singh Dungar Singh (Al Marek) Al Ain Stables (5.49.51)

2. Ahmad Ali Amer Omar (Rowallian Shanty) Al Ahli Stable 5;49.52

3 Abdul Jalil Khalid Mohammad (Zaeen) 06.15.51,

Top three in100 kms Juniors' ride:

1. Abdullah Ganem Al Merri (JQ Beka) Fazza Endurance Team Stables, 3:47.30, 2.Mohammad Sulaiman (Dona Juana) W'rsan Stables,

3.Ahmad Saeed Al Farsi (Jaami) Al Reef Stables.

Mohammed crowns winners of Dubai Giants endurance race

Khaleej Times
21 November 2009

DUBAI - Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has honoured Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khaifa, Captain of the Royal Bahraini Endurance Team, as winners of the Dubai Giants Endurance Championship, run today for 120 kilometers.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad jointly clinched the championship’s title when they finished first at the same time. They were presented with the Golden Sword as winners of the championship. Emirati rider Ali Salman Al Sabri came third.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took part in the race which was contested by 75 riders from different countries. Shaikh Mohammed withdrew from the race after his horse ‘Al Ayed’ appeared too exhausted.

Bute will be allowed in horse sport throughout the world

HorseandHound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark
19 November, 2009

Bute will be allowed in horse sport around the world from 1 January 2010.

National federations have this morning voted in favour of adopting the "progressive list", on which low levels of phenylbutazone (bute), flunixin and salicyclic acid (aspirin) will be allowed in competition.

There were gasps of shock and dismay as, out of 102 votes cast, 53 voted for the progressive list, 42 for the current list and 7 abstained.

The FEI has set the level to allow for a small single dose of one of the three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be given 24 hours before a competition. The doses have been set to ease muscle stiffness but, supposedly, not to mask a problem such as arthritis.

But FEI director Graeme Cooke declined to comment on whether the new rule would be open to abuse, and allow for a small dose of bute to be given on the day of competition. He added: "We need to do more research".

Britain voted against allowing NSAIDs in competition.

British Equestrian Federation chief executive Andrew Finding explained: "We voted against the adoption of the progressive list. Not because it isn't worthy of consideration but as there was insufficient time to consider and debate the issues fully and to consult with our member bodies and experts on the implications."

The clean sport recommendations and rules were this morning adopted by overwhelming majority, just before the national federations voted to adopt the progressive list.

FEI president Princess Haya refuses to allow a re-vote on bute

HourseandHound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark
19 November, 2009

Britain's and Ireland's calls for a re-vote on the decision to allow bute in competition have been dismissed.

Damian McDonald chief executive of Horse Sport Ireland has questioned this afternoon whether delegates at the FEI general assembly understood fully what they were voting for.

"On 13 November it was stated by the FEI that we would get a choice between the 'progressive list' and a list legally called the '20 October list'," he said.

"But this morning we were asked to vote on 'progressive list' and 'current list', and the current list we had until now is very different from the list of 20 October."

He urged to allow a revote to be absolutely certain that federations were clear on what they were voting for, a call backed up by British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chairman Keith Taylor.

"I suggest that if there is sufficient doubt in the room that a vote should be retaken," said Mr Taylor.

But FEI president Princess Haya refused to allow a re-vote, claiming a number of delegates had already left the assembly. Before they left, the Princess said they had told her of their concern that the FEI might backtrack on the decision taken this morning.

"The vote has been taken," said Princess Haya. "We will not take it again."

German equestrian federation president Breido Graf zu Rantzau warned: "How can we leave Copenhagen like this? It divides the FEI."

FEI: Overwhelming Support of Clean Sport Campaign

FEI News
19/11/2009
In a landmark moment for equestrian sport, the FEI General Assembly today voted overwhelmingly in favour of new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations which will ensure the welfare of the horse and guarantee a fair playing field. A series of far reaching recommendations – part of the Clean Sport Campaign led by the Ljungqvist and Stevens Commissions – were also adopted by a massive majority amongst the 105 National Federations represented in Copenhagen.

Delegates also approved in a close vote a new Prohibited Substances List itemising more than 1000 substances not allowed in competition. The adoption of the so-called “Progressive List” now permits in-competition use of a limited number of medications under strictly prescribed limits.

FEI President HRH Princess Haya thanked the delegates on behalf of the sport for their support of the Clean Sport Campaign. “This is a true landmark moment in the history of our sport,” HRH Princess Haya commented. “The overwhelming support of the National Federations for the Clean Sport Campaign is proof that we are moving in the right direction thanks to the incredible work done by the Ljungqvist and Stevens Commissions. This vote has given us the power to roll out Clean Sport and allow us to restore the public image of our sport as a clean and uncorrupt product.”

The Clean Sport Campaign is the result of a year-long consultation process which has brought together the viewpoints and expertise of the entire FEI Family and the professional recommendations of the Commissions led by Prof. Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the IOC Medical Commission and vice president of the World Anti Doping Agency, and Lord Stevens, formed Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Professor Ljungqvist said, “Ultimately it was down to the equestrian community to make the final decision and they have voted in support of the package as a whole. The two Commissions have put in an enormous amount of work to come up with these recommendations and it is particularly gratifying that we have received such overwhelming support for the Clean Sport Campaign from the National Federations.”

Lord Stevens stated afterwards, “We said yesterday that the FEI needed to adopt these recommendations before it could be given a clean bill of health. They have been approved by a massive majority and now the sport can move forward.”

Voting Facts and Figures:

Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations: 95 in favour, 5 against
105 NFs represented (101 participated, 100 valid, 1 abstention)

Commissions Recommendations: 90 in favour, 8 against
103 NFs represented (100 participated, 99 valid, 1 abstention)

Lists of Prohibited Substances: 53 in favour of Progressive List, 48 in favour of other List
105 NFs represented (102 participated, 101 valid, 1 abstention)

FEI Veterinary Regulations: 86 in favour, 9 against
105 NFs represented (102 participated, 95 valid, 7 abstentions)

Great Britain: Horse tax to be mentioned in Queen's speech

Horseandhound.co.uk

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
18 November, 2009

Plans for a "horse tax" were due to be mentioned in the Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament today.

The government aims to publish a draft Animal Health Bill in January, outlining its plans for a new independent body for animal health in England.

The new body would be responsible for animal health but not welfare and a levy would be raised on each farm animal, and possibly horse, in the UK to help fund it.

There is a strong lobby against the plan from the horse industry which has launched a petition calling on the government to Rethink the Horse Tax.

More...

Uproar at FEI proposal to allow horses to compete on bute

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark
18 November, 2009

Should riders be allowed to compete on horses that have been given a small amount of bute?

That has been the subject of heated discussion this afternoon at a meeting of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The liveliest debate during a meeting to unveil the FEI's completed work on "clean sport" centered on the proposal for a complete policy shift to allow horses to compete on low levels of painkillers.

A new list of banned substances and controlled medication is the lynchpin of plans unveiled this afternoon in advance of voting during tomorrow's general assembly.

But there are two lists. The first - "current list" - continues with the FEI's zero-tolerance policy. The second "progressive list" would allow low levels of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) within horse sport around the world.

"If the FEI accepts this, there will be uproar in many countries," warned Bo Helander of Sweden. "It's completely unacceptable for horse welfare, and changes the whole philosophy of the FEI."

Tomorrow the nearly 100 national federations assembled in Copenhagen will vote on whether phenylbutazone (bute), flunixin and salcyclic acid (aspirin) should be allowed.

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Hussein International Endurance Race WADI RUM - JORDAN

EnduroOnline.com - full story and results
World Champion Miguel Vila Ubach wins CEI* 90 km ride

photo: EnduroOnline.com

HRH Princess Alia, president of the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation, attends the Hussein International Endurance Race in Wadi Rum on Saturday. Eighty-seven international, regional and local participants took part in the 80km race.

The desert of Wadi Rum has to be one of the most spectacular settings for an endurance ride, famous as a location for many films including Lawrence of Arabia. It is a beautiful area of sandy desert and semi-arid plains broken dramatically by steep limestone cliffs and rugged deep pink and red mountains. The course was over five different loops of 30, 30, and 20km. Although predominantly flat it was not easy with stony ground, an abundance of deep sand and billowing dust.
[More ...]

DLF International Seeds to Provide Grass Seed for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Pitchcare.com

By Press Release in Industry on 16th Nov 2009 14:00

Lexington, KY-The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced that DLF International Seeds will become a supplier to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10, 2010.

The World Equestrian Games are the world championships for eight equestrian sports recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The first World Equestrian Games were held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990, and the 2010 Games in Lexington, Kentucky are the first to be held outside of Europe.

DLF International Seeds will provide the grass seed for the cross country course of the Kentucky Horse Park. The course will be used during the Games for the Endurance competition, the cross country phase of Eventing competition, and the marathon phase of the Driving competition.

The course is located north of the main stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park and covers more than four miles of rolling landscape. DLF will lay more than 9000 Kg of seed for the course from 2009 through 2011, assuring that the integrity of the landscape is maintained before, during and after the competitions.

"As an international company and proud member of the Bluegrass state, we are honored to become a supplier for the 2010 Games," said Steve Reid, DLF Chief Breeder for the United States. "We have every confidence that the mixture of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass varieties will stand up to the rigors of the competition and be aesthetically pleasing to spectators."

"DLF's commitment will make a lasting impact on not only our event, but also to the Kentucky Horse Park," said Terry Johnson, Vice President of Sales for the Foundation. "Their product and expertise will ensure that the Kentucky Horse Park is showcased as a beautiful backdrop to host and broadcast this prestigious event to the world."

DLF International Seeds is a member of the DLF Trifolium Group, which is the world's largest producer and marketer of grass and clover seed. The U.S. production, marketing and shipping services are located in the Pacific Northwest-the site of more than half the world's cool season grass seed production. DLF market the Masterline, Foragemax & Johnsons sports seed ranges in the UK and supply many of the leading equestrian venues.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world's most prestigious equestrian competition. In 2010 the Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which will mark the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex & John Deere.

For more information on this story or the DLF seed range contact:
Derek Smith Amenity Sales Manager
Tel:01386 791102 Email: dsmith @ dlf.co.uk Web: www.dlf.co.uk

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser wins 90km race

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

November 15, 2009

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa was the overall winner in the 90km qualifying endurance horseride, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Riding Razor Back Indigo, the Royal Endurance Team put up a spirited show in the fourth and last stage of the race, crossing the finish line first in a total ride time of three hours, 43 minutes and 48 seconds with an average speed of 24.13km per hour.

Behind him was runner-up Ahmed Al Gaoud, also of the Royal Endurance Team, in 4:05:27 riding TBO Heredero, followed by teammate Ahmed Samad on Drumlin Cruiser in 4:05:47.

Another race over 60km took place which was dominated by Al Khaldiya Stable who took all three places on the podium.

Hari Singh steered Blythswood Akabar to finish the race on top with a total ride time of three hours, 10 minutes and 21 seconds, and with an average speed of 18.91km per hour.


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Abu Dhabi: Al Reef off to a winning start

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter, Gulf News
November 15, 2009

Mohammad, Mansour attend season opener at Al Wathba

Abu Dhabi: The all-conquering Al Reef Stables got off to a winning start with Ahmad Salem Al Beloushi on Silversprings Kabir Arwa winning the 120-kilometre Sorouh Challenge, the season's first ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday.

It was in fact a repeat of last year's winning start to the season here by the 11-year-old chestnut gelding, trained by one of the UAE's top trainer-cum-rider — Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi.

It was a dominating win for the young Ahmad Salem, who led in three of the five stages to complete the 120-kilometre ride in four hours 45 minutes and 13 seconds at an average speed of 25.24 kilometres per hour with veteran Hassan Bin Ali on Kalkadoon Vagabond finishing second.

"It is always great to ride a champion horse and right from the beginning I knew Silversprings Kabir Arwa was in top shape," said the winning rider, while trainer Yousuf said the horse will now aim for the President's Cup.

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Abu Dhabi: Al Baloushi expects much from Jayhal Ghost

Thenational.ae

Amith Passela
November 13. 2009

ABU DHABI - The Al Reef Stables leading rider and trainer Yousef Ahmed al Baloushi spearheads a three-pronged attack in tomorrow’s 120km Sorouh Cup, the opening race at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Al Baloushi, in charge of the Al Ain wing of the endurance stables, rides the 10-year-old Jayhal Ghost on whom he won an 80km race in Dubai a fortnight ago.

"This horse was returning from injury after a year," said al Baloushi. "He ran a good first race for me on his return and I am pretty happy to jump on board him again. I would like to think he will run another good race and stay over the longer distance."

But al Baloushi felt the two entries from the stables Abu Dhabi wing, Silverspring Kabir Arwa and Kipp, would be the ones to watch.

Silverspring Kabir Arwa is the defending champion of the race and was second in the 160km President’s Cup. The two-times President’s Cup winner Abdulla Khamis Ali Saeed rides the 10-year-old Australian mare Kitt, who was third in a 120km race in her first run in the UAE last season. And al Baloushi added: "I won on Kitt in Australia and she's got loads of ability to win first time out in the season. These three are the fancied entries for the stables but then it's now always the fancied runner who wins.

"There are more than 100 entries and it's always tough."

Bahrain: Top riders for endurance season opener

Gulf-daily-news.com

Friday, November 13, 2009


PROMINENT riders will vie for supremacy today when they battle it out in the opening races of the 2009/10 endurance horse ride season at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Among top entrants are veteran Royal Endurance Team members Yousef Taher and Ghazi Al Dossary who will lead a group of young and experienced riders in the 90km ride which gets underway at 4pm.

Jaffer Mirza, Abdulla Khalifa, Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Ahmed Al Moawda and Abdulrahman Al Saad are the other favourites expected to claim a place on the podium.

Three additional qualifying rides are also set on the same day.

They are over 50kms, 65kms and 90kms.

In the 90-km event, riders will compete over three stages of 35kms for the first stage, 40kms for the second and 25kms for the third.

The 90-km qualifying ride was also divided into three similar stages, the 65-km ride consists of 35km and 30km phases while the two-stage 50-km ride features 25km for both phases.

The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), under the presidency of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has finalised preparations or today's championship.

Backing

Shaikh Khalid said the federation extended his backing to endurance competitions this season after the remarkable turn up of local stables and riders in taking part.

The Breef's chief indicated the outstanding success of the qualifying rides held last month at the village which saw more than 70 riders in the fray.

He also stressed on the noticeable preparations from all stables for the new season and their eagerness to win a place on the podium in each race they take part.

Shaikh Khalid admired the amazing participation of many young riders in last month's qualifying rides, adding that this initiative will certainly contribute to expand this sport in the kingdom.