Shaikh Nasser wins race in UK

Shaikh Nasser wins race in UK

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led the Bahrain Royal team to victory in the Thetford International British Endurance Race for 160km, defeating a number of European champions.

Shaikh Nasser finished the race in a total time of eight hours and 16.2 seconds (8.16.21) with an average speed of 19km per hour. World champion Jack Pego came second with a total time of 8.34.11, while third place went to Sofia Arinda with a total time of 8.34.12.

The first stage of the 160km race, which was for 39kms, saw Shaikh Nasser place third riding his horse Basic. Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of UAE came first followed by his brother, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Bahrain's Ghazi Al Dossary finished the stage in 13th place while his teammate, Raed Mahmood, finished in 14th place.

In the second stage, which was for 27kms, Shaikh Nasser came second behind Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who came first. Ghazi Al Dossary and Raed Mahmood finished 12th and 13th, respectively.

In the third stage, which was for 34kms, Shaikh Nasser led the race and succeeded to remain on top until the end of the race.

In the 120km race, Shaikh Daej bin Salman Al Khalifa finished in the 12th place with a total time of 6.47.58 hours, while UAE's riders Mubarak bin Shifya and Mohammed Ali came first and second, respectively.

Meanwhile, the endurance royal team will be leaving today to participate in the St Gelmir endurance race which will start next Thursday for 120kms. Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the team.

[More ...]

GBR: A successful Ride day at Euston!

Near Thetford, in the SouthEast of Great Britain, on the morning of 8 July and Endurance Race began at 6am. 18 Riders from 9 countries starting the three CEI classes. The race was used as a proving point for the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar endurance squads as they prepare for the upcoming European Endurance Championship in September. 2 riders from Britain, 2 from India, and 3 from France competed the starting field of the 160km race.

The day also saw CEI*** 120km CEIYR*** 120km events, as well as 6 CEN classes, ranging from 100km Endurance level to 41km CR rides. In all, @100 riders particiapted in a full day of endurance.

HH Sh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa riding Basic Instinct won the day at the 160km distance, followed by the 3 French riders. At the 120km, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya riding Omani Iman was first to finish while in the 120km Young Rider class, Sarah Rogerson and Chantalle prevailed.

Complete Results

Bahrain Royal Endurance team set for England race

Bahrain - Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance team is set to participate this morning in the Thetford Endurance Race in England.

This will be the second participation for the Royal team in the Thetford race with both senior and junior teams, and will serve as a preparation for the next Endurance Europe Championship.

The race will consist of two different categories, including the 160-kilometre distance and the 120km event.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Bahraini team in the 160km event along with Ghazi Al Dossary and Raed Mahmood; while Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Al Khalidiya Stables team in the 120km event along with Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and Jaffar Merza, who will be a substitute rider.

Participate

Meanwhile, the UAE's riders are also set to participate in the 120km race, led by sons of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister and vice-president of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The pre-race medical check-up was held yesterday with the attendance of all the participants.

Several members of the Royal Endurance squad are also set to participate in the St Gilmer Endurance race in France.

The delegation is led by team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan, and includes riders Yousif Taher, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Ghazi Al Dossary, Ahmed Abdulla, Mohammed Abdulaziz, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulsamad and Jaffar Merza.

PanAm - Definite List of Entries: 8 countries 3 continents

Paticipants from 8 countries on 3 continents are listed by Cidinha Franzão on EnduranceBrasil. A full 12 member Adult squad from home country Brazil is joined by 12 Young riders to complete the Brazilian entries. Argentina and Uruguy each field both Adult and Young Rider teams while Chile, COLÔMBIA, and GUATEMALA each field partial teams. Open competitors from ÁFRICA DO SUL and GRÃ BRETANHA complete the field of 48 on the definite entries for the CEI**** event to be held July 19-20 near SÃO PAULO - BRASIL! Follow the lead up to the event at:

EnduranceBrasil


[More ...]

USEF Approves New Drug for Horses

The board of directors of the United States Equestrian Federation has approved the use of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Equioxx (firocoxib).

This new NSAID is the first cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing drug to be approved by the FDA for use in horses. The drug specifically targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body, and spares COX-1, which is associated with many beneficial functions, including production of the protective mucous lining of the stomach.

Firocoxib is restricted to use outside competition until the rule allowing its use takes effect August 1, 2007.

[More ...]

Endurance changing for the good

Dubai: Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: July 02, 2007, 00:24

Abu Dhabi: Ever since Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was elected as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), many equestrian disciplines including endurance riding have seen changes for the good.

The sport of endurance, in which the UAE are one the strongest competitors, is not only one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world but has also been evolving into a highly competitive sport.

Under the FEI, the Endurance Committee has been testing and experimenting on various aspects of the sport as part of the Endurance Review which is being conducted during 2007 and early 2008.

Finish line

In the recent CEI Three-star 120km Bab Al Shams endurance ride held at Assisi in Italy, the organisers Assisi Endurance Lifestyle experiment with the new "Formula One Finish" which has been mooted to make endurance rides more attractive and spectator friendly.

As against the current practice of waiting for all the fit horses to complete the ride within the stipulated time, in Assisi the new move involved the closing of the out gates onto the course loops one hour after the arrival of the first horse to cross the finish line.

Any horse stopped by the use of the 'Formula 1' finish at a Vet Gate was still required to complete all Vet examinations and, in doing so, meet all of the parameters to continue even though not being required to do so.

Ian Williams, FEI Director of Endurance who was present at the event was quoted on the FEI website as having said, "Those involved in the trial were very positive with the outcome.

"We will now pass the findings on to the FEI Endurance Task Force who will consider the possibilities further.

"We will need to also further trial this style of finish over 160km to gain a full picture of its effect."

Speaking to Gulf News, Vijay Moorthy, Head of Endurance at the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said, "The 'Formula One' finish when adopted does make it easier for the horses as well as those officials involved in the event.

"It makes the sport a little more spectator friendly and is easier for the media also," Moorthy added.

FRA: 2007 Florac First to Finish

1	11:14	FRA	DEMIERRE Cecile	SHAMAN
2	11:30	FRA	BOISSERON Catherine	EULALIE D'OUT LAW
3	11:30	FRA	SOUCHARDPierre	DARKAN

There were 74 Horse/Rider teams at the 4:00AM start. At this time, 7 have finished this world class course. 26 teams are still on the course as night falls in the Florac valley! Detailed Results

[More ...]