Australia: Victoria's First Endurance Ride Post-Influenza

Press Release
Tonimbuk Gold Cup Inc

Melbourne, Victoria, 14/3/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Person: Helen Ward
Company Name: Tonimbuk Gold Cup Inc

Telephone: 0438 59 4285

Email: hiward@bigpond.com

Victorian endurance riders give course the thumbs up

Riders and organisers have hailed Victoria's first endurance ride following Australia's crippling equine influenza outbreak a raging success largely due to the fantastic course.

The 80 km ride which forms part of the 2009 Tom Quilty course commenced at Yarrabubba Reserve, Nar Nar Goon (about 1 hour south east of Melbourne) and traversed roads and tracks throughout the picturesque countryside of the Bunyip State Park and surrounds.

Without exception, riders gave the course the thumbs up. Equal first in the middleweight division, Meg Wade from Castlebar Arabian Endurance Horses rated the track as great. "Much of the course passed through bush providing cover and shade for horses and riders. It was well marked, checkpoints well placed and good under foot," she said.

Jennifer Green from Flying Circus Endurance Horses agreed. "The course was horse and rider friendly. It provided a variety of terrain, it was safe with wide trails and all weather surfaces under foot."

Event organiser, Lissy Verity was delighted with the response and turnout. "It was a great start to the 2008 endurance riding season. Over 50 riders competed. They were given the choice to compete in the 80 km or 40 km ride and it worked out at about 50/50," she said. "There were several first timers which was great to see, but the vast majority of entries were from experienced riders just keen to get back into it.

Crossing the line first in the Lightweight Division with line honors was Belinda Kolek riding Colhaven Zaheera (4hrs.26min), second was Amily Daw on China Doll (4hrs.44min) and third was Shandal Bengtsson riding Kedarona Kliche (5hrs.34min). Amily also took out the Best Conditioned award.

Meg Wade on Castlebar Balik and James Sheehan riding Woodbourne Edmund took out the Middleweight Division in equal first place completing the course in 4hrs.28 min. Asher Batty on Tierview Maverick placed third in 4hrs.44min.

The Heavyweight Division saw Ken Bradley on Phoenix Park Epona placed first (5hrs.02), Martin Mizzi riding Sutket Farm Damareef second (5hrs.20min) and Carl Adamson on Bowzatus third (5hrs.40min).

Budding 12 year old endurance rider Nikita VerspannDonk stole the show. "On her first 40 km ride she rode the whole way bareback," said Ms Verity. Not surprisingly Nikita received the Tonimbuk Gold Cup Inc Encouragement award.

The majority or horses vetted through despite the hot, dry conditions on the day; a testament to the courage, ability and stamina of the horses, the majority of which were Arabian, and the skill and strategy of the rider.

"Many used this event as a training ride following the recent layoff," said seasoned endurance rider, Bob Punicki from Brieema Endurance Arabians. "The course was not to hard and not to easy. It provided an opportunity for horses that were not 100 per cent fit to compete on a good course that offered variety, was good under foot with minimum bitumen and plenty of shade."

There was a really good vibe at this ride according to Jennifer Green. "Everyone seemed delighted to be back doing what we love, whether that be riding, strapping, TPRing, vetting or doing one of the other 101 tasks essential for a successful ride," she said. "It was so good to catch up with everyone after such a long lay off, to just stand around talking horse with old friends and new ones too."

It was then time to head home and reflect, not only on the results but also on the entire experience. And in particular on our wonderful horses whose stamina, beauty and character are unequalled.

BRN: HM ATTENDS ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

MA, March 15 (BNA)-- HIS MAJESTY King Hamad Bin Isa al Khalifa today patronised the 120 kilometre endurance horseride Championship in which jockeys from Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia And Jordan compete for His Cup.

On arriving at the endurance village, His Majesty was received by Crown Prince and Deputy of the Supreme Commander of the BDF Shaikh Salman bin Hamad al Khalifa, National Guard Chief Major General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa al Khalifa, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad al Khalifa, Endurance Committee Chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid al Khalifa and BREEF members.

His Majesty exchanged talks with the guests of The Kingdom Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoom, Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoom, Jordanian Equestrian Federation President Princess Alya bint Al Hussain and a number of participant jockeys.

His Majesty affirmed that the participation of jockeys from countries in the region along with Bahraini jockeys shows the strength of the relations between these countries and Bahrain.

His Majesty then praised the role of BREEF, headed by Shaikh Nasser, in supporting this sport and its promotion through holding various local, regional and international events.

His Majesty The King noted the advanced results achieved by endurance races on all levels, something which calls for taking pride in The Kingdom's jockeys and their keenness on honouring the name of Their Country in such events.

His Majesty also affirmed His support and encouragement for all activities and events of BREEF and expressed His thanks and appreciation for the sponsors of endurance races.

His Majesty then wished BREEF and everybody success for their continuous efforts to organise and participate in various races and events.

Following that, His Majesty attended a part of the race that started at an early hour of the morning today.

The race was sponsored by Global Banking Corporation (GBC), Al Areen Holding Company and Gulf Holding Company.

At the end of the race, His Majesty congratulated winners and presented them with their awards.

First Winner, Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan, received a sword from His Majesty and a car.

Second winner Ameer al Balooshi and third winner Mohammed Rashid al Saboosi, were also from the UAE.

Al Areen Holding Chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali al Khalifa and GBC vice chairman and managing director Abdul Rahman Mohammed al Jasmi both presented mementos to His Majesty.

On the occassion, Shaikh Nasser extended his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the King for His support for endurance races and His encouragement for jockeys in Bahrain.

This encouragement motivates them to work harder to honour the name of Bahrain and contribute to the development of this sport, he said.
The support of His Majesty King Hamad is a badge of honour that all jockeys are proud to bear, he said, affirming that BREEF works on the implementation of royal directives for upgrading the sport to meet ambitions.

Shaikh Nasser congratulated Shaikh Hamdan on winning the championship and the two runner ups from UAE.
He also valued the participation of the jockeys at the race which added a lot to the success of the event.

Meanwhile, Al Areen Holding manager Waleed Saffy and GBC Representative then presented winners of the junior race.
Rashid Ahmed al Balooshi, from the UAE, came first.
The runner ups were Shaikha Najla bint Salman bin Sager al Khalifa from Ahmed Al Fateh Stable and Abdullah Hilal al Khateri from Al Asayel Stable.

Full Coverate on Endurance.Net

Hamdan leads Dubai charge in Bahrain

Kaleej Times
MANAMA — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai won the 120km His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship as the UAE riders swept the first five places of the prestigious competition at the Bahrain International Endurance Village at Sakhir on Saturday.

Omair Hussain Al Beloushi finished second, and Mohammed Rashid Al Sibouse took the third place honours.

Bahraini contender Mohammed Al Hulaifi was fourth and Shaikh Mayed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum finished fifth.

The winner covered the distance in four hours 57 minutes and 51 seconds.

The event consisted of races for senior and junior riders, both over 120km.

Each race was divided into five stages with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

The championship attracted riders from different parts of the world, including the six states of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council.
Among the prominent riders from Saudi Arabia were Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, Humood Al Shimirri, Nawaf Al Otibi, Abdulla Al Bahyan, Bader Misfir and Mansoor Al Shimirri.

Endurance.Net Coverage

Zafir Nawaz on top in Dubai endurance

Khaleej Times article
By Hisham Al Gizouli
15 March 2008

DUBAI — Zafir Nawaz won his first endurance silverware after landing the CEN 100km Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 2 here at Seih Assalam Endurance City on Saturday.

The winner onboard 13-year-old Arabian gelding Lautaro took over the running from loop two to lead a splendid one-two finish for Al Ain Stables.

“My horse was in great nick and had plenty left in his tank to win convincingly at the end. It’s his maiden win and looks a fantastic prospect,” said a delighted Pakistani rider later.

Compatriot Mohammed Asif Abdul Razaq astride 10-year-old Arabian gelding Milqvi six finished six minutes off the pace second place.

“I’m really happy with the result. It’s my first win since I started riding few years ago. It is good to end the season on a high note. It means a lot for me and my stables. Hopefully we can look forward to a few more from this fantastic one-two finish for the stable.

“The race was run at a very fast pace in a relatively hot weather conditions. It was a race that panned out well for us. I had the full backing of my team and a good result to go home at the end.”

The final race of the season started with 69 riders from the small stables hitting in the heart of the desert under the early rays of the sun.

The winner didn’t waste much time and put his horse on the heels of the early speed right from the start as the Sudanese rider Alazz Al Ghaley showed the way astride his six-year-old Arabian Diyar by the end of the first loop.

Zafir hit the front after the second vet gate with compatriot and stable-mate Mohd Asif just behind the lead as the riders completed the second loop at an average speed of 23.57km/hour, before they surge clear and emerge easy winners.

Bahrain: Riders set to match skills

Gulf-daily-news.com

March 15 2008

THE stage is set for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship starting today at 5am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead a strong field of riders from the kingdom and overseas in this challenging 120km event.

Among the top riders in the fray are UAE's Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, winner of the endurance race held during the Arab Games in Egypt.

Other leading riders include a team from Saudi Arabia, led by Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, besides six entrants from Jordan.

Bahraini riders will also be present in today's event, representing the Royal Endurance Team, Al Khaldiya Stable, Al Asayel, Al Talia, and other top stables.

The event, sponsored by Al Areen Holding Company, Gulf Holding Company and International Bank, consists of races for senior and junior riders, both over 120km. Each race will be divided into five stages with 30km for the first two stages each, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

A two-hour veterinary examination was held yesterday at the venue's veterinary area.

More than BD58,000 in prize money is up for grabs. It will be shared by the top 10 riders in the senior and junior races.

The top award for the seniors' champion will be a vehicle worth BD16,000. A prize of BD7,000 will be given to the runner-up, BD6,000 for third place, BD5,000 for fourth and BD4,000 for fifth.

The remaining five riders will also be honoured. An amount of BD3,000 will be given to the sixth-place winner, BD2,500 for seventh, BD2,000 for eighth, BD1,500 for ninth and BD1,000 for 10th.

In the junior event, BD26,400 will be divided into 10 prizes with the winner to be awarded BD6,000. The runner-up gets BD5,000. Third-place winner will get BD4,000, BD3,000 for fourth, BD2,500 for fifth, BD2,000 for sixth, BD1,500 for seventh, BD1,000 for eighth, BD800 for ninth and BD600 for 10th.

Dubai: Hamdan Challenge brings curtain down on the season

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 15, 2008, 00:10

Dubai: The Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge II, a 100-km National endurance ride today at the Dubai International Endurance City will bring the curtain down on the endurance season here in Dubai.

The ride, which is being held here for the second year, is open to riders from small stables and individual owners, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

Over 70 horses are expected to take part in the event.

Popular event

"A Nissan Patrol car is on offer to the winner of today's ride, which will be run in four loops of 31kms, 30kms, 27kms and 12kms. The total prize money on offer is Dh 550,000 and will be distributed among the top 20 finishers," said Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club.

"We thank Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his generous sponsorship.

"This ride is always popular as it gives the smaller owners - the private-owned stables and individuals - the chance to compete for the Dh550,000 prize-money on offer," he said.

Today's ride will be the last event to be held in Dubai at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Meanwhile most of the UAE's top riders are expected to take part in Sunday's endurance ride to be held in Bahrain.

DUBAI CROWN PRINCE ARRIVES IN BAHRAIN

date: 14 03, 2008
MANAMA, MAR. 14 (BNA) -- Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Of The Bdf Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa was at the airport today to welcome Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum upon his arrival in the kingdom to take part in HM Endurance Cup Races.

Also present at the airport to welcome the UAE Crown Prince was President Of Bahrain Royal Equestrian And Endurance Federation (Breef) Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. At the airport VIP lounge, the Crown Prince exchanged with Shaikh Hamdan Cordial talks on the deep-rooted Bahraini-UAE ties and welcomed him to Bahrain and his participation in the races at the head of the UAE equestrian team. He described the UAE keenness to take part in such equestrian events as an indication of its determination to reinforce youth and sports gatherings between the two brotherly states.
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