[WEC Reports] Shaikh Hamdan Backs UAE to Win Title Despite Pulling Out

Khaleejtimes.com

Allaam Ousman

7 November 2008

KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) - Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was confident UAE could win the team title at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championship despite opting to compete in the individual race after his fancied horse Jazyk was detected with a swollen eye.

"I pulled out from the team and will ride in the individual race because Jazyk is not 100 per cent ready," said Shaikh Hamdan after the Pre-Ride veterinary inspection of horse and weigh-in of riders on Thursday morning.

Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who arrived on Thursday morning with Shaikh Hamdan, will now spearhead the UAE challenge for the team title riding Spenda Crest Kamouflage.

The other three team members are Mohammed Ahmed Al Subose (Koum Des Jamets), Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Castlebard Kadeen) and Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya (Zakah Zahara). Sultan Ahmed Sultan Bin Sulayem (Tazoul El Parry) will be the other rider vieing for individual honours.

"I'm hoping that the team will win," said Shaikh Hamdan who will be mounting Kaysand Farrazah.

Asked whether the team was upset because of his withdrawal, Shaikh Hamdan said: "They cannot be upset. This is sport. I cannot give 100 per cent with Jazyk."

He acknowledged that his was a tactical withdrawal. "Jazyk is one of best horses. I know him well. He knows me well. We read each other's eyes. But it's bad luck he is not fully ready," said Shaikh Hamdan.

Replying to a question regarding UAE's failure to win the team title in the world championships, Shaikh Hamdan pointed out that victories in several European events proved that they had the pedigree to claim that elusive title.

The high level of humidity will be the X-factor for riders and horses which will flag off on Friday at 5.30pm (1.30pm UAE time) from Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP). But Shaikh Hamdan said it would not weigh heavily on the UAE team.

"We are quite acclimatised to race in all weather conditions. It doesn't matter whether it rains or not," said Shaikh Hamdan when asked whether he would welcome rain.

In fact soon after their arrival the first drops of rain fell and the skies opened out later in the evening.

More rain is forecast on Friday with locals saying it rains this time of the year especially in the night.

Dubai Racing Channel will provide live television broadcast of the race from 1pm UAE time.

Approximately 130 riders from 30 countries passed the Pre-Ride Veterinary Inspection test of horses and weigh-in of riders conducted on Thursday morning by the Veterinary Commission and the Ground Jury at the TIEP.

"Everything is okay here except the heat," said UAE trainer Bin Shafya speaking to Khaleej Times after the inspections. "We have no problems with the track and don't feel any pressure because we are ready. The humidity is the only problem.

"Back home despite the heat there is wind because terrain is flat. Here there is no wind because of forest," he explained.

He added that they had no problem of racing in the night because they have experience of it.

But he was optimistic they would perform to the high expectations. "Insha Allah with a little bit of luck we will do well," he said.

UAE team vet Mario Castro said the horses were ready and in very good condition. "We have a good team. We'll try our best to keep the Emirates flag flying high," he said.

Another UAE equestrian official expected the average speed of the race to be in the range of 15kph.

"The trail looks good during daytime but in the night it's different. There are a lot of sharp turns. We are set for an interesting night," he said.

Some competitors were even praying for rain though for different reasons.

Two-time world champion Valerie Kanavy of the US who had been training in the soft desert sands of Florida was one of them.

"The track has become hard because of the lack of rain. It will be tough on the horses," she said showing the caring side of women for their mount.

However, Bahrain's decision to train in the beaches of south west France could backfire.

Their French trainer Cecile Miletto also expressed concern about the safety of riders because it was a night race.

"I'm scared because they could lose their way in a night race and could not be tracked unlike during daytime," she said. "The conditions look good but the big difficulty is the humidity. However, it will be the same for everybody," said Miletto who rates France and UAE as the favourites to lift the title.

"Our horses trained in the cool climes of Europe because we expected it to rain during the championship. They would also be affected by the heat and humidity," she said.

Asked why more women have won the individual title than men in the world endurance championship, she said it was probably because they are more sensitive.

"Men are fiercely competitive driving the horses to the limits while women are more caring," she said. "We are more patient and work all day," quipped Kanavy who is aiming for her third world title.

Reigning world team champions France are wary of the favourites tag and the weather.

"It's really hot here and difficult because of the high high humidity," said European individual champion Jean Philippes Frances.

"It's a special race because it is in the night. We expect a lot but nobody know how the weather will affect the outcome," he said also expressing disappointment after Spain's top rider Jaume Punti Dachs pulled out after his horse went lame.

However, Qatar's Atta Mohammed Beer believes the humidity in Terengganu could work to the advantage of Midde Eastern countries.

"The climate in the Middle East is similar to that of Malaysia. Horses play a crucial part in this sport and the climate has not affected our mounts," he said.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 09:41:00 PM

[WEC Reports] All Malaysian team’s horses pass compulsory veterinary inspection

New Straits Times

2008/11/06
Hilary Sebastian, BERNAMA

SETIU, TERENGGANU:

The Malaysian team's horses passed their compulsory veterinary inspection today ahead of the 12th FEI-World Endurance Championship starting tomorrow.

The Malaysian team's chef-d'Equipe Che Mohd Apandi Muhamad said all horses were found to be healthy and fit for the competition.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is leading Malaysia's team of 11 riders in the championship, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.

Che Mohd Apandi said Tuanku Mizan would ride his Arab-bred horse named Ibrahim Pascha Larzae.

Apart from Tuanku Mizan, the other Malaysian team members are Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani, Datuk Shuaib Ishak, Abdul Halim Alihan, Norlaily Bunyamin, Mohd Faizal Ismail, Zainuddin Yusuf, Mohd Azizie Ismail, Rosdam Mohd Noor, Datuk Abdullah Taib and Che Ahmed Yusri Muhamad.
Horses from other teams had also gone through the inspection, which was carried out by a 16-member veterinary commission led by Dr Frans Arts of Russia.

Also present at the veterinary inspection was Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum who is leading the United Arab Emirates team.

The race would be flagged-off at 5.30pm tomorrow, covering a distance of 160km and is expected to finish on Saturday morning.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:23:00 PM

[WEC Reports] Dubai Crown Prince arrives in Malaysia

Wam.org.ae

Nov 6, 2008

WAM Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 6, 2008 (WAM) -- Dubai Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, arrived here heading a delegation of UAE equestrians to participate in the 160-kilometre World Endurance Horse Race, which kick-starts here tomorrow, Friday.

He and his accompanying delegation were received on arrival by Prince Badar Al-Zaman, brother of the Malaysian King, a number of Malaysian officials and UAE Ambassador to Malaysia, Nasir Salman Al-Aboudi.

Members of the delegation accompanying Sheikh Hamdan include Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Executive Chairman of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and the Board Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:22:00 PM

[WEC Reports] Humid conditions to Middle Eastern advantage

New Straits Times

2008/11/06

QATAR'S Atta Mohammed Beer believes the humidity in Terengganu will work to the advantage of Middle Eastern countries competing in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC), which start tomorrow. "The climate in the Middle East is similar to that of Malaysia. Horses play a crucial part in this sport and the climate has not affected our mounts," said Atta at TIEP in Setiu yesterday.

"Horses based in Europe are not used to humidity. Some European riders arrived here early to allow their horses to acclimatise to the weather.

"However, it's still tough for them as their horses are not used to racing in these adverse conditions."

Atta, the World No 18, will ride Epson De La Bruiskale in the race.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:20:00 PM

[WEC Reports] Horse Riding is a Sport of the Kings

Khaleejtimes.com

Allaam Ousman

6 November 2008

KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) — There will be a big royal presence in the World Endurance Championships affirming that horse riding is a sport of the kings.

Hosts Malaysia will be led by none other than their king Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin whose passion for the sport is exemplary. Sultan Mizan who hails from Kuala Terengganu was responsible for bringing the FEI World Endurance Championships to Malaysia for the first time and is a fierce competitor. He came in 29th among 137 riders in the energy-sapping 160-km race in the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup held in UAE in January. The Malaysian monarch was also selected to represent the country at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006, but had to withdraw as it coincided with his proclamation.

Sultan Mizan is not the only 'blue blood' competing in the event. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his younger brother Shaikh Majid, will lead the UAE charge in this gruelling competition. Shaikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games gold and more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk. Shaikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage. Shaikh Hamdan is ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Hamdan is at 33rd.

Among the other royal participants are Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked ninth in the world. The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat. Also in the team is his brother Shaikh Khalid, who won a 160km endurance race in England three months ago.
Women power

Since its inception in 1986, the World Endurance Championship individual title has only been won by two men. In this edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again. In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 133 competitors for this edition are women.

Women riders from the US have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart. Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 and 1998, while her daughter Danielle won the 1996 US edition. France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while UAE's Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 event in Spain.

Age no barrier

Janice Worthington, 68, may be the oldest competitor at this year's World Endurance Championship and is determined to prove that age will not stand in her way of aiming for glory.

With more than 30 years experience of horseback riding, this will be her fifth outing at World Endurance Championship, the first of which was in Compiegne, France in 2000, followed by Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Dubai, UAE (2004) and Aachen, Germany (2006).

One of them is eight-year-old Golden Lightning which she has shipped out here for the championship.

Despite her age, Janice has chalked up over 48,500km in the saddle and has not showed any signs of slowing down. Just two months ago, she won a 160-km all-night endurance race in the United States.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:17:00 PM

[WEC Reports] Inspection to kick-start world meet

New Straits Times

2008/11/06

THE World Endurance Championships unofficially start today with the first horse inspection at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
The inspection of horses is the most crucial part of the WEC as riders will be eliminated if their mounts fail the test. A total of 133 horses will be inspected by the Veterinary Commission and the Ground Jury at the Vet Gates.

Veterinary Commission Dr Hosain Abbara said previous world meets have witnessed mounts failing the first inspection.

"Affected riders will have to withdraw as they cannot replace their horses," said Hosain at the TIEP yesterday.

"However, most horses pass the first inspection. I cannot predict what will happen tomorrow (today), but from my own experience, there will likely be failures."
Today's inspection will include taking the horse's temperature, measuring its heartbeat rate, respiration rate and a full metobolic profile. The horses will also be trotted to confirm its soundness.

"If there is anything abnormal with a horse, the case will be referred to a special committe for a decision," added Hosain, who was president of the veterinary panel at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

The 160km race is divided into seven loops or phases.

The horses are also inspected after completion of each loop and again after they have crossed the finish line. So the first horse across the finish line is not necessarily the winner.

Meanwhile, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is predicting a 30 per cent completion rate at the WEC.

"It's going to be a difficult race, the toughest ever in a world meet. The humidity will take a toll on the riders and horses," said an FEI official.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:21:00 AM

[WEC Reports] Bahrain Riders set for top showdown

Gulf-daily-news.com

6th November 2008

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will arrive in Malaysia today for the World Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for tomorrow at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Terengga.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, and Shaikh Khalid, who is the Breef first vice-president, will lead a six-member Bahrain Royal Endurance team in this night race set to be flagged off at 12noon (Bahrain time).

The other four Bahraini riders are Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulla.

The team is being coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa while Dr Khalid Hassan is the team manager.

The Bahrainis will be among 140 riders representing 34 countries from across the world who are taking part in this challenging event to be run over 160kms.

Among top countries in the fray are the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the US.

Besides Bahrain, the other GCC countries in the fray are the UAE, Oman and Qatar.

The race will be divided into seven stages - 28 kms for the first, 27 kms for the second, 28 kms for the third, 27 kms for the fourth, 23 kms for the fifth, 18 kms for the sixth while the seventh and last stage is over 10 kms.

This will be Bahrain's third appearance in the World Championship scince their debut in the 2005 edition in Dubai. They then took part in the 2006 championship in Akhn, Germany.

This time the Bahrainis are eying a podium finish in this prestigious $200,000 championship which features teams and individual races.

Overall

The overall winner will claim $22,000 while the runner-up receives $16,000. The third and fourth placed runners will get $13,000 and $11,000 respectively.

In the teams category, the winners receive $22,400 while the runners-up get $19,200. The third and fourth placed teams will receive $14,400 and $12,000 respectively.

The owner of the horse 'with the best condition' will receive $20,000.

The Bahraini riders yesterday underwent a pre-ride inspection which was followed by 'weighing in'.

A prize-distribution ceremony is scheduled for Sunday.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 04:19:00 AM