New Straits Times
2008/11/07
KUALA TERENGGANU: It was an evening to remember for some 50,000 people who attended the opening ceremony of the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak on Wednesday night.
Not only was it a historic night as it was the first time the nation was hosting the prestigious equestrian competition, but the lavish ceremony, opened by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, had also impressed many.
There were cultural song and dance, an acrobatic horse show by Lorenzo, fireworks display and performances by popular artistes, including M. Nasir, Ramli Sarip, Jamal Abdillah, Ella and Mawi.
But not many would know the spectacular fanfare was put together in less than a week by event management company Dale Lokman Associates Sdn Bhd.
Its managing director, Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, said he was entrusted with the task late last month but the go-ahead for the programme and opening ceremony came only about a week ago. He said at such short notice, it was a wonder the show got off the ground. But the hard work and sleepless nights paid off as the event was a success, judging by the many congratulatory phone calls and messages received after the show.
Time, Mahadzir said, was the team's biggest constraint, but everything fell into place at the right time.
He said he did not know why the tournament organiser had waited that long to hire an event manager for the opening ceremony, but he decided to accept the challenge.
Event deputy director Morne Hashim said she believed it was a rescue job of sorts. However, for the love of the country and the sport, she accepted the challenge of putting up a production with a cast of almost 1,000.
She said an ideal period for such a job would be at least three months but with grit and determination, anything could be done and done well.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 03:05:00 AM
Thursday, November 06, 2008
[WEC Reports] Challenge awaits riders
New Straits Times
2008/11/07
Ajitpal Singh
TERENGGANU will make history today by staging the FEI World Endurance Championships's first ever night race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
This is also the first time the 160km race is being held in a tropical country.
WEC technical director Derek Liebenberg said the endurance racing fraternity is anticipating an exciting race.
"Terengganu is a new challenge for everyone because it is the first time riders will be racing at night in a world meet. It's going to be exciting under challenging conditions, and interesting," said Liebenberg at TIEP yesterday.
"Everything has been done to ensure safety. We have tested the safety specifications many times and riders should not worry.
"Among the safety specs are the 1,200 light poles installed in sections of the course, check points at designated areas and all riders will be wearing a GPS tracking device.
"The Malaysian army will be stationed along the course during the race. The medical team are also well prepared if there are any untoward incidents."
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) decided on a night race due to the humid conditions here.
Riders should be prepared for a wet race as the meteorological department is predicting heavy rain for today.
That won't be too bad for the European riders who are hoping for rain in the hope that their horses will last the whole race.
However, riders from Middle Eastern countries are not too particular about the track and weather. According to endurance experts, their horses are trained to endure any conditions.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Tuanku Nur Zahirah will flag off the race which starts at 5.30pm today and the first horse is expected to cross the line at about 7am tomorrow.
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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:59:00 AM
2008/11/07
Ajitpal Singh
TERENGGANU will make history today by staging the FEI World Endurance Championships's first ever night race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu.
This is also the first time the 160km race is being held in a tropical country.
WEC technical director Derek Liebenberg said the endurance racing fraternity is anticipating an exciting race.
"Terengganu is a new challenge for everyone because it is the first time riders will be racing at night in a world meet. It's going to be exciting under challenging conditions, and interesting," said Liebenberg at TIEP yesterday.
"Everything has been done to ensure safety. We have tested the safety specifications many times and riders should not worry.
"Among the safety specs are the 1,200 light poles installed in sections of the course, check points at designated areas and all riders will be wearing a GPS tracking device.
"The Malaysian army will be stationed along the course during the race. The medical team are also well prepared if there are any untoward incidents."
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) decided on a night race due to the humid conditions here.
Riders should be prepared for a wet race as the meteorological department is predicting heavy rain for today.
That won't be too bad for the European riders who are hoping for rain in the hope that their horses will last the whole race.
However, riders from Middle Eastern countries are not too particular about the track and weather. According to endurance experts, their horses are trained to endure any conditions.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Tuanku Nur Zahirah will flag off the race which starts at 5.30pm today and the first horse is expected to cross the line at about 7am tomorrow.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:59:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Tuanku Mizan will lead Malaysia
New Straits Times
2008/11/07
FORMER world champions Italy have written off their chances of mounting a serious challenge in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) as they will be without two riders for today's race.
Italy, who lifted the team title at the 2004 edition in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, had initially lost Cinzia Lachelli, after failing to present her horse -- Missouri -- for the compulsory veterinary inspection yesterday.
Simona Di Battista's mount Lara was eliminated by the veterinarians as the horse was limping.
Italian team leader Vergemino Testa said realistically, their chances of a podium finish in the team event is over as only four riders are left in the squad.
"It is very unfortunate that two of our riders cannot start tomorrow (today) but this is part and parcel of the sport," he said at TIEP yesterday.
However, he felt that Gianluca Laliscia, who was part of the winning team in 2004, will be a good bet for the individual title. Laliscia will be riding Kohl today.
The other riders are Vincenzo Catalano (Parytet), Simona Garatti (Z'tadore Al Maury) and Patricia Giacchro (Locace).
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:56:00 AM
2008/11/07
FORMER world champions Italy have written off their chances of mounting a serious challenge in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) as they will be without two riders for today's race.
Italy, who lifted the team title at the 2004 edition in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, had initially lost Cinzia Lachelli, after failing to present her horse -- Missouri -- for the compulsory veterinary inspection yesterday.
Simona Di Battista's mount Lara was eliminated by the veterinarians as the horse was limping.
Italian team leader Vergemino Testa said realistically, their chances of a podium finish in the team event is over as only four riders are left in the squad.
"It is very unfortunate that two of our riders cannot start tomorrow (today) but this is part and parcel of the sport," he said at TIEP yesterday.
However, he felt that Gianluca Laliscia, who was part of the winning team in 2004, will be a good bet for the individual title. Laliscia will be riding Kohl today.
The other riders are Vincenzo Catalano (Parytet), Simona Garatti (Z'tadore Al Maury) and Patricia Giacchro (Locace).
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:56:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Italy doubtful of podium finish
New Straits Times
2008/11/07
FORMER world champions Italy have written off their chances of mounting a serious challenge in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) as they will be without two riders for today's race.
Italy, who lifted the team title at the 2004 edition in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, had initially lost Cinzia Lachelli, after failing to present her horse -- Missouri -- for the compulsory veterinary inspection yesterday.
Simona Di Battista's mount Lara was eliminated by the veterinarians as the horse was limping.
Italian team leader Vergemino Testa said realistically, their chances of a podium finish in the team event is over as only four riders are left in the squad.
"It is very unfortunate that two of our riders cannot start tomorrow (today) but this is part and parcel of the sport," he said at TIEP yesterday.
However, he felt that Gianluca Laliscia, who was part of the winning team in 2004, will be a good bet for the individual title. Laliscia will be riding Kohl today.
The other riders are Vincenzo Catalano (Parytet), Simona Garatti (Z'tadore Al Maury) and Patricia Giacchro (Locace).
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:50:00 AM
2008/11/07
FORMER world champions Italy have written off their chances of mounting a serious challenge in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) as they will be without two riders for today's race.
Italy, who lifted the team title at the 2004 edition in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, had initially lost Cinzia Lachelli, after failing to present her horse -- Missouri -- for the compulsory veterinary inspection yesterday.
Simona Di Battista's mount Lara was eliminated by the veterinarians as the horse was limping.
Italian team leader Vergemino Testa said realistically, their chances of a podium finish in the team event is over as only four riders are left in the squad.
"It is very unfortunate that two of our riders cannot start tomorrow (today) but this is part and parcel of the sport," he said at TIEP yesterday.
However, he felt that Gianluca Laliscia, who was part of the winning team in 2004, will be a good bet for the individual title. Laliscia will be riding Kohl today.
The other riders are Vincenzo Catalano (Parytet), Simona Garatti (Z'tadore Al Maury) and Patricia Giacchro (Locace).
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:50:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Equestrian Kamaruddin fancies his chances
New Straits Times
2008/11/07
FORMER World No 1 Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani is the only Malaysian rider good enough to outshine the world's best in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu, today.
Kamaruddin, who ended 2001 as World No 1 and is currently 93, is a fearless rider and foreign participants here have spoken many times about the threat he could bring to them.
The 63-year-old rider rates the TIEP as not very tough and has planned out strategies to make an impression in the event.
"I have raced in many countries and I must say the track here is not as tough as compared to those in Australia and France. It's going to be a tactical race and those who pace themselves accordingly will do well," said Kamaruddin yesterday.
"I don't want to predict my chances. It will depend on the weather and track conditions tomorrow (today)." Kamaruddin made his world championships debut in the 1998 Dubai edition but failed to start the race as his horse failed the first inspection. History repeated itself in the following edition in France (2000).
In the 2002 edition in Spain, Kamaruddin was eliminated prior to the last loop as his horse failed the veterinary check. He only completed two loops in the 2004 Dubai edition.
Kamaruddin, a gold medalist in the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, decided to retire in 2005 due to a prostate problem.
"I bled whenever I rode and doctors advised me to quit. It was sad as I was among the top-10 ranked riders in the world.
"However, I was coaxed into returning in late 2006 when Terengganu won the bid to host the world meet."
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:48:00 AM
2008/11/07
FORMER World No 1 Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani is the only Malaysian rider good enough to outshine the world's best in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu, today.
Kamaruddin, who ended 2001 as World No 1 and is currently 93, is a fearless rider and foreign participants here have spoken many times about the threat he could bring to them.
The 63-year-old rider rates the TIEP as not very tough and has planned out strategies to make an impression in the event.
"I have raced in many countries and I must say the track here is not as tough as compared to those in Australia and France. It's going to be a tactical race and those who pace themselves accordingly will do well," said Kamaruddin yesterday.
"I don't want to predict my chances. It will depend on the weather and track conditions tomorrow (today)." Kamaruddin made his world championships debut in the 1998 Dubai edition but failed to start the race as his horse failed the first inspection. History repeated itself in the following edition in France (2000).
In the 2002 edition in Spain, Kamaruddin was eliminated prior to the last loop as his horse failed the veterinary check. He only completed two loops in the 2004 Dubai edition.
Kamaruddin, a gold medalist in the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, decided to retire in 2005 due to a prostate problem.
"I bled whenever I rode and doctors advised me to quit. It was sad as I was among the top-10 ranked riders in the world.
"However, I was coaxed into returning in late 2006 when Terengganu won the bid to host the world meet."
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/07/2008 02:48:00 AM
[WEC Reports] Dubai rider Jaume pulls out of World Championship
Gulfnews.com
By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 06, 2008, 23:23
Terengganu, Malaysia: Dubai-based Jaume Punti Dachs, riding on Elvis Hob, and Maria Alvarez Ponton, on Nobby, won the silver and bronze medal at last year's European Open Championship and also the team bronze in the open category and the team silver in the European category to complete a remarkable performance for their Spanish national team.
The two were again looking to repeat that display on a larger stage in the World Championships yesterday, but Jaume's horse Elvis Hob was injured ahead of the event.
"Yes, it is a big loss to the team, as we will be one rider short and also for me as we always ride together," said Maria, one of the top-ranked riders in the world.
Jaume, who trains endurance horses for His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said he was upset but would now chip in to help in crewing for his wife and the Spanish team.
"Until yesterday we had hopes, but this morning I found my horse struggling and decided to pull out," he said.
"I have always ridden with him and together we finished winning medals in Portugal last year. Even during other international rides we ride together. But separately, this will be my first ride. I will have to wait and see," said Maria, who has been a consistent performer in the UAE domestic circuit.
Maria said there were at least 15 top rider-horse combinations that will be going for gold.
"All six UAE riders figure in that list while the French have also come with good riders. Meg Wade from Australia has brought the horse that won the Tom Quilty. So there are a good bunch of contenders," said Maria.
The Spanish ace finished sixth here during the pre-side and said she is hoping for a top five finish.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 11:31:00 PM
By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 06, 2008, 23:23
Terengganu, Malaysia: Dubai-based Jaume Punti Dachs, riding on Elvis Hob, and Maria Alvarez Ponton, on Nobby, won the silver and bronze medal at last year's European Open Championship and also the team bronze in the open category and the team silver in the European category to complete a remarkable performance for their Spanish national team.
The two were again looking to repeat that display on a larger stage in the World Championships yesterday, but Jaume's horse Elvis Hob was injured ahead of the event.
"Yes, it is a big loss to the team, as we will be one rider short and also for me as we always ride together," said Maria, one of the top-ranked riders in the world.
Jaume, who trains endurance horses for His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said he was upset but would now chip in to help in crewing for his wife and the Spanish team.
"Until yesterday we had hopes, but this morning I found my horse struggling and decided to pull out," he said.
"I have always ridden with him and together we finished winning medals in Portugal last year. Even during other international rides we ride together. But separately, this will be my first ride. I will have to wait and see," said Maria, who has been a consistent performer in the UAE domestic circuit.
Maria said there were at least 15 top rider-horse combinations that will be going for gold.
"All six UAE riders figure in that list while the French have also come with good riders. Meg Wade from Australia has brought the horse that won the Tom Quilty. So there are a good bunch of contenders," said Maria.
The Spanish ace finished sixth here during the pre-side and said she is hoping for a top five finish.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 11:31:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Competitors hope for rain during ride
Gulfnews.com
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 06, 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia: Two time world champion Valerie Kanavy from the US along with plenty of others were hoping for rain ahead of the World Endurance Championship event.
The skies did open up with a strong shower on Thursday and more rain is predicted over the next few days. While the rain will certainly please many after the heat and humidity, the Europeans will be tested to the limit in the 160-km event.
Having won two individual titles in the last four World Championships, France will be leading the European challenge while the Americans as well as the Australians will be a force to reckon with.
Uruguay will add some South American flavour after Brazil had to withdraw due to a glandis attack was reported.
Reigning European champion Jean Phillipe Frances, who won the title in Portugal last year, is back on the same horse Hanaba Du Bois and leads the French hopes.
Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton on Nobby, who came third when the Frenchman won, will renew their rivalry.
The two, along with American Kanavy, are accompanied by some talented teammates and a gruelling tussle is on the cards as they tackle the heat, humidity, rain and night conditions starting from 5.30pm today.
"It will be a very interesting race as nobody can say what is in store tomorrow. The conditions will be new and challenging," said Frances, who led a golden double for France in the European Championship.
"We have been training here for about two weeks now and the horses have adjusted well. But much depends on the speed and that depends on the weather conditions," said Frances, who averaged 19.07kmph in his triumph with Hanaba Du Bois.
Equal record
Kanavy, winner of two golds and a silver and hoping to equal fellow American Becky Hart's record of wins in the world championship, said she was hoping for rain. "It will be good for both the horses and the riders. Otherwise we are used to these conditions as we were based in Florida for a month where conditions are similar," said the 63-year-old champion.
The hosts, with 12 riders in the fray as against six allowed for the other countries, will be hoping to thrill their countrymen with a finish high up in the ranking.
Malaysian King Sultan Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and veteran horseman Kamaruddin Abd Gani will lead a young Malaysian squad in the championship.
Meanwhile Bahrain and Qatar will be looking to emulate the UAE's achievements in this sport.
Guide
The World Endurance Championship in a nutshell:
Venue:Terengganu, Malaysia
Riders/Horses: 130
Countries: 32
Distance: 160km
Start: 5.30 pm Friday
Medals: Team & Individual
Stages: Seven (28.4kms, 27kms, 28.4 kms, 27kms, 22kms, 15.1 kms and 10kms)
Hold period between stages: 40mins, 50mins, 50mins, 60mins, 50mins, 40mins,
Heart rates: At each Vet Check the pulse rate must not exceed 64bpm within 30 minutes recovery.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 11:27:00 PM
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 06, 2008
Terengganu, Malaysia: Two time world champion Valerie Kanavy from the US along with plenty of others were hoping for rain ahead of the World Endurance Championship event.
The skies did open up with a strong shower on Thursday and more rain is predicted over the next few days. While the rain will certainly please many after the heat and humidity, the Europeans will be tested to the limit in the 160-km event.
Having won two individual titles in the last four World Championships, France will be leading the European challenge while the Americans as well as the Australians will be a force to reckon with.
Uruguay will add some South American flavour after Brazil had to withdraw due to a glandis attack was reported.
Reigning European champion Jean Phillipe Frances, who won the title in Portugal last year, is back on the same horse Hanaba Du Bois and leads the French hopes.
Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton on Nobby, who came third when the Frenchman won, will renew their rivalry.
The two, along with American Kanavy, are accompanied by some talented teammates and a gruelling tussle is on the cards as they tackle the heat, humidity, rain and night conditions starting from 5.30pm today.
"It will be a very interesting race as nobody can say what is in store tomorrow. The conditions will be new and challenging," said Frances, who led a golden double for France in the European Championship.
"We have been training here for about two weeks now and the horses have adjusted well. But much depends on the speed and that depends on the weather conditions," said Frances, who averaged 19.07kmph in his triumph with Hanaba Du Bois.
Equal record
Kanavy, winner of two golds and a silver and hoping to equal fellow American Becky Hart's record of wins in the world championship, said she was hoping for rain. "It will be good for both the horses and the riders. Otherwise we are used to these conditions as we were based in Florida for a month where conditions are similar," said the 63-year-old champion.
The hosts, with 12 riders in the fray as against six allowed for the other countries, will be hoping to thrill their countrymen with a finish high up in the ranking.
Malaysian King Sultan Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and veteran horseman Kamaruddin Abd Gani will lead a young Malaysian squad in the championship.
Meanwhile Bahrain and Qatar will be looking to emulate the UAE's achievements in this sport.
Guide
The World Endurance Championship in a nutshell:
Venue:Terengganu, Malaysia
Riders/Horses: 130
Countries: 32
Distance: 160km
Start: 5.30 pm Friday
Medals: Team & Individual
Stages: Seven (28.4kms, 27kms, 28.4 kms, 27kms, 22kms, 15.1 kms and 10kms)
Hold period between stages: 40mins, 50mins, 50mins, 60mins, 50mins, 40mins,
Heart rates: At each Vet Check the pulse rate must not exceed 64bpm within 30 minutes recovery.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 11:27:00 PM
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