Portugal: Victorious Results for Qatar's Al Shahania Stud at 120km Portugal Endurance Challenge

Barroca d'Alva, Portugal, September 2009 - The International Endurance Championship ride held in Barroca d'Alva, Portugal saw a victorious sweep of Al Shahania horses. Boasting first, second, and fifth place, the race challenge brought exciting, international, and highly competitive racing to Portugal and raised the bar of endurance racing in the country. Race results highlight the Qatari-based stud farm's increased dedication and enthusiasm for endurance racing around the world.

"We are thrilled with our race results as it demonstrates the equine talent we are actively seeking to develop and promote through our stud. We are completely dedicated to the support of endurance around the world. The Barroca d'Alva ride attracted a large number and high caliber of participants from around the world to take part in what was truly a world class race. We look forward to becoming increasing involved with the support and promotion of endurance in Portugal as well as other European nations", said a representative of Al Shahania stud.

Riding close together, Al Shahania fillies Utopia and Kirina kept to the front of the pack throughout all loops of the race. Already 1st and 2nd after the fourth loop, their last rival could not continue. In the final 5th loop they steamed by the others at an average speed of over 20 kph to singularly grab the lead, and take victorious first and second place, a second apart from one another.

Andre Borges on Kirina galloped into first with a time of 6:13:34, and only one second behind was Luis Romero on Utopia Rounding out Al Shahania's victorious day, Renato Contreras on Andalus finished fifth with a time of 6:56:27. The winning filly Kirina was later judged to be the Best Conditioned horse.

The 160 km race route although mostly flat, was variable with diverse land use ranging from forestry and estuary terrain, to vineyards, and agricultural farmlands. Due to the course's variation, several riders were heard to comment that it was a race that would require careful thought, and strategy.

Race host city Barocca d'Alva is situated approximately 30 minutes from Portugal's capital city Lisbon. The area is a renowned equine hub organising various equestrian competitions throughout the year. Whilst Portugal had previously hosted many important European endurance races, this international race highlights the fact that the climate and diversity of the country’s terrain makes it a highly desirable race venue.


Located in an oasis outside Doha, the capital of the Arabian Gulf state of Qatar, Al Shahania is one of the most progressive and successful Arabian breeding and racing establishments in the world. The impressive facility boasts state-of-the-art equine breeding laboratory and barns, full quarantine facilities, and lush pastures ideal for young, growing horses. Currently producing an average of 20 foals per year, the farm is breeding consistent quality flat racers as well as endurance Arabians.

Keen to embrace the world's growing interest and participation in endurance, Al Shahania has ambitious plans for future race sponsorships as well as increased breeding efforts.

Al Shahania Stud, founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, is recognized as an international racing enterprise. In all, 157 horses reside at Al Shahnia, predominantly of French lines, and the farm produces an average of 20 foals per year. In the 20 years since its inception, Al Shahania has earned a place among the world’s great Arabian race stables, helps define the standard for excellence in breeding of the Arabian horse. Al Shahania breeds both flat and endurance racers, and is consistently producing results-driven horses.

Malaysia: Agong To Compete In Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge

Bernama.com

October 7 2009

KUANTAN, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will take part in the three-day Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge beginning this Saturday.

Pahang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Wan Adnan Wan Mamat said the championship held for the second time in Cherating, near here, had also attracted 130 participants from six foreign countries, namely Germany, France, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

"It is understood that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will ride the horse, Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah, in the 100km category of the endurance race," he told reporters, here, on Wednesday.

Tuanku Mizan has not only excelled in the sport domestically, but has also done well in competitions outside the country.

Wan Adnan said Saturday's endurance challenge, divided into three categories -- 100km, 60km and 20km -- would also be graced by the participation of Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah, two of Tuanku Mizan's children.

"This championship will be the first to use the track at the 100-hectare Pahang International Endurance Park, Cherating which had cost RM2 million to build.

"It is the second such track for endurance races after the one in Lembah Bidung, Terengganu."

He said such events held here would help promote tourism and build interest in equine sports among the people.

-- BERNAMA

Kentucky: The World Games 2010 Foundation Announces Competitors for Kentucky Cup Endurance

Official Test Event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Game

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY-October 7, 2009- On October 14, riders from more than 20 countries will compete in the Kentucky Cup Endurance race, sponsored by Emirates Equestrian Federation, and the official endurance test event for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

Athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Romania, Spain and many other countries are expected to compete in or observe Kentucky Cup Endurance in preparation for next year's Endurance World Championship at the 2010 Games. The team from the United Arab Emirates will be led by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His son, HE Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will also ride for the UAE.

Current World Champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain, and the mother-daughter team of Valerie Kanavy and Danielle Mc Gunigal of the United States will also compete. Kanavy is a two-time world champion (1994 and 1998) and also placed second to her daughter in the 1996 World Championships.

Kentucky Cup Endurance will feature both a 75-mile (120 km) race and a 100-mile (160 km) race. Both races comprise a series of loops through the Kentucky Horse Park and surrounding properties, frequently returning to the Kentucky Horse Park for required veterinary inspections.

The 75-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on October 14 and the 100-mile race will follow with a 7:45 a.m. start. Awards for the 100-mile race will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 15 in the new outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. In addition to honoring the top riders, there will also be an award for the best conditioned horse.

Admission to Kentucky Cup Endurance is free to the public. Parking will be $3 per day at the entrance of the Kentucky Horse Park. Kentucky Cup Endurance spectators can also enjoy the other Kentucky Horse Park attractions. Admission to Kentucky Horse Park attractions is available at the Visitor's Center.

A complete list of competitors and countries is available on the Kentucky Cup Endurance test event page of our Web site.

About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked 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, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and AQHA. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com

Media Contact:
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org

Kentucky: 2010 Pre-Ride

Pre-entries for the Kentucky Cup and North American Team Challenge Endurance ride on October 14, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky, have been announced. Riders from 22 nations are scheduled to participate in the 160 km CEI*** ride and the 120 km CEI** ride.

Both rides are test events for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games Endurance to be held in September of 2010. The course will be a series of loops on the Kentucky Horse Park and surrounding property.

Vetting in will be on Tuesday, October 13th from 10 AM to 3 PM. The 75 mile ride will begin on Wednesday October 14th at 7:30 AM, and the 100 mile ride will begin at 7:45 AM.

120 km CEI** Start List

160 km CEI*** Start List

Endurance.net and EnduranceEurope.net will have complete coverage from beginning to end at
www.endurance.net/international/USA/2009KentuckyHorsePark

Canada: Locals riding in Kentucky Cup endurance event

Kelowna resident Gail Jewell will be on Endurance Canada's team for the Kentucky Cup. (Photo www.endurancecanada.com)

Kelowna.com - Full Article

October 2nd, 2009

Endurance Canada and Equine Canada are pleased to announce the Canada East and Canada West Squads for the 2009 Endurance Kentucky Cup CEI3*, being held October 14.

Canada West Squad
Rider / Hometown / Horse
Elroy Karius / Kelowna, BC / Apache Eclypse
Gail Jewell / Kelowna, BC / NL Temptation
Tara MacLeod / Montney, BC / Cairos Summer Romance
Patricia Dowling / Saskatoon, SK / ZF Mocha
Terre O’Brennan / Delta, BC / Koszaar
Ariel MacLeod / Montney, BC / Driftwoods Bellanca

Canada East Squad
Rider / Hometown / Horse
Yvette Vinton / Simcoe, ON / Teese
Ruth Sturley / Owen Sound, ON / RBF Super Sport
Robert Gielen / Norton, NB / F.C. Galaxy
Carol Steiner / Vanessa, ON / Jumpin’ Jax
Julie Green / Ubridge, ON / Khaelah
Wendy Benns / Pontypool, ON / Supreme Justice

"How fortunate Canada is to be sending such great riders and horses to The Kentucky Cup" said Endurance Canada Committee chair, Daphne Richard. "Experienced, international riders with amazing, proven horses together with new rising stars—this will be a wonderful opportunity for all of the Canadians to test the trail, experience the venue and grow as a team in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Endurance Canada would like to congratulate everyone on being selected to the Canada West and Canada East Teams, and wishes all riders a most successful competition."

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UAE: Shaikh Majid Endurance race launched

Gulfnews.com

October 01, 2009

Dubai: Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Art Authority on Thursday witnessed the launching of the Shaikh Majid Endurance race for the distance of 27 kilometers, at the Dubai International Endurance City at Seeh Al Selm.

The race was divided into two phases and 49 UAE national horsemen participated in each phase.

The first group winner was Mohammad Nour Mohammad who finished the race in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 6 seconds.

Mohammad Al Suwaidi won the second phase marathon, finishing in one hour, 47 minutes and 55 seconds.

Ahmad Raheem Jassim came in the third place.

Italy: Spain conquers all in Assisi FEI Meydan City Open European Endurance Championship

Photo by Endurance-belgium.com

Horsemart.co.uk - Full Article

SPAIN’s Maria Alvarez Ponton made endurance history by becoming the first rider to hold both World and European titles at the same time

SPAIN’s Maria Alvarez Ponton made endurance history by becoming the first rider to hold both World and European titles at the same time following a convincing win at the FEI Meydan City Open European Endurance Championship held over the weekend in Assisi, Italy.

Alvarez Ponton has now stood on the medal podium for three year’s in succession. With her 13-year-old French-bred gelding Nobby – world champion under entirely different conditions in Malaysia in 2008 – she also took individual bronze at the FEI European Championships at Barocca D’Alva in Portugal in 2007.

She crossed the line at the end of yesterday’s tough contest in the shadow of the magnificent Saint Francisco's Basilica in 8hrs:10mins: 58secs to complete at an average speed of 19.5km/hr.

The European individual silver medal went to Belgium’s Rachel Jaumotte with Dikruhu (19.1km/hr) while France’s Romain Laporte took individual bronze with Novisaad d'Aqui at an average speed of 18.7km/hr.

The UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi finished 10min behind Alvarez Ponton to take the Open European second place with Castlebar Sobia adding to his own recent silver medal winning success at the FEI World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders held in Hungary.

Rachel Jaumotte took the third place in the Open European section.

Fifth-placed Germany’s Sabrina Arnold’s Beau 36 was awarded the coveted best condition award.


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