Kentucky Cup Endurance Competitions Start with Challenging Conditions

USEF
Release: October 14 2009

Lexington, KY - It was weather fit for neither man nor beast. But, it was not going to stand in the way of the determined horse-and-rider combinations that made their way to the Kentucky Cup Endurance - the official test event for the discipline of endurance riding and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The day promised two international-level competitions consisting of a 75-mile and a 100-mile race through Bluegrass farmland. But, that would change halfway through the event for those combinations competing in the 100-mile marathon. The footing began to lose its integrity and become excessively slippery for the horses, and they began sliding on the turf. For safety reasons, a decision was made by the organizers to shorten the 100-mile and turn it into a second 75-mile contest. Safety is a very important word in an equestrian’s vocabulary.

As the day started, there was excitement among the many support teams that assist in the challenge of safely managing the horse through the race and the 23 countries gathered from around the world at the Kentucky Horse Park. In the pre-dawn hours, the work began.

Pouring rain and 40-degree temperatures currently face those riders on the trail that includes a 20-mile lap through farms and across busy roadways (state and local police are ensuring stopped traffic). With safety paramount, each lap is followed by a mandatory check-in (or "vet check") where the rider will dismount. What follows is an examination of the horse by a team of veterinarians and support staff to ensure proper temperature, heartbeat and respiration rates, plus a full metabolic profile. Once the horse is trotted to confirm soundness and deemed fit to continue, the horse is cleared, the rider mounts and the race goes on. But finishing first in endurance doesn’t necessarily ensure a win. Upon completion of the grueling test, the horse must once again be checked. Only once proper health is established is the result official and the winner crowned.

There is no shortage of winners and champions (and dignitaries for that matter) in the Kentucky Endurance Cup. Current European endurance champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain is competing, as is Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, son of the leader of the team from the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, who dropped out of the competition prior to its start early this morning.

American endurance "royalty" Valerie Kanavy (a former United States Equestrian Federation Equestrian of the Year and two-time World Champion) is competing alongside her daughter, Danielle McGonigal, also a World Champion. There are a total of 30 American riders in the 100-mile marathon.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for the riders, and especially the large contingency of Americans, to get a sneak peak at what they will face at next year’s World Equestrian Games," said Vonita Bowers, USEF Director of Endurance.

The 75-mile race began at 7:30 a.m., and it is estimated that the first rider will complete the trail in approximately eight hours. With the reduction of the 100-mile race, it is expected that the leaders will finish in a similar timeframe due to the shortened trail.

A complete wrap-up of the Kentucky Cup Endurance event will be issued on Thursday, October 15, following a press conference with the winning riders, plus the announcement of the Best Condition Award being bestowed on the horse completing the marathon in the best physical condition.

For more information on the event, visit http://www.alltechfeigames.com.

Brian Sosby

source

Endurance riders will periodically block roads near Horse Park

Kentucky.com
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009
Herald-Leader Staff Report

Drivers on Ironworks Pike, Newtown Pike, Mount Horeb and Huffman Mill Road can expect to make stops throughout Wednesday for riders in the Kentucky Cup Endurance test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Riders will be competing over two courses, one of 100 miles and another of 75 miles, that crisscross widely over land around the Kentucky Horse Park. Riders will cross roads intermittently from about 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those crossings will be marked with signs and police officers.

The 75-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the 100-mile race will start at 7:45 a.m. Riders will be looping back to the Horse Park throughout the day for periodic veterinary checks. The course is open to spectators only at the Horse Park; no spectators will be allowed anywhere else on the course, most of which is on private property.



Parking at the Horse Park will cost $3, but the event is free.

Athletes are expected from more than 20 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Romania and Spain in preparation for next year's Endurance World Championship at the 2010 Games.

The team from the United Arab Emirates will be led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who owns horse farms in the Bluegrass. His wife, Princess Haya, is the president of the International Equestrian Federation, the Games' governing body.

The sheikh's son, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, also will ride for the UAE.

Current world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain, and the mother-daughter team of Valerie Kanavy and Danielle McGunigal of the United States also will compete.




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Malaysia: Shahruddin Trots Away With Pahang-Penn Endurance Crown

Bernama.com
October 11, 2009 17:25 PM

KUANTAN, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Shahruddin Abdullah, representing Team Blue Moon, overcame the challenge of 27 other riders to win the gruelling 100km race in the Pahang-PENN Endurance 2009 that ended at the Pahang International Endurance Park here on Sunday.

Shahruddin completed the 100km route in 7 hours 25 minutes 07 seconds to beat Wan Mohd Kamaluddin Wan Yusuff from Team Moro Deuz who came in with a time of 7'29:08s while Muhammad Zaini Saad (Ropadi Bal Tazar) clocked 8'35:57s to take third place.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, the defending champion, had to drop out of the race as his horse "Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah" suffered a health problem.

Tuanku Mizan's children Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah meanwhile, competing in the same category, decided to withdraw after completing 70km.

Though Tengku Muhammad and Tengku Nadhirah had decided to withdraw, the 70km completed was their best personal achievements as both had only managed to complete 60km distances in the past.

In the 60km category, Norlaily Bunyamin representing Team Bremervale Jessie James, emerged victorious after completing her race in 4 hours 30 minutes 32 seconds.

Mohd Shahlan Hamzi Mohd Noor from Mater Scaff Endurance came in second with a time of 4'42:17s while Haris Zulhkiple Navaronne from WP Equestrian Team finished third with a time of 4'50:26s.

The 20km category was won by Amir Ghani Ahmad from Ar-Raudhah Equine Centre with a time of 1'16:27, ahead of Al Iskandari Equine Park rider Mohd Fazlee Marzuki (1'25:15s) and Mohd Anif Mohd Nawi.

-- BERNAMA

Tuanku Mizan Sets Out To Defend Title In Gruelling Endurance Race

Bernama.com

KUANTAN, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was among 97 local and foreign riders who started on their quest in the Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge 2009 at the Pahang International Endurance Park in Cherating near here Saturday.

The King, an avid endurance rider, representing Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) and wearing a 7 numbered jersey, rode out for the 100km race with 28 other competitors in his class, astride his horse "Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah".

His two children, Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah were also riders in his class which started of at 4.30pm today and expected to last for 15 hours, before ending at 7am Sunday.

Last year, Tuanku Mizan emerged as the champion in the 100km category with a time of 8 hours 17 minutes and 49 seconds.

Two other categories contested, 60km and 20km, saw 52 riders and 17 riders respectively, competing for honours.

Riders are expected to take about 8 hours to complete the 60km race while the 20km race is expected to take about 3 hours to complete.

Apart from local riders, endurance riders from Germany, France, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are taking part in the competition.

-- BERNAMA

Sheik Mohammed returns to endurance riding

HorseAndHound.co.uk
Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
9 October, 2009

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum makes his return to international riding on Wednesday (14 October) in the test event for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

The Sheik was banned from competition for six months after being found guilty of doping his horse Tahhan at the CEI 2* 120km in Sakhir, Bahrain, on 10 January and the CEI 2* 120km in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 28 February.

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Sales of WEG tickets reach 123,000

Kentucky.com

Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009



About 123,000 tickets have been sold to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games since they went on sale Sept. 25, organizers announced Thursday.

That means roughly one-third of the Games' ticket budget has been met, said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games Foundation, which is putting on the event at the Kentucky Horse Park next year. Previously, the foundation has set $30 million as the goal for ticket sales.

"The outlook is very positive," he said. Ticket buyers are coming from all 50 states and 40 countries. A more detailed demographic breakdown will be available in a few months, he said. The ticket sales have also prompted more sales of hospitality packages, which are a combination of tickets and VIP accommodations.

In other Games' news:

■Several Games' employees will travel to Copenhagen next month to report to the International Equestrian Federation on the Games' progress.

■The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will contribute funding towards building a veterinary diagnostic center, which will remain in place after the Games. It will be used to diagnose problems before horses are taken to veterinary facilities around Lexington.

■Marketing director Terry Johnson reported that 80 percent of the sponsorship budget has been reached, and 60 percent of the spots in the trade show have been sold.

■The test event for the 100-mile endurance race will be held on Oct. 14. Test events have already been held for reining, vaulting and carriage driving.

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.