2010 WEG: Wyonna Judd to Perform at Opening Ceremony

LEXINGTON, KY (March 10, 2010) - Wynonna Judd will welcome the world to Kentucky with a special performance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The 2010 Games will feature world championship competitions in eight equestrian sports at the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25 through October 10. The Games will be the largest sporting event in America this year and are renowned to be the world's most prestigious equestrian competition.

On the evening of September 25, Wynonna will perform "My Old Kentucky Home" in a pinnacle moment of the Opening Ceremonies.

"I could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to return home to my roots. Kentucky holds such a sacred place in my heart and to have this honor to share the home I so dearly love with my friends and family brings me great joy," Judd remarked.

As a native Kentuckian, Wynonna will bring a local flavor to an international audience.

"Wynonna Judd represents what is best about Kentucky and our musical heritage," said Governor Steve Beshear. "I am so proud that she will be honoring our Commonwealth by lending her voice to our state song."

Wynonna will be a major highlight in an Opening Ceremonies program featuring more than 200 horses, a symphony orchestra and chorale, all of whom will showcase Kentucky’s, and America’s, equestrian and musical heritage to the world.

"This song, with this artist, in a stadium of 30,000 spectators, is going create a magical moment for everyone, regardless of their home state or country," said Dr. Everett McCorvey, whose company, Global Creative Connection, is producing the ceremonies. "Wynonna represents but one of many different genres to be showcased in our ceremonies, and we are so honored to have her."

Additional entertainment acts for Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be announced throughout the spring.

Tickets for Opening Ceremonies, as well as the competition events of the 2010 Games, are on sale now at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets. Tickets for Opening Ceremonies range from $120 to $150.

About Wynonna Judd

5-time GRAMMY Award winning artist, Wynonna Judd first gained fame as part of one of the most successful musical duos of all time, The Judds. On top of that amazing feat, she also holds multiple gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA in excess of 30 million units sold for albums released throughout her illustrious 25-year career. In addition to her countless musical achievements, Wynonna became a New York Times best-selling author in 2005 with the release of her long-awaited autobiography, Coming Home to Myself, released in conjunction with her live CD and DVD Her Story: Scenes from a Lifetime.

Wynonna recently announced she plans to reunite with her mother, Naomi, for a final Judds tour in 2010. She is also presently touring in support of her critically acclaimed seventh solo studio album, Sing: Chapter 1, an eclectic assortment of standards paying homage to all the different genres and songs that have formed the soundtrack to her life.
Visit www.wynonna.com to learn more!

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The 2010 Games are the first to incorporate all eight international disciplines as well as the first to be held outside of Europe.

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 other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Meydan, Ariat International, Inc, and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

UAE: Al Beloushi rewrites another record at Al Maktoum Challenge

Image Credit: ABDUL RAHMAN/Gulf News

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
March 14, 2010

Trainer-cum-rider of Al Reef Stables has been a consistent performer



Abu Dhabi : The UAE's domestic endurance season may be on its home stretch, the temperatures may be rising but there just seems to be no stopping Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi.

The trainer-cum-rider of Al Reef Stables, owned by Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of President's Private Department, once again battered the record for a 120km ride by more than 11 minutes in yesterday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival 2010 at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

Riding 12-year-old chestnut gelding Trajano, Al Beloushi, who had rewritten the record (four hours 32 minutes 26 seconds) last month in Dubai with a timing of 4 hours 32 minutes 26 seconds, lowered it further to 4 hours 18 minutes and 52 seconds.

Battling to second place was Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Saluki, and it was this Al Wathba rider who had held the record for two years before Al Beloushi broke it on February 6 this year.

Al Beloushi, who recorded an average ride time of 27.81 kmph during the 120-km FEI two star ride said, "I am very happy as this is the third win for Trajano. The conditions were tough as it was a bit hotter than expected."

"Once I got into the lead in the fourth loop, I sensed that my horse was in a good condition so I decided to try and go for a record," said Al Beloushi, who has been one of the most consistent riders and trainers over the last couple of years.

Yesterday's ride was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum along with Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Ali Al Muhairi, Racing Manager of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq attended the prize distribution ceremony.

Results

1. Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi (Trajano-Al Reef Stables) 4hrs 18 mins 52secs; 2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Saluki-Al Wathba Stables) 4:23.09, 3. Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi (Silversprings Kabir Arwa- Al Reef Stables) 4:32.28,; 4. Saeed Mohammad Al Jaber Al Marri (Elphyn Silverlight- Al-Reef Stables) 4:34.35,; 5. Saif Sultan Al Bu Amim (Omaani Iman-Al Aasfa Ltd) 4:37.43.

Bahrain: Show of Class

Gulf-daily-news.com

Sunday, March 14, 2010

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Musical Gully Pizzecato to victory in the International Endurance Qualifying Ride held yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain ruled the three-stage ride from start to finish, completing the event on top with a total ride time of three hours, nine minutes and 51 seconds, and an average speed of 22.28km per hour.

Behind him was his Royal Endurance Team mate Jaffer Mirza, riding El Khar, who finished second in 3:09:53 with a 25.28km per hour average speed.

Third overall was Raed Mahmood, also of the Royal Endurance Team, who steered Fascination to cross the finish line in 3:21:14 with a 23.85km per hour average speed.

The ride, which serves as a qualifier for international championships, saw a total of 70 riders from different stables in Bahrain, taking part.

It got underway at 6am. The first stage was over 30km. Shaikh Nasser completed the stage first in 1:13:22 with a 24.53km per hour average speed.

He was followed by Mirza in 1:13:38 with an average speed of 24.45km per hour, then veteran rider and coach Abdelhaq Kaddouri came third in 1:16:26 with a 23.44km per hour average speed.

Shaikh Nasser maintained his rhythm in the second stage, which was also over 30km, by finishing on top in 2:25:59 and 24.66km per hour average speed.

Mirza kept the pressure on Shaikh Nasser by staying a close second in 2:26:07 with an average speed of 24.45km per hour while Indian rider Ratan Singh, riding Zayed Shakhan, moved up to third in 2:39:45 and a 22.54km per hour average speed.

The third and deciding stage, which was over 20km, featured gruelling competition between Shaikh Nasser and Mirza towards the final metres. The former rider lived up to expectations to win first place overall.

Shaikh Nasser said the Royal Endurance Team's participation yesterday was successful and most of the riders achieved good results throughout the three stages.

On his part, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said he was pleased with the great turnout of riders for this event.

The Breef's chief praised the noticeable co-operation from the participants with the organisers which made the ride an all-round success.

He added that most of the riders completed all three stages and should finish two more similar events to become eligible to take part in any of the International Equestrian Federation championships.

UAE: Harvey wins Ladies endurance ride

Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

Gulfnews.com
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
March 13, 2010

Schoolteacher holds on to beat back a spirited challenge by UAE's Afra

Abu Dhabi : British schoolteacher Rachel Harriet Harvey held on to beat back a spirited challenge by the UAE's Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi to win yesterday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 90-km Ladies Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Just one second separated Harvey riding Baddah from Afra on Estaban after the 90kms ride held over four loops of 30kms, 24kms, 20kms and 16kms with Al Yazia Khalifa Al Suwaidi on Al Galahn in third place.

Yesterday's ladies ride at Al Wathba venue was jointly sponsored by Bonyan International Investment Group, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival 2010 with 65 starting the national event. It was a very close finish and for most part of the 90kms ride.

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/harvey-wins-ladies-endurance-ride-1.596160

Whitehaven horses achieve year-end awards for 2009

SC Now.com
By Messenger Staff Reports
Published: March 11, 2010
BISHOPVILLE - The Western Carolinas Arabian Horse Association (WCAHA) recently announced their year-end award winners for 2009, and a number of Whitehaven horses came out on top.

CINDERELLA STORY (Curundu Java x Ann Annazeh), a 10-year-old straight Egyptian Arabian mare owned by trainer Trisha Dingle, was named Champion Endurance Horse. “Daisy” completed a number of limited distance rides with amateur rider Julia Fisher during the competition year, including placing 11th in the 2008 Carolina 30, 12th in the 2008 Endure For the Cure 35 and 4th in the 2009 Gallop on the Greenway. Daisy also placed 4th with young rider Anna Caroline Chinnes in the 2009 Turkey Creek Trot. She is currently in Georgia at a dressage farm starting her new career as a beginner dressage horse for kids.

Another of Dingle’s horses, ROYAL PAIN WP (Legal Tennder x Patronna), excelled in the show arena. With Dingle riding, “Payne” was named Reserve Champion Purebred Sport Horse Under Saddle as well as Reserve Champion Hunter Pleasure. This talented young horse won impressive ribbons in a limited number of shows last season. Payne is proudly sponsored by farrier Mike Stine of Equine Dynamics.

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Two-day Rashid endurance festival kicks off today

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Two cars and prize money totalling Dh700,000 will be up for grabs in the two-day Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival starting today at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said, "The first day will see some of the top women riders compete in a 90-kilometre national ride while on the second day an FEI Two-star ride over 120 kilometres will see all the top riders in the open category compete."

The ladies' ride will be over four loops of 30 kilometres, 24 kilometres, 20 kilometres and 16 kilometres while the FEI Open Ride will be run over 32 kilometres, 28 kilometres, 24 kilometres, 20 kilometres and 16 kilometres.

Support

Ali Al Muhairi, Racing Manager of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who also addressed the press conference said: "This is an annual event and Shaikh Hamdan has always been a strong supporter of endurance races all over the UAE."

Talal Al Hashemi, of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said, "We have seen a lot of events in the UAE for ladies and this is another event which will give an opportunity to all sections of the community."

Fatima Hussain, a representative of Bonyan International Investment Group and Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq also attended the press conference.

Sawaya said the Challenge ride for ladies is jointly sponsored by Bonyan International Investment Group, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival while the open ride is sponsored by Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival 2010.



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Australia: Local endurance riders do well in State and National awards

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

12 Mar, 2010

Lachlan Endurance Riders Club, based at Woodstock fared very well in the 2009 NSW Endurance Riders Association point scores and distance competitions.

Mark Lindsay of Cowra took out the two prestigious awards of NSW Heavyweight Rider of the Year as well as the Heavyweight Distance Rider of the Year with 1200kms successfully completed during 2009.

Mark was also 5th nationally in both categories.

His pure bred Arabian gelding, Kintamani Silver Motif was 7th in NSW for points and 5th in the NSW Distance Horse of the year; and together he and Motif were 4th in the One Horse/One Rider.

He also campaigned another horse throughout the year, Kintamani Charisma and together, was 10th in the same category.

Read more here:
http://www.cowraguardian.com.au/news/local/sport/general/local-endurance-riders-do-well-in-state-and-national-awards/1774671.aspx