High-tech system to be tested in Abu Dhabi race

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Move expected to ensure fairness, transparency in endurance horseracing

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 17:20 January 3, 2013

Abu Dhabi: A new electronic timing system for endurance rides will be tested over the next two days at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

While organisers around the world adopt different methods to monitor and stage a ride, which can vary from distances of 40km up to 240km spread over three days, the UAE has always been at the forefront of adopting the latest electronic timing systems.

The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will use an “improved” system from Saheel Soft for today’s 80km and tomorrow’s 120km event.

Explaining the salient features of the system to Gulf News, Charbel Akkari, the man behind the new system, said, “This system has quite a few advantages. [All at once] the system can handle a multi-race, multi-day, multi-division [event] while also giving separate information at any given time about the position in both an individual as well as a team rider...”

http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/high-tech-system-to-be-tested-in-abu-dhabi-race-1.1127452

HM presides over Royal horse race

Omantribune.com

MUSCAT His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on Tuesday presided over the Annual Royal Horse Race Festival, being organised by the Royal Court Affairs (RCA), represented by the Royal Cavalry.

The race at the Madinat Al Adiyat race course in the Wilayat of Seeb was attended by several Their Highnesses, chairmen of the State and Shura Councils, ministers, advisers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), Royal Oman Police (ROP), members of the State and Shura Councils, undersecretaries, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to the Sultanate, members of the judicial authority and senior military and civil
officers.

The festival kicked off with His Majesty arriving to the Royal anthem played by the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO). The six-round race included five for pure Arabian horses and one for thoroughbreds.

In the first round ‘Race of Governorate of Muscat,’ for pure Arabian (1,100 metres), Anas Bin Salim Al Siyabi on ‘Vazs Mane Son’ of the Royal Cavalry came first. Al Mu’atasim Bin Said Al Balushi on ‘Atheer’ owned by the Royal Cavalry won the second place and Hamad Bin Mubarak Al Wahibi on ‘Qadeer’ of Royal Cavalry finished third.

In the second round ‘Race of Governorate of Musandam’, for thoroughbreds (1,600 metres), Asa’ad Bin Ali Al Siyabi on ‘Zain Shamardal’ of the Royal Cavalry took the top honours. Yassir Bin Jumayyil Al Sunaidi on ‘Atlantic Brave’ of the Royal Cavalry came second and ‘Emirates Roadshow’ owned by Faisal Bin Abdullah Al Mazro’ei came third.

In the third round ‘Race of Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah’, for pure Arabian (1,600 metres), allocated for the horses that topped the rankings in the races of season 2012-13), Hamoud Bin Hamad Al Hajri on ‘Motsho Bello’ owned by Mohammed Bin Saud Al Khalili won the top spot.

Aamir Bin Salim Al Ghunaimi on ‘Chainactic’ owned by Mahboob Bin Mohammed Hashmani came second, Mahir Bin Juma Al Balushi on ‘Chriss SWA’ owned by Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Khasrozman finished third.

The fourth round ‘Race of Governorate of Dhofar, for pure Arabian horses (1,600 metres) was competed by amateur jockeys from around the world for the Fegentri Cup. Raoul Dygas on ‘Djoulla’ owned by the Royal Cavalry came first, while Jamie Flein on ‘Sakari’ of the Royal Cavalry finished second and, Ahmed Bin Saif Al Hadhrami on ‘Wathiq’ of the Royal Cavalry ended third.

In the fifth round ‘Race of Governorate of North Al Batinah’, for pure Arabian horses (1,100 metres), Fahd Bin Omar Al Rahbi on ‘Hasheemah’ of the Royal Cavalry came first. Azhar Bin Saif Al Wardiyah on ‘Al Kashif’ of the Royal Cavalry won the second spot and Hamoud Bin Hamad Al Hasani, on ‘Al Awam’ of the Royal finished third.

Husni Bin Mubarak Al Hajri on ‘Al Ashram’ of the ROP won the sixth and last round ‘Race of Hisn Al Shomoukh’ for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s Cup.

‘Vizi Des Cedres’ of the Royal Cavalry came second in the event held for pure Arabian and run for 2,000 metres. Anas Bin Salim Al Siyabi on ‘Kiram’ of the Royal Cavalry came third.

Various shows were also staged during the festival.

Canon dragging and equestrian skill shows gathered the attention, while horse beauty show of the new horses at the Royal Cavalry thrilled the audience.

International teams specialised in equestrian show like Piaf Trio Team from Holland and the French team, which won the World Vaulting Cup, also staged their skills with vaulting and disabled equestrian shows.

At the end of the festival, the participating teams formed the concluding plateau and His Majesty handed over His Majesty’s Cup to Husni Bin Mubarak Al Hajri, the winner of the sixth round, and the prizes for winners of the top places in other rounds. The Royal anthem marked the conclusion of the festival.

Nasr Bin Hamoud Al Kindi, the Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs, said the Royal Cavalry enjoys the interest and care from His Majesty. This enables the team to improve its performance every year, he said.

The excellent performance of the men and women riders of the Royal Cavalry in the Annual Royal Festival is a proof of the special care, he said. Al Kindi said His Majesty is keen on preserving the authentic cultural heritage of horse races, riders and traditional races. The domestic and international participations in the Annual Royal Horse Race Festival is part of this interest, he said.

On the achievements of the Royal Cavalry horses in the regional and international races, Al Kindi said the achievements made by the Royal Cavalry, by horse riders or horses, are the result of His Majesty’s interest in the Royal Cavalry to participate at local, regional and international races to achieve significant results for the Sultanate.

He said that the results of those participations were great, especially in 2012 which saw a bronze medal in the World Endurance Horse Race. And in races held in Britain, France and some other Gulf States, the Royal Cavalry achieved top three positions. He said these record shows the capability of Omani jockeys and Omani horses that are of domestic breeding and compete in international races.

As many as 3,863 participants attended in the festival including 1,285 students, in addition to 842 horses and 60 other animals. A number of traditional horse races like Hambal, Al Tahuwarib and Razha were performed at the festival.

The Equestrian Endurance Race of Torres del Paine

At the end of the world, right in the middle of Chilean Patagonia, we invite you to be part of one of the most extreme, unique and unforgettable experience: 

The Equestrian Endurance Race of Torres del Paine. (FEI)

On April 13, 2013, right at the heart of Torres del Paine National Park the 9th version of the Equestrian Endurance Race will take place, combining the magic of this exciting sport with the spectacular scenery of one of the most important national parks in Chile.

Enjoy organized programs with accommodation, excursions, transfers and days of activities within the national park Torres del Paine.

Get to know the most important attractions of the magnificent national park like Grey Glacier or the imposing Torres del Paine, which undoubtedly will surprise you.

Don’t miss this opportunity and participate in one of the most extreme and exciting endurance races in the world.

This race will run by the international FEI Rules valid since 2009.

http://www.lastorres.com

Email: info@lastorres.com

Toll Free USA/CA: (1)8886952603

Tel: +5661 617450 / 51 / 52

Ethel Quezada

Representante para o Brasil

Tel: (11) 7892-1983 Nextel 55*9*64813

UAE: Shaikha Najla claims third spot in Dubai endurance

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

December 29, 2012

SHAIKHA Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa finished third in the 90km Majid bin Mohmmed's Ladies Endurance Challenge race held at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam.

Riding Emirates Stables' Magic Glen Harpoon, the Bahraini rider completed this challenging annual event with a total ride time of three hours, three minutes and 26 seconds.

The ride was held at a distance of 100km, which was devoted to the stables and private subscription of singles.

It was divided into three stages, first yellow flags for a distance of 40 km, the second phase red flags for a distance of 40km, and the third and final phase of white flags for a distance of 20km.

Shaikha Futtaim, daughter of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, secured victory for the second time, riding Nad Al Sheba's Linon and registering 3.03.15.

Afra Khalifa Al Suwidi came in second place, riding Nad Al Sheba's Spectacular Goldie with a total ride time of 3.03.15.

Commenting after the ride, Shaikha Najla expressed satisfaction in obtaining the third place, for the second time this season, saying she was always looking for the lead, but third place is a good thing...

Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=344635

FEI World Rankings

28 December 2012

As of December 19, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of the UAE tops the Meydan Open Riders World Ranking. France's Lisa Riou is second, and JAE's Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum is third. The USA's Jeremy Reynolds is ranked 23rd, and Heather Reynolds is ranked 24th.

In the Meydan Open Combination World Ranking, Great Britain's Linda Cowperthwaite and Maraday Mystaron rank first, with Czech Republic's Dana Hladisova and Dean second. Uruguay's Juan Lacasi and Rock and Roll are third. The highest USA ranking is Cody Boysen and Viktory Banner in 18th.

Spanish bred horse Intisaar ranks first on the Meydan Open Horse World Ranking, with Australian bred Yamamah second, and LC Itati third. USA bred Reach for the Gold ranks 18th.

In the Meydan Young Riders World Ranking, Argentina's Manuela Basombrio tops the chart, with Uruguay's Juan Pablo Viana Ponte second, and France's Cesar Donnais third. Canada's Emma Webb is 4th, and USA's Mallory Capps is 6th.

Uruguay's Valentin Silva and Fadar Mahid rank first in the Meydan Young Riders Combination, with Uruguay's Cecilia Garcia and HLB Amira second, and France's Nina Lissarrague and Preume de Paute third. Coming in 4th and 5th are USA's Cassandra Roberts and CA Classy Marina, and Mallry Capps and Noslo's Lightning Strikes.

The top 2 Meydan Young Riders Horses belong to Uruguay. Fadar Mahid is first, and HLB Amira is second. USA's Fringant is third.

For complete rankings see:
https://data.fei.org/Ranking/List.aspx

UAE: Rashid claims second victory of season

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

In-form UAE national team rider extends winning streak aboard Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda

By M. Satya Narayan
Abu Dhabi Deputy Deitor
Published: 17:42 December 22, 2012

Dubai: In form UAE national team rider Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum notched his second win of the season on nine-year-old gelding Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda with victory in the 120-kilometre Emaar Endurance Challenge at Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.

Shaikh Rashid, who finished second behind His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the FEI World Endurance Championships in August at Euston Park in the UK, has since extended his form to the UAE’s domestic circuit.

Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, attended Saturday’s ride.

Shaikh Rashid had previously won the 120km Al Wathba Challenge ride in Abu Dhabi in November, also with Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda, but yesterday’s win at Seih Assalam was achieved in stark contrast his victory at Al Wathba...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/rashid-claims-second-victory-of-season-1.1122382

Great Britain: Endurance Young Riders To Parade With Team GBR Equestrian Olympic Champions

Endurancegb.co.uk

The Bronze medal winning Endurance GB Young Rider team of 2012 will parade alongside Olympic medal winning riders as part of Team GBR at the London International Horse Show, Olympia, on 19th December. The Young Rider team, consisting of Beth Langley, Carri Ann Dark, Kate Atkinson and Louise Rich along with chef d’equipe, Helen Boston, took the bronze medal at the FEI Young Riders European Endurance Championships 2012, held in Mont le Soie, Belgium in September.

The British team were up against strong competition, with 58 riders from 19 countries, including 9 teams, taking part over the challenging 120km course at the championships. They put in a strong performance, completing the course at over 17km per hour, to take bronze. This is a significant result for the British Young Rider team and also represents the first medal won by a British Endurance team at any level since 2000.

Andrew Theodorou and Dace Sainsbury, who was the highest placed British Individual at the Young Rider European Championships taking 12th place, made up the 6-strong Young Rider squad and will also attend the evening at Olympia.

The success of the 2012 team has highlighted the wealth of talented riders taking part in the sport and puts the Young Rider Squad in a strong position as they prepare for the Young Rider World Championships to be held in Tarbes, in the South of France in July.

Squad members, Carri Ann Dark and Beth Langley move on to seniors in 2013 and with such talented riders coming up through the levels, there is an exciting future for the British Endurance Team at international level.

The riders are delighted to be involved in the parade of medal winners at Olympia. Carri Ann says, “This is a fabulous opportunity and one I will always remember. Endurance is a fantastic sport and it is great to show other disciplines that we can win medals too”.

NOTES
The Young Riders European Endurance Championships are held bi-annually and are governed by the FEI, the governing body of international equestrian sport. www.fei.org/disciplines/endurance
Further information on the members of the Endurance team can be found at www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk
or www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/youngridersquad.html .