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
Thursday, November 06, 2008
[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
[WEC Reports] Shaikh Hamdan Backs UAE to Win Title Despite Pulling Out
Khaleejtimes.com
Allaam Ousman
7 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) - Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was confident UAE could win the team title at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championship despite opting to compete in the individual race after his fancied horse Jazyk was detected with a swollen eye.
"I pulled out from the team and will ride in the individual race because Jazyk is not 100 per cent ready," said Shaikh Hamdan after the Pre-Ride veterinary inspection of horse and weigh-in of riders on Thursday morning.
Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who arrived on Thursday morning with Shaikh Hamdan, will now spearhead the UAE challenge for the team title riding Spenda Crest Kamouflage.
The other three team members are Mohammed Ahmed Al Subose (Koum Des Jamets), Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Castlebard Kadeen) and Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya (Zakah Zahara). Sultan Ahmed Sultan Bin Sulayem (Tazoul El Parry) will be the other rider vieing for individual honours.
"I'm hoping that the team will win," said Shaikh Hamdan who will be mounting Kaysand Farrazah.
Asked whether the team was upset because of his withdrawal, Shaikh Hamdan said: "They cannot be upset. This is sport. I cannot give 100 per cent with Jazyk."
He acknowledged that his was a tactical withdrawal. "Jazyk is one of best horses. I know him well. He knows me well. We read each other's eyes. But it's bad luck he is not fully ready," said Shaikh Hamdan.
Replying to a question regarding UAE's failure to win the team title in the world championships, Shaikh Hamdan pointed out that victories in several European events proved that they had the pedigree to claim that elusive title.
The high level of humidity will be the X-factor for riders and horses which will flag off on Friday at 5.30pm (1.30pm UAE time) from Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP). But Shaikh Hamdan said it would not weigh heavily on the UAE team.
"We are quite acclimatised to race in all weather conditions. It doesn't matter whether it rains or not," said Shaikh Hamdan when asked whether he would welcome rain.
In fact soon after their arrival the first drops of rain fell and the skies opened out later in the evening.
More rain is forecast on Friday with locals saying it rains this time of the year especially in the night.
Dubai Racing Channel will provide live television broadcast of the race from 1pm UAE time.
Approximately 130 riders from 30 countries passed the Pre-Ride Veterinary Inspection test of horses and weigh-in of riders conducted on Thursday morning by the Veterinary Commission and the Ground Jury at the TIEP.
"Everything is okay here except the heat," said UAE trainer Bin Shafya speaking to Khaleej Times after the inspections. "We have no problems with the track and don't feel any pressure because we are ready. The humidity is the only problem.
"Back home despite the heat there is wind because terrain is flat. Here there is no wind because of forest," he explained.
He added that they had no problem of racing in the night because they have experience of it.
But he was optimistic they would perform to the high expectations. "Insha Allah with a little bit of luck we will do well," he said.
UAE team vet Mario Castro said the horses were ready and in very good condition. "We have a good team. We'll try our best to keep the Emirates flag flying high," he said.
Another UAE equestrian official expected the average speed of the race to be in the range of 15kph.
"The trail looks good during daytime but in the night it's different. There are a lot of sharp turns. We are set for an interesting night," he said.
Some competitors were even praying for rain though for different reasons.
Two-time world champion Valerie Kanavy of the US who had been training in the soft desert sands of Florida was one of them.
"The track has become hard because of the lack of rain. It will be tough on the horses," she said showing the caring side of women for their mount.
However, Bahrain's decision to train in the beaches of south west France could backfire.
Their French trainer Cecile Miletto also expressed concern about the safety of riders because it was a night race.
"I'm scared because they could lose their way in a night race and could not be tracked unlike during daytime," she said. "The conditions look good but the big difficulty is the humidity. However, it will be the same for everybody," said Miletto who rates France and UAE as the favourites to lift the title.
"Our horses trained in the cool climes of Europe because we expected it to rain during the championship. They would also be affected by the heat and humidity," she said.
Asked why more women have won the individual title than men in the world endurance championship, she said it was probably because they are more sensitive.
"Men are fiercely competitive driving the horses to the limits while women are more caring," she said. "We are more patient and work all day," quipped Kanavy who is aiming for her third world title.
Reigning world team champions France are wary of the favourites tag and the weather.
"It's really hot here and difficult because of the high high humidity," said European individual champion Jean Philippes Frances.
"It's a special race because it is in the night. We expect a lot but nobody know how the weather will affect the outcome," he said also expressing disappointment after Spain's top rider Jaume Punti Dachs pulled out after his horse went lame.
However, Qatar's Atta Mohammed Beer believes the humidity in Terengganu could work to the advantage of Midde Eastern countries.
"The climate in the Middle East is similar to that of Malaysia. Horses play a crucial part in this sport and the climate has not affected our mounts," he said.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 09:41:00 PM
Allaam Ousman
7 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) - Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was confident UAE could win the team title at the 12th FEI World Endurance Championship despite opting to compete in the individual race after his fancied horse Jazyk was detected with a swollen eye.
"I pulled out from the team and will ride in the individual race because Jazyk is not 100 per cent ready," said Shaikh Hamdan after the Pre-Ride veterinary inspection of horse and weigh-in of riders on Thursday morning.
Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who arrived on Thursday morning with Shaikh Hamdan, will now spearhead the UAE challenge for the team title riding Spenda Crest Kamouflage.
The other three team members are Mohammed Ahmed Al Subose (Koum Des Jamets), Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Castlebard Kadeen) and Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya (Zakah Zahara). Sultan Ahmed Sultan Bin Sulayem (Tazoul El Parry) will be the other rider vieing for individual honours.
"I'm hoping that the team will win," said Shaikh Hamdan who will be mounting Kaysand Farrazah.
Asked whether the team was upset because of his withdrawal, Shaikh Hamdan said: "They cannot be upset. This is sport. I cannot give 100 per cent with Jazyk."
He acknowledged that his was a tactical withdrawal. "Jazyk is one of best horses. I know him well. He knows me well. We read each other's eyes. But it's bad luck he is not fully ready," said Shaikh Hamdan.
Replying to a question regarding UAE's failure to win the team title in the world championships, Shaikh Hamdan pointed out that victories in several European events proved that they had the pedigree to claim that elusive title.
The high level of humidity will be the X-factor for riders and horses which will flag off on Friday at 5.30pm (1.30pm UAE time) from Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP). But Shaikh Hamdan said it would not weigh heavily on the UAE team.
"We are quite acclimatised to race in all weather conditions. It doesn't matter whether it rains or not," said Shaikh Hamdan when asked whether he would welcome rain.
In fact soon after their arrival the first drops of rain fell and the skies opened out later in the evening.
More rain is forecast on Friday with locals saying it rains this time of the year especially in the night.
Dubai Racing Channel will provide live television broadcast of the race from 1pm UAE time.
Approximately 130 riders from 30 countries passed the Pre-Ride Veterinary Inspection test of horses and weigh-in of riders conducted on Thursday morning by the Veterinary Commission and the Ground Jury at the TIEP.
"Everything is okay here except the heat," said UAE trainer Bin Shafya speaking to Khaleej Times after the inspections. "We have no problems with the track and don't feel any pressure because we are ready. The humidity is the only problem.
"Back home despite the heat there is wind because terrain is flat. Here there is no wind because of forest," he explained.
He added that they had no problem of racing in the night because they have experience of it.
But he was optimistic they would perform to the high expectations. "Insha Allah with a little bit of luck we will do well," he said.
UAE team vet Mario Castro said the horses were ready and in very good condition. "We have a good team. We'll try our best to keep the Emirates flag flying high," he said.
Another UAE equestrian official expected the average speed of the race to be in the range of 15kph.
"The trail looks good during daytime but in the night it's different. There are a lot of sharp turns. We are set for an interesting night," he said.
Some competitors were even praying for rain though for different reasons.
Two-time world champion Valerie Kanavy of the US who had been training in the soft desert sands of Florida was one of them.
"The track has become hard because of the lack of rain. It will be tough on the horses," she said showing the caring side of women for their mount.
However, Bahrain's decision to train in the beaches of south west France could backfire.
Their French trainer Cecile Miletto also expressed concern about the safety of riders because it was a night race.
"I'm scared because they could lose their way in a night race and could not be tracked unlike during daytime," she said. "The conditions look good but the big difficulty is the humidity. However, it will be the same for everybody," said Miletto who rates France and UAE as the favourites to lift the title.
"Our horses trained in the cool climes of Europe because we expected it to rain during the championship. They would also be affected by the heat and humidity," she said.
Asked why more women have won the individual title than men in the world endurance championship, she said it was probably because they are more sensitive.
"Men are fiercely competitive driving the horses to the limits while women are more caring," she said. "We are more patient and work all day," quipped Kanavy who is aiming for her third world title.
Reigning world team champions France are wary of the favourites tag and the weather.
"It's really hot here and difficult because of the high high humidity," said European individual champion Jean Philippes Frances.
"It's a special race because it is in the night. We expect a lot but nobody know how the weather will affect the outcome," he said also expressing disappointment after Spain's top rider Jaume Punti Dachs pulled out after his horse went lame.
However, Qatar's Atta Mohammed Beer believes the humidity in Terengganu could work to the advantage of Midde Eastern countries.
"The climate in the Middle East is similar to that of Malaysia. Horses play a crucial part in this sport and the climate has not affected our mounts," he said.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 09:41:00 PM
[WEC Reports] All Malaysian team’s horses pass compulsory veterinary inspection
New Straits Times
2008/11/06
Hilary Sebastian, BERNAMA
SETIU, TERENGGANU:
The Malaysian team's horses passed their compulsory veterinary inspection today ahead of the 12th FEI-World Endurance Championship starting tomorrow.
The Malaysian team's chef-d'Equipe Che Mohd Apandi Muhamad said all horses were found to be healthy and fit for the competition.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is leading Malaysia's team of 11 riders in the championship, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.
Che Mohd Apandi said Tuanku Mizan would ride his Arab-bred horse named Ibrahim Pascha Larzae.
Apart from Tuanku Mizan, the other Malaysian team members are Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani, Datuk Shuaib Ishak, Abdul Halim Alihan, Norlaily Bunyamin, Mohd Faizal Ismail, Zainuddin Yusuf, Mohd Azizie Ismail, Rosdam Mohd Noor, Datuk Abdullah Taib and Che Ahmed Yusri Muhamad.
Horses from other teams had also gone through the inspection, which was carried out by a 16-member veterinary commission led by Dr Frans Arts of Russia.
Also present at the veterinary inspection was Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum who is leading the United Arab Emirates team.
The race would be flagged-off at 5.30pm tomorrow, covering a distance of 160km and is expected to finish on Saturday morning.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:23:00 PM
2008/11/06
Hilary Sebastian, BERNAMA
SETIU, TERENGGANU:
The Malaysian team's horses passed their compulsory veterinary inspection today ahead of the 12th FEI-World Endurance Championship starting tomorrow.
The Malaysian team's chef-d'Equipe Che Mohd Apandi Muhamad said all horses were found to be healthy and fit for the competition.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is leading Malaysia's team of 11 riders in the championship, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.
Che Mohd Apandi said Tuanku Mizan would ride his Arab-bred horse named Ibrahim Pascha Larzae.
Apart from Tuanku Mizan, the other Malaysian team members are Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani, Datuk Shuaib Ishak, Abdul Halim Alihan, Norlaily Bunyamin, Mohd Faizal Ismail, Zainuddin Yusuf, Mohd Azizie Ismail, Rosdam Mohd Noor, Datuk Abdullah Taib and Che Ahmed Yusri Muhamad.
Horses from other teams had also gone through the inspection, which was carried out by a 16-member veterinary commission led by Dr Frans Arts of Russia.
Also present at the veterinary inspection was Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum who is leading the United Arab Emirates team.
The race would be flagged-off at 5.30pm tomorrow, covering a distance of 160km and is expected to finish on Saturday morning.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:23:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Dubai Crown Prince arrives in Malaysia
Wam.org.ae
Nov 6, 2008
WAM Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 6, 2008 (WAM) -- Dubai Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, arrived here heading a delegation of UAE equestrians to participate in the 160-kilometre World Endurance Horse Race, which kick-starts here tomorrow, Friday.
He and his accompanying delegation were received on arrival by Prince Badar Al-Zaman, brother of the Malaysian King, a number of Malaysian officials and UAE Ambassador to Malaysia, Nasir Salman Al-Aboudi.
Members of the delegation accompanying Sheikh Hamdan include Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Executive Chairman of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and the Board Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:22:00 PM
Nov 6, 2008
WAM Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 6, 2008 (WAM) -- Dubai Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, arrived here heading a delegation of UAE equestrians to participate in the 160-kilometre World Endurance Horse Race, which kick-starts here tomorrow, Friday.
He and his accompanying delegation were received on arrival by Prince Badar Al-Zaman, brother of the Malaysian King, a number of Malaysian officials and UAE Ambassador to Malaysia, Nasir Salman Al-Aboudi.
Members of the delegation accompanying Sheikh Hamdan include Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Executive Chairman of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and the Board Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:22:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Humid conditions to Middle Eastern advantage
New Straits Times
2008/11/06
QATAR'S Atta Mohammed Beer believes the humidity in Terengganu will work to the advantage of Middle Eastern countries competing in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC), which start tomorrow. "The climate in the Middle East is similar to that of Malaysia. Horses play a crucial part in this sport and the climate has not affected our mounts," said Atta at TIEP in Setiu yesterday.
"Horses based in Europe are not used to humidity. Some European riders arrived here early to allow their horses to acclimatise to the weather.
"However, it's still tough for them as their horses are not used to racing in these adverse conditions."
Atta, the World No 18, will ride Epson De La Bruiskale in the race.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:20:00 PM
2008/11/06
QATAR'S Atta Mohammed Beer believes the humidity in Terengganu will work to the advantage of Middle Eastern countries competing in the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC), which start tomorrow. "The climate in the Middle East is similar to that of Malaysia. Horses play a crucial part in this sport and the climate has not affected our mounts," said Atta at TIEP in Setiu yesterday.
"Horses based in Europe are not used to humidity. Some European riders arrived here early to allow their horses to acclimatise to the weather.
"However, it's still tough for them as their horses are not used to racing in these adverse conditions."
Atta, the World No 18, will ride Epson De La Bruiskale in the race.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:20:00 PM
[WEC Reports] Horse Riding is a Sport of the Kings
Khaleejtimes.com
Allaam Ousman
6 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) — There will be a big royal presence in the World Endurance Championships affirming that horse riding is a sport of the kings.
Hosts Malaysia will be led by none other than their king Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin whose passion for the sport is exemplary. Sultan Mizan who hails from Kuala Terengganu was responsible for bringing the FEI World Endurance Championships to Malaysia for the first time and is a fierce competitor. He came in 29th among 137 riders in the energy-sapping 160-km race in the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup held in UAE in January. The Malaysian monarch was also selected to represent the country at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006, but had to withdraw as it coincided with his proclamation.
Sultan Mizan is not the only 'blue blood' competing in the event. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his younger brother Shaikh Majid, will lead the UAE charge in this gruelling competition. Shaikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games gold and more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk. Shaikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage. Shaikh Hamdan is ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Hamdan is at 33rd.
Among the other royal participants are Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked ninth in the world. The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat. Also in the team is his brother Shaikh Khalid, who won a 160km endurance race in England three months ago.
Women power
Since its inception in 1986, the World Endurance Championship individual title has only been won by two men. In this edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again. In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 133 competitors for this edition are women.
Women riders from the US have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart. Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 and 1998, while her daughter Danielle won the 1996 US edition. France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while UAE's Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 event in Spain.
Age no barrier
Janice Worthington, 68, may be the oldest competitor at this year's World Endurance Championship and is determined to prove that age will not stand in her way of aiming for glory.
With more than 30 years experience of horseback riding, this will be her fifth outing at World Endurance Championship, the first of which was in Compiegne, France in 2000, followed by Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Dubai, UAE (2004) and Aachen, Germany (2006).
One of them is eight-year-old Golden Lightning which she has shipped out here for the championship.
Despite her age, Janice has chalked up over 48,500km in the saddle and has not showed any signs of slowing down. Just two months ago, she won a 160-km all-night endurance race in the United States.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:17:00 PM
Allaam Ousman
6 November 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU (MALAYSIA) — There will be a big royal presence in the World Endurance Championships affirming that horse riding is a sport of the kings.
Hosts Malaysia will be led by none other than their king Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin whose passion for the sport is exemplary. Sultan Mizan who hails from Kuala Terengganu was responsible for bringing the FEI World Endurance Championships to Malaysia for the first time and is a fierce competitor. He came in 29th among 137 riders in the energy-sapping 160-km race in the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup held in UAE in January. The Malaysian monarch was also selected to represent the country at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006, but had to withdraw as it coincided with his proclamation.
Sultan Mizan is not the only 'blue blood' competing in the event. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his younger brother Shaikh Majid, will lead the UAE charge in this gruelling competition. Shaikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games gold and more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk. Shaikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage. Shaikh Hamdan is ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Hamdan is at 33rd.
Among the other royal participants are Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked ninth in the world. The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat. Also in the team is his brother Shaikh Khalid, who won a 160km endurance race in England three months ago.
Women power
Since its inception in 1986, the World Endurance Championship individual title has only been won by two men. In this edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again. In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 133 competitors for this edition are women.
Women riders from the US have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart. Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 and 1998, while her daughter Danielle won the 1996 US edition. France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while UAE's Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 event in Spain.
Age no barrier
Janice Worthington, 68, may be the oldest competitor at this year's World Endurance Championship and is determined to prove that age will not stand in her way of aiming for glory.
With more than 30 years experience of horseback riding, this will be her fifth outing at World Endurance Championship, the first of which was in Compiegne, France in 2000, followed by Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Dubai, UAE (2004) and Aachen, Germany (2006).
One of them is eight-year-old Golden Lightning which she has shipped out here for the championship.
Despite her age, Janice has chalked up over 48,500km in the saddle and has not showed any signs of slowing down. Just two months ago, she won a 160-km all-night endurance race in the United States.
--
Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/06/2008 05:17:00 PM
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Australia: Riding into endurance record books
NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article 20/07/2025 Erle Levey We’re not in Kansas anymore … it’s the famous line from The Wizard of OZ in whic...
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Inside.fei.org 17 December 2020 The FEI Board took a series of key decisions on allocation, cancellation, and reopening of bids for FEI C...
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Inside.FEI.org 02 September 2024 Author: Mirjam van Huet A total of 145 athletes and 155 horses are currently preparing for the journe...
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NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article 06/07/24 Erle Levey The premier event on the Australian endurance horse-riding calendar is to return to...
