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January 14 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com report
Abu Dhabi: Much before Saturday's His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, the UAE riders had asserted their superiority by winning World, European, Asian and Pan Arab championships.
But Saturday's world record for a 160-km ride by Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on 11-year-old Charlandre Al Sharif left many of the equestrian world's top brass gasping in disbelief.
Omair and Charlandre bettered the old record set by another UAE rider last year by more than 13 minutes, but more than the effort it was the manner in which it was achieved that drew admiration from the vast bunch of riders and officials.
After doing speeds of around 25 kmph over the first three loops, Omair took just under two minutes to present his horse for the veterinary check. But when after 140kms, Omair and Charlandre Al Sharif still registered an incredible speed of 30.29kmph on the final loop, a large gathering waited to see how the horse would fare at the final vet check before being named winner.
Sinking in
And when the electronic heart-beat rate monitor flashed 49 beats per minute, which was much lower than the allowed 65bpm, did the record-breaking effort really sink in?
Two-time world champion Valerie Kanavy from the US did 9 hrs and 07 second when the 1998 World Endurance Championship was held here.
Most of the UAE riders and their crew watched as Kanavy's team impressed with their crewing during the ride and in between the loops.
On Saturday the world watched when the UAE horses, particularly Charlandre Al Shariff took less than two minutes to recover during the first five loops!
The winner averaged a speed of 24.71 kmph for the 160km ride while the best-placed international rider, Laurent Most of France on Khandela des Vialette averaged 20.20kmph while finishing 9th.
In perspective
Putting Saturday's world record in perspective was Ian Williams, head of FEI Endurance Committee. "This course is not easy as many riders have told me, it is a challenging course. There is a limit and we are getting close to that."
"These are elite horse and are unique. And if they keep coming back and doping the same speeds, then we have to accept and respect them," he said.
"The UAE riders are uncovering hidden talent, they are digging deeper and only time will tell. But with our veterinary checking system quite tight we have to agree that this is something special," he added.
Saturday's world record for a 160-km ride by Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on 11-year-old Charlandre Al Sharif left many of the equestrian world's top brass gasping in disbelief.
January 12 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com report and photos
Dubai: Dubai: Some of the world's top riders were awestruck when the UAE's Omair Hussain Al Beloushi on 11-year-old Charlandre El Sharif chose the world's richest-ever endurance ride to set a world record, which will take some beating.
The inaugural Omega-sponsored His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, which was billed as the most valuable endurance ride in the world, will now go down in history for also attracting the most number of riders for a non-championship ride (137) and also for the world record as Omair and Charlandre El Sharif shaved off over 13 minutes from the existing record.
The 22-year-old rider from Abu Dhabi's Al Reef Stables looked supremely confident as he finished first in five of the six loops in yesterday's 160-km event, which had attracted some of the world's most prominent riders.
Omair and Charlandre El Sharif revelled under ideal conditions to complete the 160-km ride in 6 hours 28 minutes and 28 seconds - an effort which was impossible a few years back.
It certainly was an amazing display by a promising rider on a champion horse from the all-conquering Al Reef Stables. In 2005, this venue witnessed a new record for a 160-km event when Barbara Lissarrague and Georgat did 7 hrs 04 mins 14 secs. The 7-hour barrier was broken by Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure (6:41:33) in the His Highness The President's Cup ride in February last year.
On target
Omair, who created a world record for the 100-km distance with the same Charlandre El Sharif last year, said he went for the record. His uncle and trainer Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, who was also a favourite in yesterday's ride, had predicted a record when speaking to Gulf News on the eve of the ride, and his nephew delivered on that promise. "Right from the word go we wanted to go for the record. The weather was ideal and my horse is a great champion," said Omair, who registered his third win with Charlandre and eight of his career.
Omair received a standing ovation as he cantered home holding the UAE flag and his effort earned him the fabulous trophy, a Nissan 4x4 vehicle, Dh250,000 and a prestigious watch from sponsors Omega.
Al Wathba Stables' Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Leblond finished second to carry home Dh200,000 and a Nissan 4x4 vehicle, while Mohammad Rashid Saeed Al Subosi on Genio II finished third and also drove away with a Nissan 4x4 vehicle and Dh150,000.
Results
Top five: 1. Omair Hussain Al Beloushi (Charlandre El Sharif) 6hrs 28 mins 28 secs - New world record for a 160-km ride. Old record: Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure (6:41:33)
2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Leblond) 6:51.44;
3. Mohammad Rashid Saeed Al Subosi (Genio II) 7:15.04;
4. Thani Mohammad Al Muhairi (Macquarie Park Sedition) 7:18.31;
5. Shaikh Juma Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum (Kheops de Lozelle) 7:33.49
January 11 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com report
Dubai: "This is a great event and will become one of the most distinguished events in the UAE," said Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and one of the top endurance riders in the UAE.
Commenting on the inaugural 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup top be held today, Shaikh Hamdan added, "This is a unique event. Most of the times the top riders are forced to ride for the team in world and European championships."
Injury
"Here it is an individual event and we can see some great performances by the truly world class field. I don't see anyone other than a UAE rider finishing on top.
"The French have a strong team and I believe they will go fast.
"But the UAE riders will perform well tomorrow," he said, speaking to Gulf News at the Dubai International Endurance City on Friday evening.
"I am still recovering from an injury and that is why I am not taking part. However I hope to be fit before the His Highness President's Cup and will be taking part," said Shaikh Hamdan, who has won numerous gold medals in the European Open team championships.
January 11 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com report
Dubai: Today's 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, the world's most valuable endurance ride, is heading for a fascinating tussle between the world class UAE riders and a strong contingent of international riders.
While the dip in temperatures has certainly warmed the chances of the international riders it may take more than just the friendly weather to upstage the UAE 'speed merchants' on home terrain.
Rain and hailstones was predicted for the night and the international riders, some of them world and European medal winners, expressed their happiness but some of the top UAE riders said it could result in better speeds.
Leading the UAE riders is Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Pan Arab Games and Asian Games gold medalist along with Asian Games bronze medalist Sultan Bin Sulayem.
Junior ride
"Don't be surprised at a record speed for a 160-km event," said Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, one of the UAE champion riders and known for his speed. Yousef, who has already been in top form having won two rides this season, will be on Jibbah Enog, whose 120-km record was broken earlier this season
Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, who rewrote the record books for a 120-km ride on Cupid winning in 4 hrs 32mins 46 secs will be riding Leblond. "I was in fact preparing Silver for this ride but my horse fell sick. But Leblond has also done over 26kmph while winning a junior ride this season."
Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, another top performer here in the UAE said he was trying out a new horse from South Africa. "This is the first time I am riding him and he has had a good record before coming here. I will stay in touch with the top three and then try and make a move after the fourth stage," said Ali.
Nearly 130 riders get off to a mass start in the 6-loop ride which is being held at the Dubai International Endurance City. Sponsored by Omega, the ride carries a total prize money of Dh. 1.5 million, four 4x4 vehicles and an Omega watch.
Mrs. Nayla Hayek, Member of the Swatch Group Management Board of Directors, said: "Through Omega's history in maintaining the tradition of timekeeping, we are pleased to be part of and support the time-honoured and prestigious endurance racing here in the United Arab Emirates."
While the climate is sure to help the horses, it certainly will be a huge ask of the international riders who attempt to topple the UAE stars.
January 11 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com report
Dubai: The international riders here for the 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup were hoping the drastic dip in temperatures will help them tackle the high speeds of the UAE riders.
With overnight rain being forecast, the star riders from Europe were delighted their horse will have it comfortable in today's six-stage event.
Jack Be Gaud, who is the highest ranked rider here being placed second in the FEI list, is one of the top contenders from the 26 invited stars from Europe. The Frenchman will be riding Dais Tobias, the horse with which he finished second in the Malaysian World Championship pre-ride held late last year.
"If it rains it will be good as the sand here is not deep.
"But my horse seems to be getting nervous and during the initial stages I will just be hoping he stays put," said Begaud.
"Other than that he is perfect, does good speeds and has a good recovery rate," he said.
Italian Fausto Fiorucci said he was caught napping when the invitation came to ride in this Dh 1.5 million event.
"I just had 15 days so I am riding my friend's horse Magic Start."
UAE to dominate
"The weather now is really superb but I will not be pushing my horse and a good finish is what I am looking for," said Fausto, who won the silver medal here in the 1998 World Championship.
Barbara Lissarrague is the one to be watched after the French riders win here in the 2005 World Championship. Lissarrague, who created a record with Georgat to win the title, said she was looking at another top finish.
"The horse I am riding here (Raid De Bozouls) is not Georgat but is a good horse and I am going to try hard.
"The weather will help for sure," said the French ace.
But Meg Wade, the Australian champion felt despite the cool weather it will be difficult for the international riders.
"I still feel the UAE riders will dominate and it will be difficult to see anyone else in the top ten!"
January 11 2008
For immediate release
Tomorrow's inaugural 160-km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 looks like being blessed with perfect weather conditions.
The world's richest endurance race, sponsored by Omega, boasts fantastic prize money of Dh 1.5 million, four 4x4 vehicles and a prestigious Omega watch, and has also received a major boost from Mother Nature.
With the Mercury dipping over the last fortnight, the Dubai International Endurance City will be the perfect venue with cool temperatures, as some of the best horses from around the world will fight it out under some of the planet's best-known names in endurance riding over the marathon distance.
Spanish rider Jaume Punti Dachs, winner of the silver medal in the European Open championship last year, said: "the weather is ideal for a 160-km event.
"The international riders will also feel comfortable as most of their horses are coming from much colder winter climates. It will be an even field."
A strong field of over 130 riders, which includes a star-studded list of 26 invited riders and the strong UAE contingent, will get off to a mass start at 6.00 am from the DIEC which is situated next to the Bab Al Shams Resort in Seih Assalam.
Saeed Al Tayer, Vice President of DEC, said the ride is unique as it brings together some of the world's best to contest as individuals.
"The international riders and horses have been invited based on their current form and FEI ranking," he said.
"The UAE riders list is also a strong one and this event is bound to create a lot of excitement with some thrilling competition."
The 1.5 million cash prize will be distributed among the top 25 riders with the winner's purse being Dh 250,000 apart from other awards.
General Manager of the DEC, Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, said: "We are indebted to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his patronage to stage this event which will be an annual affair.
"The event has already created a buzz amidst the endurance fraternity and many are looking to use it as an important event to test their skills with the best and also use it for their preparation for future championships.
"The international riders and their horses have also settled down and fans can expect a good competition in some friendly weather conditions," he said.
Omega, title sponsor of this showpiece ride, has extended their support for a four-year period.
Mrs. Nayla Hayek, Member of the Swatch Group Management Board of Directors, said: "Through Omega's history in maintaining the tradition of timekeeping, we are pleased to be part of and support the time-honored and prestigious endurance racing here in theUnited Arab Emirates."
Entrance is free and spectators can sample the action up close on the course as DEC will operate a fleet of 4x4 cars for desert drives. Alternatively, fans can keep in touch with the action via big screens.
There will be plenty of action off the track too with a variety of family entertainment and a jazz band that will play throughout the afternoon.
For further information please contact:
Media Department, Dubai Racing Club
E-mail: media@dubairacingclub.com
Tel: +971 4 316 8653 Fax: +971 4 327 0048
January 10 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com report
Dubai: Jean Philippe Frances is a top-notch rider from France and is also the reigning European Open champion.
Sabrina Arnold is an equally competent rider from Germany.
The two champion riders have a great bond going which has seen Sabrina shift her base to France and live with her boyfriend.
"You can also speak to my boyfriend who is the European champion," said Sabrina pointing to Frances when speaking to Gulf News at the Dubai International Endurance City.
Representing their respective countries in many international and world championships, and competing in many rides in Europe has brought the two together and today the duo share a strong bond off the tracks while turning fierce competitors on the tracks.
Good finish
"In most of the major championships we are representing our countries but this ride is an individual championship so we will be supporting each other," said Sabrina.
Sabrina, who will be riding 10-year-old bay mare Jestime in tomorrow's His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008, said the speed would be a tough challenge for them.
In the European Open Championship in Portugal last year, Sabrina was unlucky to be eliminated in the penultimate stage while her boyfriend went on to win the 160-km ride.
Her horse Jestime has a good record but more with Sabrina's sister Melanie but the German star is hoping for a good finish tomorrow. Frances on the other hand will be partnered by Lasko Du Clos, an 8-year-old stallion that is yet to make his presence felt in the longer distances.
"We have been training here since January 4 and the horse is getting acclimatised.
"But the UAE riders have a lot of speed and my horse will find the desert surface a new experience," said Frances, who is based near Marseilles. "I will also be using this ride as a preparation for the World Endurance Championship to be held in Malaysia and it is tough even to get into the French 6-member squad," said the reigning European champion.
"Yes we help each other and we train together," said Frances as he along with Sabrina will be starting off as favourites.
January 10 2008
Staff Report
Dubai: Swiss watchmaker Omega' partnership with the Dubai Equestrian Club for the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup Endurance ride will extend over four years starting with tomorrow's inaugural ride at the Dubai International Endurance City.
"Endurance horse riding is a sport that demands perseverance, dedication and a great deal of understanding between the horse and its rider," said Mrs. Nayla Hayek, member of the Swatch Group Management Board of Directors.
"Omega appreciates and thrives on such qualities through creating watches that are assembled with extreme devotion and built to last." she added.
Tradition
Endurance is a relatively young sport but one that is exceedingly challenging for the competitors, their steeds as well as the timekeepers due to the distances involved.
"The tradition and cultural continuity of endurance racing worldwide must be preserved and supported," said Hayek.
"Through Omega's history in maintaining the tradition of timekeeping, we are pleased to be part of and support the time-honoured and prestigious endurance racing here in the United Arab Emirates," she added.
January 10 2008
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulftimes.com Report
Dubai: His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, the King of Malaysia, and Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are part of the nearly 130-odd riders who are expected to start in the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 on Saturday.
King Tuanku and Shaikh Mayed will be joined by 26 international riders and more than 100 riders from the UAE, including many international riders based here in the UAE.
With a whopping Dh1.5 million and four 4x4 vehicles on offer, Saturday's ride will go down as the richest-ever endurance ride.
Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), the FEI CEI 3-star 160-km ride is sponsored by Omega and will be held at the Dubai International Endurance City.
Shaikh Mayed, who recently emerged a double gold medallist, winning the individual as well as team gold in the Pan Arab Games, is also an Asian team gold medallist and heads a strong line-up of UAE riders.
Prominent among them are World junior silver medallist Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Asian Games bronze medallist Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Salem Rashid Bin Ghadeyer, Hassan Bin Ali, Ali Al Muhairi, Ali Khalfan Al Muhairi and last season's top UAE rider Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi.
Some more big names are expected to line up ahead of Friday's pre-ride veterinary check, to be held at the venue in Seih Assalam.
Saturday's ride will be run in 6 loops of 32km, 32km, 28km, 28km, 21km and 19km. The top 25 riders will get a slice of the prize money. Three Best Conditioned Horse awards are also on offer.
John Robertson, the technical delegate for the ride, said the riders and horses were put through strict quarantine controls.
"Everyone has been obeying the rules and since most of them have been here before, it is no problem," said the Briton, who has been based at the Quarantine Stables in the Dubai International Endurance City.
"Security of the horses and ensuring that there is no contamination are our prime concerns," he said in a DEC press release.
"We have demarcated separate areas for their training and since all these horses are from Europe, we just have one large stable here," Robertson said.
Among the international riders, the French have entered a strong 12-member squad, which includes European Open champion Jean Philippe Frances, Barbara Lissarrague, the winner of the 2005 World Championship held in Dubai, and a few riders who have been on the gold medal-winning teams from France at the World and European Championships.
Top Australian rider Meg Wade, German ace Melanie Arnold, top Italians Fausto Fiorucci, Gianluca Laliscia and UAE-based Spanish rider Jaume Punti Dachs will be part of the international line-up here on Saturday.
January 9 2008
Press Release
The prestigious Swiss watchmaker OMEGA proudly announces its partnership with the Dubai Equestrian Club as 4-year sponsor of the HH. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup Endurance Race, which will take place at the Dubai Endurance City under the patronage of HH. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on January 12, 2008.
"Endurance horse racing is a sport that demands perseverance, dedication and a great deal of understanding between the horse and its rider," said Mrs. Nayla Hayek, member of the Swatch Group Management Board of Directors. "OMEGA appreciates and thrives on such qualities through creating watches that are assembled with extreme devotion and built to last." she added.
Endurance is a relatively young sport but one that is exceedingly challenging for the competitors, their steeds as well as the timekeepers due to the distances involved. The 160-km race requires the horses to be checked by veterinarians at numerous intervals along the way before being allowed to continue. Competitors' times must be clocked at the different gates and a complete overview of time maintained throughout the race which can last well over 10 hours.
"The tradition and cultural continuity of endurance racing worldwide must be preserved and supported," said Mrs. Nayla Hayek, member of the Swatch Group Management Board of Directors. "Through OMEGA'S history in maintaining the tradition of timekeeping, we are pleased to be part of and support the time-honoured and prestigious endurance racing here in the United Arab Emirates." she added.
OMEGA's history of 150 years of watch making and over a century of sponsoring the world's most renowned sporting events - from the Olympics to the America's Cup - makes it the perfect partner for the race.
For the H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup 2008, OMEGA will bring into play its Co-Axial Broad Arrow 1957 Speedmaster. The Speedmaster Broad Arrow boasts the latest advances in watch technology and has been fitted with OMEGA's exclusive Calibre 3313.
At the heart of the self-winding movement is the Co-Axial escapement that considerably reduces friction in the mechanical watch movement, lessens the need for lubrication and in turn offers improved long-term reliability and accuracy. Pioneered by OMEGA in 1999, the Co-Axial escapement represents one of the most important advances in watch making and was first introduced in OMEGA's De Ville range. The column wheel chronograph mechanism of this timepiece is designed to ensure a smooth start to the sweep of the seconds hand when the chronograph is activated and precision stop and reset functions. The Speedmaster Broad Arrow has a power reserve of 52 hours, a convenient date window at 6 o'clock and has been officially certified as a chronometer by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the COSC.
The 42 mm case of the Broad Arrow is available in a variety of metals: in sumptuous 18-carat red gold, 18-carat yellow gold, a dramatic combination of stainless steel and 18-carat red gold and more traditional stainless steel. The case has been beautifully polished and brushed and the special double gaskets on the crown and chronograph pushers ensure water resistance to 100 metres/330 ft. The resilient sapphire crystal case back protects and reveals the superlative Co-Axial 3313 movement and the dial is afforded maximum resilience with a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
A novelty of the red gold, yellow gold and combination stainless steel and red gold models of the Speedmaster Broad Arrow is the OMEGA patented "screw and pin" bracelet. Changing the links of the bracelet to suit your wrist size has never been easier with OMEGA's ingenious system of discreet screws. Not only does this confer greater flexibility, it actually improves the aesthetics of the bracelet. The bracelet is fully integrated into the case forming a highly fluid, ergonomic and harmonious line that follows the contours of the wrist perfectly. Available in red gold, yellow gold and in combination red gold and stainless steel, it all fits with a matching safety clasp. The links of the bracelet are beautifully wrought and have been brushed and polished for additional texture and contrast giving this watch a unique finish. Inspired by the first solid link bracelet of the 1960's, the more traditional stainless steel version of the Speedmaster Broad Arrow is fitted with a classic stainless steel bracelet and a foldover clasp.
And for watch lovers who prefer the feel and look of a leather strap, there is a choice of a brown calfskin strap for the stainless steel model and a brown alligator strap for the yellow gold model, both with their corresponding stainless steel or yellow gold foldover clasps. The red gold watch can be customized with a black alligator leather strap with its red gold foldover clasp and the impressive stainless steel and red gold version also comes with a brown alligator strap with a stainless steel foldover clasp and OMEGA's distinctive logo in red gold.
January 9 2008
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has generously given the world's most valuable endurance race, named in his honour, a wonderful boost after adding four 4x4 vehicles to the AED 1.5million prize-money on offer.
Earlier this week, the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) announced the world's richest-ever endurance ride - the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 - with Omega as the title sponsor.
Twenty six international riders will be joined by competitors from the UAE and the rest of the region in the 160-km event which is an FEI CEI 3* event, to be held at Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.
General Manager of the DEC, Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, said: "We are indebted to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his extremely kind gesture, which is sure to make competition even more fierce for this fabulous event."
Entrance is free and enthusiasts can sample the action up close on the course as DEC will operate a fleet of 4x4 cars for desert drives. Alternatively, fans can keep in touch with the action via big screens.
There will be plenty of action off the track too with a variety of family entertainment and a jazz band that will play throughout the day.
Staff Report
Gulftimes.com Report
Abu Dhabi: Liz Taylor, one of the three British riders for Saturday's FEI CEI 3-star 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008, is hoping to bank on the experience she gained last year in the His Highness the President's Cup endurance ride.
Taylor finished 18th last year on Falaina Bint Chatanz and the British rider will once again be accompanied by the 14-year-old horse in Saturday's ride, according to a Dubai Equestrian Club press release.
"That was the first time I was ever riding on sand and it was a good experience. It was a quality field and we finished 18th and we have learnt a lot from that," said the 24-year-old.
In the President's Cup, held in February last year, Taylor and Falaina Bint Chatanz completed the 160-km ride in 8 hrs 57 mins 56 seconds with an average speed of 17.85 kmph.
"We have done about 18.5 kmph and I would be glad if we cross the 19kmph speed level and finish well," said Taylor.
Taylor, who has been riding in competitions for about 12 years, enjoys a good record with her horse.
"Falaina Bint Chatanz has been a consistent performer and we have completed 7 160-km rides together," Taylor added.
Dubai: Sophie Arnaud, the French rider who had won a team gold at the 2007 European Open Championships - despite her horse Electra being eliminated in the first loop due to lameness - is looking to make amends in Saturday's Dh1.5 million His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008.
Fully aware of the tough competition in the ride and also the 12 French riders who are in the fray, Arnaud hopes to first finish and impress the French selectors ahead of the World Endurance Championship, to be held in Malaysia later this year.
World champion partners 'family horse' in Dh1.5 million HHSM Endurance Cup 2008
Staff Report
Gulfnews.com Report
With Saturday's Dh1.5 million HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 fast approaching, most of the international riders were out with their horses doing some light training in the desert tracks in Seih Assalam.
Raid De Bozouls, the horse which 2005 World Endurance Champion Barbara Lissarrague of France will be riding on Saturday, was also out having a workout yesterday morning.
Lissarrague, the winner of the 2005 World Endurance Championship held here at the Dubai International Endurance City, was expected to arrive today, so training the horse in the meantime was her husband-cum-trainer-cum rider Christian Lissarrague.
"Raid De Bozouls has been with us for over six years now and he is more a family horse as me, my wife as well as my daughter Nina have been riding him in competitions," said Christian, as he prepares the horse to compete against some of the best riders and horses in the world.
"Raid De Bozouls has adapted well since arriving here on January 4 but we will have to wait and see how he is on the eve of the ride", said Christian.
The French horse will be one of the 26 international entries who take on a strong contingent of UAE riders in the six-loop FEI.CEI 3* ride sponsored by Omega.
"My daughter Nina, who is a junior national rider with the French team finished fifth on Raid De Bozouls in October and he is back after a good rest," added the French trainer.
Christian was however not sure whether the European riders could keep pace with the hosts.
"Races here are very fast and Barbara did very well when she won the world championship in 2005. But it is a different race and a different horse," he said.
"One thing for sure is that UAE's progress in endurance has changed the sport. There are more breeders and more horses and overall it has benefited many. The facilities here are the best in the world and with such a strong field for Saturday's ride it will be a great experience," added Christian.
"We have 12 French riders and with the World Championship to be held in Malaysia later this year, the French Equestrian Federation will be monitoring the progress of the riders and horses.
"Being an annual affair, this HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 will help in international riders to come here, participate and prepare for the big championships.
"The UAE riders will be starting off as the favourites and the French have always been at the forefront. An interesting competition is in store on Saturday and the ride will be a fast-paced one," concluded Christian.
The world's leading riders descend upon the UAE this week for the inaugural AED1.5 milllion HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 - the world's most valuable endurance event.
Omega is the title sponsor of the FEI CEI*** 160km event held at Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday, and it has attracted three of the world's top 10 riders, according to the FEI World Wide Rankings, including the second-ranked Frenchman Jack Begaud.
The ride is over six loops and starts at 6am and has enticed 26 overseas-based riders in total, as well as many of the top UAE riders.
The ride is organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), whose General Manager Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, said: "The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup is set to be one of the top sporting events taking place in the UAE, and we are indebted to the vision of His Highness for making it happen.
"Endurance has a huge profile in the UAE, where many of the best riders hail from, and it is fitting that the country hosts such a prestigious event, one which we hope will become the centerpiece of the endurance season worldwide.
"We are indebted also to Omega, our title sponsor, and are delighted that they have been rewarded with such a top-class line-up of riders. We wish everyone an enjoyable day, and wish all those taking part the best of luck."
Entrance is free and spectators can sample the action up close on the course as DEC will operate a fleet of 4x4 cars for desert drives. Alternatively, fans can keep in touch with the action via big screens.
There will be plenty of action off the track too with a variety of family entertainment and a jazz band that will play throughout the afternoon. A full field of International riders will compete in the 2008 Shk Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum cup.
Riders from France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Norway and Australia include:
Jack Begaud, Virgine Atger, Jean Philippe Frances, Sophie Arnaud, Philippe Tomas, Jean Michel Grimal, Philippe Benoit, Cecile Miletto, Larent Mosti, Elodie Le Labourier, Julie Lafaure, Barbara Lissarrague, Marianne Hahnel, Sabrina Arnold, Ander Mato Garcia, Yon Zabalua, Karin Boulanger, Anna Williams, Janice Cockley Adams, Liz Taylor, Patrizia Giacchero, Fausto Fiorucci, Gianluca Laliscia, Rui Pereira, Ellen Suhr, Meg Wade.
 World's Best Endurance Riders in UAE Gulfnews.com - Jan 7 2008 |
 Event a shot in the arm for UAE Gulfnews.com - Jan 7 2008 |
 Dubai to host world's richest ride UAEInteract.com - Jan 7 2008 |
