UAE riders top in Endurance Cup
Euston — The HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival UK Endurance Masters got off to a flying start, with UAE riders taking top honours in three out of four rides on Day 1 at Euston Park.
In the 160km CEI 3* event, UAE rider Al Ketbi and his mount Kilim De Jansavis finished as champions. Al Ketbi started slowly, falling to 12th position in the second loop, but the pair was able to gradually make their way up the field to take top spot.
Speaking late he admitted he didn’t really believe he had a serious chance of winning. “It was a very good race and long and hard, and the weather was changing, it was sunny and raining at times. To be honest since I started the race this morning, I didn’t think I had much of a chance to win, but this is
3
chalkedUAE riders,out victoriesout of four on
the opening day
luck, and I like the horse, this is his first 160 km race, he is seven years old and he is a champion horse.
“We are not used to the cold conditions here we are Arabs, but it was a very good race. This is my first time winning here at Euston Park, and winning a 160km ride as well.”
In the 120 km CEI 2* ride, the UAE riders were dominant, for a 1, 2, 3 finish.
Saeed Ahmad Al Harbi aboard Aspenview Amir took the top spot, while Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri came in second aboard Castlebar Jumeirah and Mohd Ahmad Mohd Ghanim al Marri came in third with his mount Fagor.
Speaking later Al Harbi said “The UAE finished first second third, but it was a hard race because of the rain. I feel grateful that we won, and the horse is feeling good. The course was a bit hard, especially the first loop. “
In the 80km CEI 1* event Annelie Erikkson of Sweden finished first, while the UAE grabbed the remaining two spots on the podium through Ali Abdulrahman Al Zarooni aboard Alaurza and Hassan Salman Al Sabri riding Ursula De Plouvorn.
Speaking later Al Zarooni said “I am happy because I finished second, and it was a good race. The course was good, and the horse was very good, she finished with a gallop. My next ride will be in Dubai.”
With over 600 horse-rider pairings from across the world expected to compete over the weekend, as part of the HH Endurance Cup Festival UK Endurance Masters, the festival is one of the largest endurance events ever in Europe.
This is the third and final leg of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival. The first two legs were held in Barcelona, Spain and Pisa, Italy respectively to enthusiastic response.