Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup tops four-day festival
Photo dubai — The 160km Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup ride on Friday will be the highlight of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival.
Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup, a keenly anticipated ride on the international endurance calendar is an annual tribute to the vast impact His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has had on the sport of endurance riding and global equestrian sport.
His vision and passion for the sport have combined to take endurance riding to new heights in the region and worldwide.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is a multiple winner of the Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup.
The most recent running was won by Saif Al Mazrouei atop Nopoli Del Ma, staving off the challenge from an impressive 360 competitors from 44 countries, including former world and European champions.
Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, general manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said: “This Festival began as a single race of great significance, the Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup, and has now extended to four prestigious competitions underlining it as the main focus of the UAE endurance season.”
“The four-day festival of rides is a small effort to pay tribute to the vision, leadership and deep commitment of Sheikh Mohammed towards the sport of endurance riding.
“A former World Champion himself, Sheikh Mohammed has steered the endeavour to grow the sport locally and on the international stage, leading by example both as a patron as well as a competitor,” he added.
“We look forward to showcasing local talent and world-class endurance athletes, while highlighting the growth in the region and encouraging greater participation and improved performance internationally. Horse welfare is central to all our events, and we have in place world class veterinary facilities and staff on duty to ensure completion of all compulsory checks and due diligence in keeping with internationally stipulated standards,” said Al Adhab.