Dubai: Endurance GB (EGB) is in discussion with the Dubai-based Meydan Group over a package of benefits to back the sport of endurance racing in Britain throughout 2015 and beyond.

The potential partnership between Meydan and EGB would allow the latter to develop a comprehensive programme of activities that promises far-reaching and lasting benefits for EGB and its members.

The proposal includes a number of innovations to aid development of the sport in Britain, aligned to the aspirations of the FEI’s Endurance Strategic Planning Group — to “provide leadership and to drive the necessary culture change in Endurance with regard to anti-doping and horse welfare”.

A bespoke training and coaching programme would support and raise standards in the sport at all levels and include open training seminars with influential speakers to expand technical knowledge of the discipline.

Also a schedule of national and FEI officials training courses would be run to put further resource into this area, while young rider bursaries would help to develop up and coming talent by assisting those wishing to compete at national and FEI level.

In addition, the sponsorship would provide a range of support facilities to be offered at all FEI Rides in the EGB schedule, including electronic timing, veterinary treatment, venue and route logistics, ice, water and catering. Alongside this, three competitions at Euston Park would be added to the FEI calendar.

EGB Chairman John Hudson said: “We are committed to improving endurance sport at every level, in championing horse welfare and in nurturing top quality sport throughout our competition structure for Endurance GB.

“With the strong partnership of Meydan, we have been able to develop a proposal that would significantly enhance our ability to deliver against our goals and to support the implementation of the revised FEI rules in international competition.

“Our work with Meydan represents an unrivalled opportunity for EGB to develop and grow the discipline for the benefit and enjoyment of all its existing and prospective future members, and to contribute to the long-term development of the sport.”

Gabriel Hanania, spokesperson for the Meydan Group, added: “We place great value on our collaboration with Endurance GB. We are highly optimistic of the role that Meydan Group can play in aiding the development of this sport, both within our borders and abroad.

“Our partnership with EGB allows us to help secure a strong future for endurance in Great Britain.”