Over 100 riders for final event in Al Wathba

Abu Dhabi: Friday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 120-km endurance ride has attracted over 100 riders and will bring the curtain down on the 2007-08 endurance season here at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Sponsorship

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said that apart from the 120-km Open ride a Qualifier Ride will also be held.

"There will be a total prize money of Dh400,000 and a four-wheel drive car for the top finishers in the event. So far we have around 120 entries and we expect some more," said Adnan.

Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, Racing Manager for Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance, said most of the top riders will be in the fray. A leading trainer and endurance rider, Al Muhairi said, "Quite a few horses will; be there and though this is the last ride we expect some top competition." Shaikh Hamdan has sponsored six endurance events this season including two for riders and owners from small stables.

"This year apart from the sponsorship by Shaikh Hamdan we have had some good results and we hope to continue in this manner," said Al Muhairi.

Tasweeq Managing Director Lara Sawaya said that under instructions from Shaikh Hamdan an amount of Dh 40,000 has been earmarked for free raffles. "In order to promote the sport we will be raffling away 1000 tickets on a first-come-first basis to the spectators," said Lara.