Suffolk, England: The largest and most impressive mass participation of riders and horses representing over 35 countries will compete for top honours in the HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival UK Endurance Masters at Euston Park on Saturday.
The Festival, which is the third and final leg of the Endurance Cup series, will feature four rides in four categories over distances of 160 km, 120 km and 80 km.
With over 600 riders set to compete in all categories, it is the biggest and most exciting endurance festival to be held in the UK.
Rider from far away Australia, Argentina and Uruguay have arrived at the Suffolk venue while hosts Great Britain have a record 80 riders ready to compete alongside some of the discipline’s finest competitors in a world class setting boasting impressive facilities and generous rider incentives.
Nick Brooks-Ward, Endurance Director at HPower Group Endurance, organisers of the event, said: “There is huge excitement ahead of this weekend’s HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival UK Endurance Masters and we are delighted to be hosting so many riders from so many countries.
“This a great showcase for the sport and it is our responsibility as organisers to put on the best quality rides possible, as ever keeping the welfare of the horse central in all we do.”
For the first time at an international competition, there will be a staggered start for the CEI1* 80km rides on Saturday and Sunday. This has full FEI and EGB approval.
This helps lower the barriers to entry for riders who are new to international competition and for young horses in what is an entry level ride.
Riders will be able to leave at any point and will have to pass through the departure gate before crossing the start line. This ensures that everybody is fully timed, there will be a formal result based upon each rider’s unique time and the winner will be awarded in the normal way, regardless of when they start.
Prize money will be awarded in accordance with the FEI Best Condition award.
This is a new trial of the starting format at CEI1* competitions, which will encourage more riders to be able compete in the CEI1* division and progress further.
The HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival UK Endurance Masters will be live-streamed and directly shareable via the Euston Park Endurance website, Facebook (@EPEndurance) and YouTube (@Euston Park Endurance).
This is the third and final leg of the HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival. The first two legs were held in Barcelona, Spain and Pisa, Italy respectively to enthusiastic response.
The final leg is being presented by Longines and sponsored by Azizi Developments.
Saturday’s schedule
(All times BST)
07:00 hrs Start CEI 3* 160 km
Countries: 11 Athletes: 61 Horses: 67
07:30hrs Start CEI 2* 120 km
Countries: 24 Athletes: 139 Horses: 155
07:45hrs Start CEIYJ 2 (120 km)
Countries: 10 Athletes: 56 Horses: 62
08:00-09:00hrs Start CEI 1 (80km)
Countries: 21 Athletes: 161 Horses: 171
