Abu Dhabi: Talented UAE teenager Abdulla Ganem Al Merri edged out Mohammad Al Abbar by just one second in a nail-biting finish to the 120km National Day Cup at the Emirates International Village in Al Wathba on Saturday.

Representing Fazza 3 Stables, the 19-year-old rider recovered from seventh place at the start of the 16km final loop, to cross the finish line first in a time of 4 hours, 10 minutes and 39 seconds.

Saeed Jaber Al Harbi on JQ Safi Safra completed a 1-2-3 sweep by the UAE riders while Argentinian hopeful Martina Spelanzon finished fourth.

Al Merri, who is fast making a name for himself in the sport, averaged a speed of 28.72 kmph aboard the ten-year-old Arabian stallion Quran El Ulm.

The event was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affaires, Shaikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Advisor to His Highness The President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The top 11 finishers drove away the 4WD vehicles that were gifted by the Emirates International Endurance Village.

The National Day Cup was held under the banner of the HH Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Inernational Horse Racing Feastial and attracted a field of 164 riders representing the UAE, Gulf states, Europe and Latin America.

Following his previous wins in UAE, UK and France, Al Merri said winning the National Day Cup is very special for him and dedicated his success to Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Hamdan.

“I have followed the plan of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who was supervising my progress in the race,” he said. “I rode my horse patiently and settled in the middle of the field,” said the winner who was only in 36th place after three of the five loops.

“Quran El Ulm is a good horse and I was confident of winning when I saw my horse showing his stamina in the final two loops.

“He picked up very impressively and travelled well to put his head in front on the line.”

Adnan Sultan, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club congratulated their Highnesses the Shaikhs on the successful staging of the endurance race noting that the ideal weather conditions was very helpful for the riders and the horses as well.

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the Shaikh Mansoor Festival, and Chairman of the IFHRA’s Ladies Racing & Apprentice Racing Committee commented: “The presence of Their Highnesses the Shaikhs have added great value to the race as the UAE celebrates the 43rd Anniversary of the National Day.

“The participation of 164 riders proved once again that endurance races are fast growing thanks to the support and motivation of HH Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”