Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, leads a strong squad of endurance riders rated as favourites in the 160km endurance event at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.
Shaikh Mohammad, who is returning to the world competition, is a former European Open champion. He has led the UAE to many international team victories — both in the European championship as well as other regional events.
Shaikh Mohammad was expected to ride Acadienne in the six-stage 100-mile event yesterday. He was to be joined by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture; Shaikh Rashid Bin Dalmook, and Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi.
Individual pursuit
While four of the UAE riders will form the UAE team and the three best timings will count for the team event, all five UAE riders will take a shot at the individual gold. The UAE's Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum won the World Equestrian Games (WEG) endurance gold in Jerez, Spain in 2002.
While Shaikh Hamdan will choose between Karabil Kaiya Hai or Sas Alexi as both horses have qualified, Shaikh Majid will be on Kangoo d'Aurabelle, Shaikh Rashid Dalmouk on Rukban Dikrubu and Ali Muhairi on Macquarie Park Sedition.
Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Khandela Des Vialette leads a strong Bahraini side while France and Spain are the other teams that are expected to pose a strong challenge to the UAE riders.
Dubai's Maria Alvarez Ponton, the reigning world and European champion and representing Spain, will again make a strong bid to win the Kentucky event and will be riding Nobby — her partner in both the earlier international successes.
France will also be starting as title contenders with 2000 world silver medallist Cecille Milleto making a comeback and along with Virginie Atger and Jean-Philippe Frances — both European and world medal winners — forming a strong trio.
Thirty countries will be vying for medal honours in the endurance event which is one of the eight disciplines in the WEG.
