Suffolk: UAE riders made a clean sweep of the four classes at the first Euston Park Endurance Rides, sponsored by Emirates Airline, which took place in stunning weather conditions in Suffolk, England.
Contests were held in four categories — CEI3* 160km, CEI2* 120km, CEIYJ2* 120km and CEI1* 80Km — on the Euston Park Estate and surrounding land.
All the winning horses represented the MRM Stables and were trained by Esmail Mohammad Al Jeziri.
“We started our European season last week at Royal Windsor Endurance but this was our first three star ride and it’s just amazing,” said Al Jeziri. “The horses finished in great condition and it looks very positive for the season ahead.”
While UAE riders stole the show, host Great Britain was also well represented.
One notable British finisher was Nikki Brown, 21, from North Yorkshire, who finished third in the CEIJYR2* on her pony Tinkerbell’s Image, a rescue pony who she and her mother have trained.
It was their first 120Km ride, and Nikki was overwhelmed with her result.
“I can’t believe I did 120km. It’s a long way,” she said. “But it’s been an amazing day, and worth the journey to get here. I am so surprised I can’t quite believe we did it.”
In order to maximise horse welfare and responsible riding, the prize fund was, as always, awarded based on FEI’s Best Condition Awards [Article 822] and up to a maximum of five riders.
In a first for Euston Park Endurance, the day’s action was live-streamed on the website and event Facebook page.
Nick Brooks-Ward, Endurance Director at HPower Group Endurance, said: “It was a fabulous start to our ride season today and I am so grateful to our ground staff for the incredible work they’ve put in over the last few months. We had extremely heavy rain in the days before the ride but given the long period of dry weather we’d had in the lead-up we ended up with really good going.
“I’m grateful to all our competitors, their teams and the officials and volunteers. And to our sponsor, Emirates Airline.”
Endurance GB also trialled its Good Horsemanship Award, scoring horses against a series of criteria.
The winners at Euston Park were Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi (UAE) in the CEIJYR2* and Saif Ahmad Al Mazroui (UAE) in the CEI3*.
Results
CEI1* 80km — Ali Mubarak Salem Mohd Bin Allooba (UAE) riding Al Hedjaz Bhagwan Time: 03:45:09
CEI2* 120km — Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi (UAE) JQ Safi Safra. Time: 04:50:11.
CEIJYR2* 120km — Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi (UAE) Zo Go Dayr. Time: 05:32:25.
CEI3* 160km —Saif Ahmad Al Mazroui (UAE) Preume de Paute. Time: 07:59:04.
Best Condition Award winners:
CEI1* 80km — ANKOR DA (Mohammad Obaid Rashed Al Kaabi/ UAE)
CEI2* 120km — ZULO (Mohammad Ahmad Mohd Ghanim Al Marri/ UAE)
CEIJYR2* 120km — ZO GO DAYR (Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi/ UAE)
CEI3* 160km — SIAM DU BARTHAS (Hamad Obaid Rashed Al Kaabi/ UAE)
