Al Beloushi's dominating display gives him another first-place finish

Abu Dhabi: Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri featured in their second successive 1-2 finish in two weeks to bag top honours in the Sorouh-sponsored - 120km UAE International Endurance Cup ride here on Saturday.

Yousuf, the champion of last season and representing the all-conquering Al Reef Stables, came up with another superb ride on Charlande El Sharif to finish ahead of the Al Wathba star Ali Khalfan.

Yousuf, who won the ride on November 24 at the Dubai International Endurance City ahead of Ali Khalfan, completed the 120-km ride in a time of 4 hours 56 minutes and 58 seconds.

The Al Reef trainer-cum-rider has almost a 100 per cent record on the 10-year-old chestnut gelding, yesterday's being his second win while the pair also completed a 240-km three-day ride before the runner failed the final vet check after finishing first.

Important ride

It was yet another dominating performance by the Al Ain-based champion as he forged ahead on the first loop and then allowed the others to gather pace and pass him before making his run in the final two stages of the five-stage ride.

"Yes, being one of the favourites has its own share of pressures. Most of the riders want to stay close to me and watch for what I do," he said after his win.

"I maintained the same speed for most part of the first four stages while the others did get ahead. Charlande is a great champion and he stayed good till the finish which helped me win today," said Yousuf, who now turns his attention towards the National Day Cup ride.

"That is an important ride and I have two horses earmarked," he added.

Ali Khalfan's second place finish for Al Wathba Stables came after young stable-mate, Abdullah Rashid Mohammad Saeed Al Naqbi, rode Leblond to a smart win in the 100km ride for Juniors and Young Riders.

Results

Surouh-sponsored - 120 km UAE International Endurance Cup

(top five):

1. Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi (Charlande El Sharif) 4 hrs 56mins 58 secs;

2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (SB Silver Choice) 5:01:49;

3. Majid Mohammad Salam Al Sabri (Manana Travis) 5:16:56;

4. Hassan Bin Ali (Nassat) 5:21.33;

5. Ahmad Salim Al Beloushi (Silversprings Kabir Arwa) 5:21.38.

Surouh-sponsored - 100 km UAE International Endurance Cup for Juniors

(top five):

1. Abdullah Rashid Al Naqbi (Leblond) 3:49.52;

2.Kimberley Dean -GBR-(Karabil Wyoonah) 4:32.09;