Dubai: The international riders here for the 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup were hoping the drastic dip in temperatures will help them tackle the high speeds of the UAE riders.
With overnight rain being forecast, the star riders from Europe were delighted their horse will have it comfortable in today's six-stage event.
Jack Be Gaud, who is the highest ranked rider here being placed second in the FEI list, is one of the top contenders from the 26 invited stars from Europe. The Frenchman will be riding Dais Tobias, the horse with which he finished second in the Malaysian World Championship pre-ride held late last year.
"If it rains it will be good as the sand here is not deep.
"But my horse seems to be getting nervous and during the initial stages I will just be hoping he stays put," said Begaud.
"Other than that he is perfect, does good speeds and has a good recovery rate," he said.
Italian Fausto Fiorucci said he was caught napping when the invitation came to ride in this Dh 1.5 million event.
"I just had 15 days so I am riding my friend's horse Magic Start."
UAE to dominate
"The weather now is really superb but I will not be pushing my horse and a good finish is what I am looking for," said Fausto, who won the silver medal here in the 1998 World Championship.
Barbara Lissarrague is the one to be watched after the French riders win here in the 2005 World Championship. Lissarrague, who created a record with Georgat to win the title, said she was looking at another top finish.
"The horse I am riding here (Raid De Bozouls) is not Georgat but is a good horse and I am going to try hard.
"The weather will help for sure," said the French ace.
But Meg Wade, the Australian champion felt despite the cool weather it will be difficult for the international riders.
"I still feel the UAE riders will dominate and it will be difficult to see anyone else in the top ten!"
