Dubai: Today's 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, the world's most valuable endurance ride, is heading for a fascinating tussle between the world class UAE riders and a strong contingent of international riders.
While the dip in temperatures has certainly warmed the chances of the international riders it may take more than just the friendly weather to upstage the UAE 'speed merchants' on home terrain.
Rain and hailstones was predicted for the night and the international riders, some of them world and European medal winners, expressed their happiness but some of the top UAE riders said it could result in better speeds.
Leading the UAE riders is Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Pan Arab Games and Asian Games gold medalist along with Asian Games bronze medalist Sultan Bin Sulayem.
Junior ride
"Don't be surprised at a record speed for a 160-km event," said Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, one of the UAE champion riders and known for his speed. Yousef, who has already been in top form having won two rides this season, will be on Jibbah Enog, whose 120-km record was broken earlier this season
Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, who rewrote the record books for a 120-km ride on Cupid winning in 4 hrs 32mins 46 secs will be riding Leblond. "I was in fact preparing Silver for this ride but my horse fell sick. But Leblond has also done over 26kmph while winning a junior ride this season."
Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, another top performer here in the UAE said he was trying out a new horse from South Africa. "This is the first time I am riding him and he has had a good record before coming here. I will stay in touch with the top three and then try and make a move after the fourth stage," said Ali.
Nearly 130 riders get off to a mass start in the 6-loop ride which is being held at the Dubai International Endurance City. Sponsored by Omega, the ride carries a total prize money of Dh. 1.5 million, four 4x4 vehicles and an Omega watch.
Mrs. Nayla Hayek, Member of the Swatch Group Management Board of Directors, said: "Through Omega's history in maintaining the tradition of timekeeping, we are pleased to be part of and support the time-honoured and prestigious endurance racing here in the United Arab Emirates."
While the climate is sure to help the horses, it certainly will be a huge ask of the international riders who attempt to topple the UAE stars.
