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Dubai to host world's richest ride
The Dubai Equestrian Club unveiled the world's richest-ever endurance ride, to be held on January 12.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:29 January 7, 2008
- From left: Iain Cockley Adams, Anna Williams, Liz Taylor, Saeed Al Tayer, Sophie Arnaud and Ali Moosa Al Khamiri at the press conference in Dubai.
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
Dubai: The Dubai Equestrian Club on Sunday unveiled the world's richest-ever endurance ride - the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 - to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City on January 12.
Addressing the press here at the Madinat Jumeirah, Saeed Al Tayer, vice-president of DEC, said 26 riders from all over the world have been invited for the Dh4 million ride with Omega as the title sponsor.
"Omega has been involved in various equestrian events in the past and when they were sounded about this ride they were willing to support it," said Al Tayer.
The January 12 ride is a FEI CEI three-star 160km event and will be run in six loops of 32kms, 32kms, 28kms, 28kms, 21kms and 19 kms.
"The international riders and horses have been invited based on their current form and FEI ranking. The UAE riders list is still getting finalised and we expect a strong line-up for the championship which will be an annual affair," said Al Tayer.
The 1.5 million cash prize will be distributed among the top 25 riders with the winner going home richer by Dh250,000.
Live action
"Apart from world class action on the tracks, a big screen will beam live the action at the ride venue while www.dubaiendurancecity.com will carry results live online. Entertainment for the family on the sidelines includes bouncy castles, clowns, stilt walkers, clowns, henna faces painters and a jazz band," added Al Tayer.
Sophie Arnaud, one of the top riders from France, spoke of the difficult challenge the international riders are bound to face. "It is a high class event and will not be easy for us. Though our horses have been here for a while they are yet to acclimatise," said the French rider.
Anne Williams of Great Britain said she was simple amazed with the facilities here. "This event will become hugely popular in the future. Riders from Europe and elsewhere will be looking to perform well to earn an invite for this ride. I am looking forward to the competition," said Williams who will be on Hs Saboteur for the 160km event.
Back after long lay-off
Silver medallist at the 2000 World Championship held in Compiegne, France, Cecile Miletto is back after a long lay-off. "I used to take part in rides in France and also took a break to have a baby. Now I am ready though the high speeds here will be a problem," said Cecile.
Iain Cockley Adams, whose wife Janice will be riding the consistent-performer Khadidja Du Port said the January 12 ride will be a huge step up in class for their horse. "This is our first trip here and it is a major challenge. Khadidja completed in 4 160km events in 2007 and we are hoping for another good show," said Adams.
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