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Munthar wins season's first race
Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi wins the 100-km Boutheib Endurance Challenge for Junior & Young Riders in Abu Dhabi.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 22:58 November 1, 2008
- Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi riden by Carallio finishing the white loop for the 100km Boutheib endurance challenge.
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Al Reef Stables sent out the first winner of the 2008-09 endurance season as Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi claimed victory in the 100-km Boutheib Endurance Challenge for Junior & Young Riders here on Saturday.
Riding Carallio, an 11-year-old horse trained by his elder brother Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi, Munthar scored his first career win completing the 100km ride in three hours 46 minutes and 51 seconds.
Munthar used to ride horses at the Al W'rsan Stables and shifted to the Al Ain base of Al Reef Stables. His horse Carallio was coming back after a long layoff due to injury.
"I was a bit tired toward the end of the race," said Munthar.
Despite winning the race, Munthar was not the first to cross the finish line.
He was passed by Al Wathba's Abdullah Rashid Al Naqbi on EO Jaras on the final stretch.
But the terrific pace to finish first took its toll and EO Jaras failed to clear the final vet check resulting in Munthar being promoted to first place.
It was Argentina's Sabrina Mendiz who set the early pace and led over the first two loops in this four lap race which kick started the UAE's endurance season.
Takes lead
But Munthar forged ahead after the third loop during which stage the Argentine pulled out leaving the two UAE youngsters to battle it out.
Munthar had a two minute lead and paced himself well while the extra effort that Abdullah had to apply saw his horse get eliminated.
"It was a very exciting race and my horse was very good. I was really tired towards the end of the final loop," said Munthar.
Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi said it was a third win for Carallio who was getting back to competition after a long lay-off due to a knee injury.
"He has won two 120km rides including one in a night competition and he was in superb form today. I am happier because Carallio is back to winning ways," said the trainer and rider who was one of the top riders last season.
Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum on Propadollah Bailey finished second more than 21 minutes behind the winner while Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose on Woodbourne Carson was third.
Results
100km Boutheib Endurance Challenge for Junior & Young Riders:
1. Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi (Carallio) 3 hrs 46 mins 51 secs
2. Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum (Propadollah Bailey) 4:07.22
3. Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose (Woodbourne Carson) 4:24.11
4. Aliya Ali Mohammad Yousuf Al Marzouki (Reesville Saban) 4:32.15
5. Osama Ismael M. Haidar Ali (Worthalook) 4:47.05
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