Hamdan leads UAE challenge today

Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, heads a strong UAE field at today's second running of the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City.

The FEI CEI*** 160km ride, to be held over six loops from 6am today, is being organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club with sponsorship from Omega for the second year.

The ride has attracted a strong field of riders from all over the world, with the UAE squad led by Shaikh Hamdan the favourite to win the title.

Competing alongside Shaikh Hamdan will be Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sultan Bin Sulayem, defending champion and world record holder Omair Hussain Al Baloushi, riding Charlendre El Sharif, last year's runner-up Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Leblond from the Al Wathba Stables and last year's third-placed rider Mohammad Rashid Al Subosi, riding Genio II for Fazaa Endurance Stable.

Other riders such as Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subosi, Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi and Ali Khalfan Al Johairi are also expected to pose a strong challenge.

The ride holds an additional significance as it is the first 160km race of the season and the UAE.