Taylor hopes for an improved showing

Abu Dhabi: Liz Taylor, one of the three British riders for Saturday's FEI CEI 3-star 160-km His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008, is hoping to bank on the experience she gained last year in the His Highness the President's Cup endurance ride.

Taylor finished 18th last year on Falaina Bint Chatanz and the British rider will once again be accompanied by the 14-year-old horse in Saturday's ride, according to a Dubai Equestrian Club press release.

"That was the first time I was ever riding on sand and it was a good experience. It was a quality field and we finished 18th and we have learnt a lot from that," said the 24-year-old.

In the President's Cup, held in February last year, Taylor and Falaina Bint Chatanz completed the 160-km ride in 8 hrs 57 mins 56 seconds with an average speed of 17.85 kmph.

"We have done about 18.5 kmph and I would be glad if we cross the 19kmph speed level and finish well," said Taylor.

Taylor, who has been riding in competitions for about 12 years, enjoys a good record with her horse.

"Falaina Bint Chatanz has been a consistent performer and we have completed 7 160-km rides together," Taylor added.