Bahrain looking to improve on team silver won at European Open

Terengganu, Malaysia: Bahrain, the second most successful country in the region after the UAE in endurance sport, is determined to improve on the team silver they won at last year's European Open Championship.

Plotting their bid for success in Terengganu is French ace Cecile Milleto, the winner of the individual silver medal at the 2000 World Endurance Championship in Compiegne in France

Cecile is the trainer for all six Bahrain horses and she said she was looking for a good result.

"The horses arrived ten days ago and have adapted well here.

"It is the humidity that is a worry," said the French champion who is assisted by her husband in the training programme.

The French have always been the toughest to beat in team competition and Cecile was hoping to pass on some of the tactics and is hoping they will work.

Talented

She said: "The Bahraini riders are very talented and I am confident that we can do well.

"A medal in the team event is what we are aiming at.

"The UAE and France are the ones to beat in the team event. I strongly feel Bahrain has a chance.

They won the team event in Portugal where all the top teams were participating," said Cecile, who also had a stint as endurance trainer with some UAE horses.