Hamdan rides to glory in Giants Endurance Challenge

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai finished third in the 120km Giants Endurance Challenge (Round One) which was won by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai here on Saturday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Shaikh Mohammad, who was making his first appearance in an endurance event since he won the silver medal and inspired the UAE to a team gold in the World Equestrian Games, was on Dourmane, a 10-year-old mare during the 120km ride which was run in five stages.

Leader

Shaikh Hamdan, member of the UAE team which won the gold at the WEG in Kentucky, won the ride in 4 hours 33 minutes and 12 seconds to lead the three-round challenge. Shaikh Hamdan was on nine-year-old Naif and finished ahead of Rashed Ali Yunis on Kumait with Shaikh Mohammad third on Dourmane.

Shaikh Juma Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum, silver medal winner in shooting at the recent Asian Games and member of the UAE gold medal winning team at the World Equestrian Games, rode on Don Sala while Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Statesman Of Chevaux, Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Al Truk, Spain's European Open medal winner Jaume Punti Dachs on Chapin Endurance, who also took part in the Giants ride, were eliminated at various stages of the 120km event.

In the National Day Cup ride, an open event, Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi did the Al Reef Stables proud by winning the prestigious event for the second successive year. Sultan was on Marlicia Walter, a 11-year-old grey gelding and together, they completed the 120km distance in a time of 4hrs 18 mins and 8secs. Last year, Sultan had won this ride on Elphine Silvermoon. Ahmad Mohammad Yafour Al Sabusi on Madji Du Pont and Yahya Sughayer Al Ajtebi on Betshouf took the second and third place in National Day Cup ride.