Magic performance from MRM stables and Al Mazrouei in Sheikh Mohammed Cup

Dubai: The His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival drew to a close at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Saturday with a tactically-astute performance from MRM Stables that resulted in a famous success for Saif Al Mazrouei aboard Magic Glenn Torque in the feature His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines.

One of the most prestigious competitions on the world endurance calendar, the festival was held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Endurance Champion himself and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport.

The five-day Festival, organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, comprised four rides, with the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup drawing the curtains down on a frenzied week of competition that saw Al Mazrouei claim a second title in as many rides following his success aboard Bullio Ahnu in the Gamilati Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors on Thursday.

Victory in the Gamilati was a fine achievement, but it is the 160km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup that truly tests the skill, stamina and ability of both horse and rider, with the background support of the teams crucial throughout the five-loop contest.

Al Mazrouei’s winning time was six hours 20 minutes and 31 seconds (6:20:31), while second placed Beljafla was timed at 6:20:47. Third place was claimed by Al Aasfa 2 pairing of Ali Abdulla Al Falasi and Goliath Larzac (6:20:55).