Terengganu: Winning a gold medal in the World Endurance Championship with the UAE team in his very first appearance in his country's colours, Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim is still on cloud nine.
After the triumphant UAE team led by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, returned home after winning the team gold and an individual bronze medal, Bin Huzaim was elated after receiving the gold medal for being a member of the winning quartet.
Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Mohammad Ahmad Ali Subose and Bin Huzaim took the team gold while Sultan Bin Sulayem won the bronze in the individual event.
"I still cannot believe this. I am so happy and am waiting to go back to celebrate with my friends," said 25-year-old Bin Huzaim who finished seventh behind Shaikh Majid, Ali Subose and Bin Shafya in that order to clinch the gold.
"I was a bit tense and nervous before the start. It was my first ride in the UAE team and being a world championship I knew I could not let my country down. After being named as a team member the responsibility was greater," he said.
"But once the ride started it was OK and I just stayed focused. However, the second loop was very challenging," said Bin Huzaim who rode Castlebar Kadeen.
"In the end it was a fantastic feeling, to be a world champion," said the Emirati, who is a rider at the Al Aasfa Stables.
"While the UAE received the loudest of cheers as five of their horses finished in the top seven in one of the toughest rides, Maria Alvarez Ponton, the Dubai-based winner of the gold medal received another accolade. Her horse Nobby was declared Best Conditioned Horse.
