Equestrianism runs in our blood: Mohammed

"There are no secrets behind our success. Equestrianism runs in Arabs' blood. Our culture and heritage play a vital role in this arena. We are the sons of this heritage and so it comes to us naturally," said General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, when a British journalist asked him about the secret behind his success and also that of his sons'.

Addressing a press conference at the Endurance Village in Perugia, Italy on Saturday, after leading the UAE to their second Team Gold in the European Open Endurance Championship, Sheikh Mohammed said that horses run in the blood of Arabs indicating the historical connection of horses with the lives of Arabs.

According to a press release from the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Sheikh Mohammed also said that Endurance rides had reached a high international status and attracted a huge fan following. The move towards making endurance an Olympic sport was also gathering pace," he added.

Elaborating on his role as a rider in the event, Sheikh Mohammed said "We are all here to learn. Since we will be competing with professionals, we can learn a lot from them. The championship is a chance for every rider who wants to develop his riding skills."

Several media and television journalists from Italy, Europe and America were present at the well-attended press conference after the UAE riders won the individual as well as the team gold in the Open category of the 160-km European Endurance Championship on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Provocative, owned by Sheikh Mohammed and ridden by Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum to first place, was adjudged the Best Conditioned Horse yesterday.

Earlier, Dr. Bo Helander, Secretary General of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), while introducing Sheikh Mohammed, praised him for his continuous support to equestrian events in general and endurance in particular. He also congratulated him for winning one of the three most important endurance events in the world.

Sheikh Mohammed thanked the organisers and all those involved in the championship. He praised the Italians for their 'athletic spirit' which helped the event turn out to be highly successful.

Meanwhile, Fuasto Fiorucci, who did the hosts proud by finishing overall third behind Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, said he was truly elated.

"This win is big for me as there was a question whether the championship would ever take place because of the tragedy in America.

"I am very happy that it did take place. Sport can help heal problems in the world," said Fiorucci, who rode the same horse that finished second in the World Endurance Championship held in the UAE in 1998.