Hamdan, Ahmed very good riders, says Mohammed

"They had saved these horses for today's event," said General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, commenting on the brilliant 1-2 finish by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Muneef and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Southern Exposure in the FEI-UAE World Cup Endurance ride.

"They are very good riders and more importantly they understand what horsemanship is all about. I had ridden Muneef to third place in Al Wathba after which he has been rested for this event," Sheikh Mohammed said.

Commenting on his pulling out his horse just before completion of the third loop, Sheikh Mohammed said, "I always care for the horse's welfare. I found him having some trouble and I decided to pull out. I know how it feels if you are not OK," he added.

The winner, Sheikh Hamdan said yesterday's ride was quite fast. "The weather was also very hot. But we could succeed because we train horses to cope with this kind of speed and also in this type of heat."

"Though I went ahead with about four kilometres left I was sure of victory only after I crossed the line," added the reigning world junior champion.

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, one of the favourites who completed the ride but his horse was lame said his younger brothers' fine performance was due to his father Sheikh Mohammed's guidance.

"Sheikh Hamdan has been doing extremely since winning the World Junior Championship. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is also an up and coming rider a like us," Sheikh Rashid, the reigning European Open champion said.

Ismaeel Mohammed, trainer of the first three horses at yesterday's prestigious event said he was expecting a good performance from Muneef. "We went into yesterday's ride fully prepared and I am happy with the results," said Ismaeel. "We will now concentrate on the World Championship in Spain."