Young Hammadi comes out triumphant

Fourteen-year old Ahmed Mohammed Eisa Bani Hammadi, riding Kuranda, became the first winner at the new Bu Deeb Endurance Village here yesterday.

The young rider from Al Reef Stables in fact finished third in the 83-km Bu Deeb Endurance Trophy Ride for juniors between 12-18 years, but with the first two horses being eliminated, Kuranda passed the final vet check and ensured Ahmed stood first on the podium.

Earlier in the morning, 42 riders started in the newest addition to the UAE's impressive list of endurance facilities. Patronised by Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Du Deeb Endurance Village is nicely tucked away in the desert near the Zayed Military City about 80 kms from the capital.

Sheikh Sultan said he was heartened to see so many junior riders taking part in the event. "Despite the slight rise in temperature, today's ride went off very smoothly and the new village looks set to become an important endurance point in the UAE," said Sheikh Sultan after touring the facilities and going on the trail itself.

"Today's successful hosting of the junior ride has shown the new venue to be of international standard and in the coming season we expect some top rides to be held here," said Sheikh Sultan, whose two sons, Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan, are among the top junior riders in the UAE.

Both have represented the UAE in the junior World Championship and have won quite a few rides on the domestic circuit.

Earlier Hussain Ali Mohd. Yusuf Marzouqi on Misty Reyn and Othman Ahmed Al Bloushi on Cedardell Beau Zam, who started off as leaders in the final loop kept a fast pace and finished first and second.

But unfortunately for the top two finishers, Misty Reyn was out due to metabolic reasons while Cedardell Beau Zam was eliminated due to lameness.

Ahmed Mohammed on Kuranda finished third over ten minutes behind the first two but his steady pace ensured his horse cleared the final vet check to emerge winner for the first time. "I have been riding since I was 10 and have completed a couple of qualifier rides, but have never finished in a competition.

"This is my first finish and I am happy to have won the trophy too," said the Al Reef youngster.

"We receive a lot of support from Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and my trainer Abdulla Hammadi also helped me on how to pace my horse," said the young winner. Theyab Ghanem Al Hajeri riding Al-Marek finished second in 3:51.59 while Hamad Rashed Al Kayoumi on Lengua Negra finished third.

Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Hussein Mohammed Hussein, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, and Mohammed Rashid bin Ghedair of Emirates International Endurance Racing, Dubai attended the prize distribution ceremony and gave away the prizes.

Results

83-km Bu Deeb Endurance Trophy ride:
1. Ahmed Mohd. Eisa Bani Hammadi (Kuranda) 3hrs 45 mins 40 secs;
2. Theyab Ghanem Al Hajeri (Al-Marek) 3:51.59;
3. Hamad Rashed Al Kayoumi (Lengua Negra) 4:07.03;
4. Dhahi Abdulla Khamis Al Dhahi (Le Fleur) 4:07.18;
5. Sultan Sameer Saleh Al Humairi (Caterina NVC) 4:08.10;
6. Ahmed Rashid Ali Ghareeb Alabri (Carina NVC) 4:09.11;
7. Ahmed Ali Amer Omer (Vipper HEE) 4:16.04.