Yunus wins as top riders stay away

Former Indian armyman Yunus Ali Khan rode Whyneemah to victory in the Dubai Shopping Festival 100-kilometre CEIB ride at the Federation's Endurance Village in Seih Assalem here yesterday.
In a ride which was skipped by most of the top riders, Yunus Ali Khan and young Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum were involved in a two-man struggle for supremacy. Riding Whyneemah Jarrik, an eight-year-old grey gelding owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Yunus finished first in all the four stages though the final difference between him and Sheikh Majid was just 62 seconds.

Yunus, who visited UAE as a polo player in an army team, later joined the Al Aweer Stables as a foreman and this has been his sixth ride in his first year as an endurance rider here.  Yunus had earlier finished second in the season's third ride, the Al Wathba Cup apart from finishing fifth and 12th in two other rides this season. "This success is purely due to the team work at the stables and I thank Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum for his constant support," said the 38-year-old Yunus who during his service with the Indian army has been a polo player for six years.

Young Sheikh Majid, who made his debut this year in the junior level, once again came up with a fine display to stay in second place throughout the ride and finish second. Osama Ahmed Al Shafar's horse Cearadale Legend finished third but could not clear the final vet check and was eliminated. Another consistent performer Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi finished third. Earlier in the morning 54 riders started the 100-km ride run over four stages.

The ride was sponsored by Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Maktoum and was open only to Pure-bred Arabian horses. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of  Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry and Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister,  attended the ride.

Provisional results (First ten)

1. Yunus Ali Khan -India-(Whyneemah Jarrik) 4hrs 03mins 29secs; 2. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (Kynnam Park Arb) 4:04:27; 3. Ali Mohd. Al Muhairi(Alibi Troy) 4:09:00; 4. Abdullah Saeed bin Huzaim (Dalmael Lodge Taj Ahaan) 4:11:50; 5. Mohd. Saif Al Mazrooei (Balmach) 4:16:41; 6. Buthi Saif (Vert D Eau) 4:16:42; 7. Hassan bin Ali (Vercors) 4:18:20; 8. Allison Jane Buckley-Great Britain- (Nassajif) 4:34:25; 9. Sonia Le Hecho-France-(Damein) 4:42:33; 10. Khalifa Salem Al Foura (Te Auri Mystify) 4:43:56.