Al Marri wins inaugural running of the Festival of the Horse

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was on hand on Friday to witness the inaugural running of the Festival of the Horse, a new equestrian event devised by his daughter, Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

A huge crowd turned out at Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC) to soak up the festival atmosphere and witness high-class competitions in the separate Olympic disciplines of showjumping, cross country and dressage.

The show, the first of its kind in the UAE, was designed by Sheikha Maryam to pave the way for an annual, international event.

It is hoped that the event will grow to become a fixture on the international calendar, attracting the best riders in the world in each discipline.

“I have created this event as an introduction to something that will grow to be a world-wide championship,” said Sheikha Maryam, who has pledged to follow in the footsteps of her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has long nurtured the development of equestrian sports in the emirate.

“This is the opportunity for our society to be a part of this Festival. The successful staging of an event of this nature reflects the modern face of our growing city. I am determined that this Festival will expand, grow and progress with constant development and improvement.”

A showjumping class for young riders was included in the programme in order to encourage grass roots development in the sport.

Sheikha Maryam, who competes in endurance riding, said she wanted to give horsemen and women in the UAE a goal to aim towards every year.

“This competition is taking place to support all the people who have the desire and passion to compete and improve, as well as to encourage and inspire the younger generation and those who have not had the chance to be involved in this sport,” she said.

“Hopefully this will fulfill their dreams and create new challenges in Dubai. Our goal is to get the competitors to compete at the highest levels and to the finest international standards.”

Sheikha Maryam said her inspiration for the show came from the example set by her father.

“I cannot go on before expressing my gratefulness to my father who has always been my biggest inspiration. I feel hugely honored to benefit from his constant guidance and advice,” she said.
“I have learned a lot through the years by following in my father’s footsteps. I always fall short of words to express my appreciation to my father for his continuous support and constant guidance.

“My father has created high standards in the equestrian field, which can only be achieved with determination and the will to keep going until you have succeeded.

“He never fails to encourage those who take part in this sport and is fully aware of its links to our culture and heritage.

“My father also believes that equestrian sport brings courage and determination to those who are willing to take part. His Highness has carefully ensured that the growth of equestrian sport in Dubai continues to develop his vision to preserve traditions, get people involved, nurture the sport and raise performance to the highest standards.”

The main showjumping class was won by EEC’s Abdulla Al Marri, an international rider, who has competed under the UAE’s flag all over the world. Al Marri, riding Alaska, claimed victory over Arif Ahmed on Tjo O Tjim and third-placed Salem Khamis Al Suwaidi on Feline S.

“Honestly it feels like I have just won the first Dubai World Cup,” said Al Marri. “From small beginnings the Dubai World Cup has grown to become one of the most important race days in the world, and this show could follow in the same footsteps.

“We have started here today and who knows where it will go from here? I want to thank Sheikha Maryam on behalf of all the competitors for the opportunity we have had today.

Tracy Wyngard-Gill, another EEC rider, won the dressage event on Erkan with a score of 70.6 per cent, while Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club’s Susanna Foustok and Tristan claimed second with 69.44 per cent. Christina Calin Thompson from Reem Al Abbar Stable was third with 67.69 per cent.

“Dressage is a growing sport in the UAE,” said Wyngard-Gill. “This show, and the exposure that it will bring in the future, could really give dressage a big boost in this country.

“The more people that compete at dressage the better and if we get international riders coming into the country that will only help increase the level still further.”

The opening cross country class was won by Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club’s Mohammed Al Nakhi on Pikanjo, while the Pony Club showjumping class went to Abigail Mason and Pepsi from EEC.

As part of the Meydan Group, Emirates Equestrian Centre is overseen by Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), a body which serves to organise and host quality equestrian sports for the people of Dubai and the UAE in the disciplines of endurance, dressage, showjumping and eventing.

The watching crowds took advantage of the free catering and family activities as well as a free raffle which saw members of the public win prizes including ipads, mobile phones and televisions.
 

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