The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the UAE team’s gold medal victory under his leadership in the World Endurance race in Kentucky, USA.
Sheikh Khalifa said: "This victory represents another honourable qualitative addition to the UAE’s achievements in the field of international sports."
Sheikh Mohammad thanked Sheikh Khalifa and said that he considers this victory an accomplishment for the UAE under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa.
UAE riders hogged the limelight in the endurance ride event at the World Equestrian Games by winning the team gold in addition to silver and bronze medals in the individual competition late on Sunday night.
Sheikh Mohammed bagged the individual silver medal and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, finished in third position to earn a bronze medal.
The victorious UAE endurance team led by Sheikh Mohammed comprised Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Mohammed riding Ciel Oriental was the cynosure of all eyes as he made a triumphant return to international competition to stretch the eventual winner Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton of Spain all the way in the gruelling 160km competition. Maria was riding Nobby.
Sheikh Hamdan astride SAS Alexis spearheaded the team along with Sheikh Majid (Kangoo D’Aurabelle) and Sheikh Rashid (Rukban Dikruhu) to beat strong contenders France and Germany. Al Muhairi (Churinga Kagebree) was the fifth member of the UAE team which dominated the race from the start.
Over 100 riders from 58 countries started in the endurance competition which is one of eight disciplines in the Games which runs until October 10 at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The others are dressage, showjumping, eventing, vaulting, reining, driving and para-equestrian dressage which involves disabled riders.
Day two of the competition was held in slightly cooler weather in the Bluegrass which were favourable for the Endurance ride which started at 7.30am local time. The six-loop courses covered 100 total miles on Kentucky Horse property as well as surrounding properties. The first horse and rider finished the course around 6.30pm.
The first medalling ceremony took place on Sunday with host United State taking gold in the Reining Team Championship with a score of 674.5. Riders included Tim McQuay, Craig Schmersal, Tom McCutcheon and Shawn Flarida.
Belgium took the silver medal with a score of 659 and Italy earned the bronze with a score of 655.5.
Results
Reining (Western horsemanship)
Final Team standings:
1. United States 674.5 pts
2. Belgium 659
3. Italy 655.50
Endurance race (160km)
Individual
1. Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton (Spain/Nobby)
2. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE/Ciel Oriental)
3. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (UAE/SAS Alexis)
4. Jean-Philippe Frances (France/Hanaba du Bois)
5. Faleh Nasser S.S. Bughenaim (Qatar/Amir)
Teams
1. United Arab Emirates
2. France
3. Germany
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