Latest news with #DubaiEquestrianClub
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE reigns at Royal Windsor as Al Mazrouei and Al Khayari lead dominant 1-2 finish
The UAE reaffirmed its global supremacy in endurance riding with a commanding performance at the prestigious Royal Windsor Endurance, where Emirati riders clinched a stunning 1-2 finish in the headline CEI3* 160km ride — the crown jewel of the event. Leading the charge was Saif Al Mazrouei, riding Bullio Quasillo for MRM Stables, who reclaimed his crown nine years after his first triumph at Windsor in 2016. Al Mazrouei's performance was a masterclass in strategy and stamina as he completed the demanding five-loop course in 7 hours, 19 minutes, and 34 seconds, averaging an impressive 21.84 km/h. Just 16 seconds behind him was compatriot Saeed Hamoud Al Khayari aboard Dragon Feuillee from M7 Endurance Stables, a past winner in 2017. Bahrain's Fahad Helal Al Khatri rounded out the podium in third on Fizz Fageole, ensuring a high-calibre regional showing at this celebrated venue. The UAE's triumph marks their seventh win in 12 editions of Royal Windsor Endurance, reinforcing their position as the most successful nation in the event's history. The competition — set against the majestic backdrop of Windsor Great Park — is part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, a fixture on the international equestrian calendar known for attracting elite global talent. Commenting on the UAE win Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, said: 'It is with immense pride and heartfelt admiration that I congratulate the UAE team on their outstanding victory at Royal Windsor Endurance. Where History Meets Glory 'This prestigious competition is steeped in history as it is held in the iconic settings of Windsor Great Park in the UK and was often witnessed by the late Queen Elizabeth II. This sport is a true test of endurance, and skill, and reveals the deep connection between horse and rider. For the UAE team to emerge victorious on this global stage is not just a testament to their athletic excellence but to their discipline, preparation, and unwavering spirit. 'This win adds another glorious chapter to the UAE's legacy in the world of international endurance riding which was built on the glories achieved by its passionate leaders like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence,' Sheikh Rashed added. 'Sheikh Mohammed won the FEI World Endurance Championship in 2012 and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed won this event in 2014 and their legacy continues through this present generation of riders that have been thoroughly inspired and supported by them.' Riding with National Pride Ahmed Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, who was also the Chef d'Equipe of the UAE team, commented: 'Our riders demonstrated not only physical endurance but also strategic brilliance and true sportsmanship. Their performance reflected the highest values of Emirati equestrian tradition — a commitment to excellence, respect for the horse, and pride in representing the nation. 'Bahrain have always been a strong contender and they challenged fiercely, but our trainers from MRM, M7 and F3 Stables had their strategy in place and their plans were perfect to make this one of the biggest wins of all time as we dominated the main event and made sure to be on the podium in the other two races as well. 'I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the trainers, veterinary teams, support staff, and everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes,' Al Kaabi added. 'Victories like these are never achieved alone and they are the result of a collective effort driven by passion and unity and we hope it serves as an inspiration to our younger riders and as a symbol of what can be achieved when preparation meets determination.' Saud Mubarak stars for Bahrain Elsewhere, Bahrain's Saud Mubarak took victory in the CEI2* 120 km ride on Geronimo Du Sauveterr, narrowly edging out UAE riders Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Bastaki and Essa Rashed Al Mazrouei, both representing M7 Endurance Stables. The CEI1* 100 km competition saw Lea Vandekerckhove of France triumph aboard Balkan Biliska AA, a horse provided by F3 Stables. Emiratis Rashid Mohammed Al Baloushi (Dorkkan De Fignols) and Manal Abdulla Al Balooshi (Bullio Charles) secured second and third, respectively. The Windsor endurance course offered a unique test through the historic Windsor Great Park, with riders navigating varied terrain and iconic landmarks such as The Copper Horse, Long Walk, and Smith's Lawn, home to elite polo. Riders began at dawn, tackling mixed terrain and changing light conditions over woodland, grass, water, and road segments.
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE contingent look to reclaim Royal Windsor Endurance honours
Some of the UAE's top endurance athletes have joined forces as part of a potent 31-rider UAE contingent that will look to reclaim the honours at Royal Windsor Endurance 2025 on Friday. The event at Windsor Great Park in the United Kingdom is an FEI competition comprising 3*, 2* and 1* rides with an international field of horses, riders, trainers, grooms and support crew. The CEI3* competition is the longest and most arduous of the three events and challenges rider-horse pairings along a 160 km course split into five phases. Meanwhile, the CEI2* and CEI1* events are four-phase 120 km and three-phase 100 km rides, respectively. The endurance competition is part of the larger Royal Windsor Horse Show. Emirati riders have won six of the 11 editions of Royal Windsor Endurance since its commencement in 2013, making the UAE the most successful nation in the history of the event with past Emirati champions including Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence, who helped the UAE defend the title in the second edition in 2014 after Rashed Mohammed Al Baloushi's victory in the inaugural event in 2013. Saif Al Mazrouei celebrated success two years later in 2016 when the event was contested as a CEI2* event over a 120 km circuit and will look to finish atop the podium once again, while Saeed Hamoud Al Khayari and Ghanim Said Al Owaisi won the 2017 and 2019 renditions before the historic 2023 iteration where the UAE won all three rides, with the honours of the main event swept up by Fares Ahmad Al Mansoori. Mazrouei, Khayari and Mansoori are part of the strong Emirati contingent that will look to stop four-time winners and defending champions Bahrain. Commenting on the event Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, said: 'It is with great pride that we announce the UAE Team's participation in Royal Windsor Endurance. Our riders have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and unity in preparing for this prestigious event and I am confident that our team will represent the country with honour and distinction, embodying the spirit of endurance, excellence, and sportsmanship at every stage of the competition. 'Thanks to the ongoing support by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the sport of endurance has made tremendous leaps both locally and internationally, with Emirati riders achieving great results and proving their abilities on all platforms. 'This competition is our chance to prove what we've trained for, to push limits, and to compete with heart. Our team is ready to rise to the challenge, make our mark and we look forward to competing with integrity and excellence.' Royal Windsor Endurance enjoys a unique setting through Windsor Great Park with riders departing at the crack of dawn to tackle routes that take competitors through stunning scenery and iconic sites including the Copper Horse, Long Walk, the Philip Jackson equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II and Smith's Lawn, known for hosting top-flight polo action. The course tests the pairings over different terrain including woodland tracks, grassland, water and roadways, as well as varying light levels through often dense tree coverage. Speaking of the UAE participation in the event, Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, who is also the Chef d'Equipe of UAE team said: 'This is a very prestigious ride internationally in which the UAE has enjoyed a lot of success.'
Emirates 24/7
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival set for 18 February
The 18th edition of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival gets underway at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Tuesday, 18 February, with the UAE's elite endurance riders expected to take on some of the world's best riders based in the country. One of the most prestigious competitions on the world endurance calendar, the festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Endurance Champion himself and one of the world's most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport. The five-day Festival comprises four rides and gets underway with the 101 km H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies sponsored by Azizi Developments on Tuesday, 18 February. The Ladies event is followed by the 101 km Private Stables competition on Wednesday, 19 February. The third event on the festival's schedule is the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, a 120 km ride that will be held on Thursday, 20 February. The festival culminates on Saturday, 22 February, with the showpiece H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, a 160km ride designed to test the skill and ability of both horse and rider. The race attracts the best horses and riders and is nothing short of a world championship level ride with competitors going all out to win the highly coveted prizes on offer. Speaking of the event, Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), said: 'The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most important and well-known competitions on the endurance calendar. We express our gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohammed for his support and vision. He is the top supporter of the sport of endurance. 'This four-race festival has grown exponentially and achieved immense success over the years and has gone from strength to strength in terms of competition between the stables and riders from various countries.' Meticulous planning and diligent detail to organisation by the Dubai Equestrian Club over the years has been instrumental in the success of the festival and Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager of DEC, is looking to put on another stellar show. 'The 18th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Festival is set to be one of the most exciting editions of this esteemed event, which carries the name of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, one of the biggest supporters of endurance in the UAE and elsewhere,' Al Kaabi said. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that this festival is remembered by fans and participants alike, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam for the four rides, including the showpiece H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup.' Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management for Emirates, sponsors of the feature event said: 'Emirates is honoured to continue our support of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, reinforcing our commitment to Dubai's horse-riding heritage and prominence as a centre for equestrian sports. This prestigious event showcases the ultimate test of horse and rider partnership, exemplifying the precision and endurance that define this noble sport. We look forward to another exceptional year of competition." F3 Stables are holders of the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup having secured victory last year through Majid Jamal Almheiri, who lifted the trophy aboard Guezla, while Argentina's Martina Spelanzon got last year's festival underway with victory in the Ladies Ride last year for M7 Endurance Stables aboard Romero. SS Stables head into the Private Stables as defending champions having celebrated success following Saeed Mohammed Al Mehairi's triumph aboard Cherifa De Flauzins, while the 2024 Gamilati Endurance Ride for Mares went to F3 Stables following Abdulla Al Amri's win on the back of El Nize Chanika. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Group of Companies, sponsors of the Ladies Ride, said: 'It is with utmost pleasure that we sponsor the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival Ladies Race for the eighth consecutive year now. 'The world's most renowned and outstandingly talented women compete in this prestigious 101-km endurance race, making it one of the most important events on the world equestrian calendar. Our strong enthusiasm for this sponsorship stems from the opportunity it gives us to bring together all those who share a passion for this exhilarating sport, which forms such a profound part of the Emirates' deeply rooted traditions and history. Serving as a contributing force to these landmark events also allows us to reinforce Dubai's reputation as the perfect destination for hosting international gatherings as high-profile as these. Established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Equestrian Club is a world leader in the sport of endurance riding and a pioneer when it comes to organizing competitions in the United Arab Emirates at its purpose-built, state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City. Its annual calendar is headlined by two globally renowned events: the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Hi Dubai
18th Edition of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival Kicks Off
Dubai's International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam will host the 18th edition of the prestigious His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival starting on Tuesday, 18 February. The five-day event will bring together the UAE's elite riders and some of the world's best endurance competitors, all vying for top honors in the sport. The festival, named after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, is one of the most significant events on the global endurance calendar. It was founded in honor of Sheikh Mohammed, a former World Endurance Champion and long-time advocate for equestrian sports. The festival begins with the 101 km H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies on 18 February, followed by the 101 km Private Stables competition on 19 February. The third event, the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, will take place on 20 February and covers a 120 km course. The event culminates on 22 February with the highly anticipated 160 km H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, one of the world's toughest tests for both horse and rider. Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, emphasized the festival's growing success, noting its importance in promoting endurance sport globally. "We express our gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering support," he said. The festival is supported by leading sponsors including Azizi Developments, Al Tayer Motors, and Emirates Airline, all helping to ensure the event's continued prominence in the global equestrian scene. News Source: Emirates News Agency
