HH Sheikh Mohammed, HH Sheikh Mansoor congratulate riders
Veronica Simula, Winner
26 November 2016, Abu Dhabu, UAE ~ Italian riders dominated with a first and third place finish in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup, a Two-star FEI 120-km event held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26 November 2016.
Veronica Simula riding the 13-year-old grey Arabian mare Poets Corner Zsa Zsa won the 4-stage 120-km ride in a time of four hours 29 minutes and 10 seconds.
HH Sheikh Mansoor with Veronica Simula and 2nd Nesreen Khasro Ali Khaled
In a tight finish Simula edged ahead of Nesreen Khasro Ali Khaled on the cross-bred Andariego, a mere three seconds separating the two while in third place was another Italian, Guilia Vigevani on the part-bred Arabian, Ankara. All three lady riders were given the keys to a 4WD each for their winning performance.
The ladies ride welcomed many international riders which finished 38, the last riding for the USA, Khadeejah Imani Sani on the bay Arabian Volvik Eldrocol in a ride time of 07:20:25.
“I’m delighted to be crowned with this prestigious trophy for the first time in my career. It was a tough and grueling race in all of its stages and it is a pleasure to win the title for the Al Jazira Stables,” Simula, the winner of the ladies ride said.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with riders
The ride was attended by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and many VIPs.
Speaking to the media HH Sheikh Mansoor said, “It was a fast and strong race. The competition is going to get tougher in the upcoming races. All these events are intended to prepare the riders for the big rides like the HH the President’s Cup and the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Cup.
“The riders did a very good job and they have strictly observed the rules and regulations. It is now an international event and more commitment to the international rules will be required to progress further in this regard.”
Dr. Abdulla Al Rais, Director General of the National Archives, Major Gen Dr. Ahmed Nasir Al Raisi, President of the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), Mr. Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the Int’l Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) along with other sponsors’ representatives gave away the trophies and prizes to the winners.
On the course at Al Wathba
The FEI CEI-One Star 80 Km Endurance Ride awarded the winner, Uruguay’s Jonathan Lopez on HM Sharif who finished ahead of the UAE’s Mohammed Jaffar Ali Ibrahim Al Sayegh on Maver Manganate. In third place was Indian rider Mag Singh Chain Singh on Moon s Sundance.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, IPIC as Strategic Partner, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Al Aweer Stables, Ayadii LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Bloom, Petromal, Rise General Trading Co. LLC, Hayatna, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Dr Nader Saab Switzerland, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2016, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.
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