12 September 2014, Abu Dhabi ~ The sponsorship of International Endurance Championships was the subject of an international news conference at the opening of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). Now the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has stepped up to sponsor endurance events in the five continents from the upcoming 2015 season.
Conclusion of 2014 season in Slovakia
25-28 September ~ The current endurance season will be concluded with the FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Horses in Samorin, Slovakia, from 25 – 27 September 2014, according to Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR)
“The HH Sheikh Mansoor festival will be represented in Slovakia by the Gold medalist, Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi, winner of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup in Verona, Italy, in July 2014,” Sawaya confirmed.
Gilles Cabardos addressed the news conference on behalf of the hosts saying that they are looking forward to welcome everyone at the new Hippo Arena Samorin in Slovakia later this month.
“So far, there are 65 entries from 15 countries of the world. The ride will be held on September 27 in the beautiful landscape of the surroundings of Pezinok and Samorin, where the terrain and the period of the ride is suitable for young horses,” she added.
2015 Endurance Championships
28-30 March ~ The opening event of the 2015 season, the CEI** Endurance Fontainbleau will be held in France from 28-30 March 2015 with more than 400 horses expected to line up for honours.
1-3 May ~ Portugal will play host for the second straight year of the CEI** Atoleiros endurance ride at Fronteira from May 1 to 3. “The horses for the UAE riders in Portugal will be provided by Hassan Rakad Al Mansouri from the stables of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Spain and Portugal,” Sawaya confirmed.
26-27 September ~ Italy will again organize the World Championships for Young Horses (7-year-olds) at Lake Garda in Verona from 26-27 September.
“HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival sponsors the CEI ride and the CEIO HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Endurance Ride,” she said.
15-18 October ~ The festival reaches Latin America to sponsor the CEI Pinamar Endurance Ride from 15-18 October, before returning France to sponsor the European Championship in France. (Awaiting FEI date confirmation).
Test Ride for Pan-American Championships 2016
23-25 April, 2016 ~ “The festival will also sponsor the Test Ride for the Pan-American Championships in 2016 in Pinamar, Argentina from April 23 to 25, 2016 which is the candidate for the Pan-American Championships in 2017,” Sawaya confirmed.
More Endurance in the future
Rides in Slovakia, Australia, and London are being explored, and the races will be run under the strict FEI rules and regulations, Sawaya maintained.
“We have been directed by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan to focus on the future,” Sawaya noted.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.