The UAE's Saif Ahmed Al Mazrouei, astride Haroon from Al Sabousi Stables, landed the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival's CEN 100km Yas Endurance Ride for private owners only at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Friday.
The race was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
The winner covered the distance in three hours, 32 minutes and 32 seconds at an average speed of 28.23km/ hour. The brilliant performer advanced from the 15th position by the end of the first loop to settle fourth in the second vet gate then fell back to the seventh place after the third phase before he made his final move to lead and cross the finish line ahead of all.
Indian contender B Singh was 0.08 seconds behind in second place for the Abdullah Al Qaisah Stables and then came the Uruguayan rider Jonathan Riveira from Al Ain Stables.
The race has attracted 120 riders from the private stables within the UAE to battle it out for the five 4WD vehicles that have been provided for the top five finishers.
Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities ( IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys and Racing in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities ( IFAHR), Ahmed Al Shamsi, representing TDIC and Saif Al Awani, owner of the Al Awani General Enterprises presented the prizes and trophies to the top three winners.