Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday attended the crowning ceremony of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as champion of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France.
Sheikh Hamdan clinched the gold medal in the individual championship in the world's biggest equestrian event, which drew 173 finest riders from 47 countries.
Commenting on the U.A.E.'s victory in the WEG for the second year running, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said :'Ascending to the peak can only be achieved by diligence and good planning and staying at the helm requires determination and persistence for success.' 'U.A.E. riders have become a hard figure in international competitions given their long experience and high ability which enable them to compete in toughest challenges and win professionally and this is what we experience in the Emiratis who recognised that the first place is only reserved for hard workers and loyal achievers,' Sheikh Mohammed added.
HH praised Sheikh Hamdan for good planning which enabled him to gain high skill and competence to win the race successfully.
By this win, the U.A.E. kept the gold title which was earned by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid in the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship at Euston Park, UK, and will retain the title until 2016, thus adding a new feather in the U.A.E.'s endurance cap.
Sheikh Hamdan finished first with a time of 08:80.20 hours competing other international riders though he was facing tough time after withdrawal of four U.A.E. knights.
Meydan Chairman and CEO Saeed Humaid Al Tayer congratulated the Crown Prince of Dubai for a well-earned victory.
Also attending the race were Director of Dubai Ruler's Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Meydan Chairman and CEO Saeed Humaid Al Tayer and a number of officials and endurance race enthusiasts.
Source: WAM