U.A.E. Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the Italian Endurance Race at Ancona in which the Dubai Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum clinched the title for the second year in a row.
With riders from 13 countries taking part in the event, Emirati riders dominated all four stages of the 120-km race and won the first three places. Sheikh Hamdan finished first with a time of 05:20.53 hours followed by Sheikh Hasher bin Mohammed Thani Al Maktoum (05:20.54 hours) and Ghanem Al Oaisi shared the third place with Abdullah Al Marri (05:20.55 hours).
In a statement to the Government of Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Hamdan praised the excellent preparation of Emirati riders and their efforts in securing the golden title for the U.A.E. in which His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led Emirati riders to claim the FEI World Endurance Championship in Euston Park, Britain in 2010.
Sheikh Hamdan noted the high level of preparedness of Emirati riders in their preparations for the World Endurance Cup as part of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014 next August. He added that U.A.E. has gained reputable status in the field of endurance horse racing all over the world.
Meydan Chairman and CEO Saeed Humaid Al Tayer congratulated the Emirati team headed by the Crown Prince of Dubai for a well-earned victory.
Concluding the race, Sheikh Hamdan and his teammates were presented with trophies amid applause and cheers from audience.
Also attending the race were, Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Director of Dubai Ruler's Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, U.A.E. Ambassador to Italy Abdulaziz Naser Al Shamsi, 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