Abdullah Ghanem Al Marri wins HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Endurance Cup in Dubai

In presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Crown Prince of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Marri went one better this year after coming runner-up in 2018 in the 160 kilometre endurance cup ride.

The event, the highlight of the four day Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival of endurance riding, was held at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) and saw 346 riders from 35 countries take part. Former European champions and former world champions joined a host of local and international horse-rider pairings in the competition which saw the first group of riders embark upon the five loop course at 7.00am.

The distances for the five loops were 40 kilometres, two loops of 35 kilometres, followed by a loop of 32 kilometres and finally an 18 kilometre ride respectively. The rest periods between the stages are used to check the physical condition and welfare of both the riders and their horses.

The endurance festival includes four prestigious competitions highlighting the focus of the UAE endurance season. The keenly-anticipated event on the international endurance calendar is an annual tribute to the vast impact His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has had on the sport of endurance riding and global equestrian sport. His vision and passion for the sport have combined to take endurance riding to new heights in the region and worldwide.

The race was once again presented by Swiss watchmaker Longines who are also official timekeeper and the official watch of the event.

Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, said: “As the Official Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of Meydan, we are delighted to be part this year again of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines, one of the highlights of the UAE endurance season. Longines’ passion for equestrian sports dates back near 150 years and our brand finds in these disciplines, including endurance, the perfect illustration of its core values, namely Tradition, Elegance and Performance.”