Riders’ glory

Rider Fahad Al Khateri from the Royal Team emerged champion in His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Endurance Race Cup for 120km here yesterday. Personal Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS), President of Bahrain Olympic Committee and Honorary President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa crowned the winners.

The event was organised by BREEF at Bahrain International Endurance Village with the participation of an elite of riders from the Royal team, local stables and the UAE.

Fahad Al Khateri clinched the first place by clocking 04:10:00 at an average speed of 27km. Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Himdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum came second in 04:16:02 time and the speed of 28 km. The Emirati rider Ghanim Saeed Al-Awisi finished the race third by clocking 04:23:00 at a speed of 27 km.

HM the King at the race 

Meanwhile, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed HM King Hamad Endurance Cup race. Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also attended. 

HH Shaikh Nasser briefed HM the King and the UAE Vice President on the stages of the 120-km race and the number of participating riders, stressing that BREEF had made all necessary arrangements for Bahraini riders to take part in all races of the season.

On the occasion, HM King Hamad lauded the positive results brought about by the Bahraini riders in various regional, Arab and international competitions. 

HM King Hamad thanked HH Shaikh Nasser, Shaikh Khalid, BREEF Board Chairman and members for their efforts to develop the equestrian sport in Bahrain. 

Congratulating the winners, HM the King commended the  participation of the Emirati riders in the race, which underlines strong ties between the countries.

Noting the support of HM the King, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commended the big strides of the endurance sport in Bahrain. 

He added that participation of the Emirati riders is an assertion of bilateral cooperation in various fields.