· Winning rider of CEI 3*event to receive Longines timepiece
The highlight of the Dubai Equestrian Club endurance calendar, the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup CEI 3* presented by Longines is to take place on January 11, 2014.
This is the seventh running of the annual race, which traditionally attracts some of the best endurance riders from all over the world as well the top endurance-riding talent from the UAE.
The ride, which is organised and hosted by Dubai Equestrian Club, will be held over 160km at the purpose-built Dubai International Endurance City course situated next door to the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri claimed the coveted top spot for the second year in succession in 2013 when he steered Nad Al Sheba Stables’ Plein Ciel De Sommant to victory ahead of Saeed Ahmed Jaber Al Harble’s Eclipse from Fazaa Endurance Team. More than 15 nationalities were represented, including top riders from the UAE, UK, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Jordan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iran, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, USA and Uruguay.
Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President & Head of International Marketing of Longines said: “Longines is proud to be the Presenting Partner as well as the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup. Our brand and this elegant and exciting event share common values such as tradition and performance.”
Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Deputy General Manager of DEC, said: “This international race is a highlight of the UAE endurance season and represents a seasonal target for many of the world’s most accomplished endurance riders. The appeal of endurance riding in the UAE can be seen by the high amount of support for the race from our international competitors as well as the large base of elite UAE riders who take part every year.
“It is always a highly-competitive ride and represents a highlight for spectators as well as riders.”
“We would like to extend our special appreciation to our Presenting Partner Longines – a distinguished brand that has long been a major supporter and valued partner of equestrian sport in Dubai.”
Endurance competitions require the rider and horse to compete together in perfect harmony as a team. They must manage pace to complete extreme distances in the fastest time. Horses are subject to stringent veterinary examinations throughout the ride to ensure that they are fit to continue the race.
The event will be divided into five stages. After the completion of each stage, the horses are rested and refreshed and undergo a veterinary examination to determine if they meet the physical standards to continue the event through to the next stage. All finishers must successfully pass a post-race veterinary examination. Only then is the official order of finish determined and announced.
About Longines
Longines has been based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. Longines has generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships and as partner of international sports federation. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.
About DEC
As part of the Meydan Group, DEC serves to organise and host quality equestrian sports for the people of Dubai and the UAE in the disciplines of Endurance, Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing. The DEC also supports international equestrian sports around the world. The DEC organises and promotes the sport of Endurance and all competitions held at Dubai International Endurance City as well as the coordination and support of select international events. Through their subsidiary, the Emirates Equestrian Centre, competitions in the disciplines of Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing are held, and riding lessons and training in equestrian sports are also offered.
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