HIS Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has qualified for the ‘Elite Jockeys’ category.
He won the 160km qualifying race held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village during the endurance season opener.
The race was held over five stages, with the first phase covering a distance of 40km.
Shaikh Nasser finished first, followed by Abdulrahman Al Zayed in second and Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa third.
Shaikh Nasser expressed utmost happiness at winning first place and joining the elite group, in which the kingdom’s jockeys are always present, confirming the advanced level of the kingdom’s endurance sport.
“The World Endurance Championship will require us to double our efforts, especially that it will feature the best jockeys and the best horses. However, the team will be ready and we will be looking to confirm our position among the elites in this sport,” Shaikh Nasser said.
“The race was a thrilling one, from the beginning until the end. Everyone gave their very best. To hold a 160km at the beginning of the season needed everyone to double their efforts, especially that the race was held over five stages. This confirms that all the participants are ready for the new season,” he said.
The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), under the presidency of Shaikh Isa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, organised the qualifiers for the 160km race and to join the elite category.
BREEF will hold more 160km races this season, and the season’s calendar allows jockeys to get reassured about the readiness of their horses for international competitions.
The season’s 160km qualifying race featured five stages of 40km (red), 35km (blue), 35km (green), 30km (white) and 20km (yellow).
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