The main race for the Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Cup will be held today at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.
The race will cover a distance of 120km.
Another 120km local-international race will be held for private stables.
His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) honorary chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will patronise the event.
A Best Horse Body Condition competition will also be held under the patronage of Al Fursan team captain Shaikha Noora bint Hamad Al Khalifa, on the sidelines of the main race.
Prizes and cash gifts will be presented to the top 10 horses which finish all the stages of the race.
Shaikh Nasser hailed the large participation in the races, stressing the importance of engaging new riders to further develop the endurance sport in Bahrain.
He hailed Breef’s efforts, chaired by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, stressing keenness to continue promoting the sport which earned Bahrain many achievements.
He expected the main race to be highly competitive, and wished all jockeys and stables success in their participation in the championship.
Two local qualifying races covering 40 and 80km were held yesterday, in addition to a 100km international qualifier.
Al Zaim jockey Aseela Eyad Al Ruwae finished first in the 100km international qualifying race, clocking 5 hours, 3 minutes and 35 seconds.
She was followed by teammates Jaber Badr Jaffer (5:03:36) and Youssef Mohammed Al Saadoun (5:03:38).
Yasmine Khalid Hajji, from Al Shawamekh Stables, dominated the 80km local qualifying race, clocking 4:53:42.
She outclassed Abdulrahman Mohammed Sultan (Al Eid Stable) and Fahd Abdulla (Al Maghirat Stable) who finised second and third.
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