Riders in action during FEI World Youth Endurance Championships.

Gulf Today Report

The UAE’s Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi turned the FEI CSI 4 Star World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors into his time machine when he won the challenging 120km ride for the third consecutive time at Ermelo, Netherlands, on Thursday.

Still, only 19-years of age, Al Muhairi exhibited extraordinary maturity and composure to master an international field of 74 riders as he triumphantly crossed the finish line in a time of 5 hours, 9 minutes and 10 seconds.

It was a stunning repeat performance of his Italian successes, at San Rossore in 2019 and Valeggio Sul Mincico in 2017.

Abdulla Ali Mohamed Ali Alamri, who trailed compatriot Al Muhairi for most of the ride, finished in second place in a time of 5 hours, 9 minutes and 19 seconds.

In third place was Spanish teenager Rut Badia Marfa, who led the field entering the fourth and final loop, before dropping back with a time of 5 hours, 9 minutes and 25 seconds.

The endurance course, which was situated in the National Equestrian Centre at Ermelo, took its toll on the riders as only 40 completed the course from the field of 74.

Three other UAE riders, Khalfan Juma Mohammed Khamis Beljafla, Hamdan Ahmad Mohammed Al Marri, and Fares Ahmad Saeed Daafoos Amer Al Mansoori were vetted out, denying the UAE

Team Gold, which depending on a minimum of three riders completing the course.

Al Muhairi found a willing ally in the 10-year-old Arabian female Haleh, who represented winning trainer Mohammed Ahmad Ali Al Subose and the powerful M7 Endurance Stables in Dubai.

Runner-up Ali Alamri was aboard the F3 Endurance Stables-owned 12-year-old Tonki Dee Boo Nasil, a Part-bred Arabian, trained by Khalifa Ghanim Al Marri.

All participants must have been born between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, according to the FEI General Rules.

The sport of endurance highlights the integrity and partnership between a rider and his horse in a competitive environment.

RESULTS (TOP 5 FINISHERS)

FEI CSI 4 Star World Endurance Championships for Young Riders
Ermelo, Netherlands
Distance 120km.
Starters: 74. Finishers: 40

1,Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Ak Muhairi (UAE) (riding M7 Stables owned Haleh) Trained by Mohammed Ahmad Ali Al Subose.
Time: 5 hours 09 minutes 10 seconds.

2.Abdulla Ali Mohamed Ali Alamri (UAE) (F3 Stables owned Tonki Dee Boo Nasil) Trained by Khalifa Ghanim Al Marri.
Time: 05 hours 09 minutes 19 seconds.

3.Rut Badia Marfa (Spain) (ADDHy El Ziryab)
Time: 05hours, 09 minutes, 25 seconds.

4 Anne Marijin Kok (France) (Zolotoi Des Brumes)
Time: 05 hours 25 minutes 51 seconds.Lauragais)

5.. Lea Vandekerckhove (Netherlands)  (Guemra du Lauragai)
Time: 05 hours  38 minutes 00 seconds.