Over 260 elite-level riders from 50 countries participated in two endurance competitions.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

The latest chapter in AlUla’s illustrious heritage sports history was written this past weekend at the 2024 Fursan Cup — a record-breaking endurance event which set a new benchmark for future editions to emulate.

A world-class field boasting over 260 elite-level riders from 50 countries, setting a new record of the number of nations participating at the endurance competition, competed in two competitions worth a combined SAR 20 million; the largest-ever prize pot for an endurance event.

Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), the action began on Saturday with the internationally coveted Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup.

A flagship event in the international endurance circuit, the Endurance Cup returned with a record-extending fifth edition and featured a 200-strong field vying for glory and their share of a SAR 15 million prize pool. Qatari rider Saeed Al Naimi finished first, claiming victory in 05:22:01 ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Fares Abu Ras in second (05:23:15).

More elite equestrian action unfolded on Sunday with an additional 160km CEI 3* competition which officially launched the road to the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships in AlUla. 64 riders from around the world competed in this eagerly anticipated SAR 5 million contest – won by Hamad Al Janahi. The Bahraini rider finished first with a time of 8:27:08 – 10 seconds ahead of Uruguay’s Federico Ferber in second (8:27:18).

A monumental occasion for various reasons, the 2024 Fursan Cup also provided opportunities for local up-and-coming AlUla talents to gain experience and test themselves against the world’s best. Across both competitions, six local riders from RCU’s equine strategy development program participated – laying new foundations for others to follow in the years ahead.

Elsewhere, at AlFursan Equestrian Village, the 2024 Fursan Cup set a new precedent for next year and beyond – presenting an enhanced family-oriented entertainment offering.

The Fursan Cup is one of the marquee sports events in the AlUla Moments Calendar of events and festivals, spanning a large number of other heritage sports events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, AlUla Falcon Cup, the Tent Pegging World Championship and Horseback Archery World Cup.