HH Shaikh Nasser Hails Strong Competition at Endurance Season's Opening Round Bahrain International Endurance Village, Sakhir 26/11/2016 PHOTOS - FACT SHEET

Al Rowie, Shaikh Mohamed and Al Hammadi Top Podium

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, Honourary President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) crowned the winners of the Endurance season's opening round, who covered a distance of 120km as well as being victorious in the local and international qualification races, comprised of 80km and 40km courses. Present at the event, which was the 2016/2017 season's debut round, was HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, BREEF President. 

Storming to victory in the main race; the 120km competition, was Rashid Khalid Al Rowie of Al Zaeem Stable. He was riding Plage El Milora, clocking a total time of 4:26:13 seconds. Behind him were fellow jockeys Shaikh Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa of Al Zaeem Stable too and Yacoob Yousif Yacoob Al Hammadi of Al Khalidiya Stable in second and third respectively. The second place winner, who was on Rohan Orne, crossed the finish line in a total time of 4:45:35 seconds, only a mere of 6 seconds ahead of Yacoob, who was on J S Chabls. 

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad: Strong Competition Despite Rains 

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa hailed the strong competition witnessed during the race which was held amid heavy rainfalls, stating that this was testament of the high level of the Endurance sport in the Kingdom of Bahrain thanks to the extensive care extended to it by HM the King. "We witnessed a narrowly-contested race in this season's premiere race despite the weather and also the course condition as there was thick mud," HH Shaikh Nasser said, adding: "Whoever followed the race would understand the obstacles the jockeys were facing in today's competition. But all the participants were very keen to bring the race to an exciting end, and at the same time ensure that their horses don't suffer any injury." 

HH Shaikh Nasser revealed HH's anticipation that this season would be completely different that the previous ones, given the strong competition seen in the opening round. "We are expecting to see action-packed races in the coming rounds, and this is what everybody is hoping for as the jockeys in the Kingdom of Bahrain will benefit greatly from intense competitions ahead of their participation in international tournaments," HH Shaikh Nasser stated, revealing that: "We were very close to call off the race because of the weather condition, but we chose to go ahead with it as such weather conditions simulate the the same climate under which European endurance races are being held. Adding to this was the level of enthusiasm from the participants who were raring to go and race." 

HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid: Cautious Competition

For his part, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa pointed out that the season's debut round was packed with excitement and was very intense despite the jockeys cautiousness owing to the rainfalls. "This race has confirmed the high capabilities and abilities of the jockeys in the Kingdom of Bahrain," HH Shaikh Faisal underlined, expressing happiness at the solid showings produced by the participants during the race. 

Qadouri: Encouraging Start

Al Zaeem Stable Trainer Abdulhaq Qadouri was overjoyed to see the stable's jockeys winning first and second place. "It was an encouraging start for us. We will continue working hard, adopting the valuable instructions of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad. We are looking forward for more victories in the next rounds," he said. 

Al Rowie: Strong Beginning

Jockey Rashid Al Rowie expressed extreme happiness at winning the race. Speaking immediately after crossing the finish line, he said: "I can't express my joy at this victory. Adding to this is having my teammate winning second place. The competition was tough and compounded by the rains. Am very happy with the way we handled the race which required us to put in a very smart strategy to ensure our horses spare their energies until the end." Al Rowie concluded by thanking HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for HH's role and efforts in supporting the Bahraini jockeys to record more achievements. 

Source: Media Office of HH Sh Nasser Bin Hamada Al Khalifa