Jullianges, France – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) showcased its unparalleled strength in distance riding on Saturday, successfully defending both the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses Teams title and clinching a third-straight individual honor. Riding with remarkable consistency and backed by exceptional teamwork, Saif Al Mazrouei steered the UAE to its tenth overall victory in the championship, securing his second individual win, a decade after his first in 2015.
Grueling Race in Picturesque French Highlands
The challenging 120 km event, designed for eight-year-old horses, saw 82 rider-horse combinations from 25 countries tackle the course at Hippodrome de Jullianges. Located at an altitude of 910 meters in a wooded, picturesque region 530 kms south of Paris, the high altitude and undulating terrain made for a particularly tough ride. Only 31 pairs successfully completed the arduous four-loop race.
UAE Claims Top Podium Spots
The UAE’s dominance was evident as they secured the top two spots on the individual podium:
- Saif Al Mazrouei and his mount Bullio Quasillo triumphed with the fastest time of 5 hours, 33 minutes, and 21 seconds (5:33:21).
- Trailing by just 43 seconds, the second-placed UAE pairing of Essa Saeed Al Mazrouei and Al Fatina finished in 5:34:04.
- Sultan Mayoof Al Romaihi of the Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain, partnered with Haqtar Du Carrelie, claimed third place with a time of 5:40:50.
Al Mazrouei’s Strategic Ride to Victory
Saif Al Mazrouei demonstrated strategic prowess throughout the race. He posted the second-best time in the first 35.5 km loop before dropping to fifth in the second loop of the same distance. However, he expertly picked up the pace during the 31 km third loop, reclaiming second position. Entering the final 20 km loop, Saif was five seconds behind his countryman Essa Al Mazrouei but mounted a strong push, establishing a comfortable lead and ultimately overcoming his compatriot to secure the gold.
The UAE also cemented their Team championship win with Rashed Saeed Al Malhoof securing a crucial fifth place aboard Heracles Feuillee.
Leadership Commends Team’s Success
Sheikh Rashed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, extended his congratulations, attributing the success to the “relentless support and guidance” of UAE leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club and Chief d’Equipe of the UAE Team, lauded the team’s “great courage and unity,” emphasizing that their “teamwork truly shone through the entire event” to earn this significant victory.
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