Comoros rider dominates HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor 100 km event

Hassan Jumaa Hassan Al Hamadi from Comoros on 13-year-old grey gelding Layl De Tensonnives registered a dominant victory in Saturday’s, February 25, 100-km HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for Private Owners at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi emirate. Al Hammadi and Layl De Tensonnives were in their elements right from the start and after the first 40-km loop they were ahead of the 61-strong pack that started in the morning. After that they dominated the 4-loop 100-km event and were ahead in every stage to finally win in three hours 36 minutes and 29 seconds. The Arabian horse Layl De Tensonnives, owned by Mohamed Saeed Amer Hamad Al Neyadi averaged 27.71 kmph for the ride. “This is my first ever win here at Al Wathba and I am very happy with the way the ride panned out for me and my horse,” said the young Al Hammadi, who received the keys to a car for his winning effort. The UAE’s Salem Hamad Al Kitbi on Aneeda finished three and a half minutes behind the winner while Humaid Mohammed Al Balooshi, another Emirati rider on Saks finished third. The two UAE riders also won cars for their podium finish.

RESULTS

The ride was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and his children HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave away the trophies to the winners along with Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), Adnan Sultan, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and other representatives of sponsors.

Commenting on the ride and the various events held on the sidelines, Ms Sawaya said, “Once again the race was outstanding from all aspects and has achieved all its objectives pursuant to the strategy of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

“Al Wathba Land has for the second straight day been a hive of activity and children aged 3 to 10 and their families enjoyed the various shows. The activities here are second to none and Al Wathba Land is one of the best endurance village around the globe. The Festival is always different and popular,” she added.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, IPIC as Strategic Partner, The  National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare  and sponsored by Al Aweer Stables, Ayadii LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Bloom, Petromal, Rise General Trading Co. LLC, Hayatna, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club,  Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Dr Nader Saab Switzerland, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, Racing Post, Paris Turf,  Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2016, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival / Satya Narayan
Photo: Morhaf Al Assaf