By Duane Fonseca -
The 2024 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival took off in style at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salaam on Tuesday with a tenacious final loop performance from Argentina’s Martina Spelanzon aboard Romero enabling the mighty M7 Endurance Stables to draw first blood with victory in the 101km Ladies Ride and give the world-renowned meeting of endurance riding a flying start.
The week-long Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former world championship winning rider and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of the sport.
The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival comprises four rides in all: the 101km Private Stables competition on (Feb 21), a day after this issue went to press, the 119km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares (Feb 22) and the showpiece HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates on February 24th. Speaking at the press conference to announce the event, Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, the General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said his organisation was committed to delivering another spectacular event.
Dr. Al Adhab said. “We are always on top of our game when it comes to organising an event of the calibre of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, which is one of the most-anticipated events on the world endurance calendar.
We look forward to welcoming riders from around the world and wish everyone involved all the very best in their endeavours. “I thank HH Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering support of endurance events over the years and this festival is a fitting tribute to his contributions to the sport both as a rider and patron over the years.” Adel Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior VP Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia, said: “Emirates Airlines partners with many horseracing clubs and tracks around the world, and our sponsorship of this race is only an affirmation of our commitment to this wonderful sport.
