Riders ready for endurance season opener

THE Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride, the inaugural event of the 2011/12 endurance horseride season, is set for today.

Two races are due to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir for the coveted Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation President's Cup.

The main race will be over 100km commencing at 6am, while an additional qualifying ride over 85km and is scheduled to tip off at 6.15am.

They will be followed by the awarding ceremony at 1pm, during which each of the top three riders in the main race will receive a brand new vehicle, donated by Shaikh Khalid.

The 100km ride has been divided into four stages, including 30km each for the first and second stages. The third will be over 25km while the fourth is over 15km.

In the 80km qualifying ride, the participants will battle over three stages - 30km each for the first and second and 25km for the third.

Today's event is open only for private stables following directives from Breef President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Despite the absence of the cream of Bahrain endurance riders from the Royal Endurance Team and other leading stables, the race promises to feature exciting and gruelling competitions among the participants.

The Royal Endurance Team decided not to take part in this weekend's ride, following a decision from team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser, along with Al Khaldiya Stable leaders Shaikh Khalid and other prominent figures will be watching the ride from a close distance while providing assistance to the riders taking part.

Following this weekend's ride, the federation will prepare for the National Day Ride on December 24. It will be followed by the Heavy Weight Challenge on January 7, next year.

His Majesty the King's Cup ride, the main event of the endurance season, will then take place on February 4, to be followed by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride on February 18.

The Breef Championship is scheduled for March 2 and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup night ride will be held on April 6. The End of the Season Ride will be held on April 5.

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