HH Shaikh Nasser crowns National Day Endurance Race Champion

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Honorary President of the Royal Bahrain Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, crowned jokey Mohammed Abdulhamid Al-Hashimi, from Al-Ruood Stables, the winner of the National Day Endurance Champions.

Vice-President of the Supreme Council for Environment and Deputy Chairman of the Coordination, Implementation and Follow-up Committee at the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, and BREEF President, HH Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and Endurance Committee Chairman, Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa, also attended the 120-Kilometre race, held today at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.

“Victorious” team’s riders Cecilia Garcia and Othman Al-Awadhi clinched the second and third places, respectively.

On the occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser expressed delight at the high level of the 120-km race, noting that the championship was full of excitement, in light of the riders’ desire to claim the championship’s title, and praising Al-Ruood team’s victory thanks to the successful plan put forward by its trainer.

HH Shaikh Nasser indicated that the fierce competition at the National Day Endurance Championship would motivate all stables and jockeys to prepare well for the upcoming events, especially the race over HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, which will also be full of excitement and enthusiasm.

HH Shaikh Nasser commended the distinguished efforts exerted by BREEF to ensure the success of the championship, which, he said, reflects its high administrative and technical capabilities.

HH Shaikh Nasser congratulated the jockeys who had claimed the first three places, lauding their distinguished performance and keenness to reach the best levels.

HH Shaikh Nasser presented the Board of Directors Chairman of Batelco, Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, a commemorative gift for Batelco’s sponsorship of the championship, praising the private sector’s keenness to support the youth and sports sectors in Bahrain.

He also presented the Manarat Al-Bahrain Company’s Board of Directors Chairman, Mohammed Al-Manaseer, with a souvenir gift for the company’s provision of cash prizes for jockeys who finish all the stages of the National Day Endurance Championship.

HH Shaikh Nasser was also presented with a commemorative gift from the Manarat Al-Bahrain Company.

Bateco Board Chairman expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HH Shaikh Nasser for his unwavering efforts to develop the equestrian sports, in general, and the endurance races, in particular.

He affirmed Bateco’s keenness to sponsor the championship as it is held marking Bahrain's National Days in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, the anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.

He praised the efforts exerted by BREEF’s President, HH Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, board members, committees and referees for ensuring the success of all championships.

Rider Al-Hashimi finished the race in 4 hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds, while second-placed Cecilia Garcia finished it in 4 hours, 15 minutes and 51 seconds and third-placed Othman Al-Awadhi in 4 hours, 18 minutes and 42 seconds.

Male and female jockeys from Kuwait, Spain, Britain, Argentina and Uruguay took part in the 120-km race.