Muhairi eyes history at FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Two-time champion Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi will spearhead the UAE’s challenge at the 2021 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors which will be held at Ermelo, Netherlands on September 7-11.

The talented 19-year-old rider, who recorded impressive wins at the last two editions of the event at San Rossore (2019) and Valeggio Sul Mincio (2017), in Italy, is among five UAE riders who will compete for individual and team honours at the prestigious bi-annual championships.

To qualify, all riders must have been born between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, according to the FEI General Rules.

The other members of the UAE team are Abdulla Ali Mohamed Ali Alamri (21 years), Fares Ahmad Saeed Daafoos Amer Al Mansoori (18), Hamdan Ahmad Mohd Al Marri (21), and 15-year-old Khalfan Juma Mohammed Khamis Beljafla who is the youngest member of the squad.

All riders will sport the ‘Fly Better Emirates’ logo on team jerseys following their sponsorship by the world-leading airline who is a long-standing supporter of equestrian events.

The UAE will also be looking to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Team Event having struck gold at San Rossore and Valeggio Sul Mincio.

Major General Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Board Member, Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) commented: “In what has been a very difficult year for sport with the current pandemic, the UAE is delighted to be able to send our national team to the World Endurance Champion for Young Riders and Juniors.

“Good and safe planning has led to our participation in the Netherlands.

“Hopefully we go to the event with a positive attitude to give our best. The squad is at their best fitness levels and their mental game is at its highest,” Adhab added.

“They are a young team and still have room to improve, but we hope they can achieve their goals of delivering their best performances, both individually and as a team.”

Some of the world’s best endurance riders will compete in the 120km World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors which will be held over four legs on Thursday, Sept.9 at Ermelo, the headquarters for equestrian disciplines in the Netherlands.

Muhairi, who is aware that endurance history beckons for him this week, said: “It is very exciting and I feel privileged to be in this position to represent the UAE.

“The main thing is to try and feel that I am improving and performing better, which is the goal of this noble sport.

“I have the confidence and I am going to the Netherlands to give my best and hopefully that’s good enough to win. I’m excited and determined to compete well.”

Over 100 riders from 35 nations, including Algeria, Andorra, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Namibia, Norway, Holland, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Slovakia, US, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Hungary, and Uruguay will be seen in action at Ermelo which will simultaneously host the European Championship for Seniors.

The sport of endurance highlights the integrity and partnership between a rider and his horse in a competitive and sustainable environment.

UAE TEAM

Abdulla Ali Mohamed Ali Alamri, Fares Ahmad Saeed Daafoos Amer Al Mansoori, Hamdan Ahmad Mohd Al Marri, Khalfan Juma Mohammed Khamis Beljafla, Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi

AT A GLANCE

Competition: FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors and FEI European World Endurance Championships for Seniors.

Date: Sept.9, 2021

Where: Ermelo, The National Equestrian Centre in Holland.
 
2019 RESULTS

Individual

Pisa, San Rossore (ITA) (17/09/2019 - 18/09/2019)

1.    Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Al Muhairi / CHOUF LAAJEB

2.    Shaheen Yayhya Shaheen Khalfan Al Mazrouei / KEESHAN D’AILLAS

3.    Saif Ahmed Mohammed Ali Al Mazrouei / PERZAN

4.    Fares Ahmad Saeed Daafoos Amer Al Mansoori / CHOUF LAAJEB

5.    Saif Juma Mohd Khamis Beljafla / HALEH

Team

1.    UAE

2.    Spain

3.    Italy
 
Ermelo Schedule

Sept.7: Opening ceremony

Sept.8: Horse inspection

Sept.9: World Endurance Juniors/ Young Riders.