Abu dhabi: UAE riders claimed both the individual and team titles at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses (8-year-olds), held on Friday in Barroca d'Alva, Portugal, over 120 kilometres.
According to Emirates News Agency, the championship was sponsored by Emirates airline and held under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). It featured more than 100 riders representing 26 countries. Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi clinched the individual title aboard Mahiba after completing the four-stage race in 5:02:59, while compatriot Mansour Saeed Al Farsi finished as runner-up in 5:06:26. Spain's Rodrigo Blanco secured third place with a time of 5:22:45.
The UAE also achieved team gold through the combined efforts of Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi, Essa Abdulla Essa, Rashid Al Mheiri, Naser Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Falasi. France claimed second place in the team category, with Spain finishing third.
This victory marked the UAE's retention of the individual title for the third consecutive edition and its ninth individual title in the history of the championship. Additionally, the team gold was the third such achievement for the UAE.
The competition began with an opening 40-kilometre stage set at a brisk pace. However, rising temperatures during the second and third stages, each covering 30 kilometres, added to the challenge. The final 20-kilometre stage witnessed a strong contest, ultimately resulting in UAE riders securing the top two positions.