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Al-Ahram Weekly 18 - 24 May 2000 Issue No. 482 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 18 - 24 May 2000 Issue No. 482
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Focus Features Heritage Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Royal riders
AT THE CRACK of dawn tomorrow, 265 riders and their steeds begin a test of stamina and strength which Arabs apparently find challenging and exciting. Despite its gruelling nature, the 100-kilometre Al-Ahram Al-Arabi endurance horse race, the first of its kind in Egypt, has attracted Gulf royalties, not as spectators but as participants. Entries include Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and his sons Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Maktoum. Joining the event will also be the sons of UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. The royal stables of Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are the source of many of the horses, all Arabian. Prize money is LE 1 million.
The distance should be covered in no less than six hours. The horses, five years old and above, are being closely watched before, during and after the race by veterinarians from the International Equestrian Federation, the Egyptian Equestrian Federation and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. Horses will be withdrawn from the race if they are judged to be physically unfit.
The route is a difficult back-and-forth journey which starts from Senefro Pyramid in Dahshour and passes through Saqqara, Tabbit Pharaon (Pharaoh's hill), King's Lake and the first Pyramid of Pepi.
Al-Ahram Al-Arabi magazine, which was behind the idea, is organising the event in coordination with Egypt's Horse Breeding Club, the Jockey Club and the experienced UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.
