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2009 FEI Junior & Young Rider World Endurance Championship - Babolna, Hungary
PHOTOS by Edgar Schrader
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RESULTS - FINISH
| 1 | Hussain Ali Al Marouqi | UAE | Sergai | 5:15.10 - | 22.464 km/h |
| 2 | HE Sh Abdulla Bin Faisal al Qasimi | UAE | Castlebar Sobia | 5:15.12 - | 22.462 km/h |
| 3 | Laetitia Goncalves | France | Jasmina Des Ayssade | 5:20.01 - | 22.124 km/h |
| 4 | Lucie Marin | France | Lamiah El Oued | 5:20.02 - | 22.123 km/h |
| 5 | Lisa Riou | France | Favela | 5:20.04 - | 22.120 km/h |
| 6 | Patricia Fekete | Hungry | Metaxa O'Bahan Aladdin | 5:32.20 - | 21.304 km/h |
| 7 | Annelie Eriksson | Sweden | Dahle | 5:32.24 - | 21.3 km/h |
| 8 | Eulalia Gonzalez | Spain | Sadek P | 5:32.25 - | 21.299 km/ h |
| 9 | Manon Watteau | France | Lambda Villeneuve | 5:38.09 - | 20.937 km/h |
| 10 | S J Al Nuaimi Hassan Tahous | Qatar | Crystal Cathare | 5:39.35 - | 20.849 km/h |
| 11 | Sarah Baudrit | France | Manacer | 5:40.02 - | 20.821 km/h |
| 12 | Victoria Gugubakken | Norway | Ibn Ararat | 5:43.44 - | 20.597 km/h |
| 13 | Beth Langley | Great Britain | HS Ametista | 5:43.53 - | 20.588 km/h |
| 14 | Margarida Oliveira Soares | Portugal | Rabita | 5:48.53 - | 20.293 km/h |
| 15 | Ebba Boberg | Sweden | Patos | 5:48.55 - | 20.291 km/h |
| 16 | Julien Van Cauter | Belgium | Amira S | 5:50.03 - | 20.226 km/h |
| 17 | Alexandra Toft | Australia | Bremervale Justice | 5:50.11 - | 20.218 km/h |
| 18 | Tereza Kucharska | Czech Republic | Chosita | 5:51.04 - | 20.167 km/h |
| 19 | Marian Silva de Sales Pacheco | Brazil | Maj Godasil | 5:53.23 - | 20.035 km/h |
| 20 | Carolina Barbosa Monteiro de Castro | Brazil | Kouleur Du Parc | 5:53.24 - | 20.034 km/h |
| 21 | Vanessa Hoebeke | Belgium | Xena Cad | 5:53.42 - | 20.017 km/h |
| 22 | Andrea Laura Lopez | Spain | Cal Al Jakin | 5:55.26 - | 19.919 km/h |
| 23 | Julien Lafaure | France | Laharanee Cabirat | 5:55.32 - | 19.914 km/h |
| 24 | Romane Yernux | Belgium | L I Korum | 5:58.37 - | 19.743 km/h |
| 25 | HE Shaik Saqr bin Faisal al Qasimi | UAE | Castlebar Trueman | 5:58.38 - | 19.742 km/h |
| 26 | Eszter Horanyi | Hungary | O'Bajan Opcio | 6:00.58 - | 19.614 km/h |
| 27 | Vanda Kovacs | Hungary | O'Bajan Kapitany | 6:01.01 - | 19.611 km/h |
| 28 | Matyi Bianka | Hungary | Koheilan Tuzes | 6:01.04 - | 19.609 km/h |
| 29 | Camilla Llerena | Brazil | El Faro | 6:02.32 - | 19.529 km/h |
| 30 | Majed Mohammed Al Sabri | UAE | Mitsouku de Sauveter | 6:06.18 - | 19.328 km/h |
| 31 | Katharina Blumohr | Germany | Pallas-Athene | 6:06.19 - | 19.328 km/h |
| 32 | Mohammed Ahmad Ali al Subose | UAE | SHDDAD (Cloud Valley Armani) | 6:10.11 - | 19.126 km/h |
| 33 | Sophie Mauritsch | Austria | Aldeano | 6:10.34 - | 19.106 km/h |
| 34 | Serena Fossi | Italy | Cala Gonona | 6:10.36 - | 19.104 km/h |
| 35 | Luca Zapettini | Italy | Malissa | 6:10.37 - | 19.103 km/h |
| 36 | Katerina Kysela | Czech Republic | Poesia | 6:12.32 - | 19.005 km/h |
| 37 | Monika Vidiz | Brazil | Thayza HCF | 6:12.38 - | 19.000 km/h |
| 38 | Alice Spinazze | Italy | Shampat | 6:14.06 - | 18.925 km/h |
| 39 | Uma Mencia Uranga | Spain | Indian Tawfik | 6:24.55 - | 18.394 km/h |
| 40 | Signe Erez | Denmark | Mon Ami Naverro | 6:26.45 - | 18.306 km/h |
| 41 | Rafael Sabino Salvador | Brazil | Akim de Villeneuve | 6:30.10- | 18.146 km/h |
| 42 | Angela Hawks | Australia | Dakila Pascalle | 6:30.58 - | 18.109 km/h |
| 43 | Faleh Nasser Bughenaim | Qatar | Koheilan Bonita | 6:35.58 - | 17.880 km/h |
| 44 | Anna-Lena Weiershauser | Germany | SGW Sharik Ox | 6:36.06 - | 17.874 km/h |
| 45 | Ronja Schreiber | Germany | Santana | 6:36.07 - | 17.874 km/h |
| 46 | Amanda Kalneyer | Denmark | Cargash | 6:37.12 - | 17.825 km/h |
| 47 | Maciej Kosicki | Poland | Euroland | 6:44.11 - | 17.517 km/h |
| 48 | Bridget Nottle | Australia | Zalman | 6:46.32 - | 17.416 km/h |
| 49 | Noemie Tonet | Switzerland | Huzout D'Ax | 6:51.55 - | 17.188 km/h |
| 50 | Filipe Leonor Quadrado | Portugal | Urubu | 6:51.56 - | 17.187 km/h |
| 51 | Charlotta Mlyncekova | Slovakia | Milad | 6:52.20 - | 17.171 km/h |
| 52 | Maja Thomsen | Denmark | Darin du Gassouill | 6:53.19 - | 17.130 km/h |
| 53 | Jarmila Lakeman | The Netherlands | Sattarov | 6:58.15 - | 16.926 km/h |
| 54 | Alexandria Kirkland | USA | Izahr de Lardus | 7:01.12 - | 16.809 km/h |
| 55 | Stephanie Schrumpf | Germany | Mahal el Nil | 7:04.13 - | 16.690 km/h |
| 56 | Silvie Lorenzova | Czech Republic | Modem | 7:10.35 - | 16.443 km/h |
| 57 | Katerina Hamzalova | Czech Republic | Arista | 7:10.36 - | 16.442 km/h |
| 58 | Dominika Kleinova | Slovakia | Balkan | 7:11.45 - | 16.398 km/h |
| 59 | Jansen Van Niewenhuizen | South Africa | Eva by Turri | 7:18.58 - | 16.129 km/h |
| 60 | Thomas Van Niekerk | South Africa | Makoub de Keropartz | 7:18.59 - | 16.128 km/h |
| 61 | Christina Geissler | Austria | Sahmiraa | 7:36.24 - | 15.513 km/h |
| 62 | Anna Harrich | Austria | Damieta | 7:36.29 - | 15.510 km/h |
| 63 | Allix Jones | Australia | HS Saboteur | 7:41.25 - | 15.344 km/h |
| 64 | Franziska Grunwald | Austria | Indigo 9 | 7:45.59 - | 15.194 km/h |
| 65 | David Novakovits | Hungary | Gazal Amira | 8:11.19 - | 14.410 km/h |
| 66 | Frik Basson | South Africa | Lunik du Durzon | 9:13.17 - | 12.796 km/h |
| 67 | Johann Basson | South Africa | Rhaver | 9:13.21 - | 12.795 km/h |
ELIMINATIONS
| Martina Spelanzon | Argentina | Vavaar | not presented |
| Andrea Enk | Austria | Romero 10 | lame G3 |
| Andreas Kindermann | Austria | Schedan | retired by rider |
| Blake Freeman | Australia | Browtin Advocate | metabolic G3 |
| Laura Houassin | Belgium | Quick de Sauvlons | metabolic G3 |
| Fanny Guerisse | Belgium | Mourad RLA | not presented |
| Rafaela Moreira Barreto | Brazil | Zorkhan Rach | Lame G2 |
| Marketa Terberova | Czech Republic | Wellfare | Lame G1 |
| Kalli Kalbre | Estonia | Baltimor | Lame G1 |
| Joona Mickelsson | Finland | Dali Ox | Lame G3 |
| Jenny Schrader | Germany | Rashiid | Lame G3 |
| Anne Wegner | Germany | Aicha Addschawad Ox | Lame G3 |
| Carri Ann Dark | Great Britain | Esta Leonardo Diabo | Lame Finish |
| Helen Perry | Great Britain | Wesam | Metabolic Finish |
| Zsofia Marcso | Hungary | Dahmany Bagdady | Lame Finish |
| Vittoria Ciuchi | Italy | Schadja | Lame G2 |
| Elena Mariotti | Italy | Naiade du Croate | Lame G2 |
| Elena Trapolari | Italy | Oros | Metabolic G2 |
| Miguel Borges Caeiro | Portugal | Empoli de Pallares | Metabolic G3 |
| Khalid Sanad al Nuaimi | Qatar | Libertie du Mas | Lame G1 |
| Khaled Yousef al Malki | Qatar | Egyiptom | Lame G3 |
| Luitha Pieters | South Africa | Irma | Lame G1 |
| GD Kotze | South Africa | Laroumy | Retired by rider |
| Adga Muixi | Spain | Troian 3 | Lame G2 |
| Noriega Diego Haces | Spain | Esso Starlet | Metabolic Finish |
| Laura Vilaregut | Spain | Arca | Retired by rider |
| Frida Soderstrom | Sweden | Szena P | Retired by rider |
| Ali Ghanim al Marri | UAE | Ridasa Dr GBM | Lame G3 |
Championnats du Monde Young Riders - Endurance-belgium.com
Une domination franaise globale sur la course. Les français classent leurs 6 chevaux, dont 4 dans le Topten. Les deux premier, des cavaliers Emiratis ont bouclé le circuit à la moyenne de 22.46kph. Impressionnant. Les trois françaises arrivent groupées 5min derrière les deux premiers. Aveec ce tir groupé, la France prend la médaille d'or par équipe.
Les belges font un 3 sur 4 avec Julien Vancauter sur Amira qui terminent premier belge à la 16ème place à une belle moyenne de 20.22kph, alors que Vanessa Hoebeke et Xena prennent la 21me place juste au dessus de 20kph. Romane Yernaux avec Kurum parachève la bonne performance belge pour donner une 4ème place à la Belgique. Les hongrois, étonnants et motivés sur leur terrain, nous ont soufflé la médaille de bronze en classant un cavalier à la 6ème place.
Dommage pour Lara Houassin et Quick des Sauvlons qui n'a pas récupéré au terme de la 3ème étape. Mourad a été malade l'avant-veille de la course et n'a sagement pas pris le départ.
Par équipe :
1. FRANCE
2. UAE
3. HONGRIE
4. BELGIQUE
Ecuestreonline.com - More
Espanya, cuyo mejor resultado fue el octavo puesto de Eulalia Gonzalez y "Sadek P", consiguio clasificar a la mitad de sus binomios.
Segun los resultados provisionales, 67 binomios se clasificaron, 22 fueron eliminados y seis se retiraron.
Con un tiempo de cinco horas, 15 minutos y diez segundos (5:15:10) y una velocidad media de 22,464 kilometros hora (kms./h.), tras correr la ultima fase a 29,478 kms./h., el emirati Al Marouqi Hussain Ali y "Sergai" se hicieron con la victoria individual, por delante de su compatriota Bin Faisal Al Qasimi He Sh Abd y "Castlebar Sobia" (5:15:12 y 22,462 kms./h.).
Laetitia Goncalves (5:20:01 y 22,124 kms./h. sobre "Jasmina des Ayssade") gano el bronce para Francia, que clasifico a cinco binomios entre los once primeros (puestos 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th y 11th).
France team gold and individual bronze, and the United Arab Emirates, team silver and individual gold and silver, were the winners of the Raid World Championship for Junior and Young Riders (Babolna, Hungary).
Spain, whose best result was eighth place Eulalia Gonzalez and "Sadek P", managed to qualify for half of their couples.
On Saturday, September 5 was played in Babolna (Hungary) on Raid World Championship for Junior and Young Riders, proof of 120 kilometers with the participation of riders and horses from 29 countries, including six Spanish.
According to provisional results, 67 couples were classified, 22 were eliminated and six were retired.
With a time of five hours, 15 minutes and ten seconds (5:15:10) and an average speed of 22.464 kilometers hour (Km / h), after running the last stage to 29.478 kms. / H, the UAE Hussain Ali Al Marouqi and "Sergai" were made with the individual victory, ahead of compatriot Bin Faisal Al Qasimi Abd I Sh and "Castlebar Sobia" (5:15:12 and 22.462 kms. / h).
Laetitia Goncalves (5:20:01 and 22.124 kms. / H on "Jasmina des Ayssade") won the bronze for France, which qualified for five couples among the first eleven (post 3, 4th, 5th, 9th and 11th).
Sportendurance.it
Excellent performance for young riders to Babolna blue combinations.
Alice Spinazze, Serena Fossi e Luca Zapetini concludono tutti ad una media superiore ai 19 orari che vale il sesto posto come TEAM. Si impone come da pronostico la Francia, secondi UAE chiude il podio a sorpresa l'Ungheria, quarto il Belgio, poi Brasile e appunto l'Italia.
Il sesto posto a squadre, supportato dai complimenti del Presidente Federale Andrea Paulgross ai giovani atleti impegnati ai Mondiali J/YR ungheresi, traccia una linea importante dalla quale partire alla volta di risultati ancora piu significativi.
Tutti i binomi in gara ed in squadra, hanno mantenuto medie orarie al di sopra dei 18 km., con punte di 19,10 per Serena Fossi e Luca Zappettini seguiti dal 18,92 di Alice Spinazze.
Unico rammarico la sfortunata e prematura eliminazione di Schadja agli ordini della campionessa italiana YR Vittoria Ciuchi; il binomio azzurro, con una prova al di sopra dei 20 km/h, performance certamente nelle "gambe dell'animale", avrebbe potuto portare l'Italia nelle zone altissime della classifica generale.
Complimenti anche agli altri atleti azzurri che, seppur eliminati, hanno senz'altro aggiunto un tassello importante al proprio bagaglio culturale e sportivo.
Nei prossimi giorni seguiranno approfondimenti, reportage fotografici, video del back-stage dei mondiali, interviste, partenze, arrivi e molto altro.
Alice Spinazze, Serena Fossi and Luke Zapetini all claim to an average
of more than 19 hours worth sixth place as a team.
Itself as the prediction from France, according to UAE closes the podium surprise Hungary, fourth in Belgium, then Brazil and indeed Italy.
The sixth place team, supported by the compliments of the Federal President Andrea Paulgross to young athletes taking part in the World Cup J / YR Hungarian, trace a line from which important at a time of even greater results.
All combinations in the race and in teams, have retained the hourly averages above 18 km., With a peak of 19.10 per Serena Fossi and Luke Zappettini followed by Alice Spinazze 18.92.
Only regret the unfortunate and untimely removal of Schadja the orders of the Italian champion YR Victoria Ciuchi, the pairing of blue, with a test at above 20 km / h, performance, certainly in the "legs of the animal," could bring Italy in areas of high ranking general.
Congratulations also to the other athletes that, although removed, have certainly added a significant step towards their culture and sport.
In the coming days later consolidated, photojournalism, video of the back-stage of the world, interviews, departures, arrivals and more.
Gulfnews.comBy M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: September 05, 2009
Hussain Ali Al Marzouqi and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi finished first and second in the World Endurance Championship for Junior and Young Riders in Hungary. UAE juniors win team silver
Babolna, Hungary: The UAE registered another emphatic victory on the world endurance stage when Hussain Ali Al Marzouqi and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi completed a 1-2 finish at the World Endurance Championship for Junior and Young Riders here on Saturday.
Besides the gold and silver in the individual event, the UAE also won its second successive team silver medal behind France to keep its success record going.
While it was a great achievement by Al Marzouqi in his first-ever ride for the UAE national team, Al Qasimi's silver medal-winning effort was his third successive podium finish in the World Endurance Championship for Junior and Young Riders (under 21 years).
Al Qasimi earlier won the silver medal in Bahrain in 2005 and the bronze medal in Argentina in 2007 where the UAE also won the team silver medal.
The UAE riders dominated yesterday's event with Al Marzouqi on Sergai completing the 120-km distance in 5 hours 15 minutes 10 seconds at an average speed of 22.46 kilometres per hour.
Almost finishing together, but timed two seconds behind the winner was Shaikh Faisal on Castlebar Sobia while Goncalves Lactitia of France on Jasmine Des Ayssade came third in 5:20.01 followed by two other French riders.
Earlier, Ali Ganem Al Merri on Ridasa Dr GBM, was among the leaders but his horse went lame in the third stage of the four-loop race.
However Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose on Cloud Valley Armani completed the ride to give UAE the team silver medal behind the French while Shaikh Saqr Bin Faisal Al Qasimi on Castlebar Trueman and Majid Mohammad Al Sabri on Mitsouku de Sauveterre also completed the ride to help UAE end the day on a memorable note.
Speaking to Gulf News from Hungary, Ali Mousa Al Khameri, the Chef d'Equippe of the UAE team said, "This is a great win and coming during Ramadan we dedicate this victory to the Rulers of the emirates."
"We had many in the six-member squad who were taking part in an international event for the first time including the winner and they showed great skills in tackling this varied terrain here," Ali Mousa said.
"Shaikh Faisal, with this third success at this level, helped the other members and ensured the UAE's flag kept flying high," the Dubai Equestrian Club chief said.
"With the European Open Championship coming in three weeks time in Italy this is a great start to the season," said Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation.
"Under the Federation President Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, we have laid special emphasis on rides for young and junior riders and today's result at the world level has been a reward for those efforts," Al Muhairi said.
RIDE MAP
Larger Map
Entries
| Argentina | Manuela Basombrio | WN Pyna |
| Argentina | Martina Spelanzon | Vavaar |
| Australia | Alliz Jones | HS Sboteur |
| Australia | Angela Hawks | Dakila Pascalle |
| Australia | Blake Freeman | Bowtin Advocate |
| Australia | Bridget Nottle | Zalman |
| Australia | Alexandra Toft | Bremevale Justice |
| Austria | Andrea Enk | Romero 10 |
| Austria | Sophie Mauritsch | Aldeano |
| Austria | Andreas Kindermann | Schedan |
| Austria | Franziska Grunwald | Indigo 9 |
| Austria | Anna Harrich | Damieta |
| Austria | Christina Geissler | Sahmiraa |
| Austria | Sophie Mauritsch | Aldeano |
| Belgium | Laura Houassin | Quick de Sauvlons |
| Belgium | Fanny Guerisse | Mourad RLA |
| Belgium | Francois Arnould | Urania D |
| Belgium | Julien Van Cauter | Amira S |
| Belgium | Romane Yernaux | L I Korum RLA |
| Belgium | Vanessa Hoebeke | Xena Cad |
| Brazil | Carolina Barbosa Monteiro de Castro | Kouleur du Park |
| Brazil | Camilla Llerena | El Fero |
| Brazil | Monika Vidiz | Thayza HCF |
| Brazil | Rafael Sabino Salvador | Lakim de Villeneuve |
| Brazil | Rafaela Moreira Barreto | El Fero |
| Brazil | Mariana Silva de Salles Pacheco | Maj Godasil |
| Czech Republic | Katerina Kysela | Poesia |
| Czech Republic | Marketa Terberova | Wellfare |
| Czech Republic | Tereza Kucharska | Chosita |
| Czech Republic | Silvie Lorenzova | Modem |
| Czech Republic | Katerina Hemzalova | Arista |
| Denmark | Signe Erez | Mon Ami Naverro |
| Denmark | Maja Thomsen | Darin du Gassouillet |
| Denmark | Amanda Kalmeyer | Cargash |
| Estonia | Kalli Kalbre | Baltimor |
| Finland | Joona Mickelsson | Dali Ox |
| France | Sarah Baudrit | Manacer |
| France | Laetitia Goncalves | Jasmina des Ayssade |
| France | Julien Lafaure | Laharanee Cabirat |
| France | Lucie Marin | Lamiah El Oued |
| France | Andrea Pulicani | Spiga |
| France | Lisa Riou | Favela |
| Germany | Katharina Blumohr | Pallas-Athene |
| Germany | Jennifer Schrader | Rashid |
| Germany | Ronja Schreiber | Santana |
| Germany | Stephanie Schrumpf | Mahal El Nil |
| Germany | Anne Wegner | Aicha Addschawad Ox |
| Germany | Anna-Lena Weierschauser | SGW Sharik Ox |
| Great Britain | Beth Langley | HS Ametista |
| Great Britain | Carri Ann Dark | Esta Leonardo Diabo |
| Great Britain | Helen Perry | Wesam |
| Hungary | Eszter Horanyi | O'Bajan Opcio |
| Hungary | David Novakovics | Gazal Amira |
| Hungary | Patricia Fekete | Metaxa O'Bajan Aladdin |
| Hungary | Zsofia Marcso | Dahmany Bagdady |
| Hungary | Bianka Matyi | Koheilan Tuzes |
| Hungary | Vanda Kovacs | O'Bajan Kapitany |
| Italy | Vittoria Ciuchi | Schadja |
| Italy | Alice Spinazze | Shampat |
| Italy | Serena Fossi | Cala Gonona |
| Italy | Elena Mariotti | Maiade Du Croate |
| Italy | Luca Zappettini | Malissa |
| Italy | Elena Trapolari | Oros |
| Netherlands | Jarmila Lakeman | Sattarov |
| Italy | Vittoria Ciuchi | Schadja |
| Norway | Victoria Gutubakken | Ibn Ararat |
| Poland | Maciej Kosicki | Euroland |
| Portugal | Ana Margarida Oliveira Soares | Rabita |
| Portugal | Leonor Quadrado Filipe | Urubu |
| Portugal | Miguel Borges Caeiro | Empoli de Pallares |
| Slovakia | Charlotte Mlyncekova | Milad |
| Slovakia | Dominika Kleinova | Balkan |
| South Africa | Luitha Magaretha Pieters | Irma |
| South Africa | Jansen Van Niewenhuizen | Eva by Turri |
| South Africa | Johann Basson | Rhaver |
| South Africa | Frik Basson | Lunik Du Durzon |
| South Africa | GD Kotze | Laroumy |
| South Africa | Thomas Van Niekerk | Makoub de Keropartz |
| Spain | Agda Muixi | Troian 3 |
| Spain | Andrea Laura Lopez | Cal Al Jakin |
| Spain | Diego Haces Noriega | Esso Starlet |
| Spain | Eulalia Gonzales | Sadek |
| Spain | Laura Vilaregut | Arca |
| Spain | Uma Mencia Uranga | Indian Tawfik |
| Sweden | Frida Soderstrom | Szena P |
| Sweden | Annelie Eriksson | Dahle |
| Sweden | Ebba Boberg | Patos |
| Switzerland | Tonet Noemie | Huzout D'Ax |
| UAE | HE Sh Abdulla bin Faisal Al Qasimi | Castlebar Sobia |
| UAE | HE Sh Saqr bin Faisal Al Qasimi | Castlebar Trueman |
| UAE | Mohd Admand Ali Al Subose | SHDDAD (Cloud Valley Armani) |
| UAE | Ali Ghanim Al Marri | Ridasa Dr GBM |
| UAE | Hussain Ali Al Marouqi | Sergai |
| UAE | Majed Mohd Al Sabri | Mitsouku de Sauveterre |
| USA | Alexandria Kirkland | Egyiptom Izahr De L'Ardus |
Gulfnews.com
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
September 04, 2009
Abu Dhabi: The UAE's Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi leads a strong 6-member team in today's World Endurance Championship for Junior and Young Riders to be held in Babolna, Hungary.
Shaikh Abdullah, who will be chasing a podium finish in the individual event for the third consecutive championship, will also be hoping to ensure the UAE go one better than the team silver medal-winning performance that they achieved in Argentina in 2007.
The other members of the UAE team are Shaikh Saqr Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose, Ali Ganem Al Merri, Hussain Ali Al Marzouqi and Majid Mohammad Al Sabri.
Shaikh Abdullah won a silver medal when the World Endurance Championship for Junior and Young Riders was held in Bahrain in 2005 and followed it up with a bronze medal finish in 2007 in Argentina.
Apart from Shaikh Abdullah's bronze in Argentina, the UAE had won the team silver and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose returns after playing a crucial role in that team medal success.
Over 100 riders from 26 countries will be taking part in today's championship which will be run over a distance of 120 kilometres. Competitions will be held on the individual as well as team championship and the UAE along with Uruguay, who won the team and individual gold in 2007, start among the favourite nations.
While Shaikh Abdullah is expected to ride Castlebar Sobia, Shaikh Saqr will be on Castlebar Trueman with Al Subose riding Cloud Valley Armani, Al Merri on Ridasa Dr GBM, Al Marzouqi on Sergai and Al Sabri on Mitsouku de Sauveterre.
Spain and France along with hosts Hungary are also expected to be strong contenders in today's event.
The event is being held at the historic Babolna National Stud farm in Hungary which was founded in 1789 and has been breeding Arabian horses since then.
Alexandria Kirkland, training for the 2009 Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championships
Sixteen-year-old Alexandria Kirkland will be the U.S. representative at the 2009 FEI Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championships, held in Babolna, Hungary on September 5. The prestigious 75 mile horse race will be attended by 29 countries and over 120 competitors. Kirkland will be the sole American rider to compete at these Championships, and she is coming off of a solid individual bronze medal at the North American Championships last month in Indiana.
"After such a strong performance at the North American Championships, I have high hopes for these World Championships. My sponsors, Hought Endurance Tack and The Distance Depot, have provided me with everything I need to be successful in Hungary. Being the United States' only hope for a medal definitely puts the pressure on, but I am confident in the talent of my support crew and the horse." Kirkland says about the Championships.
Accompanying Alexandria will be her mother and her chief crew, Deborah Kirkland. It will be the first World Championships for both Kirkland and her crew, though her mother has been a crew member for Alexandria’s entire career in Endurance.
"I've been coaching and assisting Alexandria for over five years now," says Deborah Kirkland. "She has always been an intense strategist at races, and a fierce athlete. Alexandria will be riding a leased horse from France, a horse she's never seen before, on a course that she's never ridden, so she will have to use her experience and riding skill to be successful."
The United States Young Rider Endurance program has never captured a medal at a World Championships, and Kirkland hopes to be the first. In fact, the United States has not stood on the podium of a World Championships in over ten years, since Valerie Kanavy's gold medal at the 1998 World Endurance Championships. However, the US is hoping to change their luck in time for next year’s 2010 World Equestrian Championships in Kentucky.
"A good showing at the 2009 World Endurance Championships would absolutely set the stage for Team USA in 2010, when the Championships are on our home turf in Kentucky," said Kirkland. "Hopefully we can put America back on the top of the sport of Endurance."