November 4: Malaysia with Steph and Bev

Stephs body is still in Idaho and she needed a 5 hour nap "just to catch up". OK, Steph. The organizing committee supplied us with our personal driver and tour guide. So I took the opportunity for a tour of Terengganu. The marketplace included rows and rows of batiks, spices, fruits, brasswork and souvenirs.

It was so interesting to watch the artisans stamp the batik designs into the fabrics. The "stamps" are engraved metal irons that are pressed into the fabrics- stamp after stamp after stamp. I only had enough time for this brief marketplace tour then back to the stables where Steph and I would meet our Royal Stables horses. The venue stables are much like many International race sites with screened in barn area with rows of stalls for each horse and one stall designated for saddles and tack. My horse was a 13 year old gelding named Junkett. He was a gift to the Royal Stables from Qatar. He was very quiet, calm and easy to ride. Perfect! Steph was riding a mare named Ikbah. She was sooo tall.

The last available saddle was an older Wintec. After riding the Arabian Saddle for so many years-nothing would be comfortable. So several adjustments later and fleece stirrup leather covers from home, made it a 75 mile saddle. Steph rode a specialized saddle. We agreed that next year we will bring our own saddles. The venue area also hosted a huge Carnival with a horse theme with carriage rides, local food booths and full size plastic horses that were painted the colorful Malaysian patterns and swirls of colors. The was a weaver demonstrating the art of the Songket (a handwoven, brocade fabric with intricate gold or silver threads. Very rich in Malaysian history the Songket used to be a symbol of Royalty and Nobility. It was the theme of the Sultans Cup.

Now we needed to pack our race snacks so we went to a 7-11 ish station and purchased crackers, yogurt, starbucks; all the stuff we usually pack in our crewbags. (We didn't know our chalet would be fully catered!) Steph also found a fantastic selection of prizes for her spring Fandango race.

The Welcome dinner was held at the Yacht Club. It was an extra-ordinary spectacle. The King, heads of State Departments, Presidents of this and that company all processioned in with the full piece band. It was a five star presentation with waiters bringing layers and layers of specialty foods. The entertainment was easily a Broadway show of local dancers, singers and the full band to play the National anthem. The big screen shadow puppet show was charming and entertaining. Wow!

Race Day am;

Trot out was organized and smooth. All 68 horses would start. The rider briefing reviewed the map and details of the trek.

At the venue your crewing area in under permanent tents with fans, spray misters, water tanks, shavings, hay and lights. The horses will be pampered by our own personal RTES grooms. Directly adjacent is our USA chalet- a fully equipped condo with a comfortable sofa, chairs, kitchen, dining area, bedroom and 2 bathrooms. Catered meals were provided throughout the entire race from evening thru breakfast and lots of hot coffee. Sponsors were as numerous as a Kentucky Derby or Nascar race including staff BMW x5, sedans and Land Rovers as well as motorcycles. The police force is controlling traffic all night on the streets and fully lighted check points and water stops. The race program is a thick book with rider photos and profiles, the lists of Organizational committees (long lists), veterinary committees and recognitions. Full size billboards announce the Sultans Cup with a photo of the King riding his horse.

I can't wait for the 5:30 pm start.

Bev