Anglo-Arabians - Endurance News

Al Beloushi repeats endurance victory and hails 'great horse'

24/02/2008 - In a rare repeat show, Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi finished ahead of Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton in the Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 120-km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Dubai on Saturday. The defending champion, who had won this ride last year on Cameo Zinniaa, decided to partner Roheryn Bold Impression and the 10-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding did extremely well to overtake Maria on Antares Sauveterre on the final loop and help the Al Reef star to finish the endurance season in Dubai the way he started it - on a winning note.

The defending champion, who had won this ride last year on Cameo Zinniaa, decided to partner Roheryn Bold Impression and the 10-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding did extremely well to overtake Maria on Antares Sauveterre on the final loop and help the Al Reef star to finish the endurance season in Dubai the way he started it - on a winning note.

Yousuf had won the first ride here this season and signed off with a victory, his horse taking 4 hours 39 minutes and 41 seconds to complete the 120-km distance yesterday.

"This is a great performance by my horse. He won the first race of the season last year but during the start of this season he was injured.

"However he came back strongly today," said Yousuf, who also achieved another rare record yesterday.

Last season he also won the first and last race at the Dubai International Endurance season and now in the 2007-08 season also he has done the same.

"I feel elated with this record. I won in the Bab Al Shams Cup, which was the first ride here and now again in the last event," said the champion rider and trainer, who won a Nissan Patrol for his effort apart from part of the Dh550,000 prize money.

National Limited Distance Mileage Championship Senior Division- 2 nd - Pecan / Julia Abrams

Regional Limited Distance Mileage Championship Senior Division- Central Region 1st Phantom Mist/Monique Vincent (below). Northeast Region 1st Razzimarose Pasha/Sharene Rausch.

Regional Best Condition Standings (Limited Distance) Central Region- 1 st - Phantom Mist / Monique Vincent (photo left)

Midwest Region Lightweight: 1 st - Zahar's Gallant Dancer/Linda Hamrick; 4 th - Mollys Valiant Heart/Jan Worthington Middleweight: 2 nd - Pasha Astra/Larissa Sprecher

North West Region Lightweight : 4 th - VSF Otis+/ / Constance Walker (photo below left) Heavyweight: 3 rd Raemes Magician/ Tom Paleczny (phot bottom right); 7 th - Geeze Louise - Karen Freer

South East Region Featherweight: 4 th - Royel-T Razzmatazz / Ruth Anne Everett Lightweight: 6 th - Veinte Corona/Kara Disbrow; 7 th General Jeb Stuart / Karen Isaacs Heavyweight : 5 th Rockette Survivor / Foster Olson

The Old Dominion One Day 100 Mile Endurance Ride - A Life Changing Experience

On June 9, 2007 I mounted my 14-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding Raeme's Magiciann and set out on what would be our biggest challenge in endurance riding since we became a team. The dream of completing the Old Dominion 1-day 100 mile ride was now four years old and all the conditioning, all the planning and all the strategies were now behind us as we looked out over the starting line. Lesley my wife, coach and inspiration along with friends Dave and Marg Murray made up my pit crew. The wealth of knowledge between these three gave me the confidence that Magic and I would need as we tackled the trail.

The Old Dominion Endurance ride is steeped in history. Located in Virginia USA, the Old Dominion trail is the ultimate test of horse and rider; rocks, steep mountain climbs and temperature extremes can make even the seasoned competitor humble. Since its evolution from the U.S. Cavalry Mounted Service Cup to its present day format, the Old Dominion adventure remains a true test of one horse, one rider and the trail: scenic, spectacular, historic, undeniably difficult but ultimately a ride that can be completed. The Old Dominion is what the slogan of the American Endurance Ride Conference means: "To finish is to win."

The 100 mile trail begins in the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley at Fort Valley Stables, and traverses the crest of the western ridge, heading north before crossing the valley floor to surmount the eastern ridge heading south. The trail is not only abundant in breathtaking vistas from atop the Massanutten Mountains with the Shenandoah River gently winding on the valley floor far below, but also traverses every phase of the nation's

history: from ancient Indian byways winding up and along the Massanutten ridges, to colonial roads made by General Washington's troops as a final desperate escape route for his army during the darkest days of the American Revolution, to Civil War-era paths used by General Stonewall Jackson's troops during their "lightning raids" on the Federal troops in 1862 and 1864.

As the trail master yelled out the words "trail is now open", I took one deep breath and with that our journey had begun. Magic felt great as we started our first climb up out of camp and into Taskers Gap. The trail was very rocky and mostly single file, so the start was very controlled. Our plan to the first of five vet checks at 24 miles, was to keep a slow steady pace and arrive in a little over three hours. The slow steady pace at the beginning proved to be a great strategy because as the day wore on, Magic got stronger and stronger.

We arrived at the first vet check in great shape with a time-in of three hours and 10 minutes and Magic vetted through all A's and trotted out strong and willing. Out of the first vet check we were now headed 18.4 miles to a gate-and-go along the Shenandoah. The trail wound its way down the eastern ridge of the Massanutten to the valley floor where we came out onto a winding road that followed along the Shenandoah River. We crossed the river and did a five mile loop through a horse park before entering into the gate-and-go. Magic pulsed in quickly and we took the opportunity to have a break. It was now reaching the heat of the day and we had completed 42.4 miles. The next loop was 10.4 miles to the second vet check and I knew we had a significant climb up and over Veatch Gap and down the other side to get there.

Reaching the second vet check we had now ridden 53.2 miles and it was a relief to see Lesley, Marg and Dave. It was reaching about 98 degrees Fahrenheit and a very heavy humidity filled the valley. The one hour hold would give us the chance to give Magic a much needed rest. The climb up and over Veatch Gap took a lot out of both of us and although Magic pulsed quickly he was still quite hot after vetting through into the hold. My pit crew kicked into gear and Lesley took Magic into a lovely cool stream and let him stand in the water under the shade of a tree while eating his slurry. While Marg got me a drink and some food, I sat and contemplated my next move. The trail to a gate-and-go at 7.2 miles and then onto the third vet check a distance of 7.4 miles, consisted of two very significant climbs and we were running in the heat of the day. I needed to save as much energy for Magic as possible and we were working from a deficit from the previous climb. Lesley and I discussed what needed to be done; tail Magic up the mountain and when heading down the other side stay off and walk and jog in-hand. We would use the same strategy for traversing Sherman's Gap (the toughest of the climbs). My goal was to have Magic well hydrated and vet straight A's at the third vet check at which point we would have completed a total of 67.8 miles.

Shermans Gap was unbelievable...this trail is not for the faint of heart! It is an amazingly steep climb and then a descent that is all loose limestone and rocks of all shapes and sizes...you literally pick and slide your way down!! Coming into the third vet check I believe we were running around 21st position. Magic pulsed down in seconds and he was straight A's across the board during vetting so I knew we could now pick up the pace and make up some time.

Heading out of the third vet check at dusk with the glow sticks mounted on my saddle and head lamp in place we started to pick up the pace and passed about four other riders. Arriving at the fourth vet check in good time, Magic again pulsed in quickly and again trotted out powerful and strong. We had completed 76.2 miles and Magic looked and felt amazing. I was starting to realize that we were going to complete the ride and I knew I needed to contain my excitement and stay focused. We had a 45 minute hold so it gave both of us a chance to get some much needed food into us. Hot soup and some cheese chunks at 1:30 am went down wonderfully and I felt energized as we headed back out on trail.

It was now pitch black dark! I could see in the distance two other riders that without asking, Magic gained on and then passed. The road wound around for about five miles and then a climb up onto a fire trail that lead to Endinburg Gap, the fifth vet check and the 90 mile mark. All along this trail we just kept passing riders and when we arrived at the fifth vet check we were running in ninth position! We vetted through great and then off to finish the last 10 miles to home and the finish line. It was now almost 3:00 am and we had been on trail almost 22 hours straight. We climbed back over Taskers Gap and started to make our way back down to the finish line. About a mile from the finish line I made a tactical error; I got off Magic to walk down a very steep rocky descent. When I remounted; Magic pulled me toward the turn but I corrected him and we went forward down the wrong trail. I should have listened to Magic because before I realized I was off trail and corrected myself six minutes elapsed and two riders passed me and got over the finish line before us!

We completed the 100 mile trail in a ride time of 18 hours and 43 minutes placing 11th and from the statistic only the 13th Canadian horse to ever complete the Old Dominion 100. Magic was just awesome, he did everything you want from an endurance horse; he ate, drank and was steady throughout the ride. The feeling of doing a good job and achieving our goal was very gratifying and I couldn't have achieved this without all the help I had from my crew.

I'm so very proud of Magic. He followed in his Mother Tiffany Mae's footsteps as she rode to a silver medal in the1988 World Endurance Championship on the same trail. These thoughts brought tears to my eyes as we descended down the side of Taskers Gap and over the finish line. Most people in camp had gone to bed but that was good because with a crowd, I'd probably have lost it completely! All this from a horse that nearly died from colic only two years earlier!

I'm also very proud of the entire Canadian Team - Lesley my coach and mentor who kept me grounded and focused on our strategy. Dave and Marg Murray were amazing! They had everything in order; from food to vet check locations pre-driven, nothing was left to chance. And like the OCTRA (Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association) members we are, the unbelievable support from Mark and Virginia Philips, Deanna Ramsey, Rob and Chrystal Woodhouse and their daughters is something that will stay with me for a long time to come. The US riders were blown away by the team effort shown by the entire Canadian contingent!

To the Canadian Contingent From Magic and Myself - Thank you so very much for helping us reach our goal and make our dreams come true! All the time and patience paid off "in aces and spades"!!

-Tom Paleczny and Raeme's Magiciann

Suzanne Hayes and her 7 year old Anglo-Arabian gelding RS Silverado (Ryen x Lukes Bid {TB}) won the AHA National Championship in the 50-Mile Endurance Ride held June 9 and 10 at Fort Howes in Ashland, MT. In addition to their Championship, Suzanne and this outstanding Anglo-Arabian were named Best Conditioned. More to follow...

Going the Distance

November 12, 2007 - Anglo-Arabians have been racking up the points in the Distance Rides so far this season with some impressive runs. Here's a sampling of their finishes:

FLYING NOSFERATU (Post Exchange +// {AA} x TB) with Leslie Schildt (photo right)

1st USA East Cranberry Elevator 30
1st Foxcatcher 25

ZAHARS GALLANT DANCER (TF Zahara x TB) with Linda Hamrick, what a season! Current 2nd in AERC Midwest Reggion Lightweight Division with 655 miles.

VSF OTIS +// (Witty Boy {TB} x RB Baskiba) with Constance Walker (photo left) are currently 3rd place in the NE Region Lightweight Division.

VEINTE CORONA with Kara Disbrow are currently in 9th Place Southeast Region Lightweight division.

ROYEL-T RAZZMATAZZ (Rahsil Royel-T x Phriendly Philly {TB}) with Ruth Anne Everette are 3rd in SE Region BC and 3rd in SE Region Featherweight division.

2nd Milwaukee Rail Road Trail 50
2nd Roundup Rendezvous 50
11th Fort Howes 50

8th Square Nail 25
25th Shine and Shine Only II 50
19th Mariposa 50
72nd Western States TEVIS 100

MOLLYS VALIANT HEART (*Rezus ++ x Molly B Good {AA}) with Jan Worthington

1st Run for the Border 50
6th Draw I 50
21st Fun In The Sun Pioneer 100 FEI-CCI***
8th Fort Howes 50
5th Ontario Championships FEI/CEI*** 100

TAZZETO with Lynn Lee

3rd and Best Conditioned Roundup Rendezvous 50
6th Home on the Range 50
9th Fort Howes 55
1st Weiser River Rail Trail

XTRA (MD Ansar Nejem x Pasha Cat {AA}) with Bev Gray

17th Antelope Island 50
11th Hells Kitchen Canyon 50
17 Strawberry Fields Forever Pioneer 50
7th Sagebrush & Cedar 50
28th AERC Championship 55

FANCY SAVAGE NITE +/ (Fancy Dream {TB} x Drentas Charity) with Jinnifer Plummer

16th Chicken Chase Pioneer 55
11th Cracked Oaats Crunch 50

GEEZE LOUISE with Karen Freer currently 7th NE Region Heavyweight Division

6th USA East Cranberry Elevator 50
13th Foxcatcher 50
26th Hickory Creek Wilderness 50
28th Allegany Shut Up & Ride 50
25th Biltmore Mountin Hopes Fall Fling 55

GENERAL JEB STUART (Daniri {TB} x Delray Jewel) with Karen Isaacs are in 5th place in SE Region Lightweight Division

19th Sand Hills Stampede 55
5thLeatherwood Mt. Extreme Challenge 50
6th Old Dominion 100
3rd Western Maine Pioneer II-IV 50
1st and Best Conditioned Western Maine Pioneer II-IV 50
12th Big South Fork Pioneer 50
8th Hallelujah Benefit 50

GINA NIA MIA (Agin x Bridal March {TB}) with Bobbi Ilsley

8th Scioto Run 25
16th Dash 55
12th Hickory Creek Wilderness 50
4th Salamonie Sizzler 50
9th Lincoln Trail AHA II 50

GYPSY CHILD with Deborah DeWolfe

5th Ky. Diehards 55
11th Scioto Run 50
5th Pyramid Challenge 50
9th Hickory Creek Wilderness 50
9th Cracked Oaats Crunch 50

HULUMASADA BOOBOO (Impessive Sailor x TB) with Lee Batemen

3rd Heart of the Hills 50

MORNING'S DAWN (Impessive Sailor x TB) with Lee Batemen

3rd Heart of the Hills 50
10th Freeze R Burn 50

The Biltmore Equestrian Center, located on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, hosted the fourteenth annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride on May 5, 2007. Two distances were offered: 50 miles and 100 miles. The Biltmore Challenge also hosted team competitions, open to all riders within the 100-mile and 50-mile AERC competitions. Teams consisted of four riders, with time for the top three finishers on each team counting towards awards. (Results soon)

There were four Anglo-Arabians that finished in the Top Twenty for the 100 mile ride. Ruth Anne Everett and Royel-T Razzmatazz (Rashil Royal-T {Arabian} x Phriendly Philly {TB}) placed 5th overall and 3rd in Featherweight; Connie Walker (left) and VSF Otis +/ (Witty Boy {TB} x RB Baskiba {Arabian}) finished 9th overall and 3rd in Lightweight; Kara Disbrow (below left) and Veinte Corona finished 17th and Leigh Ann Pauley (below right) with Blizzard Bey (Telo Bey + {Arabian} x Phriendly Philly {TB}) were 20th out of the 59 horses that started the ride.

Although purebred Arabians have long dominated the sport of endurance riding worldwide, Anglo-Arabians have also made a name for themselves on the international level as well as in North America. Several have recently placed well in prestigious international competi-tions, demonstrating again the versatile, athletic talents of this breed.

Kalkadoon Kampala (Maf-ue Sultan x Kameko) won the FEI CEI•• 80 km Al Masaood Jewellry Endurance Cup on January 10th, the first round of the three part Asayl Ladies Championship in Abu Dhabi. The 10 year old won it in 3:28:45, an average speed of 22.99 km/hr. In March, Kampala finished third and was named Best Conditioned in the World Endurance Championship for Junior/Young Riders in Argentina. Ridden by Sh Abdullah bin Faisal al Qasimi of UAE, they finished the 120 km in 5:40 (21.2 km/hr), also earning the Team Silver Medal. His half sibling, Kalkadoon Kuranda (/Maf-ue Sultan x Kameko) placed 12th at Al Wathba (120 km - CEI***) January, 2007.

Roheryn Bold Impression (Cazna al Maklan x Flip Girl) won the Dubai Equestrian Club's FEI 120 km ride in November a full 11 minutes ahead of the second place horse (See story below). He placed 12th in December in the FEI CEI*** 120 km UAE National Day Cup.

Shar Rushkin placed 9th in the 2006 World Equestrian Games 160 km in Aachen, assisting the Bahrain team to an 11th place finish; 3rd in the 2006 Asian Games CEI•• 120 km in December, and 4th in the 100 km CEI•• Bahrain Season Opener, racing for Bahrain. (Gray horse, right)

Dalton du Capimont (Jano x Missmis), pictured above, placed 3rd at the Damas Championship FEI CEI••• 120 km in January with an average speed of 24.09 km/hr. This 16 year old gelding was also in the lead at the second- and third-to-last gates at the February running of the FEI CEI••• 160 km President of UAE Endurance Cup, before being pulled up lame at the final gate. This horse has never finished lower than 5th place in his 6 year international career! He is currently ranked #42 in the FEI Endurance standings worldwide.

Second place overall in the Asayl Ladies Championship in Abu Dhabi. went to Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi riding 13-year-old chestnut Anglo-Arabian mare Red Sonya from Al Reef Stables. She also won the Abu Dhabi 80km Federation qualifier in April.

Lalik du Parc (Dielek x Azurka des Savoie) was the first to earn ELITE ranking as a 6 year old among 80+ contestants at the 90 km Uzes ride in France.. She also finished 8th at Compegne 120 km 7 & 8 year old World Championships

Kerria du Vrihou (Kal Azar x Elzara Bleue), above left, won first and Best Condition at the Libramont 127 km CEI•••, and 4th at Parme (115 km - CEI**) iin April. Another French Anglo, Keroual du Breuil, above right, placed first in 2 consecutive 160 km rides in his homeland to qualify for the 06 WEG.

Of interest also is the 119 km CEI** at Huelgoat in Brittany, FR on April 8th in which there were 7 Anglos in the top 30 finishers, including 2nd place Lellig Armor and 6th place Ermine du Tarn (Fougueux x Hermine).

The American Endurance Ride Conference has announced their year-end High Point Awards for the 2006 season. Historically, Arabians excel at this discipline, but Anglo-Arabians fared well also. Here are the highlights:

BEST CONDITION - 5th Place in the Northeast Region is Raemes Magician, owned by Tom Paleczny, winner of 2 Best Conditioned Awards. Third in the Southeast Region is Veinte Corona, owned by Kara Disbrow, winner of 3 Best Conditioned Awards.

REGIONAL LIMITED DISTANCE RIDER MILES - Senior Northeast Region Winner Mary Mast and Zane's Purple Sage; Junior, Northeast Region Winner Michaela Rausch and Strata Pasha; Senior Southeast Region 4th Place Peggy Clark and Tar/Elestirne.

NATIONAL HIGH POINT - Central Region: Heavyweight Third Place Susan Young and SS Allsfairn War; Midwest Region Lightweight Winner Linda Hamrick and Zahar's Gallant Dancer; 5th Place Jan Worthington and Mollys Valiant Heart; 7th Place Bettina Koehn and Zarafin Zakhiebo; Mountain Region Featherweight 4th Place Beverly Gray and Xtra; Northeast Region Featherweight 8th Deborah A. DeWolfe and Gypsy Child; Lightweight 3rd Place Constance Walker and VSF Otis+/; Heavyweight 6th Place Karen Freer and Geeze Louise; 7th Place Tom Paleczny and Raemes Magician; Southeast Region Lightweight 2nd Karen Isaacs and General Jeb Stuart; 4th Kara Disbrow and Veinte Corona; 6th Leigh Ann Pauley and Blizzard Bey.

It all started in October, 2002. My main endurance horse had a lameness injury, and I had a bad feeling about it. I thought I needed a back up horse to my back up. Friend of a friend had this anglo arab, had told me about him a few months before. So I call her and off I go to see this wonderful beast. He is 5 years old, but she tells me how wonderful he is... oh and she wants $2500 for him.

These folks were rich, so I just assumed they would have a barn and arena and such. I took my helmet and my saddle, and off I went. Well, they might have had such somewhere, but Goob was out in this HUGE field, all alone! We pulled up to the gate, and this wild hairy thing came running up to the gate - mane flying everywhere. There was no barn, nothing remotely civilized here. I decided to ride this big wild boy in the wide open field with morning dew on the grass would not be a good idea.

So I just played with him and tried to check him out, as he trotted around at the end of the lead, he was quite hyper. The owner was driving around this big field looking for Goob's pasture mate named Felix. Once they wandered back to me and the horse, I told her that I did not think riding him that day would be an option. She told me that I could take him home to try him. So I thought to myself, well, if I am to try him, I would have to take him home. What I should have thought was, Do I even want to try this thing?? But I was not thinking, so off I went again to get the trailer. And that is how The Goob came home.

Once I got him home and could really look at him, I realized that his conformation was less than ideal. His front legs have a little... wave... to them. He is out at the knee, and the cannon bone is not quite in the center of one knee, and he is pigeon toed. I decided this was not the horse for me. Now, I liked him a LOT, he is quite a personable boy. So I continued the horse shopping and found a great little arab gelding that was 2.5 years old. This guy is a doll, has papers, good conformation, and was only $900. Hmm, which is the best way to go???

Then I had to call the lady to tell her I did not want Gooby. (His real name is Veinte, by the way.) She was just so scattered when I talked to her. I told her about his conformation, and his legs and my concerns, and she just did not seem to get it. Then she said, Can you just keep him, say, indefinitely, would that be a problem?? I was so caught off guard! I should have said - if you are giving him to me, that is OK. If you want me to board him indefinitely, then NO. But I just stammered. She repeated it - Can you just keep him indefinitely? I did not even ask for clarification. I was so uncomfortable, and sometimes I am not too smart. I said, OH, did you ever find Felix? Yes, she said, he was dead. OH NO! I said, do you know happened to him? She says, it was probably old age, he was 25. Well, I had two horses at that time that were both older than that, so I know that was the WRONG answer. I had not thought of Goob as a rescue until that moment. So then I had two new horses. Going from 4 to 6 is pretty tough!!

I finally talked to her again. She told me I should just buy him. I told her I already spent my horse money on the arab. Finally she offered that I just give her $500, so I said OK. I put a check in the mail, and have never heard from her again.

I realized this poor horse was broke but sure was not trained. His mouth was scarred up by a bit. I was told that her husband had taken this wild thing to the foxhunt in a mule bit. He is cut back at least half an inch. Poor boy. The lady had told me he got a halter in his mouth when he was a baby. Yeah right. I am smarter than that though, I knew no halter did that damage.

So there ya go. I now have the Goob. We have had some ROUGH times. He is a wild one. But I always knew he was special - if we both lived through it. His first ride was in Memphis. He bolted at the start, and dumped me within the first 5 minutes. I flew so far off trail, no one could see me as they rode by. Then he was lost for 10 hours. It was a BAD day!

But things got better. He has turned out to be the best horse I have ever ridden. He is smart, fast, and just fun to be around. He does tricks - kiss, count, shake hands, and stick his tongue out. He also will hide his head under my arm when I say "Shame On You!"

Goob's first year competing, 2004, he sneaked into 10th place lightweight in the Southeast Region of AERC. I had never even been close to being in the top ten, so I was shocked and thrilled. This was the same year we had that short, fast, bad ride in Memphis!

In 2005, he was 3rd lightweight, and 4th overall. In 2006 he was 4th overall, and 4th overall.

He currently has 1660 miles, and has had 5 Best Conditions. He did his first 100 this year, and was first. Pretty cool, that was. Only been out of the top ten 4 times, ever in that many rides. Most are actually top 5. I love this horse! And he is surefooted, bold, OK, sometimes CRAZY, never spooks, and can just go all day. -Kara Disbrow

Photo: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi from the Al Reef Stables registered a hat-trick of wins for the all-conquering stables here yesterday.

Yousuf, the UAE's top trainer and third-best rider on points, and Al Reef Stables, last season's top stables which belongs to Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, scored their third straight win of the current UAE season.

Yousuf, who trained the winning horses in the Boudthib Junior Ride and the First Gulf Bank Challenge ride in Al Wathba last week, emerged as winner with a superb display of riding in the Dubai Equestrian Club's 120-km ride yesterday.

The trainer-cum-rider partnered 8-year-old Roheryn Bold Impression to victory to help the Australian horse make a winning debut here in the UAE.

With an impressive average speed of 24.06kmph, Yousuf completed the 120-km ride in a time of 4 hours 59 minutes and 15 seconds to finish over 11 minutes ahead of Al Wathba rider Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri.

Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum finished fourth, just behind Mohammad Al Sabousi in a ride which saw over 100 riders kick-start the endurance season at the Dubai International Endurance City.

"I just wanted to give my horse a feel of the competitive conditions here in the UAE as he was faring well in training having arrived here just four months ago," said the champion rider.

"I was in fact using this ride to prepare my Anglo-Arab horse for the prestigious National Day Cup. But during the third stage I realised he was shaping very well and it was then I decided to go for a win," said Yousuf, who looks after Al Reef's Al Ain stables.