MRM Stables retained the “Jameelati” Cup for mares during the third day of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, hosted by the Dubai International Endurance City in Saih Al Salam, featuring a select group of riders from around the world. Rider Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki won the race, which took place over a distance of 120 km under the sponsorship of Al Tayer Motors, with approximately 188 riders participating. He gifted MRM Stables the title for the second consecutive year after securing first place on the mare “Polio Markan,” clocking a time of 4:26:15 hours.
Second place went to rider Mohammed Saleh Al Attas on the mare “Ro Shi Star” from Al Wathba Stables, with a time of 4:26:26 hours. Last year’s champion, rider Saif Ahmed Al Mazrouei, finished third on the mare “Polio Ahno” from MRM Stables, recording a time of 4:26:29 hours. Rider Majid Jamal Al Mehairi claimed fourth place on the mare “Volibelle de Fosse” from F3 Stables, clocking in at 4:26:50 hours, followed by rider Mansour Saeed Al Farisi in fifth place on the mare “Witka Ahmir” from MRM Stables, with a time of 4:29:00 hours.
While the competition showcased remarkable talent, rider Hamid Khalil Al Hasani took sixth place on the mare “Haqo Al Aziz AA” from ABH Stables, with a time of 4:29:08 hours. He was followed by rider Issa Hamoud Al Khiyari in seventh place on the mare “Hayra Armor” from Al Bawadi Stables, who finished in 4:29:26 hours. Lebanese rider Aya Ali stood out in eighth place on the mare “Hajarat” from Al Khuyool Stables, clocking a time of 4:29:41 hours.
After the race concluded, Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, along with Ahmed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Talal Murab, Senior Vice President of Jaguar Land Rover at Al Tayer Motors, and Mona Hassan Saadoun, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience at Al Tayer Motors, presented awards to the top three winners. The top ten finishers received valuable prizes in the form of cars, while the remaining positions received cash prizes ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 dirhams based on their rankings.
All eyes will be on the main race, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup for Endurance over a distance of 160 km, scheduled for Saturday, where strong competition is expected among elite riders representing the strongest stables in the country. On Friday, the Dubai International Endurance City will conduct weight measurements for the participating riders and veterinary checks for the horses in preparation for the race.