Khaleej Times
Rashid rides to victory in Italy
27 June 2006
DUBAI — Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum rode with great determination and skill to win the FEI 3-Star endurance ride in Gubbio, Italy, recently.
The international list of starters was 50 per cent Italian along side riders from France, Portugal, Russia, Syria and the UAE.
This 160.2km FEI 3-Star endurance ride was sponsored by Bab Al Shams, Jumeirah Group
Shaikh Rashid finished over 30 minutes ahead of second placed Gianluca Laliscia, a member of the Italian gold medal-winning team at the World Championships in Dubai lasy year.
Shaikh Rashid completed the ride clocking10.28.54 — having averaged 15.284kph. He rode the grey gelding Huzie D’Ax, owned by his father His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and bred in France and trained by Cecile Molest Milleto.
The central vet gate was in the town of Gubbio, with a background of mediaeval architecture and set close to the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre. The initial 35.5-km ascending the surrounding hills proved to be a difficult opening leg. Shaikh Rashid made his intentions clear from the start as he rode in the leading group along side riders from Italy and France.