Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

World endurance race called off amid good show by Royal Cavalry

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Hassan al Balushi -


The Royal Cavalry’s riders were very close to grab top positions at World Equestrian Games prior to the cancellation of the endurance event due to heat and humidity in United States’ Tryon city in North Carolina. The opening-day endurance event was cancelled by heat and humidity following heavy rain on Wednesday.


During the fourth round of the competition races, the International Equestrian Federation decided to cancel the tournament due to the bad weather conditions. Carolina state recorded very heavy rain during the races and suddenly the weather changed to register high level of humidity. Consequently, the veterinary hospital at the Games was busy with the horses requiring special healthcare.


The event could be hit by more heavy rain and winds from Hurricane Florence, which is scheduled to make landfall later this week on the coastal areas of the state.


Heavy rain left steamy and unsafe conditions for horses and riders along the trail.


“This was a difficult decision to make, but it was done with horse and athlete welfare in mind,” Thomas Timmons, president of the veterinary commission, told AFP.


“Conditions this afternoon after the rain resulted in extremely high levels of humidity and, combined with rising heat, it was deemed unsafe to continue the ride.”


Earlier, riders of Royal Cavalry were very close to obtain some advanced places and record a new achievement for the Sultanate. Royal Cavalry team was one of the top three teams besides France and Spain teams during the competitions. Riders completed the most of the fourth round race and later riders went to the endurance village as per the instructions from top officials of the organising committee.


The representatives of animal rights were also present to evaluate the situation.


Oman team


The Sultanate team was represented by four riders who qualified for the championship, who are: Mahmoud al Foori on mare Dallilah, Hisham al Farsi on mare Ondia, Saleh al Balushi on stallion Rice and Hussain al Farsi on stallion Rafal de Career. The reserve was Adil al Balushi on mare Tuscan.


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