Galopet de Fleizen Wins Khareef Dhofar 100km Endurance Race

SALALAH: Galopet de Fleizen claimed first place in the Khareef Dhofar 100km Endurance Race, held on Saturday as part of the Khareef Dhofar Season activities.
The race was held under the auspices of Brigadier Eng Ali bin Sulayem al Falahi, Director-General of Traffic at Royal Oman Police (ROP), in cooperation with the Dhofar Equestrian Committee and with the support fo the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, Dhofar Municipality and the Festival Department at Dhofar Municipality.
The 100km competition brought together a number of endurance horses and riders in a demanding test of fitness, strategy and horse management. The race provided riders and trainers with an opportunity to assess their horses over a challenging course while competing in the distinctive conditions of Dhofar during the khareef season.

Galopet de Fleizen secured the title for its owner Ahmed bin Hafeez Maqeibil, under trainer Abdulaziz bin Shehab al Shanfari and rider Hafeez bin Ahmed Maqeibil.
Shelly Walk finished second for its owner Ahmed Kamil Qatan, trained by Ahmed bin Kamil Muslem Qatan and ridden by Malik bin Kamil Qatan.
Nehab completed the podium in third place for its owner Mazen bin Hamad al Subhi, trained by Salem bin Hamad al Maliki and ridden by Tamim bin Hamad al Maliki.
Veterinary care central to the race
veterinarian Yousuf bin Sulaiman al Wahibi, a member of the race's veterinary team, highlighted the importance of veterinary inspections in endurance competitions.

He said the event featured a number of well-prepared horses and explained that the veterinary team's responsibility begins before the start, with comprehensive checks to assess each horse's health and fitness for the 100km distance.
The veterinary team also monitored the horses throughout the race, including their pulse rates and general physical condition, ensuring that they were fit to continue safely. Post-stage examinations were another important part of the process.
Al Wahibi stressed that horse welfare remains the team's highest priority and that successful endurance racing requires close cooperation between riders, trainers and veterinary personnel.

Experience of the course
Trainer Saeed bin Salim al Balushi said the Dhofar course demands careful management from both rider and horse, particularly when it comes to distributing the horse's effort across the different stages.
He noted that previous experience on the same course gives riders and trainers valuable knowledge of its characteristics and helps them determine the appropriate pace while preserving the horse's energy for the final stages.
Al Balushi added that the khareef atmosphere provides a distinctive setting for endurance competitions and contributes to the growing profile of equestrian sport during Khareef Dhofar Season.

Qatan celebrates second place
Second-placed rider Malik bin Kamil Qatan, riding Shelly Walk, said he was pleased with the result following a competitive race that required concentration and patience.
He explained that his previous experience on the course helped him develop an effective strategy, particularly in managing the horse's pace and distributing its energy throughout the 100km challenge.
Qatan thanked the owner, trainer and members of his team for their support, saying the result would provide additional motivation for future competitions.
Trainer Mohammed bin Hassan al Balushi also highlighted the importance of course knowledge, saying previous experience helps riders and trainers make better decisions regarding pace, horse management and race strategy.
He praised the organisation of the event and the support provided by the participating institutions, noting that endurance races held during the Khareef Dhofar season contribute to the development of equestrian sport and provide riders and horses with valuable competitive experience.
The Khareef Dhofar 100km Endurance Race forms part of the season's sporting and equestrian programme, bringing together riders, trainers and horse owners in a competitive environment that promotes the development of endurance racing in Oman.