Al Barwani eyes global glory in endurance racing

MUSCAT, SEPT 6
From contributing to major milestones in Omani tennis to pursuing success on the international endurance-racing circuit, Mundhir bin Taghlib al Barwani has carved out a distinctive path in sport, driven by ambition, perseverance and a deep passion for horses.
Since taking up the position of Secretary-General of the Oman Tennis Association in 2017, Al Barwani has played an important role in the administrative and organisational development of tennis in Oman. During his tenure, the association achieved a number of notable milestones, including the successful hosting of the Gulf Tennis Championship in Muscat in 2018, when Oman returned to the top of the Gulf podium and claimed the title after a long absence.
Al Barwani also contributed to the organisation of Oman’s participation in the Davis Cup, where the national team secured first place and earned promotion to Group III. The achievement reflected the progress made by Omani tennis through the combined efforts of the association’s administrative and technical teams and the players.
Away from the tennis courts, however, Al Barwani had developed a strong and enduring passion for horses and equestrian sport. That interest took a more serious turn in 2021, when he entered the world of endurance racing through the Blue Stable, owned and managed by trainer Said Salim Al Balushi.
“My journey in endurance racing began with local competitions, and with each year, my ambitions grew and my results improved,” Al Barwani said.
His progress soon extended to the international stage. In 2024, he finished 24th in the AlUla Endurance Race, before improving his position to 14th the following year in a highly competitive field of nearly 200 elite riders from around the world.
“These results confirmed that our involvement in international endurance racing was not a temporary experience, but a serious sporting project built on passion, planning and determination,” he said.
The most significant milestone in his endurance journey came in July 2026, when two horses under his ownership successfully secured qualification for the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Barroca, Portugal, scheduled for September 11.
The mare Aida, ridden by Muayyad bin Said Al Balushi, and Elk, ridden by Muhannad bin Said Al Balushi, completed the qualification requirements to earn their places at the prestigious global championship.

The achievement marks a significant moment for Omani endurance racing, with Al Barwani becoming one of the first Omani horse owners, after the Royal Cavalry of Oman, to reach the world championship at the young-horse level.
The participation in the World Championship will be conducted under the supervision of the Blue Stable, with the stable also overseeing the horses’ preparation and training programme. Communication and coordination with the trainers throughout the preparation period will likewise be carried out under the supervision of the Blue Stable, ensuring that the horses receive a structured and carefully monitored programme ahead of the global event.
The qualification also highlights the growing international presence of Omani endurance racing and the increasing ability of Omani owners, riders and stables to compete at elite international level.
For Al Barwani, the journey represents more than a transition from one sport to another. His experience in tennis administration has provided him with an understanding of planning, organisation and long-term sporting development, while endurance racing has given him a new platform through which to pursue his competitive ambitions.
From the tennis courts of Oman to the endurance tracks of the international circuit, Al Barwani is now entering a new chapter in his sporting career. His qualification for the World Championship represents a major personal achievement while also contributing to Oman’s growing presence in global equestrian sport.
As he prepares for the September championship in Portugal, Al Barwani will look to build on the progress made over the past several years, with the Blue Stable playing a central role in the preparation and supervision of the horses. His journey stands as an example of how passion, determination and careful planning can open the door to new sporting horizons and take Omani ambitions onto the world stage.