Look: When Dubai Ruler, Sheikh Hamdan Won 120km Endurance Horse Race in England – Al Badia
It was a day etched in the annals of endurance racing when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stormed to victory in the prestigious 120km Stars Endurance Race held at Euston Park, Norfolk, England. The proud moment, remembered vividly to this day, took place on August 3, 2009, in front of a highly competitive international field.
A Father–Son Triumph
Riding side by side in perfect rhythm, father and son crossed the finish line almost in unison, raising the UAE flag aloft in celebration. The race was more than a competition; it was a statement of the UAE’s leadership and commitment to equestrian sports, particularly endurance riding, where stamina, strategy, and horsemanship combine in one of the sport’s most testing formats.
For Sheikh Mohammed, already a world-renowned equestrian figure, the win was another testament to decades of dedication to the Arabian horse. For Sheikh Hamdan, it was a defining moment in his journey as a rider, reflecting his natural ability, courage, and passion inherited from his father.
Fierce International Competition
The 120km race drew 118 riders from across the world, including competitors from Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Australia, Ireland, England, and the USA. Such a diverse field made the UAE’s 1–2 triumph even more symbolic, underlining the country’s dominance in endurance racing at the highest levels. Each lap demanded strategy: managing pace, monitoring the horses’ condition at veterinary checkpoints, and balancing aggression with patience.
Despite the intensity of the competition, the Dubai duo’s teamwork stood out. Their ability to maintain pace through the rolling Norfolk countryside and finish in commanding style cemented the race as one of the sport’s unforgettable chapters.
Symbol of National Pride
Beyond the victory, the emotional impact was profound. The sight of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan galloping side by side, proudly carrying the UAE flag, became an iconic image celebrated across the Emirates and beyond. It was more than a race result—it was a father passing on a legacy to his son, with endurance sport as the stage and the Arabian horse as the timeless partner.
The win continues to inspire young riders in the UAE and highlights the nation’s global leadership in endurance racing. For Al Badia, this story serves as a reminder of how sporting triumphs intertwine with heritage, identity, and the shared love of horses that define the UAE’s equestrian spirit.
