Sports | Monday 3 February, 2020 12:22 pm |

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup Endurance Race 2020, Fursan Forum, reached its conclusion under the patronage of the Royal Commission for AlUla. His Highness, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Alfaisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Sports Authority, crowned the winners at Fursan Village along-side Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. 

 

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum with ‘F3’ stables came in first on his horse ‘Utoufa De Lap’, followed by Saif Ahmed Mohammed Ali AlMazrouei with ‘MRM’ stables in second place on his horse ‘Razorback Mechano’, while Saeed Ahmad Jaber Alharbi, also with ‘F3’ stables finished in third place on his horse ‘Alhambra Latiffe’. 

 

The two-star classification race is recognised by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, and is one of the most prominent races of its kind in the world, is organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival in cooperation with the Saudi Equestrian Federation. It covers 120 km over four loops stretching across the enchanting desert and mountains of AlUla, connecting the prestige of this race with the fantastic environment of the area. The race highlights the efforts of the Royal Commission in preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) commented: "I would like emphasize the Royal Commissions continues dedication to host the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Race in AlUla. Here, the values of perseverance and adherence associated with the race can come together with the stunning nature of area. A region listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a historical incubator to purebred Arabian horses for thousands of years. We value the efforts of our partners in the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. We will continue to welcome equestrians from all across the world to experience this phenomenal event.” 

 

“I would like to commend the efforts of all the riders who took part in the 2020 Fursan Forum and congratulate this years winners." He added. 

 

His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of General Sports Authority added: "The second season of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Race (Al-Fursan Forum) 2020 comes in succession of several significant sporting events that were held in the Kingdom in accordance to the strategy set by the leaderships 2030 vision. In light of the immense backing that our wise leadership has shown towards sports in service of the youth, our country has become the capital of some of the largest and most significant sporting events in the world. Congratulations to all the winners and I hope they enjoyed the fascinating natural terrain this region has to offer.”

 

On the tournament, His Highness Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah Al Saud, President of the Saudi Equestrian Federation asserted: “The Winter at Tantora Festival offers a global platform to embrace the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in which the prized for this year reach up to 15 million Saudi Riyals. The amount is the highest in the world in terms of value for this type of a competition. The festival helps us in achieving our goals and ensuring the success of endurance racing in the Middle East and beyond. We at the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation seek to improve equestrian sports and encourage their practice at the Middle East and beyond. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is held here in AlUla, a fitting site to help us achieve this goal. We congratulate all the winners and hope to see them again next year.”

 

He added “We at the Saudi Equestrian Federation strive to develop and encourage equestrian sports both locally and internationally. Today The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, hosted in AlUla, has become a main pillar towards achieving that goal.”  

 

The Fursan Forum was held during the weekend as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival which includes some of the most notable cultural and sporting events of the season. The Festival also provides a wide range of diverse experiences that cater to all visitors from all walks of life.

 

The Festival started on the 19th of December 2019 and will run until the 7th of March 2020. Guests of the this years festival will be able to visit the astonishing historical and heritage sites exclusively as well as attend musical and artistic performances by some of the most respected artists in the Arab, and international, world.

 

For more information, and to ensure spots at the music concerts and to participate in various events at the Festival, please book tickets today on the website: www.experiencealula.com.