January 25th, 2017: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) student, Sheikh Hamad Dalmook Al Maktoum, has secured victory in the prestigious President of the UAE Endurance Cup, taking the youth competition title in the finals of the annual horseracing event.
Sheikh Hamad, who is studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), came in first in the 120km race held recently at Boudhieb, Abu Dhabi. Having secured victory in the young riders’ event, Sheikh Hamad now has his sights set on success at the senior event, to be held on 11th February at Al Wathba.
Endurance racing has a long tradition in Emirati sporting history, with both horse and rider required to demonstrate the utmost strength and resilience as they negotiate challenging terrain over extremely long distances. Nineteen year old student Sheikh Hamad balances his studies at CUD with intensive training sessions in the sport three to four times a week, at the M7 Endurance Stables based in Dubai.
Since he started participating in endurance racing in 2010, Sheikh Hamad has competed in several competitions around the world, with his other wins including a 160km senior level race in Pisa, Italy, as well as the Dubai-based Jumeirah Endurance Cup.
Citing His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the inspiration for his commitment and success in the sport, Sheikh Hamad is now aiming to reach the pinnacle of endurance racing at both national and international levels.
He explained, “With the support I have received from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, my first ambition is to go on and win the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, here in Dubai. From there, I hope to be able to compete and be successful in the World Endurance Championships, which brings together the top endurance athletes from across the globe in competition every two years.”
In the meantime, and despite still having two years left in the youth category of the sport, Sheikh Hamad is aiming to make his mark in the senior competition, starting with the 160km race at the UAE President’s Cup next month.
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