Twenty years ago this week, Abu Dhabi hosted the Equestrian World Endurance Championship, where Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attended the closing ceremonies on December 11, 1998. Back then, the two had different titles. The present Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was the Chief of Staff, while the Ruler of Dubai was the Crown Prince of Dubai.
The race was won by American rider Valerie Kanavy, with Italy's Fausto Fiorucci second and Japan's Daisuke Yasunaga third. The sport is long-distance racing for horses and riders up to distances of 160 kilometres. In 2012, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid won the event in Suffolk, England, leading UAE riders to a third consecutive team title.
In September this year, the event was held in North Carolina, but the endurance portion was cancelled because of the heat and humidity.
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