UAE riders shine as Emirates Endurance Series kicks off in Compiègne with multiple golds
Emirates Endurance Series launch sees UAE riders win gold and silver across 160km and 100km races in Compiègne, as Bahrain takes 140km victory; series runs June–December 2026.
Emirati riders secured top honours at the opening event of the Emirates Endurance Series in Compiègne, France, capturing gold and silver in the 160km race and gold in the 100km category. The one-day meeting, staged on the outskirts of Compiègne, brought together leading international endurance competitors and served as the launch pad for the series that will span more than 10 countries from June to December 2026. UAE success was highlighted by strong rides, disciplined team tactics and podium finishes that underline the country’s growing stature in international endurance riding.
Majid Jamal Al Muhairi wins gruelling 160km after six-stage contest
Majid Jamal Al Muhairi produced a standout performance aboard Bankarshian du Faoust to claim the 160km crown after a demanding six-stage race. The UAE rider managed pace and horse condition across varied terrain to finish clear of a deep international field. Seif Ahmed Al Mazrouei followed to take silver for the UAE on Polio Charles, while Bahraini rider Mohammed Abdulhamid Al Hashmi completed the podium in third on G Star.
Ahmed Saleh Al Shehi tops 100km on SW Maltaba
In the shorter endurance test, Ahmed Saleh Al Shehi rode SW Maltaba to victory in the 100km event, demonstrating tactical restraint and a finishing burst that secured the gold medal. Italy’s Kaetano Maria Bria claimed second place on Zeitona, with France’s Pauline Theolisat taking the bronze on Elite du Vialaret. The result underlined the depth of Emirati talent in both long and middle-distance endurance formats.
Bahrain’s Fahd Hilal Al Khateri wins 140km title
The 140km race produced a victory for Bahrain as Fahd Hilal Al Khateri crossed the line first on Kashmir de Bois. The contest was tightly fought, with Elizabeth Hardy earning runner-up honours aboard Hemi de Montrozie and Paul Bard taking third place on Givet to Me Valarin. The competitive nature of the 140km event highlighted the international quality assembled for the series opener.
Podium ceremony led by Emirates Endurance Village officials and partners
Winners were presented with their medals by Mohamed Ali Al-Hadrami, director of events at the Emirates Endurance Village, alongside Lara Swaya, the village’s executive director for sponsorship and marketing. Also on the podium were representatives including Bert Owais, Antoine Singer representing AlUla, and officials from Emirates airline, reflecting the broad partnership network supporting the series. Organisers and sponsors staged interactive activities around the venue to engage the crowd and showcase products and services linked to the sport.
Officials praise UAE riders and stress global ambitions
Musallam Al Amri, Director General of the Emirates Endurance Village, praised the performances of the Emirati athletes and welcomed the positive reception to the initiative’s launch in France. Officials described the results as a strong start to a campaign aimed at promoting Emirati equestrian heritage and elevating endurance riding on the world stage. Mohamed Ali Al-Hadrami also thanked the leadership and all contributing teams and sponsors for their support in delivering the event and preparing competitors for international competition.
Emirates Endurance Series to visit more than 10 countries through December
Organisers confirmed that the Emirates Endurance Series will run for six months, from June through December 2026, and will include races in over ten countries. The calendar is designed to give riders and horses a range of conditions and course types while building global exposure for the Emirates Endurance Village brand. Event partners plan to use each stop to provide fan engagement opportunities and promote equestrian development programs tied to the series’ long-term objectives.
The Compiègne opener delivered competitive racing and clear signals that UAE endurance riders are ready to contend at the highest level. With multiple podiums and a successful launch ceremony attended by international partners, the Emirates Endurance Series begins its six-month international journey with momentum. The coming months will reveal how teams manage form, horse welfare and logistics across a packed calendar that aims to raise the profile of endurance riding globally.