Shaikh Mohammed's participation has made him the obvious favourite with his sons Shaikh Rashid, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Majid, all set to carry the UAE's hopes in both, the individual and team championships, in the 120km CEI two-star race.

"The Gulf Cup first staged in Bahrain is now set to become an annual feature in the regions endurance calendar of events," said Colonel Hussain Mohammed Hussain, secretary general of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in a Press conference yesterday.

"The UAE as we are all aware is established as one of the leading centres in the world but the sport is fast catching on in the other Gulf States with Bahrain and Qatar paving the way," he added.

The Gulf Cup sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Hotels and Al Baddad Tents will be worked off in two different categories, the open race that also include the team championship, and the CEI two-star ride for the young riders and juniors worked off over 100km.

"We have received 81 entries for the two races, 61 for the main race and 20 for the young riders. The UAE as the host nation has entered two teams with Bahrain and Qatar being the two others," said Col Hussain.

Shaikh Mohammed is set to lead the teams and will be onboard on one of his favourite endurance horses Fay, a 12-year-old chestnut gelding.

Shaikh Rashid rides 12-year-old Arabian gelding Benazim whilst his younger brothers Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Majid are set to partner Lahi da Figueirada and Karalana Quest.

The UAE's strong contingent also include seasoned riders Shaikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Shaikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Saeed Abdulla Al Ketbi, Saif Ali Al Ketbi, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya, Abdulla Khamis Ali Saeed, Majid Khalfan Al Jahouri, Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi, Shareef Mohammed Abdulla Al Bloushi and defending champion Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and his brother Shaikh Khalid lead the main challenge on the host nation's riders.

The race for the young riders too has attracted a quality field with Sharjah's Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Faisal Al Qassimi and his brother Shaikh Abdulla, Shaikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum and Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, composing a formidable home team.