UAE lady jockeys excited

DUINDIGT (NETHERLAND) - UAE debutants Fatima Al Marri, riding Vantage Lady, finished fifth while compatriot Shahtra Al Hajjaj, on Tarfa, came seventh in the HH Shaikha Fatma Bint Mubarak Ladies Fegentri Cup, which was won by Britain’s Rachel King.

By Hisham Al Gizouli

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Published: Wed 22 Jun 2011, 12:41 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 7:40 PM

The Gulf countries were presumably represented by four jockeys, but only the two UAE ladies have crossed the finish line.

Oman’s Fatima Al Manji fell off her horse Siba at the top of the home straight while Qatar’s Khadija Al Bastaki had to pull out as her horse Nil Ishan Ibn Al Sakbe was scratched.

“I’m truly sad for Al Manji who had every chance to win the race. Fortunately she landed safely from the horse back after the loose saddle was shaken,” said Fatima Al Marri who showed great enthusiasm to go ahead with her earlier plans to start a new career.

“The experience is exciting and we are very lucky to receive this strong support from our wise leadership.

“I have enjoyed the thrill of the sport and will never look back again. I will start my new career not as an amateur but as apprentice with my eyes wide open on what’s next. There’s still much room for me to make my nation proud,” she said

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the Emirates General Women’s Association and chairperson of the UAE Women Sport, gave away the trophies to the winners.

“This is a proud moment for us as our UAE lady jockeys competed against world class rivals. It is a big honour for our Emirati women who have always been supported by Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak. She gives us the power to promote the talent that we have,” she said.

Ali Thani Al Suwaidi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Netherlands, hailed the support of Shaikha Fatma bint Mubarak and Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, for supporting the ace day at the Duindigt race course.

“The two UAE lady jockeys proved that the Emirati women are equally talented and with this great step forward they will soon taste success with their hard work and dedication,” he said.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com


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