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As part of the Terengganu State's efforts to promote sports tourism in Terengganu, the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2007 is set to make yet another mark in Malaysian history. Being the second year since its debut in 2006, this year will see approximately 21 international riders and 15 local riders taking part in the challenge. Among the other representatives for Malaysia, His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, will also be riding in the Challenge.
The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2007 will serve as the Trial Event to the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008. In this challenge, riders will have to plot through various terrains, undulating slopes and sandy areas in the tropical heat of the day and cool and humidity of the night. Throughout the course, riders will need to go through 7 compulsory stops after each loop, cooling their horses whilst ensuring the safety and welfare of their horses.
History of the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge
The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endur ance Challenge was born when His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal, found an interest in equine sports, particularly in the Endurance discipline. His Majesty has participated aggressively in many overseas rides held in Australia, France, Spain, New Zealand, UAE. Amongst His Majesty's accomplishments are:
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3rd Place at the CEI 3* Kelantan Royal Jubilee Ride 2004, Malaysia (160km)
15th Place at the CEI 3* Santa Susana Ride 2004, Spain (200km)
11th Place at the HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup 2007 (3x80 km Endurance Ride), Abu Dhabi, UAE (240km)
2nd Place at the Qatar Endurance Committee Qualifying Ride 2007, Qatar (160km)
12th Place at the Sample and Partners CEI 3* 2007, Nanango, Australia (160km)
Through his ambitions, His Majesty created awareness and interest in the discipline, locally and internationally. The fruits of his efforts led many to make the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge a success.
Sultan's Cup Timeline:
2002 His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin had keen interest in Endurance sports and expressed his wish to take up the sport locally and internationally. On the same year, the mentor, Dr. Balakrishna Polanaidoo was called to officiate at a ride in Sungai Tong, Terengganu organised for His Majesty to obtain a riding license to ride overseas. This requisite is set by the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) and the (International Equestrian Federation) FEI. The international license is only granted upon completion of a ride locally. His Majesty completed the 80km ride at the first attempt and obtained the license.
2003 The first 80km Terengganu Endurance Ride was held at Tasek Kenyir, Kuala Berang, Terengganu.
2004 The first 140 km Terengganu Endurance Ride was held at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu 2005 The first 120 km Terengganu Endurance Ride was held at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu
2006 The first 160 km CEI 3* ride named the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge was held in November 2006 at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu, which was one of the most successful rides of the year in the country with a completion rate of 57%.
