- What? HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup 2008 - a 160 km marathon for horses, done in several stages. Prize money of AED 1.5 million. Free trips for spectators in 4 wds to chase after horses and see how they're doing.
- Photos? - Endurance Cup 2008 Dubai.
- Where? Dubai Endurance City
- When? 12 January 2008, starting 6 am, finish late afternoon.
- How much? Free entry
- Organisers?
- Main Sponsors? Omega, Dubai Equestrian Club.
- Contact? Tel +971-4-3300800 (but just returned dial tone when tried)
- Website? www.dubaiendurancecity.com
Not the most exciting spectator sport as the horses mostly depart one at a time during the day, and trot along at a steady pace. You might have images of the film Hidalgo in your mind, it's not quite the same. However the sight of one horse and rider being encouraged by a flock (herd? gaggle?) of 4wd vehicles roaring along the track approaching the entrance to Endruance City is quite a spectacle. You need to be outside the complex to see this since the cars don't fit through the finishing gates.
The free trips into the desert in one of the vehicles waiting outside the entrance to Endurance City make it more interesting. They run all day.