Bahrain , who are emerging as a new force in endurance in the region, served notice of their potential with a dominating display in yesterday's GCC Junior and Young Riders Championship held at the Emirates International Endurance Village here.

Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Hassan and Salem Mohammed Al Otaibi completed a 1-2 finish for Bahrain with Sheikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa finishing fourth to complete a successful UAE visit for the Bahraini youngsters.

Encouraged by the presence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the young Bahraini riders revealed a lot of promise as they managed to outshine their counterparts from the UAE.

The winner Al Hassan, led from the first loop on eight-year-old Shagra 1, to complete the 100-km ride in a time of 4 hrs 23mins 07 seconds. "This event was fantastic and I am very happy," said an elated Al Hassan.

Commenting on the excellent showing by Bahrain , Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the riders and horses had come well prepared. "In a very short period, most of these junior riders will start taking part in the open events and we are happy with the promise they have shown," said Sheikh Nasser, one of the leading figures in endurance in Bahrain .