Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya rode Comes The Dawn to a fine victory in the 140-km third leg of the Omega-sponsored Triple Crown Endurance ride here at the Dubai Endurance City yesterday.

Battling tough weather conditions due to the heat, Bin Shafya, a former national champion finished exactly 10 minutes ahead of Majed Khalfan Al Jahouri, another consistent performer with Jaber Bittar of Al Reef Stables in third place.

Leader after the first two rounds, young Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum finished seventh to keep alive his hopes of emerging overall champion.

Earlier, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Minister of Defence, was well poised in fourth place with just the final stage to be completed. But Sheikh Mohammed withdrew from the ride at that stage, keeping in mind the welfare of the horse as the heat was a bit harsh over the 140km distance.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Anna Kournikova, tennis star and brand ambassador of sponsors Omega, also attended the ride.

A total of 32 riders started off at 6 in the morning in the last ride of the season in Dubai which was run over six stages.

Bin Shafya, who was the top UAE rider in the domestic circuit two years ago, finished the first loop in fifth place and took over the lead after the third stage.

Bin Shafya and Comes The Dawn, despite being in the lead, unleashed a terrific pace in the final loop of 15 kms which they covered in an average speed of 29.52 kph. That pace virtually eliminated any fight for the top place and Al Jahouri on Almanda Special Edition had to be content with second place.

"It was very hot out there from the first stage itself. However towards the latter part of the ride there was a lot of wind which provided a lot of relief to the horses," said bin Shafya later.

"Comes The Dawn is one of the best horses and I am thankful to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum for all his support," said the winner.

Kournikova, known more for her glamour than her exploits on the courts, said she was overawed after watching the horses and riders in action.

Speaking to Gulf News , she said, "This is the first time I have watched an endurance ride and it was unbelievable. The horses and riders were really working hard out there in the sun and it seems to be a wonderful sport," said the Russian.

"I have been here for a day and right now I am just enjoying myself. I have not yet decided to stay for the Dubai World Cup racing," she added. Kournikova was flown down by Omega who sponsored this final leg of the Triple Crown.

Results

Triple Crown final leg (provisional)
1. Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya (Comes The Dawn) 6:44.58;
2. Majid Khalfan Al Jahouri (Almanda Special Edition) 6:54.58;
3. Jaber Bittar (Beniarich Rezek Al Arab) 7:13.59;
4. Hassan Ahmed Al Bloushi (Rowallan Shanty) 7:14.00;
5. Ahmed Ali bin Harmash (Walstroom Hammam) 7:25.10;
6. Jesus Manuel Berna (Jamile) 7:54.12
7. Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum (Damas El Ainhoa) 8:02.46
8. Rashed Hamad Al Suwaidi (Zeyn Sha Zam) 8:02.56