The Al-Ula Provincial Royal Commission, in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and overseen by the International Equestrian Federation, is hosting the top 200 male and female endurance riders in the world for the fourth edition of The Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques 2023 International Endurance Cup , a prestigious race that is increasing in length With a total length of 120 km, it is scheduled to take place in the historic province of Al-Ula on March 4, 2023. The race track, which is one of the most outstanding sporting events on the Al-Ula Moments calendar for 2023, will feature stunning scenery, natural beauty and the historic splendor of Al-Ula. Male and female riders join this endurance race from over 40 countries, underscoring the global nature of the event.
2022 race winner Federico Werber will return from Uruguay to defend his title, while compatriot Andrés Rivero will be hoping for a better result after finishing second last year. France’s Margot Chazelle, who finished third last year, will lead a strong team of female jockeys alongside her compatriot Camille Colombe in a tournament that will bring together the world’s best equestrian champions.
Philip Jones, Head of Tourism at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is one of the most iconic events on the AlUla Moments calendar and we believe AlUla provides the perfect setting for such a prestigious world-class tournament in the region, and this event will provide the people of Al-Ula with a link between their history and the present.”
This event is also an important avenue for community development and participation as four local riders will represent Al Oula Province in this race in official Al Oula uniforms and more than 40 Al Oula residents will participate in various roles such as as oversight and veterinary care, after being selected from the group. This includes more than 80 boys and girls who completed a rigorous training program in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation before the tournament.
In confirmation of the commitment of the Custodian of the 2023 Endurance Cup of the Two Holy Mosques to women’s empowerment, 30% of the participants in the training program were women.
Jones added: “We have a lot of great facilities and history in Al-Ula province and it’s possible events like this come together to showcase our equestrian excellence and we look forward to welcoming a group of the best riders from across the region. and the world to take part in one of the most powerful endurance races.”
The FEI approved two-star (CEI 2*) international tournament will take place on the weekend of 3 and 4 March in a purpose-built desert arena in the beautiful landscape of an equestrian village and close to Hegr. the first Saudi to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Male and female riders and their horses will go through rigorous screening and testing protocols. A set of tickets is available for race day attendance, with a choice between regular tickets (priced at SAR 50) and tickets to the Saqlawiya Lounge (priced at SAR 150 including food and drinks).
It is worth noting that the 2023 International Endurance Cup of the Keepers of the Two Holy Moments is one of the highlights of the Al-Ula Moments calendar, which includes the Saudi Bike Tour (which ran from January 30 to February 3) and the Al-Ula Trail Race. (takes place from 23 to 24 February).
