Sunday’s 160km CEI 3* competition launched the countdown to 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships in AlUla
Al Janahi claimed first place in SAR 5 million event with a time of 8:27:08
Federico Ferber of Uruguay finished second just 10 seconds behind Al Janahi; Spain’s Omar Blanco Rodrigo completed top three
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – : Audiences enjoyed an action-packed second day at the 2024 Fursan Cup on Sunday afternoon as Hamad Al Janahi sealed a statement victory in the early anticipated 160km CEI 3* endurance competition.
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), 64 elite riders participated in the SAR 5 million competition – which officially launched the countdown to the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championships in AlUla.
Hot on the heels of Saturday’s epic 120km CEI 2* event which is officially titled “The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup”, equestrian fans and celebrity audiences were treated to another heritage sports spectacle at AlUla’s Equestrian Village.
Bahrain’s Al Janahi showcased his credentials ahead of the 2026 showpiece with a majestic performance – claiming a famous win with a classified time of 8:27:08 – 10 seconds ahead of Uruguay’s Federico Ferber.
A tremendous effort by Federico Ferber saw the Uruguayan rider take a deserved second-place finish in 8:27:18 He finished ahead of Spanish rider Omar Blanco Rodrigo who completed the podium thanks to a valiant effort which culminated in a 9:00:26 finish.
Speaking after Sunday’s competition, Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU, said: “We’ve experienced another amazing competition and the feedback received by visitors today and throughout the weekend has been incredibly positive. Elite riders and a great location and venue, together with meticulous organisation and exceptional partners, have presented audiences with an experience they really appreciate. We extend our congratulations to today’s winner and all who participated out there and made this competition so engaging, enjoyable, and entertaining.”
Dr Anas Hassan, Technical Consultant at SAEF, insisted the 160km CEI 3* competition highlighted that AlUla is the perfect destination for the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships, adding: “Today was a brilliant indicator for what we’ll see in two years’ time – world-class competition with a brilliant track, infrastructure, and facilities. All the elements are already here for a truly exceptional world endurance championships – and further enhancements between now and then make the event even more exciting for riders, fans, and everyone involved.”
In the aftermath of his famous victory, Al Janahi said: “Winning here today means so much – it’s such a difficult competition. Enjoyable, of course, but very tough – tactics throughout are always key and I’m delighted to have won in the end. I’m so proud and I wish to dedicate this victory to our greatest supporter, His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the people of Bahrain.”
Underlining RCU efforts to empower and involve the AlUla community as part of its wider equine objectives, one local rider also participated in Sunday’s competition as part of the development program under RCU’s equine strategy – which offers training, advice, technical support, and events experience.
The Fursan Cup is one of the marquee sports events in the AlUla Moments Calendar of events and festivals, spanning a large number of other heritage sports events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, AlUla Falcon Cup, the Tent Pegging World Championship and Horseback Archery World Cup.
