Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed and Issa Al Khiyari make history as first UAE riders to win the 1,000 km Mongol Derby endurance race.
ULAANBAATAR: Two UAE endurance riders, Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed and Issa Al Khiyari, have made history by tying for first place in the world’s longest equestrian endurance race — the 1,000 km Mongol Derby. Sharing the top podium with American rider Michael Pollard and British rider Anna Boden, they completed the eight-day challenge through Mongolia’s vast and unforgiving landscapes.
The race, held from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, began on August 4 and will conclude with an awards ceremony on Wednesday. Riders faced varied terrains including mountain passes, green valleys, rolling hills, plains, sand dunes, and riverbeds. Many competitors withdrew due to exhaustion or difficulties handling the Mongolian horses, and several failed to reach the finish line within the allotted time.
Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed described crossing the finish line alongside Issa Al Khiyari as a proud moment for Emirati endurance sport, highlighting the determination to persevere despite harsh conditions. He noted that one of the biggest challenges was adapting to Mongolian horses, which riders had never trained with before. Spending around 12 hours a day in the saddle, both Emirati riders overcame physical and mental fatigue to secure their landmark victory.
The Mongol Derby is considered the ultimate test of horsemanship and stamina, tracing a route across the Mongolian Steppe that pays tribute to the ancient horse messenger system of Genghis Khan.
