Saudi Arabia: Al Fursan Cup weekend results

Endurance Lifestyle photo

Endurance.net

February 11 2025
By Endurance.net

Two races were held over Saudi Arabia’s AlUla course which will host the 2026 World Endurance Championship in November.

Saturday’s 120-km CEI2* Al Fursan Endurance Cup had 200 starters and 83 finishers.

Winner was Saudi Arabia’s Muhannad Alsalmi aboard Nebras Muscat. It was Alsalmi’s second win in a row in the cup. The UAE took second, third, and fourth places. Saeed Mohd Albaloushi finished 4 seconds back in second aboard Castlebar Shazam, Saeed Ahman Alharbi rode La Tache D’Jok Trio to third place, and Saif Almazrouei rode Abela De L Enclos to fourth.

The Netherlands’ Marijke Visser was the first European to finish. Riding Djawann De Madigou, they finished in 11th place.

Sunday’s featured 160-km Mutadil Endurance Cup had 90 starters and 19 finishers.

UAE’s Saif Almazrouei finished first aboard Bullio Quasillo in a ride time of 7:23.43. Bahrain’s Mohd Abdulhamid Alhashemi was second by a nose riding Everest La Majorie. UAE’s Hamad Alkaabi rode Bullio Ozzie Jo to third place.

The first European finishers were Spain’s Jaume Punti Dachs aboard JM Jift, riding with his wife Maria Alvarez Ponton aboard Cinetek De Becherel to 5th and 5th place.

Analyses of the races will follow on Endurance.net.

AlUla 2026 Preview: The "Sandbox" Dress Rehearsal Before the World Championship Showdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 5 2026

ALULA, KSA — Dec 9, 2025 — The endurance world is turning its eyes back to the desert. With the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championship slated for AlUla next November, the upcoming AlFursan Cup in February 2026 has transformed from a prestigious calendar event into the ultimate strategic battleground.

For the National Federations, the "off-season" is officially over. This February isn't just about the purse money; it’s the final, full-scale dress rehearsal on the WEC track.

Here is the Endurance.net analysis on who is bringing what to the desert, and how you can track the action from home.

The State of Play: A Three-Front War

As teams finalize their shipping logistics for February, the strategic landscape has split into three distinct camps.

1. Bahrain: The "Shock and Awe" Strategy

Fresh off back-to-back Individual World titles, HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Royal Endurance Team (Victorious) are the pace-setters. Their strategy for February is expected to be aggressive. Sources suggest Bahrain will use the AlFursan Cup to test the "red line" of their top WEC prospects.

• The Endurance.net Take: Watch the splits on Loop 2. If the Royal Team is pushing 24+ km/h early, they aren't just racing; they are stress-testing their horses’ recovery rates in the specific deep sand of the Hijaz. They want to know exactly how much gas is in the tank for November.

2. The UAE: The Heavy Artillery

The powerhouse stables of M7 and F3 are reportedly sending a full contingent. After settling for Silver in Monpazier, the UAE is looking to re-establish dominance on the type of terrain they own: flat, fast, and technical sand.

• The Endurance.net Take: Look for the "Pack Strategy." Unlike the Europeans who often ride individually, expect the UAE to ride in a phalanx of four to five riders. Their goal in February is to prove they can dominate the podium (1-2-3) and intimidate the opposition before the main event in November.

3. Saudi Arabia: The Home Turf Spoilers

The win by Muhannad Alsalmi in 2025 changed the narrative. The Saudi team (Al Fursan) proved they are no longer just hosts—they are contenders.

• The Endurance.net Take: Local knowledge is king. While the visiting teams rely on GPS, the Saudi riders know exactly where the volcanic rock shifts to soft footing. Watch for them to ride a conservative first half, aiming to pick off the "burned out" leaders in the final loops.

4. Team Europe: The Data Gathering Mission

For France (The Reigning World Champions), Spain, and Italy, February is a logistics test. The goal isn't necessarily to win, but to measure recovery metrics.

• The Endurance.net Take: Don't be surprised if the top French riders finish 10th or 15th. They are likely riding to strict heart-rate parameters to gather data on how their horses acclimatize to the dry heat. A sound completion in February is worth more to Chef d'Equipe Jean-Michel Grimal than a risky podium.

Fan Guide: How to Follow the "Pre-Ride"

For fans tracking the road to WEC 2026, the February race offers crucial clues. Here is your "Next Steps" plan to follow the action live:

1. The App Setup

Forget the livestream; the real story is in the data. Make sure you have the Yamamah or official timing app installed.

• Pro Tip: Flag the "Recovery Time" column. In AlUla, the race is won in the vet gate. A horse pulsing down in 2 minutes vs. 4 minutes in February is the indicator of who will be standing on the podium in November.

2. Watch the "B-String" Riders

Often, the top stables will put their secondary riders on their best horses to keep the pressure off.

• What to look for: Check the start list for top-tier horses (previous 160km finishers) entered under different jockeys. These are the "hidden" WEC contenders being given a quiet run-out.

3. The "Day After" Report

The race isn't over when they cross the finish line. The true test is the Best Condition judging and the soundness checks the following morning.

• The Reality: A win in February means nothing if the horse isn't sound the next day. Keep an eye on social media reports from the stables on Sunday morning to see which horses trotted up clean.

Endurance.net will be providing full coverage and live updates as the teams descend on AlUla. The road to the 2026 World Championship starts now.

Report by the Endurance.net Team

An Analysis of a Possible Chilean Team for the 2026 WEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 3 2026

As of December 9, 2025, Chile holds the status of a "high-potential wild card" for the 2026 World Endurance Championship.

While Brazil is the volume leader in South America, Chile produces elite individual riders who often train and compete in Europe or the UAE, making them dangerous competitors for a top-10 individual finish.

Here is the detailed status of the Chilean Team ("La Roja") for the 2026 cycle:

1. Current Team Status: The "European" Advantage

Unlike other South American teams that struggle with travel logistics, Chile’s top riders are often already based in Europe or have long-standing leases with European stables.

• Strategic Edge: This allows them to compete regularly against the French, Spanish, and Italian elites, gaining experience at the speeds required for the World Championship.
• Recent Momentum: The Chilean federation (Federación Ecuestre de Chile) is currently celebrating a strong performance at the 2025 Pan American Championships in Brazil (July 2025), where their Young Rider squad performed historically well. This success indicates a strong pipeline of talent that may step up to the Senior level for AlUla.

2. Key Contenders ("The Watch List")

The Chilean effort is spearheaded by one of the most respected professional riders in the global circuit.

• Boni Viada de Vivero: The superstar of Chilean endurance.
• Status: Boni is a world-class rider who has spent years competing in Italy (often associated with the elite Fuxiateam stable).
• The "AlUla" Factor: Because he competes weekly in Europe against the world's best, he is accustomed to the 22+ km/h speeds required to win. If he has a sound horse (often leased from a top Italian or UAE owner), he is a legitimate medal contender individually.
• Pablo Gómez Martínez:
• Status: A consistent high-level competitor who has represented Chile at multiple championships. He remains a core part of the team's backbone.

• The "Pan Am" Graduates: Watch for the top performers from the 2025 Pan American team (Young Riders) to potentially fill the 4th and 5th spots on the senior roster, gaining valuable experience.

3. Strategic Outlook for AlUla

• Individual Glory vs. Team Completion: Chile rarely has the depth to challenge France or Spain for the Team Gold. Instead, their strategy is usually individual focused.
• Tactics: Expect their top rider (likely Boni) to ride with the lead pack (UAE/Bahrain/Spain) from the start, while the rest of the team rides a conservative race to ensure a team finish.

Summary of South American Hierarchy

1. Brazil: The Team Contender (Aiming for a medal).
2. Chile: The Individual Contender (Aiming for a top-10 finish).
3. Uruguay: The Tactical Contender (Aiming for high completion).

An Analysis of a Possible Saudi Arabian Team for the 2026 WEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

February 1 2026

As of December 9, 2025, Saudi Arabia (KSA) holds the status of the Rising Host with arguably the most momentum of any nation in the sport.

While they have historically been in the shadow of their neighbors (UAE and Bahrain), the 2026 World Championship is their "coming out party." As the host nation, they have invested heavily in infrastructure and horse power to ensure they are not just organizers, but medal contenders.

Here is the detailed status of the Saudi Arabian Team ("Al Fursan") for the 2026 cycle:

1. Current Team Status: The "Home Turf" Advantage

Saudi Arabia enters this championship with a massive logistical advantage: The Al Fursan Equestrian Village is their backyard.

• The "Custodian" Boost: The Saudi team is riding high after a historic victory in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in February 2025. This race, held on the same tracks as the upcoming World Championship, was won by a Saudi rider (Muhannad Alsalmi), proving that KSA can beat the UAE and Bahraini giants on home soil.
• Test Event Success: A dedicated Test Event was held just weeks ago (November 28, 2025) to simulate the World Championship conditions. The Saudi federation used this to finalize their course management strategies, giving their riders a "cheat sheet" on where the deep sand traps and rocky technical sections are located.

2. Key Contenders ("The Royal Squad")

The Saudi team is spearheaded by a mix of royalty and professional talent, supported by the Saudi Equestrian Federation (SAEF).

• Muhannad Alsalmi: The current star of Saudi endurance.
• Status: Winner of the 2025 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup (120km).
• Significance: His victory was a watershed moment, breaking the UAE/Bahrain winning streak in AlUla. He is the likely anchor for the 2026 team.
• HRH Prince Abdullah bin Fahad bin Abdullah Al Saud:
• Status: As the Chairman of the SAEF, he is the architect of the Saudi program. While he is an active rider, his primary role may be strategic leadership, though he has competed at high levels previously.
• Rayyan Al Mubalat: A consistent performer in regional CEI events who represents the depth of the Saudi bench.

3. Strategic Outlook for AlUla

• Terrain Familiarity: The course winds through the UNESCO site of Hegra. Saudi riders train here year-round. They know exactly how the footing shifts from soft sand to hard volcanic rock—knowledge that European riders will lack.
• The "Spoiler" Role: Saudi Arabia’s goal is to disrupt the UAE vs. Bahrain narrative. If the two giants kill each other's chances with suicidal speed (a common occurrence), Saudi Arabia is positioned to take the Gold by riding a "fast but safe" average speed (approx 21-22 km/h).

Summary of the Host Nation

• Strengths: Unmatched course knowledge, massive home crowd support, and acclimatized horses.
• Weaknesses: Less depth of "super horses" compared to the UAE/Bahrain royal stables.
• Prediction: A strong contender for Team Bronze or Silver, with a distinct possibility of Individual Gold if the race becomes tactical.

Consolidated "AlUla 2026" Power Rankings (Dec 2025)

Rank	Nation	Status	Key Strength
1	UAE	The Favorite	Deepest stable of desert horses in the world.
2	Bahrain	The Challenger	Fastest individual rider (Sheikh Nasser).
3	France	The Defenders	Reigning World Champions; tactical discipline.
4	Saudi Arabia	The Hosts	Home field advantage; recent big wins in AlUla.
5	Spain	The Sprinters	European Champions; pure speed.

An Analysis of a Possible Bahrain Team for the 2026 WEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

January 30 2026

As of December 9, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the status of the "Desert Giants" and the primary obstacle standing between Bahrain and the Gold Medal.

While Bahrain currently holds the individual title (Sheikh Nasser), the UAE arguably has the deepest roster of desert-specialist horses in the world. Their performance at the recent "test" races in AlUla proves they are fully adapted to the specific Saudi terrain.

Here is the detailed status of the UAE Team ("The Knights") for the 2026 cycle:

1. Current Team Status: The "Silver" Avengers

The UAE is currently the Vice-World Champion.

• Monpazier 2024: They won the Team Silver Medal and the Individual Silver Medal (Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi), finishing just seconds behind Bahrain’s Sheikh Nasser.

• Motivation: Second place is rarely enough for the UAE major stables (M7, F3, MRM). They are entering the 2026 cycle with a point to prove: that they, not Bahrain, are the true kings of desert endurance.

2. The "AlUla Proof" (February 2025)

The most significant data point for the 2026 Championship occurred earlier this year in February 2025, during the Mutadil Endurance Cup (160km) held on the actual AlUla course.

• The Result: The UAE team M7 Stables utterly dominated this race.
• The Winner: Salem Hamad Saeed Malhouf Al Kitbi (the 2021 World Champion) won the race in 7 hours 49 minutes, proving he has the exact horse power needed for this specific track.

• The Backup: His teammate Saeed Al Khayari finished just one second behind him. This 1-2 finish on the host track makes them the statistical favorites for the 2026 Team Gold.

3. Key Contenders ("The Super Stables")

Unlike European nations where riders own their horses, the UAE team is selected from massive royal stables.

• Salem Hamad Saeed Al Kitbi:
• Status: A former World Champion (2021) and the winner of the 2025 AlUla test event. He is the safest bet for a team anchor.
• Stable: M7 Endurance Stables (owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum).
• Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi:
• Status: The reigning World Silver Medalist (2024).⁴ He proved in France that he can chase Sheikh Nasser and stay sound.

• Stable: F3 Stables (owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum).
• Saif Al Mazrouei:
• Status: Winner of the 2025 Royal Windsor Endurance (UK) and a specialist in fast, flat tactical races.

4. Strategic Outlook for AlUla

• Team Tactics: The UAE usually employs a "Pack Strategy." They will likely send 3-4 riders to the front to pressure the Bahraini leader (Sheikh Nasser). If Bahrain's leader breaks, the UAE pack is there to sweep the podium.
• Terrain Mastery: The AlUla course (sand mixed with technical rocky sections) is very similar to the UAE's training grounds in Marmoom and Wathba. They require zero acclimatization.
• 
  
• 
  

Summary of the "Big Three" Rivalry for 2026

Nation	Strength	Weakness	Prediction
Bahrain	Star Power. Sheikh Nasser is the fastest rider in the world right now.	High Risk. If Nasser goes too fast and vets out, the team morale often collapses.	Individual Gold Favorite.
UAE	Depth. They have 10 riders capable of winning. They won the 2025 AlUla test event easily.	Internal Rivalry. Sometimes the different stables (F3 vs M7) race each other too hard.	Team Gold Favorite.
France	Discipline. They ride perfectly to heart-rate targets.	Terrain. They are experts in mud/hills (Europe), not deep sand/heat.	Podium Spoiler. (Will win if Gulf teams run too fast).