Shaikh Rashid a world champ in endurance

Dubai - Shaikh Rashid was a gold medallist in the endurance championship at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006 at the individual level, and also a member of the team which clinched the overall gold.

The UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) paid tributes to Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who passed away on Saturday morning. Shaik Rashid, a true horseman, raised the UAE flag high in the international arena.
Abdul Rahman Al Owais, vice president, UAE NOC and chairman of the Executive Council, expressed his deep grief over the huge loss of Shaikh Rashid, describing him as a true horseman who has done honour for his nation and raised the national flag in international events. Owais said Shaikh Rashid would remain to be remembered as an honourable and competent sportsman.
Al Owais extended condolences to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praying to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in paradise.
"Shaikh Rashid has left behind a brilliant sports career achieved during his lifetime," he added.
UAE NOC adviser and secretary-general Mohammed Al Kamali said, the late Shaikh Rashid was a champ and a horseman who was keen to represent his country in as many events as possible. He won trophies and accolades in continental and global events, not to mention his crowning moment in the World Endurance Championships in 1998/1999, with the highest rank in the world in endurance events.
He was a gold medallist in the endurance championship at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006 at the individual level, and also a member of the team which clinched the overall gold.
He won more honours and trophies in big equestrian events including titles at the Lutzenberg ride over 130km; the Endurance Challenge in Switzerland in 1998, the Italian 160km Endurance Championship in 2000; and the Bazilio 102km Endurance Championship in Spain the same year.
As the owner of Zabeel Racing International, Shaikh Rashid had led the individual owners list an unprecedented five times with over 428 wins to date. Shaikh Rashid was also a big soccer fan, one of his favourite clubs being Manchester United, among others.
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• Shaikh Rashid: Life and times of a true horseman