HM King attends Windsor race

London, May 13 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met today at the Royal Windsor Racecourse Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, who was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh HRH Prince Philip. The meeting was held on the occasion of HM King Hamad and HM Queen Elizabeth’s attendance of the international Royal Windsor Horse Show. HM the King also met with the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. HM the King welcomed HM Queen Elizabeth II and thanked her for the invitation to attend the annual show, stressing the glorious cultural history of both countries. He exchanged with her and the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler talks on strong and outstanding historical relations between Bahrain, the UK and the UAE which are based on mutual respect and joint coordination at all levels. HM King Hamad and HM Qeen Elizabeth II spotlighted horse shows in Bahrain and the UK and their importance in promoting the equestrian sport locally and internationally. HM the King, HM Queen Elizabeth II and the UAE Vice President watched part of the International 120-km Endurance Race in which a number of jockeys from Bahrain, the GCC and European countries took part. Bahrain Royal Team was captained by Personal Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Then, HM the King bade farewell to HM Queen Elizabeth II and the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler. Earlier, HM the King arrived at the Royal Windsor Racecourse where he was welcomed by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, SCYS First Deputy Chairman and Bahrain Athletics Association President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) President Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa and senior organisers of the race. Shaikh Nasser presented a briefing on the stages and distance of the race as well as the number of participating horse riders. HM the King lauded the efforts of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa as well as the role of BREEF in promoting and developing the equestrian sport which enjoys high popularity. He praised the outstanding accomplishments of Bahraini horse riders in various local, Arab and international competitions which have consolidated Bahrain’s standing in the equestrian sport on the world map. HM the King emphasised the paramount importance accorded by Bahrain to the Royal Windsor Horse Show and its keenness to contribute to its success by effectively participating in its various contests. He asserted that participation in such international competitions reflects the developed level of the endurance sport in Bahrain as well as the kingdom’s progress in various economic, trade, cultural and sport fields. The UAE jockey Ahmed Saif Al Mazroui clinched first place in the race while Bahraini Royal Team horse rider Mohammed Abdulsamed and horse rider Shaikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum came second and third respectively.