Chephren pyramid to see takeoff of third Arab endurance horse race

100 Arab horsemen and women will be ready today Saturday on their saddles with reins flexing in their hands at the start of their third 120Km endurance horse race to take off from the area surrounding the second Giza pyramid of Chephren.

Heading south to the step-pyramid of Sakkara the Arab riders are to pass by several landmarks before they gallop back to the starting point.

Sheikh Mohamad Bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE Defence Minister, reputed to be the No.1 Arab horse-rider, will be leading his team of sturdy UAE riders for the third time in a row.

Also taking part in the race will be Sheikh Ahmad Bin Mohamad Bin Rashed, from the UAE, whose appearance at the foot of the pyramids will be the first after being crowned as world equestrian champion in the recent horse race event in Spain.

Other hardy entrants competing in the race come from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait and Jordan in addition to six Egyptians, including a woman rider already well groomed in the races of the past two years. One Australian is riding in the race.