HM the King meets Queen Elizabeth II, attends Windsor International Endurance Race

London

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met today at the Royal Hall of 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 and the Duke of York HRH Prince Andrew.
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 welcomed HM Queen Elizabeth II and exchanged with her talks on strong and outstanding historical relations between Bahrain and the UK which are based on mutual respect and joint coordination at all levels. They also spotlighted horse shows in Bahrain and the UK and their importance in promoting the equestrian sport locally and internationally.

HM the King and HM Queen Elizabeth II watched part of the International Endurance Race, held at the Windsor Great Park over 120 kms with the participation of a number of jockeys from Bahrain, Oman and the European countries.

The Royal Team Captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa clinched first place in the race while team members Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and Raed Mahmoud came second and third respectively.

Then, HM the King bade farewell to HM Queen Elizabeth.

Earlier, HM the King arrived at the Royal Windsor Racecourse where he was welcomed by the Royal Endurance Team Captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad 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 congratulated Shaikh Nasser, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak and Raed Mahmoud on their achievements in the 120-km race, wishing them more success. He lauded the efforts of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Chairman and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa as well as the role of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) in promoting and developing the equestrian sport which enjoys high popularity.

HM King Hamad 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 also pointed out Bahrain’s international reputation as a country that possesses the best cleats for Arabian horses which are registered with the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO).

HM King Hamad 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.