HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup

2018 HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup

Riders who are between the ages of 10 years old and 14 years old on November 10thare eligible to compete for the opportunity to attend the HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on the main track (turf) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 9th to represent the United States.  This trip is sponsored by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the leading rider of the appropriate age and his or her parents to attend the 2018 Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Conference on Education and Training and the 2018 HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  Trip total estimated value: $10,875

NOMINATE A PONY/RIDER FOR THE CHALLENGE
UPDATE:
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
SUPPLEMENTAL ENTRIES MAY BE MADE BY PAYING THE ADDITIONAL FEE OF $70 IN ADDITION TO THE $40 ENTRY FEE.

NOMINATIONS


*Cash and checks are also accepted, but must be received upon entry.

RULES FOR THE RIDER ATTENDING THE PONY RACE IN ABU DHABI

  1. ONLY riders who will be between the ages of 10 years old and 14 years old on November 10th are eligible to participate in the Challenge.
  2. Point System: Riders nominated and entered into the challenge may choose TWO of the THREE races offered at the High Hope Pony Races to count towards points.  Race to count must be declared by scratch time (NOON the Wednesday prior to race day).  First place points will go to the first entry nominated for the Challenge to cross the wire in each race.  The first place Challenge point receiver may not finish first overall, but will be the first qualified entry to cross the wire.  Riders do not have to ride in two races to earn points and/or be eligible to win the trip for the finals in Abu Dhabi. Challenger finishers in each High Hope Pony Race will be earn points in their two declared qualifying races as follows:
    1 st -6 pts; 2 nd – 4 pts; 3 rd – 3 pts; 4 th – 2 pts; 5 th – 1 pt; all finishers beyond 5th will receive 1/2 point.
  3. The High Hope Pony Race Committee reserves the right to break a tie for the Challenge however they see fit.  They will consider sportsmanship, riding experience and ability of rider, as well as social ability of rider to serve as a representative of the United States.
  4. The rider chosen to represent the United States, along with their parents/legal guardian,, must sign an agreement committing to the engagement and will be financially responsible for the fees and non-refundable money spent for their trip if they do not attend.  The agreement will also cover expected conduct, dress code, etc.
  5. Winning entry must comply with all rules set in place by the 2018 HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup, this may include having equipment meeting safety standards of the race (ie, helmet, vest, etc).
  6. Anyone requesting information on the 2018 HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup must do so through US Pony Racing.
  7. The U.S. representative and parents/guardians may be required to wear items promoting the series, High Hope Steeplechase, and/or US Pony Racing while abroad.
  8. The HH Steeplechase Pony Race Committee reserves the right to retract the opportunity for any reason at any time.
  9. Ponies and their rider must be NOMINATED for the Challenge and pay the nomination fee by the closing date and the standard entry fee to be accepted into the body of the race.  Supplemental nominations/entries will be accepted at a higher fee after the closing nomination date.
  10. Rider selected to represent the United States must exhibit good sportsmanship and be able to conduct themselves in a social situation with large crowds of adults, as well as their peers.  Rider may also be required to speak in public representing the United States and adhere to the dress code.
  11. All riders participating in the “Cup” will be assigned silks to wear to represent their country.

Conference on Education and Training and the
2018 HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup
TRIP OVERVIEW

Total Estimated Value: $10,875
The trip will take place from dates Nov. 6 – 11, 2018 (travel dates are Nov. 5th and 12th). This package includes round-trip coach airfare and hotel accommodations for up to three (3) guests – the winning rider of the U.S. qualifying races and his or her parents or legal guardians.  Guests will stay at the 5-star Andalous Hotel by Jannah or the 5-star Eastern Mangroves Hotel (TBD) including daily complimentary breakfast. Throughout the week, your party will also be invited to several special event dinners featuring live entertainment, tours, the Gala Awards Dinner and a night at the races to view the Festival’s year-end racing championships taking place at the beautiful Abu Dhabi Equestrian Center.

Winners will fly from the nearest airport, which connects with a flight to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi and flights will be arranged and booked through the organizers’ official travel agency. The winners will need to have valid passports and if the rider is only traveling with one parent they must have a notarized letter signed by both parents indicating that it is okay for them to travel with one parent alone.  No visas required for U.S. citizens.  The HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ponies Cup will be run at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on the main track (turf) over a 400-500 meter straight course (clockwise). Riders are expected to provide/bring all of their own riding equipment. The organizers will provide ponies (13.2 hands) and national silks and mounts will be drawn by lot.
Donated by: HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival
Coordinator: Remi Bellocq, High Hope Steeplechase Board Member

FOOTAGE FROM THE 2017 RACE IN ABU DHABI