Stepping into the unknown

Terengganu, Malaysia: Riders and horses will be stepping into this east coast Malaysian city which stages the World Endurance Championship, the second Asian country after the UAE to host the event.

The humidity is still a factor for the riders and horses to cope with but the first ever night ride in a world championship and the seven loops that make the 160km distance are what has created the 'unknown factor' surrounding this championship.

The crystal clear waters and the breadth-taking views of the islands and beaches in Terengganu, which borders the South China Sea, make it an alluring place but for the 140-odd riders and horses the next few days will be everything expect relaxing.

Even the most experienced of riders - the oldest is 68-year-old Janice Worthington from the US while the youngest is 15-year-old school boy Mohammad Firdaus Hamid of Malaysia - are reluctant to predict the average speed during the race.

While the last few championships have seen some record speeds, particularly during the 2004 edition in Dubai, Friday's night ride will depend on the rain and humidity.

The FEI took a cautious approach when awarding the championship to Malaysia.

Two trial events were held to test the completion rate in the tropical climate and the results were much better than the required 40 per cent completion rate.

In 2006 56 per cent finished while last year's event, which was won by the UAE's Naser Marzouqi, saw 67 per cent go the distance.

The race starts at 5.30pm tomorrow and, with seven loops plus longer hold times, the winner is expected to reach the finishline in the early hours of Saturday.

The large band of photographers and TV crew normally have to battle poor light at the start of previous championships but this year they are hoping there will be enough light at the finish.

The Terengganu International Endurance Park situated at Lembah Bidong in the Merang Setiu area of Terengganu has almost been modelled on the endurance venues in the UAE with a central veterinary gate, which will be the focal point of the seven loops.

Riders will have to negotiate the seven loops of 28.8km, 27km, 28.8 km, 27km, 23km, 15km and 10km with the course taking them through beaches, wooded areas, several water crossings, through village settlements, flat roads and tarmac crossings.

The 160km ride starts at 5.30pm tomorrow and the winner is expected to cross the finishline in the early hours of Saturday morning.