Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi gets first win in the prestigious World Endurance Championship Pre-ride riding the chestnut gelding Al Barak.

Yousuf Ahmad, 28-year-old rider, from Al Reef stables was in close race with Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum on Al Wadha, but the latter retired with just five of the 160-kilometre ride remaining.

This was the first ever win for both Yousuf, a veteran of over 30 competitions in the last five years, as well as for the crossbred 12-year-old Al Barak.

Reaching the 19-km final stage, just 20 seconds separated Yousuf and Shaikh Rashid and they battled on until Shaikh Rashid's horse was in some kind of trouble.

Yousuf, completed the ride in less than eight hours, with an average speed of 20.30 kmph. Improving his performance, he led the last four stages, although in he was second in the first two stages.

"I was just expecting a good finish and after a tough third loop the horse looked good. Then in the fourth loop I decided to go for a win," said the winner from Al Reef Stables.