LABUAN: Labuan-based Sadad Endurance Team marked an encouraging debut in competitive endurance riding after all four of its riders successfully completed the 40-kilometre CEN40 category at the MAHA 2026 Endurance Cup here.
The team, comprising Nazri Ibrahim, Joel Raj Francis, Md Rino Abd Rani and Irwanshah Abdullah completed the endurance challenge in four hours and 32 minutes at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on Sept 11 and 12.
All four horses – Ainul Mardhiah, Fiona, Filicka and Princess – also passed the final veterinary inspection, a key requirement in endurance riding where the fitness, recovery and welfare of horses are closely monitored.
The achievement was especially significant as it was Sadad Endurance Team’s first participation in an endurance competition and the team was the sole representative from the Borneo region.
Team manager Nazri said successfully completing the event with all four horses clearing the veterinary inspection provided a strong start for the team as it seeks to establish itself in the endurance riding circuit.
The team’s motto, “Two Hearts, One Trail,” reflects the partnership, trust and perseverance between horse and rider, which are essential elements of endurance riding.
Unlike conventional horse racing, endurance competitions test not only speed and stamina but also the horses’ ability to recover and remain fit throughout the course, with veterinary assessments conducted at various stages.
The MAHA 2026 Endurance Cup also attracted several prominent participants, including Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and Malaysian singer Faizal Tahir, who also successfully completed the endurance challenge.
The event was organised by MARDICorp, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and Bukit Kiara Polo, and endorsed by the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) and Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).
Sadad Endurance Team also expressed appreciation to the HKRC Endurance Team from Terengganu for its support, as well as Asian Supply Base (Labuan) and RM Investment Bank (Labuan) for sponsoring its participation.
Following its successful debut, the team is now preparing for the Sultan Mizan Cup 2026, scheduled for Oct 9.
The team hopes its participation will help generate greater interest in endurance riding in Labuan and encourage more riders from the Borneo region to take part in national-level equestrian competitions.
From left to right – Joel (No.2), Irwanshah (No.3), Nazri (No.1), and Md Rino (No.4), and crew alongside members from HKRC.
