Argentine endurance specialist Milena Mendez delivered a masterclass performance at the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, securing a commanding victory in the 120km Ladies Ride event on Tuesday. The prodigious 21-year-old rider, competing aboard M7 Endurance Stables’ mount Goldstream, demonstrated exceptional strategic prowess by overcoming an early eighth-place position to dominate the grueling desert course.
The competition, held under ideal conditions at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, saw Mendez complete the four-loop challenge in 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 45 seconds—finishing more than three minutes ahead of her closest competitor. Her average speed of 27.51 kph reflected a perfectly executed race strategy that saw her seize control during the second loop and maintain an unassailable lead throughout the remaining distance.
Mendez’s teammate Shamma Darwish Alshihi achieved a remarkable comeback aboard SW Ikran, climbing from 28th position to claim second place with a time of 4:24:49. Sara Mohammed secured third position riding Rushoz Lieutenant, completing the course in 4:25:11.
The festival, established in 2008, stands as the UAE’s most prestigious endurance riding event and reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s personal dedication to the sport. The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, himself a world champion endurance rider having claimed the FEI World Endurance Championship individual title in 2012, created the festival to promote the sport globally while attracting top international talent.
Endurance riding, often described as the equestrian equivalent of a marathon, tests the resilience, pace management, and symbiotic partnership between horse and rider across challenging desert terrain. Mendez’s victory adds to her growing reputation following previous wins at the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival (2025) and the Shaikha Fatma bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup in Abu Dhabi.
The winners were honored by Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, alongside Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi of Dubai Equestrian Club and Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. The festival continues through Saturday with additional high-stakes competitions including the Private Stables 120km event and culminating with the elite 160km Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup.