Dunshaughlin girls in Dubai

Dunshaughlin girls Amy and Ellen McAuley have been based in Dubai with their father Paul for the past number of years and are now high level endurance riders in the UAE.

Last week Amy competed in the seventh HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup a CEI 160km three star event in Dubai and was with Scala Derick for the Seeh Al Salam Endurance Team based in Dubai.

The race was the highlight of the UAE endurance season and is always hugely popular with competitors and spectators.

The ride was divided into five stages and all the horses had to pass a post-race veterinary examination before the official results were announced.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai attended the event at the Dubai Endurance City in Saih Al Salam.

The 160-km endurance race was also attended by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with many other notable officials and endurance race enthusiasts.

Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum emerged winner from more than 100 male and female riders of different nationalities.

Last month Amy finished sixth in a two star race in Bou Thib, Abu Dhabi out of 64 starters.

Both girls attended Rathregan National School in Batterstown, while  living in Woodpark Stud , Dunboyne .

 Both started their riding careers at Waterside Stud, Balrath under the watchful eye of Alain Storme and the late Paul Darragh .

Irish international show jumper Mark McAuley from Ardee is a cousin.

Conall Collier