Border riders to go for gold at world event - The Border Mail 19 Jan 05 By DI THOMAS
Archive Photos by Pat Slater

TWO Border endurance riders have arrived in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and are making final preparations before they take on the worlds best at the World Endurance Riding Championships next week.

Meg Wade, of Burrowye, and Kristie McGaffin, of Wodonga, are among a team of six Australians who will join riders from more than 40 other countries in the sports premier event.

McGaffin will celebrate her 21st birthday on the day of the race on January 27 and her twin sister Naomi has also flown to Dubai as a member of the Australian crew.

Australia is ranked as one of the top teams in the event and is expected to bring home a medal from the championships which are being hosted by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Mohammed is best known as the owner of the Godolphin Racing Stables but is also a top endurance rider.

Speaking yesterday from Dubai, Ms Wade said she had arrived two days ago, following her horse Castlebar Macleod, a 13-year-old Arab she bred.

Ms Wade is competing in her fourth world championship and is a regular competitor in the United Arab Emirates.

The world championship is a gruelling 160km desert course conducted over six legs and is held at a purpose-built venue about 50km away out of Dubai.

Ms Wade said representing Australia at the championships was an amazing opportunity.

“Its very prestigious to represent your country here. I dont know if you could ever dream of it here or imagine it happening,” she said.

Ms Wade said the Australians were a chance to take gold after winning bronze in 2002.

“I think we have a really strong team here and we will be hoping to bring gold back,” she said.