JEDDAH, 23 March 2007 — “It is not my success alone, the success belongs to women all over the Kingdom,” said Alia Al-Huwaete, 25, to Arab News after her arrival back home to Riyadh.

Al-Huwaete placed third in the Bahrain King’s Cup in the 120km endurance event that took place from March 10 to 13. While Al-Huwaete secured third place with her horse Anwar Al-Mamlakah, Abdulrahman Al-Hawwas clinched fourth place. The youngest Saudi equestrian Latifah Al-Shaikh, 14, clinched third position in the juvenile events.

Among other Saudi riders, Nourah Al-Yousif joined the team with Mohammed Al-Mihlis, who represent the Kingdom Holding Company owned by Prince AlWaleed ibn Talal.

Al-Huwaete believes her success will give the Kingdom a new record to boast about. “I am so happy I can’t describe it. I’m grateful that I had the support of such a good team that was very motivating and encouraging,” she said.

Coach Najeeb Barjas also expressed his admiration for the team’s success and said it was all due to Prince Al-Waleed ibn Talal’s continued support for Saudi women.

“These women have not only brought back success to their country but a victory that was never expected. We are truly proud of them,” he said.

According to Barjas, Al-Huwaete managed to surpass their expectations with her brilliant performance. He lauded her performance especially in the last round where world champions competing against her took eighth and ninth places while she managed to get third.

Previously the same team of the Holding Company participated in four championships in the Ittihad Cup in Saudi Arabia placing first, second and third. They also placed first, third and fourth in a Bahrain Championship. In addition they placed 16th among 120 in the UAE Equestrian Championship, and placed first in the Crown Prince Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The next battle for the team is after a month and a half when they compete in the final stage of the equestrian season in Bahrain. The two male riders will also participate in Saudi Arabia’s Equestrian King’s Cup, which will take place next month.