The reigning FEI World Equestrian Games endurance champion, who wrestled the title in 2014 from his father, HH Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is one of five accomplished riders to represent the UAE at the Samorin Equestrian Centre in Samorin.

Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamad Dalmook Al Maktoum, Saif Al Mazroui and Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri, all seasoned international endurance riders, will ride alongside Sheikh Hamdan.

The UAE claimed team gold and all three individual medals at the World Championships in 2012 as well as team, individual silver and bronze at the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

A total of 136 horse and rider combinations are expected to head out over the 160km route on Saturday.

Following a 6am mass start the field is scheduled to complete five loops of 40km, 35km, 35km, 30km and 20kms. Horses undergo a vet check following each loop to ensure they are fit to continue competing .

Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, a subsidiary of Meydan Group said: “We are fielding a vastly experienced team who are all accustomed to competing together and have experienced success at the highest levels. They are all accomplished horsemen who understand the demands of competing on the international stage.”