Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led Bahrain to victory at the FEI Endurance World Championships ©FEI/Liz Gregg

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a member of Bahrain’s Royal family and former President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, claimed two gold medals at the International Equestrian Federation Endurance World Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Al Khalifa, who is head of the Bahrain Government’s Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, captured the individual title before captaining his nation to team gold for the first time in the event’s history at the Butheeb International Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi.

More than 120 athletes from over 30 nations race over 160 kilometres across the Abu Dhabi desert, battling it out for the individual and team crowns.

Al Khalifa, riding Darco La Majorie, emerged victorious in the individual competition, winning the title in a winning time of 17 hours, 21 minutes and 39 seconds.

Hosts the UAE also enjoyed medal success with defending champion Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi, on board Haleh, coming second in 17:37:35.

Spain’s 2016 world champion Jaume Punti Dachs, riding Echo Falls, completed the podium when he crossed in 17:40:23 for bronze.

Al Khalifa also steered Bahrain to victory in the team event after registering a winning combined time of 25:27:25 with Jaafar Merza Abdulnabi Hassan, riding Bolt de Venelles, and Abdulrahman Mohammed Alzayed, on board Hera Durances, also producing strong times.

France claimed silver in 28:59:33, with Portugal taking bronze in 30:25:45.

Verona in Italy was originally due to stage the event only for it to be moved to the UAE due to concerns over the readiness of the track.