ARABIAN HORSE INTL FLAT RACING ISSUE 1

Arabian Horse Intl

Flat Racing Issue 1 - November 2018

Dubai International Arabian Races Shadwell in Chile and Brazil Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018 Marei Rach & Zells Zenyatta National Champions Sheikh Mansoor Festival races

Fazza Al Khalediah winner of QAWC 2018 Arabian Horse Intl

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Arabian Horse Intl Flat Racing Issue 1 - November 2018

Editorial Dear Horse Lovers, Welcome to the first edition of Arabian Horse Intl Flat Racing!

From this issue we begin the online magazine only on Arabian Horse Racing and to begin with, the highlights are the victories of Fazza Al Khalediah winner of Qatar Arabian World Cup and other Arab racing the 97th edition of the Qatar Prix de l ‘Arc de Triomphe, ParisLongchamp in 2018. Also races performed under the aegis of Dubai International Arabian Races.

Marei Rach and Zells Zenyatta became Brazilian National Champions, while Rach Stud won with Gaea Rach the Prix Nuri Donizetti José Haddad and the HDB Sihr Ibn Massai Prize was dominated by the mares Passion Rach, Gaea Rach and Oneida Rach..

Over 3,000 spectators cheered in another successful purebred Arabian race run by Australasian Arabian Racing Club Ltd when Monster Energy won Gordonvale Cup. Shadwell Stud sponsors races in Chile since 2015 and from November 11 in Brazil..

Quick Sand AA continues dominant winning streak in the $100,000 President of the UAE Cup at Historic Churchill Downs, while Dubai World Cup winning jockey Christophe Soumillon rides Rodess Du Loup to win the President of the UAE Cup and Montenegro steers Aoun to victory in the silks of Yas Racing in Belgium.

In addition to the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival Finals from Nov 6-10, 2018, readers will follow all races held in the second semester; in addition to the articles on the International Horse Racing Academy Mentorship Program organized by IFHRA with the experience of Hussein Abdali of Bahrain and Brady JR Betlamini of Canada in Ireland.

We hope you enjoy it and have a good reading!

Cid

Publishing Company RioSlum Productions / www.rioslumstudio.com 2800 Quebec St NW, apt 424, Washington, DC

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Cover Fazza Al Khalediah and Pierantonio Convertino Photo: Juhaim CP Chief Executive: Jesse Grainger Publishers: Cidinha Franzão, Favio Lorenz Art Directors: Pedro Jovelli, Paulo Alberto Publisher Assistant: Nilza Felize Contributors: France Galop, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, Russell Smith, DIAR, HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan and Bharathi Gowda, Cidinha Franzão, www.arabianracing.com.au, Carreras Árabes Chiles, Evie Tubbs Sweeney, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Jeff Ablett, Nils Rosenkjaer, Brady JR Betlamini.

Photos: Juhaim CP, Cidinha Franzão, Porfírio Menezes, Favio Lorenz, Equine Creative Media, Annie Damhof, Morhaf Al Assaf,.Mike Mills Photographer, Carreras Árabes Chiles, Nadine Frampton, Nils Rosenkjaer, Brady JR Betlamini.

contact@.arabianhorseintl.net

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08 Fazza Al Khalediah winner of Qatar Arabian World Cup

12 Marid and Al Haffanaf land Qatar Arabian Trophies for Colts and Fillies at St. Cloud

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Rohaut salutes Muraaqib as the best Arabian miler in the world

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Lightning Bolt strikes again

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Peslier thrills Dubai International Arabian Races crowd with fabulous four-timer

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Marei Rach and Zells Zenyatta are National Champions

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Gaea Rach wins first race

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Monster Energy wins Gordonvale Cup

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Shadwell sponsors races in Chile

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Quick Sand AA continues dominant winning streak in the $100,000 President of the UAE Cup at Historic Churchill Downs

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Dubai World Cup winning jockey Christophe Soumillon rides Rodess Du Loup to win the President of the UAE Cup

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Montenegro steers Aoun to victory in the silks of Yas Racing in Belgium

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Stage set for HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival finale from Nov 6-10, 2018

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Carlo wins Wathba Stallions Cup in Tiaret, Algeria

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Davies wins US leg to qualify for final in Abu Dhabi 6

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52 Lightning Bolt wins Sheikh Zayed Cup in the Netherlands

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Akoya strikes again for van den Bos and Waterland

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Djehlbi demolishes field with easy win

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Ireland’s Walsh strikes on Akoya for Dutch trainer

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Caitilin Rennie runs away with New Zealand leg of HH Sheikha Lateefa Pony Championship race

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Trainer Lyakhov, jockey Kappushev register double at HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival races in Kazan

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Vindetta wins thriller in Chelmsford

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Bogaerts and Ruben win their respective races in Ostend

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HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Maraasem wins Wathba Stallions Cup in Dax

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Hondier wins HH Sheikha Lateefa race in Deauville

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Al Shamoos wins Prix Burkeguy Wathba Stallions Cup

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Gutierrez strikes on Elmanara De Carrere

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Megane, daughter of ace Olivier Peslier wins HH Sheikha Fatima Ladies race

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IFHRA programme: A ‘great experience’

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Brady JR Betlamini and his experience in the International Horse Racing Acadeny Mentorship Program Arabian Horse Intl

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Fazza Al Khalediah winner of Qatar Arabian World Cup

Source: France Galop / `Photos: Juhaim CP

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The 4 year old stallion Fazza Al Khalediah won the Qatar Arabian World Cup (G1) on Sunday, October 7, at Longchamp – one of the most prestigious Arabian horse races in the world, with a prize pool of a million Euros.

How they ran

Fazza Al Khalediah (Jalnar Al Khalediah X Assma Al Khalediah by Amer) and ridden by Pierantonio Convertino, staged a big upset win in The Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1PA). Very well drawn, the Polish raider bided his time before making headway on the inside. He then quickended clear in the straight to record an easy victory at the main expense of the French-trained Khataab (Amer X Djelana by Al Sakbe) mounted by Jerome Cabre, trained by Thomas Fourcy and owned by Al Shaqab Racing the Qatari raider Ebraz (Amer X Massamarie by Tidjani) ridden by Theo Bachelot, trained by Julian Smart and owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trained

by Michal Borkowski and owned by Polska AKF SP. Z.O.O., the four-year-old had only previously beaten once! Prior to that he record nine consecutive wins.

He soon quickened into the lead and pulled clear.

Never headed after establishing a clear lead, he proved a clear-cut winner.

“The success is all down to the horse. He’s the best {PA} horse in the world. It’s the first big international victory for Polish {PA} racing since the end of the Second World War. My team has done an extraordinary job”, comented Michal Borkowski, Fazza Al Khalediah’trainer.

Fazza Al Khalediah held up in the second-half of the field and he made his move 400 metres from the wire once he saw daylight.

Second placed, Khataab having raced in mid-division before making headway at the pavilion, he was never going to peg back the winner despite a good effort in the last 200 metres.

In the third place Ebraz well alway and always prominent, he kept on courageously to the line which enabled him to maintain third.

Fourth placed, Gazwan (Amer X Arc De Ciel by Djendel), ridden by Cristian Demuro, trained by Julian Smart and owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, after being held-up in the second-half of the field, he made his effort where the race was unfolding by running-on for fourth.

In the 5th, Yazeed Munjiz X Al Dahma by Amer), that was mounted by Olivier Peslier, trained by Alban De Mieulle: Held-up towards the rear, he was noted running on well for fifth where the race was unfolding.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned the winners of the Qatar Arabian World Cup

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6th placed, Rodess du Loup (Dahess X Aurore du Loup by Darike) and ridden by Christophe Soumillon), trained by Ch. Gourdain and owned by Khalifa Hamad Al Attiyah: Having bided his time raced towards the back of his field, he was noted doing his best work towards the finish in the straight.

Seventh placed Rajeh M.A.R. (Jaafer ASF X Nelka

by Tidjani), under the mount of François Xavier Bertras, trained by F. Rouhad and owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, had an ideal trip after racing close to the pace but was unable to raise his game at the business end.

Mith’Haf Athbah (Amer X Karouj by Karmah), eight placed ridden by Andrea Atzeni, trained by P. Collington and owned by Athbah Stud, bided his time in mid-division but was unable to get on terms with the principals.

was mounted by Pierre Bazire and if trained by Julian Smart and owned by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Thani Fifteenth placed Avonmouth (Cambrydge X Anastasya by Dormane) saw plenty of daylight from his mid-field position and was already being scrubbed along in the false straight. Ridden

by Anzor Alberdiev, Avonmouth is trained by A. Derov and owned by Eduard Mordukhavitch.

In 16th was Aaley Al Magam (Amer X Abigaille by Dormane), smartly away, he set the tempo before giving way in the straight. Was mounted by Jean-Pierre Guillambert, trained by Julian Smart and owned by Al Shahania Stud.

Taymour (Mahabb X Djezika by Dormane) ninth place and under the mount of Maxime Guyoon, trained by A. Watrigant and owned by Yas Horse Racing Management, well away, he raced in midfield before backtracking in the straight.

In 10th place was Mehdaaf Athbah (Amer X Keen Game by Bengali) D’Albert) the was ridden by Dane William O’Neill; trained by P. Collington and owned by Athbah Stud, smartly into his stride, he raced handily in third before weakening in the final 300 metres.

Lightning Bolt (Munjiz X Oleya Du Loup by Kerbella), eleventh placed, was mounted by Adrie de Vried and trained by Karin van de Bos, owned

by Landgoed Waterland, raced prominently before fading in the straight.

In 12th place Mouwaffak (Azadi X Morgane de Piboul by Djourman (ridden by Julien Auge, trained

by Thomas Fourcy and owned by Al Shaqab Racing) after racing towards the rear, he never threatened at the sharp end of the race.

13th placed Tayf (Amer X Djelmila by Manganate) having initially occupied a good position in sixth, he was unable to quicken in the straight. Was mounted by Pierre-Charles Boudot, trained by Alan De Mieulle and owned by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

On 14th place Reda (Burning Sand X Ba’Scherit

by Barour de Cardonne) held-up in mid-division and found wanting at the business end. Reda

QATAR ARABIAN WORLD CUP With a million Euros in prize money, the Qatar Arabian World Cup is the world’s most prestigious race for purebred Arabs and is one of the highlights of the action-packed Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

The race is run over a distance of a mile and 2 furlongs and is reserved for purebred Arabs aged 4 and over.

One of the circuit’s key events, the Qatar Arabian World Cup has forged a reputation in line with that of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as it is contested by the world’s very best purebred Arabs hailing from the top stables.

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Marid under jockey Olivier Peslier Al Haffana under jockey Julien AugĂŠ

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Marid and Al Haffanah land Qatar Arabian Trophies for Colts and Fillies at St. Cloud The Qatari excellence came in the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains when the His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned Marid imposed himself in the 2000-metre contest for colts and was quickly backed up in the following race by another victory in the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches when the Al Shaqab Racing-owned Al Haffanah landed the 2000-metre race for fillies, on October 5.

Marid, who lined up for the race as a favourite, gave a brilliant performance to win the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains. While Marid stayed behind for a while at first and in spite of the tough performance by other runners, he accelerated, under jockey Olivier Peslier and the Antoine de Watrigant’s ward was able to be the nearest one to the finish line in the last metres before the post. In fact, Olivier Peslier set the stage for perfection and the delicate Marid won the second Group I of his career after his summer victory in the Prix Kesberoy.

The Didier Guillemin-trained Deryan came second under jockey Mickael Barzalona while the Al Shaqab Racing-owned and Thomas Fourcy-saddled Shalaa completed the frame as third with Qatari jockey Faleh Bughenaim in the saddle.

Qatari victories continued at St Cloud when Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Haffana proved she was the best in the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches. The Thomas Fourcy-schooled three-yearold filly dominated throughout the 2000-metre

contest and had no issues in landing the fillies title under jockey Julien Augé to remain unbeaten. The F Sanchez-schooled Bayan was the runner-up under jockey Ioritz Mendizabal while Xavier Thomas Demeaulte’s ward Baseel came third and she was helmed by jockey Mickael Barzalona.

Following the colts’ race, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, presented the trophy to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, the owner of Marid. His Excellency also presented the trophies to the trainer and the jockey.

After the fillies’ contest, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani presented the trophy to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as the title was landed by Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Haffanah.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani for Marid’s victory in the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains at St. Cloud on Friday and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for Al Haffanah’s victory in the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches”, said Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation and the Asian Equestrian Federation.

Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Al Shaqab Executive Director, expressed his happiness with the victories realised today at St Cloud, not only for Al Shaqab Racing, but also for His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani.

He said, ‘No doubt, the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, at St Cloud today demonstrates the considerable support we receive in the events where we compete overseas. The joy is doubled when victories come as well. Today, the His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned Marid confirmed his worth and that he was the best when he won the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains and so did the Al Shaqab Racing-owned Al Haffanah in the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches’.

Source: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Photos: Juhaim Cp

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Rohaut salutes Muraaqib as the best Arabian miler in the world

By Russell Smith - Photo: ©equinecreativemedia.com

Qatar International Stakes (Gr1 PA) at the Qatar Goodwood Festival 2018 FRENCH trainer Francois Rohaut hailed Muraaqib as the best Arabian miler in the world after his stable star completed a magnificent seven Group 1 PA wins by storming to victory in the Qatar International Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Wednesday 1st August.

The six-year-old, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, swept past Lightning Bolt inside the final two furlongs of the £400,000 mile contest - the UK’s richest Arabian race.

Jim Crowley quickly sent the 5-2 chance clear, and although Ebraz, the 9-4 favourite to go one better than last year’s second, set off in pursuit of his market rival, Muraaqib wasn’t stopping and passed the post with a length and a half to spare.

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Lightning Bolt was two lengths adrift in third, with last year’s winner, Tayf, six lengths back in fourth on his seasonal reappearance.

Rohaut, who trains at Pau, said: “He has been in my yard for four years now and in my eyes has always been a champion.

“He is the best Arabian horse I have trained and probably right now he is the best in the world, certainly at a mile. It’s fantastic to win.

“He was wearing blinkers for the first time today and it made a big difference. He was beaten last time out, but we wanted to keep them for today’s race.”

The Qatar International Stakes forms the first leg of the Doha Triple Crown, but Rohaut said it was unlikely his charge would tackle leg two - the Qatar Arabian World Cup - on Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend at Longchamp in October.

Rohaut added: “I don’t think he’ll go to Longchamp because he is so good over a mile, unless Sheikh Hamdan wants to run him there. He will go to Abu Dhabi in November.”

Crowley was thrilled to capture the big prize.

“It was the first time I sat on him since he won in Abu Dhabi in November,” he said.

“The blinkers were a big help for him today and he was always going very well.

“I was just waiting for the gap to appear and when it did, he won well. He travelled on the bridle and they went a slow pace which suited him. It is a great feeling to come here and win.”

Shadwell Stud director Richard Lancaster, representing HH Sheikh Hamdan, added: “It was a plan laid out sometime ago.

The trainer has done a fantastic job.

“When he ran at La Teste he was giving 10lb to a useful horse. It was a race to put him on song for today. It’s a great team effort and Jim rode him beautifully.”

Julian Smart, trainer of Ebraz, was philosophical about seeing the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned six-year-old finish runner-up for the second successive year.

“He has run a good race,” he said. “Muraaqib is probably the best miler in Europe. We are second again and it’s disappointing, but I can’t complain in a race like that, but it would be nice to win it.”

His plans for a strongly-run race were blown at

the start when stablemate Aaley Al Magam, who was in the race to set the pace, was slowly away.

It left Storm Troupour, who led the field into the straight, to set a steady gallop followed by Zayin Angkor Centurion.

“Aaley Al Magam reared as the gates opening, but it would not have made any difference,” added Smart. “The winner has won well.”

Karin Van Den Bos, trainer of Lightning Bolt, was delighted with her sixyear-old’s display under Adrie De Vries.

“He ran so well,” she said. “He needs a longer distance. He is not a miler. He is so much stronger than last year. My jockey said ‘what a horse’. He had never felt him feel like this before. I am very happy with my third place.

“I think we will prepare him for the Arc weekend and then the UAE.” Willie McFarland, from the Arabian Racing Organisation, said: “This was a tremendous race and set on such a fantastic stage here at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. As the richest race in the UK we are thrilled to have attracted so many overseas horses.

“This is something that can grow and it gives us such encouragement for UK Arabian racing when sponsors like Qatar put on something like this. This will really help to encourage the UK to understand that the Arabian has its place within the horseracing industry.”

Al Kass interview with HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Photo: Juhaim CP

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Lightning Bolt strikes again

Lightning Bolt under Jean-Baptiste Hamel

The final races of the 2018 Dubai International Arabian Races European series took place at Duindigt, Holland, on Sunday, July 8. The three Arabian races, including two Listed PA races, attracted a total of twenty-nine runners, trained in seven different countries: Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, Great-Britain and Poland.

The first Arabian race of the day was the No Risk Al Maury Stakes, over 1800m. It was LIGHTFEET, ridden by Jean-Baptiste Hamel, trained and owned by D.A.K. Dörenberg, who won by a length in front of EQLEEM; ZIGGY D.A. finished third. LIGHTFEET came back into training in Holland for his owner-breeder after a few months in France and only had three weeks to prepare for this race. The horse’s connections were delighted with his performance and will wait to see how the horse recovers before planning the next race.

The Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes, Listed PA, was a sprint race over 1300m. The twelve declared runners all had good form prior to this race. STORM TROUPOUR was leading the pack after the final bend, but he could not resist the 16

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acceleration of the very attractive four-year-old filly HIND, ridden by Jimmy Martin, trained by David Morisson and owned by YAS Horse Management). ALAZEEZ fought well to take the third place. Mr Thierry Delègue, Racing Manager for YAS Horse Racing Management LLC, commented: “We always knew that this filly had abilities.

Her first run of the season earlier this year in Royan, gave her a confidence boost and showed us that she has speed. Today’s blacktype victory is a confirmation of all the good things we think of her.”

In the Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes, Listed PA, last year’s DIAR day hero LIGHTNING BOLT, also ridden by Jean-Baptiste Hamel, trained

by Karin van den Bos and owned by Landgoed Waterland, won in an impressive manner, carrying top weight. SHADDA’AD finished second and JALDI KARO was third. Multiple Group 1 PA winner LIGHTNING BOLT won the DIAR bonus last year at Newbury, after his victory in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, Group 1 PA. His trainer, Karin van den Bos, commented: “This horse continues his great career. He travels very well and has a very strong mind. Jean-Baptiste Hamel

gets along really well with him and he gave him a good ride today. “We are very grateful to Dubai International Arabian Races and Shadwell for all the support to Arabian racing in Europe. We are lucky to have those three great races today and we hope to see all again next year.�

The first three home in each of the four Arabian races qualify for the bonus scheme at Newbury on Sunday 29th July. If a qualified horse wins at Newbury, they will land a bonus on top of the stated prize money.

The Dubai International Arabian Races is an international programme of Arabian racing run under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Source: DIAR (www.diaraces.com) and photos by Annie Damhof

Lightfeet ridden by Jean-Baptiste Hamel

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Hind ridden by Jimmy Martin

Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes

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Winner of the 6th at DIAR Newbury

Peslier thrills Dubai International Arabian Races crowd with fabulous four-timer

By Russell Smith / Photos: (C) Equine Creative Media French superstar jockey Olivier Peslier took the said. “It is raining a little bit, but there are a Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury on lot of people here and everyone is enjoying it.”

Sunday, 29th July by storm with a fabulous 115-1 four-timer, including the three Group 1 PA prizes. Nafees dispelled French trainer Charles The 45-year-old veteran lit up a grey and rainy Gourdain’s fears that he may be short day at the Berkshire track with a riding master- of work ahead of the 1m 2f feature. class on Nafees, Joudh and Al Chammy in the top-flight contests to add to an earlier victory The Pau handler said: “He was very fresh before awarded in the stewards’ room on Tahirwah. the race because we have had a lot of hot weather in France and with the travel and everything Peslier capped his four-timer as Nafees (6-4 fa- I thought he may not have had enough work, vourite) cut down Al Mouwaffak to capture the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Group 1 but he is a very brave horse and he was well PA) by a length and a half and complete a tre- ridden by Olivier Peslier and finished strongly.” ble for the owners Royal Cavalry Of Oman.

Brigadier-General Abdulrazak Al Shahwarzi, of It may have been a wet afternoon, but Pesli- the Royal Cavalry Of Oman, added: “It is a very er was smiling in the rain as he thrilled a good race to win and with it being a Group 1 PA, crowd of almost 6,000. “It is a lovely day,” he and also to have a treble here.”

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Peslier had produced French raider Joudh (11-4 joint favourite) to take the preceding Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Group 1 PA) over 1m 2f by half a length from Sharesa.

The four-year-old filly, trained by Didier Guillemin at Mont-de-Marsan in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, earned glowing praise from her rider.

“Last time out he ran on hard ground, but today it is a little bit softer. He doesn’t show real speed at home, but at the races he is different. We will take him back home and he will go to the UAE to run in Dubai.”

Winner of the 4th at DIAR Newbury

“I think her mentality and the ground helps, and makes her relax a lot,” he said. “I stayed behind the other horses and she showed a good turn of foot and came home well. She is a lovely filly.”

Thierry Delegue, racing manager to owners Yas Horse Racing Management, commented: “She was a very good three-year-old and won a Group 1 PA. During the winter it was difficult for her to recover and she has finished fourth, third, second and now first, so we are very happy.

Winner of the 5th at DIAR Newbury

Peslier and Al Badi had teamed up to take the DIAR International Stakes (Group 3 PA) with Tahirwah, who was awarded the 7f contest for three-year-olds in the stewards’ room after being beaten a nose by Italian raider Zoe Di Gallura.

“She won a Group 1 PA in France and now she will go to the Saturday of the Arc De Triomphe meeting for the Group 1 PA for fillies and try and do the same and after that perhaps to Abu Dhabi. “It was difficult for her because she was going from a mile to a mile and a quarter, and with the going softer than it was this morning. “It is always very important for us to win a Group 1 PA that Shadwell backs because they are a very good sponsor.”

Peslier had kicked off his Group 1 trio by driving Al Chammy (7-4 favourite) home by three-quarters of a length in the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Group 1 PA) over 6f in the colours of the Royal Cavalry Of Man to complete a double for trainer Said Al Badi.

The Omani handler, who is based at Wargrave, near Henley on Thames in the summer, said: 20

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The Frenchman was poised to send the Royal Cavalry Of Oman-trained colt through a gap up the rails only for Carlo Fiocchi on Zoe Di Gallura to shut the door, forcing Peslier to snatch up. Despite being stopped in his tracks, Tahirwah rallied to such effect after being switched that he was only beaten a nose and it seemed inevitable that the result would be reversed.

Peslier said: “I had plenty of space to come. The other horse was hanging on the ground and has bumped me into the rail twice and stopped me. I then picked him up and he came back. There was a stewards’ enquiry and when they saw the film they saw that.”

Brigadier-General Al Shahwarzi added: “I want to say hard luck to the Italians. This horse has Royal Cavalry Of Oman breeding, so that makes me very proud and gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

Zoe Di Gallura’s connections took the stewards’ decision on the chin. Cristiana Brivio, wife and assistant to trainer Endo Botti, said: “He has run really well. The good thing is that we know he compares with the international horses.”

Winner of the 3rd at DIAR Newbury

No And No Al Maury was the middle leg of a treble for Sheikh Hamdan with Newmarket trainer Phil Collington landing a double for his principal patron with Taaqdeerat and Saleemah.

Collington saddled a 1-2-3 for the owner in the Rotana Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap Stakes over 1m 4f with Saleemah digging deep for Sam Hitchcott to deny Halib Des Forges by a short head, with Munawwar three and three-quarters of a length back in third.

French trainer Damien De Watrigant believes No And No Al Maury is capable of challenging for top honours after the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum-owned colt stormed to an impressive ten-length triumph in the UAE Embassy in London International Stakes. The four-year-old swept past runner-up Emiraaty in the hands of Francois Xavier Bertras at the two-furlong pole to turn the 1m 2f contest into a procession.

The trainer said: “Halib Des Forges was my first string, but the ground has probably gone against him. I said earlier that lightweights would do well and she is an improving stayer and loves soft ground. I think if I had declared her last year she would have won.”

Hitchcott added: “She is very, very tough, but the guys told me to be fair she would be delighted to have the rain we have had.”

Winner of the 7th at DIAR Newbury

De Watrigant, who is based at Artassenx in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, said: “He has improved a lot and loves the distance and Francois Xavier Bertras gave him a very good ride. I think you will see him in the future at a really high level, but we will give him an easy target at the moment.

“I am very happy that Sheikh Hamdan trusts him with me. He bought him after he finished second first time out and now the horse is showing him what he is showing me in the morning. “I will take him back and give him time between the races. He will maybe go for the Breeders’ Cup over 2,200m.

He has shown he can handle good to soft.”

Winner of the 2nd at DIAR Newbury

Collington landed the opening Emirates Premier Handicap Stakes for a third successive year when Taaqdeerat sprang a 20-1 surprise to lead home a 1-2-3-4 for Sheikh Hamdan.

Collington, successful in the mile contest with Jamaayil in 2016 and Cheik Roque last year, fielded five of the 12 runners in his bid to complete a hat-trick.

And it was the least fancied of the quintet, who claimed the honours as Taaqdeerat knuckled down under Harry Bentley to collar the James Owen-trained Rafeef by a neck, with Anfaas four lengths back in third and Al Kaaser fourth.

Collington said: “It seems a lucky race for me - that is three in a row. “It was very tight close home and Harry gave her a lovely ride. She has had quite a few problems with her knees and has not been the easiest to train. She loved a bit of cut in the ground.”

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Bentley added: “She has broken her maiden today and it’s a nice day to do it. They went hard early on and that has suited her coming off the pace. It’s on the soft side and that has probably helped her.”

Winner of the 1st at DIAR Newbury

It may have been a wet afternoon, but Peslier Jockey David Turner landed the closing Emirates NBD Handicap Stakes over 7f for the second year running with Mersal giving him top honours this time. The five-year-old, trained by Beverley Deutrom at Nutley, near Lingfield, held off Paramer Angel by three-quarters of a length.

Turner said: “It is always quite hard to come back after last year’s winner and this season has been a bit of a slog, but it’s good to win another one and thanks to Bev. “I thought they would go quicker, but they rode quite sensibly. I didn’t want to get involved too early. I got a tow off one and then got on to the next one.”

Deutrom added: “He’s a nice horse. He changed ownership, so he didn’t run last year at all. He will get further and I am just stepping him up the grades. I don’t want to over face him.

“Dubai day is the best day for the English racing, so I’m very happy with that. The soft ground was my concern, but he has nice big feet so there was no reason why it should not have suited him.”

Winner of the 8th at DIAR Newbury

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was smiling in the rain as he trilled a crowd of almost 6,000. “It is a lovely day,” he said. “It is raining a little bit, but there are a lot of people here and everyone is enjoying it.”

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Marei Rach and Zells Zenya

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atta are National Champions

Text and photos: Cidinha FranzĂŁo

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As part of the program of the National Arabian Horse Show in Brazil, the National Classic Arabian Horse and Arabian Ladies Classic Grand Prix were held at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome at the Jockey Club in São Paulo on Saturday, July 21.

There were two Grand Prix: the National Classic Arabian Horse, which consisted of a 1,400-meter race on turf for horses aged 3 years or more, awarded the Grey gelding Marei Rach (Voltaire Rach X Melina Rach (HS Titian), ridden by U. Silva and completed the course in 1: 35.164. The horse is trained by L. Quintana, owned by Paulo Jamil Saliba and breeding by Rach Stud, one of the largest supporters of Arab races in Brazil.

After a well-contested race and after dominating from the big curve to the final 200 meters, Velozter (Zapal X Agatha Bint Borneo (Borneo), led by E. Pereira was outclassed by Marei Rach and secured the second position. Third, Heron HVP (FA El Shawan X Hushahby Bey by Bey Shah) mounted by M. Ribeiro.

“Marei Rach was in fourth place out there and left in the race and we hoped that he would be able to overtake and cross first in the final stretch,” commented Paulo Saliba.

In the Arabian Ladies Classic, with a 1,000 meter run for mares of 3 years or more, last year’s winner Zells Zenyatta (S W Zell X Cowboys Gal by Wiking) showed that she was born to be champion. Conducted by J. Rogério, she is trained by A.G.S. Correa and owned by Rodrigo Schulze and Almir Ribeiro. The American mare is bred by The Living Trust Of RN And HM Tetrault.

Zells Zenyatta and Gaea Rach dominated until the final 300 meters when the American mare opened another 13 bodies of advantage, emerging as one of the best Arabian mares in Cidade Jardim.

Rach Stud doubled in the second and third places with Gaea Rach (Almir SWSB X Gigi CRH by More Extrange JP), led by J. Sousa and Passion Rach (Vaillant Rach X Pol’s Passion Rach by Polonez) mounted by the jockey U. Silva, who won the Arabian Horse National Classic GP. “Zells Zenyatta and his half-sister Zells Kate were two big acquisitions and to this day havwwe not disappointed. She has a lot of desire to run and win which makes us very happy, “said Schulze and Ribeiro.

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The Arabian Races in Brazil are organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association in partnership with the Jockey Club of São Paulo and supported by Heritage Arabian Racing Club - HARC.

Gaea Rach wins first race

On Aug. 12, the Grand Prix Nuri Donizetti José Haddad (1,000 meters, Turf, for products of 3 years and over) was held at the Cidade Jardim Racecourse, Jockey Club of São Paulo, in honor of one of the greatest races supporters in Brazil.

Gaea Rach (*Almir SWSB X Gigi CRH by More Extrange JP), very well led by J. Sousa, comes out on the edge and in the middle of the line is attacked by his half sister Havilland Rach, ridden by L. Henriques, followed by Miranda Rach, under the reins of M. Silva.

In the final meters, Gaea opens a body of advantage and departs for victory. After finishing two races in second place, she won his first victory dominating from end to end.

Gaea Rach is the daughter of the Brazilian National Champion *Almir SWSB, who in addition to beautiful conformation was winner of several important races in Poland.

The Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda, of the brothers Paulo and Ricardo Saliba, consolidate themselves like the best breeders having the first four placed horses of their breeding.

In third Miranda Rach, after exciting dispute with Mystica Rach that was led by the apprentice jockey A. R. Oliveira.

Gaea Rach is trained by M. André and owned by Stud Fedber and the trophy was delivered by the day’s honoree, Nuri Haddad.

“I would like to thank the entire ABCCA board of directors who honored me with this Grand Prix of the Arabian Horses in Cidade Jardim. It is always great to be honored and this tribute becomes deeper when it involves the Arabian Horse. When the Saliba family, with much effort and dedication, managed to bring the Arabian Horse races to Cidade Jardim, I had the happiness and pleasure to participate. At first many wanted to see the disputes between Al Pol Rach and Atentaddo VE, who fortunately today are in the reproduction thanks to André L. Mendonça de Barros (Stud Fedber), who bought Atentaddo VE, and won today with Gaea Rach, and the brothers Ricardo and Paulo Saliba who preserved the blood of Al Pol Rach in the breeding. Families and friends came to watch and bet. The dispute was very healthy, being assiduous. I see that there is still time for the breeders to enter their products in the races”, said Haddad.

The Arabian Races in Brazil are organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association in partnership with the Jockey Club of São Paulo and supported by Heritage Arabian Racing Club - HARC. Text: Cidinha Franzão / Photos: Porfírio Menezes

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Nuri Donizetti JosĂŠ Haddad

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Trifecta Rach in Cidade Jardim The HDB Sihr Ibn Massai Prize was dominated by three Rach Stud mares (Passion Rach, Gaea Rach and Oneida Rach) owned by the brothers Paulo and Ricardo Saliba.

Passion Rach keeping the advantage and opening every meter advantage over Gaea Rach and crosses the finish line with four differences of bodies and wins for the third time in Cidade Jardim.

Held on Saturday, September 22, for products of 3 years and over, of 1,200 meters on the sand track, in the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome, at Jockey Club of São Paulo, the Rach animals showed their superiority after a fierce dispute.

Owned by Paulo Jamil Saliba, Passion Rach (Vaillant Rach X Pol’s Passion Rach by Polonez), which was brilliantly conducted by V. Sousa, is trained by L. Quinta and bred by Rach Stud..

In the first part of the big curve, Gaea Rach takes the lead followed by Passion Rach and they enter the second part with Passion Rach fighting out for first place and this way takes the lead.

In second place Gaea Rach ridden by the apprentice jockey L. Felipe, owned by André Lahoz Mendonça de Barros and in third Oneida Rach with M Silva, owner Ricardo Jamil Saliba and also trained

by L. Quintana, completes the trifecta Rach.

The dispute continues in the final stretch with

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tinue to win, especially today with three winning the first places. This indicates that we are on the right track and that the Arab Races in São Paulo are growing, “said Paulo Saliba.

Zico Guardia, a traditional breeder of Arabian horses, accompanied by his wife Cristiane and daughter Fernanda, representing Haras Cruzeiro, presented the trophy to the Saliba brothers of Rach Stud, accompanied by Maria Helena Vidal, representing the ABCCA. The Arabian Races in Brazil are organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association (ABCCA) in partnership with the Jockey Club of São Paulo and supported by Heritage Arabian Racing Club – HARC. Right: Passion Rach Left: Gaea Rach Center: Oneida Rach

Text: Cidinha Franzao Photos: Porfirio Menezes

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PMC (Plaster Metal Cladding) Open over 1350m Over 3,000 spectators cheered in another successful purebred Arabian race run by Australasian Arabian Racing Club Ltd on Saturday 06 October 2018. First across the line was Monster Energy (Manabu Kai), 2nd Duo Park Yo Yo (Frank Edwards), 3rd Justice for All MI (Kirk Stone), 4th Lindall Forte (Masayuki Abe) and tailing off at the finish was Coolinda Park Winston (Rachel Shred). Although we had six acceptances for this race we had a late scratching, Elan De Faust.

Gordonvale is a country town just outside Cairns in the Far North of Queensland (FNQ) and is 1,660km from our home base in Brisbane. This is the third race we have organised here in the past two years and it usually takes three days to transport the horses each way. This meeting was the Gordonvale Cup race meeting with 5 thoroughbred races and our race was race 6 on the card.

We regularly transport three or four horses from Brisbane and this was the third trip for Monster Energy to race and he topped it off by making this his third straight win under Manabu Kai. Monster is trained by Emilie Jensen from Brisbane. Two local trainers were extremely pleased with their horses, Fiona Green from Gordonvale, training Yo Yo, Justice and Winston, and Cameron Campbell from Kuranda training Forte.

The committee of the Gordonvale Turf Club was very pleased with the reaction of the spectators and the fitness of the horses and they asked AARC to return next year and join with them again. Next year we will run two races at Gordonvale and one at Cairns. They are already on our Calendar for FNQ in 2019.

Full details of the finish can be seen below and you can find a video of the race on our WEB site.

Source: www.arabianracing.com.au Photos by Mike Mills Photographer

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Monster Energy wins Gordonvale Cup

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Shadwell sponsors races in Chile Seven years ago, Stud Shadwell, of great international renown, showed interest in entering Chile as a sponsor of the fine blood horse races at the Club Hípico de Santiago.

Already established the support in the races of fine blood, Shadwell wanted to open a new edge in the Chilean equestrian, with a view to creating a new market in all South America, the Arabian Horse Racing.

This is how in 2015 this project began, carrying out the first race of Arabian horses in Chile. Until 2017 it was run once a month in two categories.

Since March 2018 we are running on a monthly date in three categories with around 30-40 participants per month.

The sport has been developed a lot, since in the beginning in 2015 there were only 5-10 participants.

Shadwell mainly seeks to show the Arabian horses, famous for their great physical endurance in another modality, the speed.

Currently, Arabian Horse Flat Races have become 34

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popular in several countries such as the United States, England, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Australia, among others..

It is a new growing market, with many followers, and our mission is to grow this new branch of equestrianism in Chile, as pioneers of South America.

Ariane Gravereaux and Ignacio Díaz de Valdés have been the key people in generating the connection between Shadwell and the Club Hípico de Santiago.

We thank the Club Hípico de Santiago for their constant support, they have collaborated from the beginning with this beautiful project being fundamental in its development.

On November 9 we will have a special Shadwell Cup with millionaire prizes and the visit of a delegation from Shadwell to Chile.

And on November 11 the Shadwell delegation will be in Brazil when the first race sponsored by twhe Stud will be held at the Cidade Jardim Hippodrome, Jockey Club de São Paulo.

Campo Lindo Zulu

Shadwell Zulu - May 13, 2015

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Fakhir

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Shadwell, Standing For Success Shadwell’s global racing and breeding enterprises involve both Thoroughbred and Arabian horses and encompass Shadwell Estate Company Limited in Britain; Shadwell Farm LLC in the USA and Derrinstown Stud in Ireland.

Each year a world class group of horses are bred and bought to race in the renowned blue and white racing silks of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Under his guidance, the three studs have been responsible for the winners of more than 100 Group 1 races and producing the winners of 15 Classic races since 1987.

From our UK base, we stand top-class Group winning stallions; care for our private broodmare band; co-ordinate the racing of over 400 horses (both Thoroughbred and Arabian) across Europe and support a comprehensive schedule of race and event sponsorship to support the sport of horse racing globally.

To know more aboutShadwell: http://www.shadwellstud.com/

Source: Carreras Ă rabes Chile www.carrerasarabeschile.com

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Quick Sand AA continues dominant winning streak in the $100,000 President of the UAE Cup at Historic Churchill Downs

By Evie Tubbs Sweeney

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References to “superstar” and “legend in the making” could be heard around Churchill Downs after Quick Sand AA (Burning Sand x Triumphs Silkie), bred and owned by Joe & Betty Gillis of Columbus, Mississippi, extended his undefeated 2018 season with a dominant 9-length win in the 2018 President of the UAE Cup Stake (G1) on Saturday evening, September 29th under the bright lights of the historic twin spires.

The handsome 5-year-old grey stallion, now boasting a lifetime earnings of $260,231, chased the pace early behind Madjikman and Easter Man, allowing Thess is Awesome and Uptown Sandy Girl (the lone filly of the field) to set the pace in front. It all changed as they rounded the second turn when Thess is Awesome dropped back and Quick Sand challenged Uptown Sandy Girl and began pulling away at the top of the stretch. By the final furlong, the race belonged to Quick Sand AA as he took the $100,000 President of the UAE Cup in extraordinary, breathtaking fashion with a final time of 1:54.65 going 1 1/16 miles.

The win was his fifth consecutive of 2018 – four being Grade 1 stakes, including the Hundred Years Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Stakes at Sam Houston Race Track (March), the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Award Stake at Santa Anita Park (April), the Delaware Park Arabian Classic Handicap (August), and now the President of the U.A.E. Cup at Churchill Downs. This impressive season sets him up for major consideration as Darley Horse of the Year, and will likely also earn him an invitation to the world’s richest Arabian horse race, the €1.2 million Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi this November.

“Our experience at Churchill Downs was emotionally charged with gratification for 26 years of breeding and always trying to get that special horse,” said Joe Gillis. “Having made it to second place on several occasions makes you want to win even more. Quick Sand AA, out of our fine foundation mare, Triumphs Silky, by Seyvilla Triumph and Burning Sand, has developed into that special horse. He has gotten better each year, living in the shadows of stable mate Easter Man. This year he has surpassed Easter Man and is continually getting better.”

Joe gave much credit to Quick Sand’s trainer, 2017 Darley Trainer of the Year, Jerenesto Torrez.

“Quick Sand has always been fast, but Jerenesto

has patiently taught him to run long,” Gillis remarked.

“The horse ran a beautiful race, no doubt,” said Torrez. “It was the best race of his career thus far, and he just keeps getting better with every race. This is a horse that can go from either off the lead or on the lead, and still run a very strong race. He came out of [the race] sound, happy and healthy. Quick Sand is certainly one of my favorite horses of my career.”

Quick Sand AA was led to victory by Sasha Risenhoover, a decorated jockey who rides both Thoroughbreds and Arabians, and has ridden the earners of over $5 million in purses and won over 350 races of her eight-year jockey career.

Risenhoover was also the jockey for Quick Sand AA’s win in the $100,000 Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Stake (G1) at Santa Anita Park in April 2018.

“Churchill Downs is honored to have served as the host track for the USA stop on this prestigious event tour, the President of the UAE Cup, during six of the past eight years,” said Kristin Warfield, Vice President of Partnerships at Churchill Downs.

The President of the UAE Cup Series is the longest running Arabian race series in the world. It began in 1992, and was the first series to visit France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Egypt, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, UAE, Russia and the United States. This race at Churchill Downs marks the 13th time it has been run in America, with plans to return in 2019.

“The President of the UAE Cup is proud to be associated with Arabian racing in America,” said Faisal Al Rahmani, President of the UAE Cup Series. “We value our long-term relationship with Churchill Downs, the Arabian Jockey Club and the Arabian Horse Registry. Racing at Churchill Downs is always a privilege and a pleasure for the President’s Cup. The vast support the President’s Cup receives from owners, trainers and jockeys justifies the investment in our program.

The increase in breeding numbers testifies to the great efforts of the Arabian racing community in the USA and the President’s Cups steady significant commitment to the industry as a whole.”

Neil Abrahams, member of the Organizing Committee for the President’s Cup Series, continued with a similar sentiment.

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“We are very grateful to Churchill Downs for their continued support of the President’s Cup,” said Abrahams. “We are thankful for the efforts of [Churchill Downs Vice President of Partnerships] Kristin Warfield and her team, as well as [Churchill Downs Director of Racing / Racing Secretary] Ben Huffman, for their continued support and counsel.”

Arabian Jockey Club President, Susan Meyer, echoed Abrahams thoughts.

“We want to thank our generous sponsor, the UAE President’s Cup, for selecting this amazing venue to hold this very prestigious Grade 1 stakes race,” said Meyer. “We also thank Churchill Downs for making all of us in the Arabian community feel so welcome. Downs After Dark is so much fun, the feeling is electric, and the fantastic race only added to the excitement of the night.

A big thank you to the owners and trainers who brought the top horses in the USA to compete under the Twin Spires!

You did us all proud.”

Above: Joseph and Betty Gillis, Quick Sand AA (Burning Sand x Triumphs Silkie), breeder and owner, receiveing the Darley Award (photo by Cidinha Franzão)

Left: Jerenesto Torrez, Quick Sand’s trainer, 2017 Darley Trainer of the Year (photo: Courtesy)

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Dubai World Cup winning jockey Christophe Soumillon rides Rodess Du Loup to win the President of the UAE Cup Arabian Horse Intl

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Soumillon, who rode Godolphin’s Thunder Snow to win the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March, produced a late challenge from the 200-metre mark to flash past the post first ahead of Rajeh under Francois Xavier Bertas by a length.

Rijm ridden by Faleh Bughenaim was a further short head behind in third ahead of Shomoos Athba with Tadhg O’Shea atop in the Group 1 race, the seventh and final European leg of the race-series, for prize fund of £80,000 run over the 2,000m distance.

“We have done it again. I think he is a very, very good horse. The pace was not strong enough for him, so he definitely could be even better if there is a good pace in the race and a good gallop. Today the pace was very slow and Christophe told me he was pulling all the way round”, said French trainer Charles Gourdain.

Soumillon also believes Rodess du Loup has a very bright future.

“He is a very nice horse and I won on him in Chantilly and was very impressed. He was then a bit fresh at Deauville and was pulling lots. Today the pace was a bit slow, but he felt very well and I was happy to be on the rail. I think he could be one of the best Arabian horses and just hope he improves like he has done from the beginning”, said Soumillon The President of the UAE Cup is the oldest race series for the Purebred Arabians and it was a fitting tribute to have the event take place on the St Leger card, the oldest of the five Classics for thoroughbreds in Britain.

The race series held under the patronage of His Highness The President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, now moves to Churchill Downs in the United States of America, Morocco and the concluding leg in Saudi Arabia.

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The race meeting was attended by HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), HE Faisal Al Rahmani, Advisor to the ADSC and General Supervisor of the President’s Cup Series, Amanda Smith, Race Director of Doncaster and Saeed Al Muhairi of ADSC. “The seventh leg of the race series great importance because it is linked to the name of the leader dear to everyone’s hearts, pointing to the importance of horse racing and its role in enhancing the position and leadership of the UAE in preserving its original heritage.

“The Purebred Arabian race to be included in one of the most prestigious race meetings in Europe is a commendable achievement for both the race series and for the breed,” said HE Al Awani.

“The race series is an initiative of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the success of this event is evident as we celebrate the 25th year and the race run on St Leger day.

The President of ADSC HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has attached great importance to this event.”

HE Al Awani praised the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed in organising horse races worldwide to encourage owners and breeders of the Purebred Arabians.

Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni, Member of both the Federal National Council and ADSC, and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the race series, said it was the third year to have the event run on St Leger card.

“We are proud to have some of the leading Purebred Arabians in the famous Doncaster racetrack,” he said.

“The most important is to create an awareness of the breed in front of thousands of race goers and racing fans watching it on TV around the world.”

Source: Abu Dhabi Sports Council Photo: Equine Creative Media

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Montenegro steers Aoun to victory in the silks of Yas Racing in Belgium 44

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Aoun carried the silks of Yas Racing of Abu Dhabi to success in the Group 3 President of the UAE Cup for Purebred Arabians at the Hippodrome Wellington in Ostend, Belgium, on Monday, July 30.

The four-year-old son of Mahab under Roberto Montenegro took up the running from the 400-metre mark to clinch victory from Dynamites ridden by Jean-Baptist Hamel and Al Mounteze Monlau with Elione Chavez atop.

The winner covered the 1,600m trip in 1m 55.46s to scoop the £30,000 prize fund in the nine-runner field.

Aoun’s victory in the colours of Yas Racing of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, underlined the growing status of the Abu Dhabi Stables presence in the international circuit for Purebred Arabians.

The race series celebrating 25 years was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.

Present at the occasion were Mohammed Issa Abu Hashab, UAE Ambassador to the European Union, Saad bin Mohammed Al Arifi, head of the Saudi delegation to the European Union, and Faisal Al Rahmani, supervisor of the race series.

Saeed Al Muhairi, representative of the ADSC, received the winner’s award on behalf of winning trainer De Watrigant.

The UAE has taken a pioneer role in promoting the Arabian horse, the culture and heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, through the race series for the Purebred Arabians.

The Emirates Equestrian Federation launched the President of the UAE Cup Series for Purebred Arabians in 1994, to promote the breed globally, which is now grown in popularity and appeal.

HE Abu Hashab said the President of the UAE Cup conveyed the message of tolerance, love and peace of the UAE to the world.

“We take pride in staging this race series that marks the silver jubilee year,” he said.

“The UAE pays great attention to the support of heritage sports, and is very interested in preserving and preserving the original Arabian horses and introducing the people of Europe and the world to the march of our history as an important part of our heritage and past history.”

Source: Abu Dhabi Sports Council

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Stage set for HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival finale from Nov 6-10, 2018

The stage is set for fitting finale to a milestone year in a decade of success of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The year 2018 completes 10 years of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, one of the most successful endeavors to promote Arabian horse racing while the UAE has also marked the year as it is the 100th birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and a passionate promoter of Arabian horses.

The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club’s turf course will once again come alive on Friday, November 9, 2018, as the world’s richest race for Purebred Arabian horses will cap an evening of top class races, all for Purebred Arabian horses.

RB Burn, running in the colours of HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and trained by Eric Lemartinel, will be looking to claim the Euros 1.2 million Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Group 1) race.

Winner of this race in 2016, RB Burn crossed the finish line first last year too but a Stewards’ verdict ruled in favour of second-placed Muraaqib.

The 6-year-old is back and leads a classy field of 48

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16 runners that contest the feature race that also has last year’s third-placed Chaddad in the fray.

Friday’s finale of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival 2018 racing calendar also features the grand finals of three other global championships that have stopped in various cities around the world.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockey Championship and the newly-added Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony race finals. Also on the cards is the Wathba Stallions Cup which will all be worked off before the world’s richest race.

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “The year 2018 has been a milestone year for the Festival and the global success over the last ten years reflects the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime

Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.”

for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2018, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Anantara Hotel.

“On Tuesday, November 6 the officials draw for the Euros 1.2 million Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Group 1) and the other world championship races slated for November 9, will be held at 12 noon at the National Archives,” she said.

On Wednesday, November 7, a ‘Meeting with the Stars’ will begin at 6.00 am at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club racecourse with live coverage on Yas TV and later at 3.00 pm a Press Conference will be held at the Anantara Ballroom.

“On Thursday the Festival will host a meeting of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies, IFHRA,” Ms Sawaya said. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, IFHRA comes under the umbrella of HH Sheikh Mansoor Racing Festival. The same day the documentary, ‘Leg Up, a Journey back into the Saddle’ will be screened at the National Archives auditorium.

After Friday’s race meeting, all the visitors and participants will get a chance to watch some endurance action on Saturday as the Festival hosts the Al Wathba Endurance Challenge and later in the night a Gala Dinner will bring the curtain down on the Festival’s finale.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carrier, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFHRA, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Youth Council, General Authority for Sports and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Nissan Middleast Al Massood Automobiles, Nirvana Travels and Tourism LLC, Equicare Veterinary Services, Alawal Stud, Cavalos Equine Care & Supplies, SET Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Al Awani General Enterprises, Omeir Travels, Kabale, YAS Channel, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohammed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, The Supreme Council

Zayed Cup race finish in 2017- Grey horse is RB Burn (Red and Black silks) Source: HH Sh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Photos: Favio Lorenz

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Carlo wins Wathba Stallions Cup in Tiaret, Algeria Carlo scored a smart win in the Wathba Stallions Cup race organised under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival here in Tiaret in Algeria on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

Jockey Mohammed Djellouli steered the Fehd Metidji-owned Carlo to a win in the Wathba Stallions Cup, a race series that aims to boost Purebred Arabian racing at the grassroots level.

Carlo finished ahead of Anazarna with Chergar in third place. The race carried a prize fund of Euros 5000 and was part of the meeting that attracted a large number of fans.

The UAE Ambassador to Algeria HE Yousuf Saif Al Ali attended tha race and gave away the trophies along with other top Algerian racing officials. “It is great to see the UAE staging such races here in Algeria. We thank His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood for all the support that has helped in the success of the Festival,” HE Yousuf Saif Al Ali said.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

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Davies wins US leg to qualify for final in Abu Dhabi

HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship Maryland’s Teddy Davies became the 9th youngster to qualify for the final of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship series which is a new addition this year.

The 14-year-old Davies won the second of the two qualifiers held in Lexington on Sunday, 23 September, 2018.

The son of Joe Davies and Blythe Miller Davies of Monkton, Maryland, Davies did a wonderful job guiding his mounts to one win and one second under the heaviest rains storm Lexington has seen in years.

Sunday’s win was his 28th win in flat races/jumps from 58 rides. Davies will now contest the final on November 9, 2018 in Abu Dhabi.

The other pony jockeys who have won and quailed from the respective countries are: May 5, Seville, Spain - Alberto Peres-Luna / June 6, Stockholm, Sweden - Stina Landh July 1, Ploiești, Bucharest - Erika Georgesco / August 5, Deauville, France - Jad Hondier August 20, Ostend, Belgium - Ruben van der Scheuren / August 30, Kazan, Tatarstan, - Nina Mozheva September 1, Hastings, New Zealand - Caitlin Rennie / September 15, Ozieri, Italy - Enna Thomas.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Arabian Horse Intl

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Lightning Bolt wins Sheikh Zayed Cup in The Netherlands Another win for Dutch connections in HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival race Trainer Karin van den Bos and owner Landgoed Waterland once again hogged the limelight while Italian lady jockey topped in the ladies event as two more races in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival were worked off on September 23 at the Duindigt racecourse in The Hague in The Netherlands.

The Duindigt racecourse, in The Netherlands, was the racecourse where the international campaign of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival races began in 2009.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, a Group 2 contest was the big race of Sunday’s meeting and pre-race favourite Lightning Bolt scored another superb win to make it a memorable day for trainer van den Bos and owner Waterland.

Lightning Bolt, the 6-year-old son of Munjiz- a stallion that stands at Wathba Stallions owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs- added the Dutch leg of the Sheikh Zayed Cup to the Ostend leg in the same series that he won last month.

With ace jockey Tadhg O’Shea on board, Lightning Bolt finished ahead of Meelad under Pelletan while in third place was Jamas D.A. under Anna van den Troost.

The winner completed the 1900-metre distance in 2:14.3 to ensure another visit to the winner’s enclosure for his connections.

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Italian Ilaria Saggiomo did it on Lets Do It in the Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race which was run over 2000 metres.

The 40-year-old Saggiomo, who has ridden over 600 races and was the Fegentri World Ladies Jockey Champion in 2002, scored victory number 77 on Lets Do It and will now proceed to take a shot at the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship final on November 9, 2018 in Abu Dhabi.

Saggiomo, who also is a trainer by profession, steered Lets Do It to win the Euros 20,000 race.

Dabaab, under 28-year-old veterinary surgeon Anna Gil of Poland, finished second while Alazeez under UK’s Anna Wallace finished third.

In the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, 14-year-old Koos Westendorp on Bolero finished first and qualified for the final in Abu Dhabi on November 9, 2018.

The UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, HE Saeed Al Nowais, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, ADEC Director General and Margareet de Ruiter of the Dutch Arabian Racing Committee gave away the trophies.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Tadhg O’Shea on Lightining Bolt

Ilaria Saggiomo on Lets Do It

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Akoya strikes again for van den Bos and Waterland

There seems to be no stopping the winning combination of trainer Karin van den Bos and owner Landgoed Waterland in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s races.

The latest in a series of wins for the pair came at the L’Chilivani racecourse in Ozieri, Italy on Saturday, September 15 after Akoya won the feature event out of the three races held under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival.

Akoya under Jean-Baptiste Hamel won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, a Listed race with a prize fund of Euros 35,200.

Trained by van den Bos and owned by Waterland, Akoya finished nearly five lengths ahead of Shadwan Al Khalediah ridden by Pierantonio Convertino while Ramiz Al Aziz under Andrea Fele finished third.

Akoya had on September 2 given the owner-trainer a win in the Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) race at Denmark’s Klampenborg racecourse.

Karin van den Bos and Landgoed Waterland started with a double win on the ice and snow tracks of St Moritz in Switzerland with Dynamites in February 2018 and again registered a double win on August 20, 2018, at the Wellington racecourse in the Belgian city of Ostend.

In Ostend, first Dynamites struck again to win the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship race under Belgian Juri Bogaerts for the owner-trainer combination and later Karin van den Bos saddled the winner for Waterland when Lightning Bolt won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Group 3 race run over 1,800 metres.

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Enna Thomas on Sangria

The second race under the Festival’s umbrella in Italy on Sunday was the Wathba Stallions Summer Cup and Manou Taouy under Andre Fele won the race. Nina Taouy under Mario Sanna finished second while in third place was Zaffiro de Lottas under Dario Di Tocco.

Enna Thomas on Sangria was all smiles after winning the Festival’s HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship race. Thomas will now join the other winners of the HH Sheikha Lateefa series in the final to be held in Abu Dhabi in November.

HE Mohanad Sulaiman Al Naqbi and Ibrahim Tunaiji from the UAE Embassy in Italy, Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), Adnan Sultan, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club along with other Italian racing officials gave away the trophies.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf Andre Fele on Manou Taouy

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Djehlbi demolishes field with easy win In a dominating display, Djehlbi registered a 30-length victory in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup held at the Warwick race track in Queensland, Australia on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

Returning to the track after a year, Djehlbi, sired by Dehlbi (FR) x Djelica (FR), and owned and trained by Michelle Amos, made it a one-horse race under jockey Isabella Teh. Seven horses started in the 1350-metre race after Elan de Faust, a visitor from far north Queensland, was a late scratching.

Djehlbi, one of the fastest Purebred Arabian currently racing in Australia, was too good for the field and Isabella Teh cruised home in 1.32.18.

The only interest in the race was the battle for second place between Neesa’s Golden Girl under Debra Pickford and Aloha Natalis under Hannah English. Neesa’s Golden Girl finally won by a length and a ¼ to take second over Aloha Natalis.

The Warwick Turf Club was thrilled to host the Wathba Stallions Cup on the Allora Cup Day race meeting with Secretary Kristen Doyle and President Phillip Grant taking part in the presentations.

It was another race day success for Arabian race horses with Australasian Arabian Racing Club (AARC) and its president, Mr. Jeff Ablett, noted this occurred at a time when AARC was also honoured to be invited to attend the ADIHEX Exhibition in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. This will be the second time AARC Secretary Christine Ablett has attended this exhibition and she will again meet and interact with other Arabian horse owners and breeders from all over the world promoting Arabian Racing in Australia.

The AARC President Ablett thanked the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for all the support to Purebred Arabian horse racing in Australia.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan with inputs from Jeff Ablett Photo: Nadine Frampton

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Ireland’s Walsh strikes on Akoya for Dutch trainer Ireland’s Apprentice jockey Eoin Walsh scored a narrow win on the Dutch-trained Akoya in the Danish leg of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship series race on Sunday, September 2, 2018.

The Karin van den Bos-trained Akoya under Walsh won a close race at Denmark’s Klampenborg racecourse and Sunday’s card also marked the Ladies Day and the featured Oaks for Thoroughbreds.

After a double in the Festival’s races in Ostend, Belgium owner Landgoed Waterland and trainer Karin van den Bos were back with another win in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival-supported races this year with Akoya.

Akoya edged out Al Mounteze Monlau under Polish jockey Karolina Dynarowska with just a neck separating the two while in third place was Cleopathre under Alan Wallace.

Cleopathre under Norwegian-licensed Wallace in the saddle was the first to show in a bunch of horses willing to go and finding their positions down most of the backstretch in the 1800-metre contest.

Al Mounteze Monlau joined her in the bend and the pair was ahead by some four lengths into the straight.

By the 200 metre marker they were joined by Akoya and another battle commenced. The filly couldn’t quite take part when the two colts engaged in a lengthening and shortening neck battle to the line.

Having hit the front Akoya would not be denied, however, and saw to it that it was his connections that got to enter the winner’s enclosure.

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“He idled in front, but I was never worried,” said Eoin Walsh, who now joins other winners of the series for a shot at the final of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship race in Abu Dhabi in November.

Dutch trainer Karin van den Bos – a multi-race winner in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival said, “He’s a good horse.”

Bred by his trainer, Akoya had won twice as a juvenile and did so again this season before he was fifth in the French Derby. Then he went to Italy finishing a solid second before Sunday’s win under Walsh.

The UAE’s Ambassador to Denmark, HE Fatima Khamis Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Director General Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi along with other VIP guests and representatives of Denmark’s Arabian racing attended the prize distribution ceremony and gave awy the trophies.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan with inputs from Nils Rosenkjaer Photos: Nils Rosenkjaer

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Caitilin Rennie runs away with New Zealand leg of HH Sheikha Lateefa Pony Championship race

Caitlin Rennie from the Palmerston North Pony Club won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race held on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Hastings racecourse.

jockeys in this country and rode with great success in Malaysia and Singapore.

The Festival’s HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship race was part of the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday that also launched New Zealand’s Group 1 racing for the season, bringing the big guns of racing to Hastings to battle at one of the country’s stellar racing events.

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) congratulated the winner and said, “The HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship which was introduced in this calendar year has attracted huge response and will go a long way in inspiring the young jockeys to continue in the sport.”

Riding Buckton Showdown, Rennie finished first in the race which had attracted eight pony jockeys.

The 14-year-old Rennie had earned a place in the Hastings race when she won the Wanganui Jockey Club race in June this year. Her mother is former leading New Zealand jockey Kim Clapperton who was one of the pioneers for women

Rennie will join the winners of nine races in nine other countries in the final of the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship which will be held in Abu Dhabi in November.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Arabian Horse Intl

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Trainer Lyakhov, jockey Kappushev reg Sheikh Mansoor Festival races Trainer A.A Lyakhov and ace jockey A. Kappushev scooped a brilliant double winning both the races under the banner of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the Kazan Hippodrome in Tatarstan’s capital city of Kazan.

trainer Lyakhov when Vasilevs won the Wathba Stallions Cup. Vaselevs under Kappushev finished ahead of Convention ridden by Nikolay Ukhvanov and Tanks took third under Omurkhanov.

Kappushev scored a fine win on Arab Queen in the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup which carried a prize fund of Euros 30,000 and had attracted the 13 Purebred Arabian horses.

In the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship race, 19 young kids took part in the Kazan leg of the series.

Irbis under A.A Alberdiev finished second while in third place was Saladin ridden by D.D Sukhanov in the 1600-metre contest. The winning time was 1:52.51 The ace jockey then rode another winner for 60

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This race was worth Euros 5000 and open to 2-year-old Purebred Arabian horses.

Nine-year-old Nina Mozheva won the race and will now feature in the final of the pony race series which will be held in Abu Dhabi in November.

gister double at HH s in Kazan

His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, HE Vasil Shaikhraziew, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, General Manager of Wathba Stallions, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) graced the races that was held to mark the Tatarstan National Day on August 30.

Ms Sawaya presented a badge carrying the image of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to HE Rustam and the Tatarstan President proudly sported it on his coat.

“It was a matter of great pride that the top leadership of Tatarstan attended the races. This year the UAE is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the Late Sheikh Zayed, a passionate promoter of Arabian horses. Once again the Purebred Arabian races under the Festival’s banner were a huge success and even the pony jockeys showed a lot of promise,” said Ms Sawaya.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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Vindetta wins thriller in Chelmsford

Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

Trained by Adam Newey, Vindetta under jockey James Harding won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Handicap Stakes at the Chelmsford City Racecourse on Sunday, August 19, 2018.

The Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup series offers very welcome support to the sport’s grass roots of UK Arabian racing. The race attracted a large field with many having travelled from far afield to race at the Chelmsford City track for the generous prize fund.

A very open race, Pacific Athbah and Fatinah set the early pace with the two Adam Newey trained horses Vindetta and Synergy closely stalking them behind with Popsstar for trainer Sam Holdsworth with Serena Botherton aboard and Welsh raider Kayclaire for Delyth Thomas in the hands of Simon Walker.

At half way Fatinah and David Turner made his bid for glory and started to string the field out but as they hit the home straight Vindetta made the chase under jockey James Harding; all horses battling hard by the final furlong but as the tempo lifted Vindetta responded well hitting the front with a well-timed run closely followed by a very fast finishing Kayclare, who put up a strong challenge but was unable to overturn the determination of both Vindetta and her jockey James Harding.

It was a well-deserved win for a delighted Adam Newey and owners The Almost All Partnership. Kay62

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claire lost nothing in defeat and whilst disappointed, her trainer Delyth Thomas was delighted with her performance and the same was said for Yeucel Mehmets Fatinah, third in the race.

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) was in attendance at Chelmsford City Racecourse to present the prizes to the delighted winning connections. She stated how important it was to support the trainers at this level, the presentation was an emotional one for jockey Harding who has been an important part of the Adam Newey team, it was good to see how much the win meant.

Willie McFarland ARO Operations said “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued patronage of Ms. Lara Sawaya, Wathba Stallions and the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival - a sponsor that offers huge support to UK Arabian racing. We enjoyed a great day of Arabian racing at Chelmsford City, a track that has offered immeasurable backing to ARO throughout the season.”

He went on to say “We are also incredibly excited to be ending the ARO turf season with the highly valued and prestigious HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 1 PA) a race with a Prize Fund of £80,000 which will be held at Royal Windsor Racecourse on Monday 15th October; this is an amazing way to finish a great year’s UK racing on the turf and we are very grateful to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival for their generosity”.

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Bogaerts and Ruben win their respective races in Ostend Lightning Bolt storms to Sheikh Zayed Cup win It was another memorable double for owner Landgoed Waterland and trainer Karin van den Bos in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival-supported race this year.

Dynamites, the 4-year-old chestnut colt by Nashwan Al Khalediya had given Waterland and van den Bos a double win on the ‘White Turf’ of St Moritz in Switzerland earlier this year in February winning the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship over a 15 day-span.

On Monday, August 20, 2018, at the Wellington racecourse in the Belgian city of Ostend, Dynamites struck again to win the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship race under Belgian Jurico Bogaerts for the owner-trainer combination.

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Dynamites finished ahead of El Zarka D.A under P.Karamanos of Cyprus while Adam Benko of Hungary on Storm Trouper finished third. The winning time for the 1,000-metre races was 1:03.55.

And a little later Karin van den Bos saddled the winner for Waterland when Lightning Bolt won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Group 3 race run over 1,800 metres. Lightning Bolt was given a superb ride by jockey Adrien de Vries to complete the double for van den Bos and Waterland.

Second in the Euros 35,000 race was Rijm under Falah Bughenaim while the favourite Aoun under Roberto-Carlos Montenegoro finished third. The winning time was 2:11.27.

The third race under the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival banner drew the loudest cheers as young jockeys lined up on their ponies in the Ostend leg of the Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship race.

Ruben van der Scheuren crossed the finish line in style riding Minnie Moon with Seppe Balcaen narrowly losing out under Bolero in the 600-metre race. Iluna Coryn on Zarkava finished third. The winning time was 32.88 seconds.

The Belgian Apprentice Bogaerts and Ruben van der Scheuren will feature in the finals of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship and the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship respectively.

The UAE Ambassador to Belgium H.E. Mohamed AbuShahab, The UAE Charge d’Affairs to Belgium,the Mauritanian Ambassador to Belgium H.E. Abdellahi Bah Nagi Kebd, the Yemeni Ambassador Mohamed Taha Mustafa and Belgium’s Arabian horse chief Nelly Philippot and Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) gave away the trophies.

The Envoys hailed the great initiative by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the UAE in promoting the UAE and Purebred Arabian racing.

Ms. Lara Sawaya said, “It was such an exciting day of races and the Purebred Arabian horse racing fans witnessed some thrilling finishes.”

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Lightning Bolt and Adrien de Vries winners of Sh Zayed Cup

Ruben van der Scheuren on Minnie Moon winning Sheikha Lateefa Pony Championship Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan and photos of Morhaf Al Assaf

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HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Maraasem wins Wathba Stallions Cup in Dax Three-year-old filly Maraasem, owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Dahman-Wathba Stallions Cup in Dax, France on Friday, August 10.

Trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Francois-Xavier Bertras, Maraasem, finished ahead of two three-year-old colts - Dhaafer and Kanaan - from the Yas Horse Race Management owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. The winning time was 2:26.30.

Maraasem under Bertras finished about half a length ahead of Dhaafer, ridden by Gabriel Bon and was followed by another HH Sheikh Mansoor horse Kanaan under Alexandre Gavilan. Dhaafer and Kanaan were saddled by trained Didier Guillemin.

It was the first win in three starts for Maraasem, a 3-year-old filly by Akim du Ducor.

The Dahman-Wathba Stallions Cup, run on turf over a distance of 2100 metres carried a total prize fund of Euros 16,000 and was sponsored by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The Festival is celebrating its 10th year since inception and the year 2018 also marks the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founder of the UAE and a passionate promoter of Purebred Arabian racing.

Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

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Hondier wins HH Sheikha Lateefa race in Deauville

Jad Hondier on Small and Mighty won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship race held at the Deauville race course in France on Sunday, August 5, 2018.

Hondier and her pony Small and Mighty finished ahead of Eden Lesot on Bronheulog Acorn while in third place was Simon Planque on Gordon.

Apart from the Deauville leg of the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship, another pony race for the Prix International Junior Cup was held and Geoffroy de La Sayette of Great Britain on I Am Loving It finished ahead of French jockey Simon Planque on Ambassia. It was a second podium finish for the young French rider, who had also finished third in the HH Sheikha Lateefa race. American Teddy Davies on Dough Boy finished third.

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) congratulated the winner of the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony championship and said even the parents will be invited to Abu Dhabi for the grand final in November 2018.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

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Al Shamoos wins Prix Burkeguy Wathba Stallions Cup Al Shamoos came up tops in a close finish in the Prix Burkeguy-Wathba Stallions Cup race for Purebred Arabians on Sunday, July 2 in at the La Teste Buch racecourse in France.

Driving home the 4-year-old No Risk Al Maury mare was lady jockey Delphine Santiago as Al Shamoos forged ahead in the final furlong after Al Naama under Julien Auge had done all the running.

Chasing home the two mares was Ahzar, the 5-year-old horse ridden by Ioritz Medizabal.

Al Shamoos won the 1400-metre race in a timing of 1:31.60.

The Euros 25,000 race was part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup series. The Festival is celebrating its 10th year since inception and the year 2018 also marks the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founder of the UAE and a passionate promoter of Purebred Arabian racing.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carrier, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFHRA, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Youth Council, General Authority for Sports and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Nissan Middleast Al Massood Automobiles, Nirvana Travels and Tourism LLC, Equicare Veterinary Services, Alawal Stud, Cavalos Equine Care & Supplies, SET Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Al Awani General Enterprises, Omeir Travels, Kabale, YAS Channel, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohammed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2018, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

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Gutierrez strikes on Elmanara De Carrere

Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Bharathi Gowda

Apprentice jockey Alejandra Gutierrez from Spain confirmed that the Tarbes racecourse here in France was a lucky one for her. The 24-year-old who was last year’s winner of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Apprentice Championship race here in Tarbes struck once again and this time it was 4-year-old mare Elmanara De Carrere that carried her to the win.

In Sunday’s Prix Fleur D’Avril- HH Sheikha Fatima Apprentice World Apprentice Championship race here, Gutierrez scored a smart win on Elmanara De Carrere as she wove her way into the lead on the home stretch and held on to win the 2300-metre race in 2:36.60.

It was a 1-2 for trainer Eric Dell’Ova as following Gutierrez on Elmanara De Carrere was Engun De Bozouls, also trained by him, under Italian Riccardo Iocopini. Djelilla under Sweden’s Allan Walace finished third in the Euros 20,000 race which is part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

It was only the third win in the 136 starts by Gutierrez who said, “It was a great effort by my horse.”

“Last year also I won here and then took part in the final in Abu Dhabi and finished 8th on Ifraaj in the big race. Now I am very happy to have qualified again after today’s win. It is such a great race meeting and I will be proud to fly the Spanish flag on the big day in Abu Dhabi later this year. I will be looking to improve on my performance in the final,” said Gutierrez.

Jockeys coach Kai Schirmann and the Festival’s Ismail Mohammed attended the prize distribution Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan 70

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Megane, daughter of ace Olivier Peslier wins HH Sheikha Fatima Ladies race HH Sheikh Mansoor’s horses dominate Toulouse races Rijm, under Julian Auge, won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Group 1 race in Toulouse, France, on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, on a day when horses owned by Yas Horse Racing Management, the racing arm of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, also won two races.

Rijm and Al Mouwaffaq under Jean-Bernard Eyquem made it a 1-2 for trainer Thomas Fourcy in the Group 1 Sheikh Zayed Cup race which carried a prize fund Euros 45,000. Ijram under Francois Xavier-Bertras finished third in the 2200-metre race.

Earlier in the meeting, Megane Peslier, eldest daughter of ace French jockey Olivier Peslier, won the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race to book a berth in the championship finale in Abu Dhabi in November.

Megane struck on Hind (photo above), a 4-year-old Mahabb filly, owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor’s Yas Horse Racing Management while Germany’s Lille-MarieEngles on Emir Du Loup finished about a quarter of a length behind the French lady jockey. In third place was Camilla Graver of Norway on Jaahez.

It was only a second career win for the 23-year-old Megane Peslier in 20 starts and she will now line up for a shot at the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship final.

HH Sheikh Mansoor-owned Hayyan under Ioritz Mendizabal won the French Breeders’ Arabian Arabian Horse Intl

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Challenge for Colts Group 2 race while in the French Breeders’ Arabian Challenge for Fillies two more of his horses Yaraa and Aleen finished second and third respectively behind Adiba in the 1,600-metre Group 2 race.

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), congratulated HH Sheikh Mansoor on the success of his horses and added that the stage was now set for the November 9, 2018 finale of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival in Abu Dhabi on November 9.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carrier, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFHRA, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi Youth Council, General Authority for Sports and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Nissan Middleast Al Massood Automobiles, Nirvana Travels and Tourism LLC, Equicare Veterinary Services, Alawal Stud, Cavalos Equine Care & Supplies, SET Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Al Awani General Enterprises, Omeir Travels, Kabale, YAS Channel, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohammed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2018, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Anantara Hotel.

Hayyan winning Arabian Colts Group 2 Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan

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IFHRA programme: A ‘great experience’

Source: HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Bharathi Gowda The mentorship programme of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies, IFHRA, is gaining momentum with several equestrian-related individuals making use of the initiative to hone their skills in different activities.

One such beneficiary is Hussein Abdali who recently finished his Mentorship Programme in Kildangan Stud Farm, Ireand. Hussein Abdali is currently working as a Registration Officer (Studbook), Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Overwhelmed by the three-week training, which enhanced his knowledge and exposure, Abdali said: “This programme benefited me a lot and helped me gain more experience in the racing field. It also gave me an opportunity to meet big names in racing world and get in contact with them which is a huge benefit for my future career. I returned home with a lot of ideas which can be implemented at my home racing club.”

He further added: “It was a great honor to visit Kildangan Stud Farm and meet true horsemen like Joe Osborne and Jimmy Hyland, Director of Kildangan Stud Farm, who gave me in insight into learning and experiencing the breeding operation. I had a brief about stallion management and marketing, pedigree analysis and mating, stud farm management and foal routine inspection and evaluation.”

With Jimmy Hyland, Abdali visited all the nine stud farms in Ireland. “It was also an honor to meet nutritionist Dr. Steph Jackson from USA and spent three days with him to learn horse feeding.”

He was equally elated to attend the Northern Ireland Derby at Down Royal and to receive the Derby Cup on behalf of Godolphin team. “I went to the Curragh race course alongside with Paul Murtagh, Head of Race Day Operation and experienced every position and role during the race.”

He also managed a visit to Ballydoyle which he found to be a “fascinating and different operation than other operations I ever saw or heard about.”

Weatherby was the next stop where he had an overview about their management system of registration. He said: “Weatherby is testing a digital passport which will be launched in the future which might help Bahrain within our studbook authority.”

“Overall it was a fascinating experience. Thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, IFHRA and Ms Lara Sawaya, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), for this wonderful opportunity.

The mentorship programme comes under HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Racing Festival which is celebrating ten years this year.

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Brady JR Betlamini and his experience in the International Federation Horse Racing Academy Mentorship Program I‎ ’ve finished up my first full week in Ireland and I cannot believe how much I’ve learned, and seen during this mentorship, and trip!

I am beyond lucky to have been placed by the RACE (Racing Academy & Centre of Education) team in Mr. John Oxx’s yard on the Curragh, where he has given me the opportunity to spend my time shadowing, and doing work experience!

The professionalism is absolutely outstanding, and eye opening. Every aspect I’ve seen and been a part of at Mr. Oxx’s has set a new standard for myself and how I want to progress in the racing industry. I especially admire his calm and relaxed demeanor towards his training methods, staff, and the horses!

And how they train on the Curragh is unbelievable! Horses get the opportunity to have a proper warm up/trot at the yard, with a 10-15 minute walk to the gallops where there are multiple places to train, and then a nice walk and cool down back home. Mr.Oxx makes it very clear that there is no need to rush, and to take the opportunity to let the horses relax and enjoy their time out of the yard. “Happy horses are one of the keys to successful training,” is what he told me.

And the knowledge he has is spectacular, this last week I cannot imagine the amount of questions I’ve asked him, and he has a very descriptive and positive answer for everything!

Of course, I had to ask about 2009 World Champion, Sea the Stars that Mr.Oxx trained. “He was the perfect horse,” John said to me, and it is so fascinating to be able to walk past his stall where the legend stood, every day that I’m in the yard.

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Earlier in the week I made my way to a close racetrack in the town of Naas, where they had an evening of unscheduled races, where I experienced my first ever turf, and European races live!

It wasn’t a busy meet, but it was still spectacular. The atmosphere was completely different to what I’m used to. With bookmakers, racing fans and families enjoying an evening out, you could just see and feel the deep rooted, Irish, horse racing passion and culture.

During my time in Ireland, I’m living at the Racing Academy & Centre of Education, where they have set up a full month program where not only do I have my mentorship at Mr. Oxx’s, but I have riding training with instructors at the academy, where I get to ride on the private gallop, working on form and position. With simulator training as well, where I get to challenge myself on state of the art riding equipment! Also, I join the trainee jockey students on tours of horse racing industry’s throughout Ireland; we have already went to the Irish National Stud. It was absolutely amazing to say the least. The academy staff and instructors are truly fantastic, and have treated me better than I could ever imagine. Plus the facilities here are top notch, from the living area/ cafeteria, to the gym/barn/training buildings, I am so fortunate to be able to stay here.

I also get the opportunity to be a tourist as well!

On the weekends I have days booked where I get to go around Ireland, see some new country and enjoy some sites and events! This weekend I spent 2 days in Dublin where I made sure to make my way to the Guiness Storehouse for a tour, and see the Dublin City Centre, where I walked and seen sites like the Trinity College, the Museum of Natural History, Temple Bar and much more!

Next week I will get to attend the Longines Irish Champions races which are held at both Curragh and Leopardstown racecourses. I can’t wait to witness the best of the best and see some of the finest racing in the world.

Thank you HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, Lara Sawaya, International Federation Horse Racing Academy Mentorship Program, RACE, Theresa Sealy, Olds College, John Oxx, and everyone whose supported and helped me along this experience, and adventure!

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Left: Brady JR Betlamini and Galileo, 20 years old standing at the Coolmore Stud.

Photos courtesy of Brady

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