Arabian Horse Intl Flat Racing Issue 2

Arabian Horse Intl Issue 2 - January2019

Flat Racing

PASSION RACH WINS THE FIRST PA G1 IN BRAZIL

Interview with Alex Eade

AARC 2018 Awards of the year

Al Shamoos winner in world’s richest race for PA horses Races in Doha and in the UAE Arabian Horse Intl

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Arabian Horse Intl Flat Racing Issue 2 - January 2019

Editorial Dear Horse Lovers,

Welcome to the Second edition of Arabian Horse Intl Flat Racing!

Finally, the Purebred Arabian horses had their first Group 1 race in Brazil. It was a successful history that started in 2013 and was built race by race until today, when the final and great day arrived! Now it is already a part of the Arabian Horse Racing in Brazil and South America !

The GP Al Maktoum Cup was held on Sunday, November 11, at the Hippodrome de Cidade Jardim, contested over 1400 meters in turf conditions race for 3YO + and with the participation of 10 animals that stood out and added victories in the last two years.

Al Shamoos, owned by HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, won the Dh. 5 million Group 1 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown- the world’s richest race for Purebred Arabian horses, on November 8 night at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club’s turf racecourse in the UAE capital.

Alex Eade, General Manager of Goodwood Racecourse, explains what excites him about the job, his highlights of 2018 and what racegoers can expect next season.

Alex Eade, General Manager of Goodwood Racecourse, explains what excites him about the job, his highlights of 2018 and what racegoers can expect next season.

Lyn Hall Open over 1600m - Yet another successful purebred Arabian race in Australia, organised by the Australasian Arabian Racing Club Ltd, on Sunday 02 December 2018.

In addition to the races of Sheikh Mansoor Festival / Wathba Stallions Cup held in December and January, as well as in Doha, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and Dubai, Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

We hope you enjoy it and have a good reading!

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

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Cover Passion Rach and Michael Silva Photo: Porfírio Menezes

Publishers: Cidinha Franzão, Favio Lorenz Art Directors: Cidinha Franzão Publisher Assistant: Nilza Felize Contributors: Cidinha Franzão, Shadwell Stud, Goodwood, HH Sh Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan with inputs for report from ERA, Jeff Ablett from Australasian Arabian Racing Club, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Emirates Racing Authority.

Photos: Cidinha Franzão, Shadwell Stud/Debbie Burt, Dubai Racing Club / Andrew Watkins, Goodwood, HH Sh Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan with inputs for report from ERA, Jeff Ablett from Australasian Arabian Racing Club, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Emirates Racing Authority, Dubai Racing Club / Erika Rasmussen.

contact@.arabianhorseintl.net

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8 The Shadwell Arabian Stallions roster welcomes a

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new stallion for the 2019 breeding season

10 Interview with Alex Eade, General Manager of Goodwood Racecource

13 Auge steers Al Shamoos to victory in world’s richest race for Purebred Arabian horses. Germans win HH Sheikha Fatima world championships

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18 Passion Rach wins the first Arab Group 1 race in Brazil

24 Dassan Da demolishes rivals in Wathba Stallions Cup

26 AF Mozhell scores under Chaves

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28 AF Motaghatres leads 1-2-3 for owner Al Naboodah

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30 AF Kafu scores in Wathba Stallions Cup in Abu Dhabi

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RB Fired Up burns rivals in Al Ain Wathba Stallions Cup

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Hawafez gives trainer Bin Attia first win in 2018

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Jara steers Burj Al Reef to victory

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AARC 2018 Awards of the year

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Lyn Hall Open over 1600m

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Races in Doha: Golam rides RAQEE to Al Shaqab Cup victory

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Races in the UAE: Wadeeaa wins Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1

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The Shadwell Arabian Stallions roster welcomes a new stallion for the 2019 breeding season

Photo: Debie Burt

MANARK (MAHABB) will start his stallion career in 2019. Bred in France by Haras de Mandore, MANARK won impressively on debut at three.

His trainer, Damien de Watrigant, commented: “MANARK showed a lot of natural speed and was very precocious. He was always very easy to train.” Bought by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he continued his successful first season with three more victories, including the Group 2 PA Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes at Newbury and a third place in the Group 1 PA Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes at Chantilly. After a setback, MANARK joined the stables of champion trainer Gill Duff8

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ield in the UK at five, and showed remarkable consistency with several placed efforts at Group level.

Exported to the UAE, MANARK was then trained by Erwan Charpy. After a first run in Abu Dhabi, he was entered in the Group 2 PA Bani Yas at Meydan, over seven furlongs; when he demonstrated outstanding speed and won by more than nine lengths. His next start was the prestigious Group 1 PA Dubai Kahayla Classic, over ten furlongs. Ridden by Dane O’Neill, he took the lead from the start and fought off every attack to win by more than two lengths. His trainer commented: “MANARK has been the best

Manark winner Group 1 PA Dubai Kahayla Classic 2015 / Ridden by Dane O’Neill Photo: Dubai Racing Club / Andrew Watkins

Pure Arabian I have been fortunate to train, as he combined an exceptional physique with pure class on the racetrack. His great early speed coupled with a very high cruising speed has been his main asset, winning unchallenged over 1400m as well as 2000m, against top performers.”

MANARK will join AF AL BURAQ, MADJANI and NO RISK AL MAURY at Haras de Saint Faust in France. With winners as the top level such as AL ZAHIR (MADJANI), AL SHAMOOS (NO RISK AL MAURY) and BARNAMAJ (NO RISK AL MAURY), MADJANI and NO RISK AL MAURY are establishing themselves as exceptional sires. AF AL BURAQ has been leading sire in the UAE for the second season running in 2017-2018 and continues to sire consistent good performers.

The first foals of HANDASSA and TAAJER will be on the ground in 2019. With great pedigrees and amazing temperaments, both stallions have been well received by breeders and will continue to stand respectively in the UK and Italy. AL SAOUDI and AL JAKBAR will both stand in the UK at Shadwell Stud. From limited opportunities, they have produced good racehorses who have performed worldwide, in Sweden, Morocco, the UAE, the UK, France, Oman, etc.

Kahayla Classic winner KAOLINO has been retired from stud duties in the USA. Standing at Mandolynn Hill Farm for the past few years, KAOLINO has sired stakes winners and performers such as KALINO, the first winner of the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi, SMOKE HOUSE, KAO KAT MHF, KAO MALOAN SWA, LAST CALL MHF, FRENCH ATH-

BAH, etc. He will now enjoy a much deserved retirement.

Richard Lancaster, Shadwell’s Stud Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to stand a remarkable new stallion such as MANARK, who has shown precocity and speed at three and who continued to perform at the highest level throughout his career which culminated with his victory in the Kahayla Classic.

“Also standing in France, AF AL BURAQ, MADJANI and NO RISK AL MAURY do not need any introduction. They will, without a doubt, leave their mark in the history of Arabian racing.

“Our 2019 stallion roster offers various opportunities to all breeders to find the right match for their mares. We are very grateful for all the support we receive from breeders worldwide.”

The complete roster, with the nomination fees and conditions, will be available shortly on Shadwell Arabian Stallions website and Facebook page. Breeders are invited to contact our team to receive their 2019 stallion brochure. Mare applications are welcome; limited books apply.

AL JAKBAR, MADJANI and NO RISK AL MAURY are available for natural cover and AI with frozen semen.

HANDASSA and TAAJER are available for AI with fresh and frozen semen.

MANARK, AF AL BURAQ and AL SAOUDI are available for natural cover only.

For more information about Shadwell Arabian Stallions: arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk / https://www.facebook.com/ShadwellArabian www.shadwellarabian.co.uk Photo: Debbie Burt

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“I feel the 200 years of excitement reverberating around the Racecourse every day”

Alex Eade, General Manager of Goodwood Racecourse, explains what excites him about the job, his highlights of 2018 and what racegoers can expect next season.

Q. What has been your highlight of the 2018 season?

A. Definitely the summer weather, it was the best summer we have had for years. The five days of ‘Glorious Goodwood’ were the best anyone can remember and this place is just magnificent when it’s sunny. So much work goes into that week, so the great weather capped it off in terms of delivering something special to our customers.

Q. What have been the greatest challenges you have faced this year?

A. We had a security incident on Opening Saturday, which was horrendous to be part of, but I think many good things have come out of it. Our security now is much more visible than it was and I think we sent a strong message.

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I think people realised how much it upset us personally and saw how much we care about our customers. Sometimes you learn your best lessons from adversity.

We are also always striving to change everything for the better, which means you have to deliver a lot of projects on time and on budget. This year we have worked to create a new café, completely redesigned our betting infrastructure, created a new hospitality offering and built a £2.5m Champagne Bar, requiring a new staircase for the Charlton Stand. It’s a challenge to bring all these projects together, but happily we made it!

Q. Goodwood recently won an RCA Showcase Award for the Magnolia Cup; tell us what that means to you and the team.

A. It is always nice to be recognised amongst your peers in the industry, especially as a lot of customer feedback goes into the judging. It was really great to win an award for the Magnolia Cup presented by Swarovski, as I felt this may have been the best year for that race, both from a coverage point of view and operationally. The stories that came from that race made it humbling to be a part of and it also raised a huge amount of money for Cancer Research UK. As I mentioned, we put a lot of effort into our operations this year – and will continue to do so going forwards – so to also see that recognised at the RCA Awards by being Highly Commended in Operational Excellence was extremely satisfying. It’s a very glamorous occasion and to walk away with some awards is the icing on the cake. It has been a difficult year, but it has been a good year and the awards are a great way to end it.

Q. Was there any inspiration behind your excellent choice of trousers?

A. Yes, they are an ancient Buchanan Tartan which is from my mother’s side of the family.

Q. You have been the General Manager at Goodwood Racecourse for the best part of four years. What have you most enjoyed in that time?

A. Everyone would say that the team around you is important as you work with them every day, and I think the team is in a really good place – we have some really good people doing some wonderful things.

I love going to any sporting venue where you can still feel the energy, even when the place is empty. I think at Goodwood I feel the 200 years of excitement reverberating

around the structures every day, it’s a really nice feeling. I work somewhere that is other people’s hobby.

Q. A tough question for any racing enthusiast, but who would you name as the best horse you have seen running at Goodwood?

A. We have perhaps never quite seen a better horse than Frankel, but I would say that the way Battaash won this year’s King George Qatar Stakes would be the most impressive performance I have seen. I thought Winter was an impressive filly in the Nassau [in 2017], but I would say I feel most affection towards Stradivarius and Big Orange, as they are multiple winners of the Qatar Goodwood Cup, a race that has been upgraded to Group 1 since I have been here. What Stradivarius achieved before and after his win here this year, as well as his performance in the race itself, is incredible.

Q. What can racegoers expect in 2019?

A.Racegoers can look forward to a new big screen in the Gordon Enclosure, which will be a big project to undertake during the winter. There are still changes and upgrades to be made to the betting infrastructure, in particular within the March Stand, and we are doing a host of smaller changes around eating and seating, focussing on all the things that are important to customers on a raceday. For example, we are redesigning the East Parade Lawn to give that space more of a festival vibe.

We are also making improvements to some of our hospitality spaces, such as the Charlton Boxes and Sussex Bistro.

We are working hard to make the Qatar Goodwood Festival more of a global event,

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something that has been in progress for the last five years. But the other racedays are building their own identities and gaining a following of their own. The number of runners per race has increased in 2018 and that is also something we are keen to encourage.

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Source and Photos: Goodwood

Auge steers Al Shamoos to victory in world’s richest race for Purebred Arabian horses Germans win HH Sheikha Fatima world championships Arabian Horse Intl

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away and from then on it was a powerful run by the 4-year-old No Risk Al Maury filly Al Shamoos.

With about 500 metres left, Auge kicked his mount into a substantial lead and it was left to Fazza Al Khalediah, defeated just once in 11 previous starts, to chase him home. But Pierantonio Convertino on Fazza Al Khalediah had too much to do and had to settle for second behind the Sheikh Tahnoon-owned Al Shamoos.

For the owner it was a memorable winner with his first UAE runner since March 2015 and for his trainer Charles Gourdain, a maiden local success with just his second competitor in the UAE. For Auge, riding in the UAE for an eighth time, it was also a first UAE victory and he proved more than capable deputy for Christophe Soumillon who was aboard Al Shamoos when she won the Arabian Trophy des Juments (G1 PA, mares only), at ParisLongcamp on her previous start.

“I was obviously delighted to be asked to ride her and knew her form well from France,” said Auge. “The leader went quickly enough, but not madly fast, so I was happy to take a lead and she really quickened when I asked. She is a quality filly and this is a very special occasion for all of us.”

Gourdain, who was seemingly hugged by half those present in the paddock area, added: “We were hopeful and blessed with a nice low draw in three. The race could probably not have worked out much better and it is amazing to win this race for this owner here in Abu Dhabi.”

GERMAN DOUBLE

Al Shamoos, owned by HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, won the Dh. 5 million Group 1 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown- the world’s richest race for Purebred Arabian horses, on November 8 night at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club’s turf racecourse in the UAE capital.

French jockey Julien Auge on Al Shamoos cruised him in perfect fashion to chalk out a first-ever UAE success for himself and fellow French trainer Charles Gourdain while two German ladies and a young Swedish pony jockey also shared the limelight on the big night for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

In the Group 1 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown race over a mile’s distance, ES Ajeeb did all the early running before fading 14

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Winning their respective 86th races for Rebecca Danz and Esther Weissmeier not only earned them world titles but also helped them make it a German double on the big night.

In the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship final race, Germany’s Danz on Asyyad led a top four sweep for trainer Eric Lemartinel in the colours of his main patron, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Asyyad under Danz won from Lemartinel’s daughter Marie on Bainoona with Mahfouz under Ireland’s Evanna McCutcheon and Jaahiz under UK’s Antonia Peck make it 1-2-3-4 for the French trainer.

“Obviously we were very hopeful and the conditions of the race suited Asyyad so we though he was our best choice,” said trainer Lemartinel.

“To have the first four is probably more than we could have hoped, but the jockeys have done well.

Rebecca Danz on Asyyad, winner of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship

“I am delighted with Asyyad winning under a very good ride and also, very proud of Marie who rode the second excellently.”

Danz added: “This is just brilliant and I am over the moon. To win here in Abu Dhabi, wearing these silks and representing my country is very special. I have to thank the horse’s connections and of course the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for this wonderful series of races.”

It was another world championship for Germany when Esther Weissmeier made her 86th career win a memorable one in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockey Championship final.

Weissmeier won on Harrab, saddled by Jean de Roualle for Yas Horse Racing Management owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

“Obviously it is a great feeling to come here and win and I was able to do exactly what the trainer told me,” Weissmeier said. “He told me

to follow the leaders and, from our low draw, try and stay on the inside. He instilled me with a lot of confidence and I was obviously very lucky when my name came out of the hat on Tuesday to ride this horse.”

De Roualle added: “We knew we had a good chance, but in these races, you rely a lot on a good jockey and she has given the horse a great ride, following instructions perfectly.”

SWEDISH DELIGHT

Sweden’s flag also flew high on the night and that was due to a determined effort by 11-yearold Stina Landh who won the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony race final.

According to Swedish scribe Nils Rosenkjaer, Stina had qualified for the final riding a shetland pony. “Very much looking forward to the race and aware that the ponies in the final would be bigger than what she usually rode, Stina broke out of her comfort zone and prepared herself Arabian Horse Intl

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Esther Weissmeier on Harrab winner of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockey Championship

for the final riding much bigger ponies. That has paid off and she has made Sweden proud,” he said.

AL NABOODAH DOUBLE

One of the UAE’s leading owners and breeder of Purebred Arabian horses, Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah, helped himself to a double in the supporting races for Purebred Arabian horses.

In the opening UAE Martyrs Trophy, Ben Curtis, stable jockey for Musabbeh Al Mheiri, was seemingly never headed on the trainer’s AF Momtaz, homebred by Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah.

Al Naboodah’s second win on the night came in the Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only, a 6-furlong Handicap through Noof KB, trained by Ernst Oertel and ridden by Connor Beasley.

In the only Thoroughbred contest, the 1600m UAE Martyrs Cup, Olivier Delouze on Jaaref struck for UAE trainer Ali Rashid Al Rayhi. Jaaref is owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

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HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Humaid Saeed Al Neyadi, 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 Int’l Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), ADEC Director General Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi and Musallam Al Amri, Director of Al Jazeera Stables gave away the trophies to the winners of races along with other VIP guests, representatives of the Festival’s sponsors, officials.

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.

Noof KB ridden by Connor Beasley winner of Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only

Source: HH Sh Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan with inputs for report from ERA Photos: Cidinha Franzão

Stina Landh winner of the HH Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony

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Passion Rach wins the first Arab Group 1 race in Brazil

Text: Cidinha Franzão - Photos: Porfírio Menezes Arabian Horse Intl

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The UAE Delegation, the President of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Jockey Club de São Paulo Chairman, Saliba’s brothers, jockey and trainer and Almir Ribeiro

Finally, the Purebred Arabian horses had their first Group 1 race in Brazil. It was a successful history that started in 2013 and was built race by race until today, when the final and great day arrived! Now it is already a part of the Arabian Horse Racing in Brazil and South America!

The GP Al Maktoum Cup was held on Sunday, November 11, at the Hippodrome de Cidade Jardim, contested over 1400 meters in turf conditions race for 3YO + and with the participation of 10 animals that stood out and added victories in the last two years.

After a fierce contest, Rach doubled in the final with Passion Rach (Vaillant Rach X Pol’s Passion Rach by Polonez) ridden by Michael Silva, crossing the finish line with three bodies of advantage over Marei Rach (Voltaire Rach X Melina Rach by Hs Titian), conducted by V.Souza, both trained by Lucas Quintana and owned by Paulo Jamil Saliba of Rach Stud Agropecuária Ltda. Third Zells Zenyatta (S W Zell X Cowboys Gal by Wiking) led by J. Rogério, trained by A.G.S. Correa, of Campinas, and owned by Rodrigo Schulze and Almir Ribeiro.

“And it could not be different. We have brought to this historic day, a full delegation 20

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from Dubai, the Chairman of Shadwell Farms, Hussain Hasan Mirza Al Sayegh, who sponsored the event, the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in São Paulo, Ibrahim Salem Alalawi, the President of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Rubens Hannun, Acting Director-General of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Tamer Mansour, Arab Chamber Director Mohamad Abdouni Neto, as well as Jockey Club de São Paulo Chairman Benjamin Steinbruch, as well as members of the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association gave full support and encouragement to the event. And only the winning and record-breaking animals on the track competed. “ It is a dream that becomes reality today and we would like to congratulate all the breeders, owners, sponsors and Arabian Horses fans who has supported us in the last five years, now we are really part of the Global Arabian Horse Racing History”, said Almir Ribeiro, vice president of Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association.

“It was a very important win for us! Passion Rach is the most successful Arabian mare created in Brazil, beating imported males and mares in this race! It was a great feat to end her career with four wins and get into the breeding

Marei Rach (left) and Passion Rach (right) with his owners and breeders Ricardo and Paulo Saliba, jockeys and trainers

program. Marei Rach, who formed the pair, is an excellent horse who also has four victories in his race record, three of them in Classics. He also follows now to become another breeder of the Rach Stud Racing Program, “said Paulo Jamil Saliba.

In his speech, Hussain Mirza Al Sayegh thanked everyone for lunch and said he was honored to be among businessmen, breeders and representatives of the Arab Brazilian Chamber.

“The relationship between the UAE and Brazil is very complete because it embraces culture and sport and Brazil is seen as a partner and friend for us, and is considered one of the leaders in horse breeding worldwide. We want to expand this relationship more and more, opening channels between our farms and all the Brazilian breeders and the world. Shadwell is at the disposal of the Jockey Club, the national breeders and all horsebreeding farms in Brazil, “he said.

Benjamin Steinbruch, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jockey Club of São Paulo, thanked everyone for their presence and said it was a pleasure to attend the event. “Brazil and the Emirates have many interests in common, historically and traditionally we have a good political, commercial and social relationship, and hopefully we will have more convergence also

with regard to horses, as a consequence of this partnership of many years,” he said.

“The gift they gave us will be in our collection, and our intention is to strengthen our partnership with them, not only in the field of racing and horses, but in everything that goes with this segment. The Arab Brazilian Chamber tries to look beyond trade; we know that business is a consequence of all this, of sport, of culture, which is very rich, and the Emirates are a very important and well integrated partner. Today was a milestone for these relations, “said Rubens Hannun, the president of the Arab Brazilian Chamber.

Shadwell Farm, a company specializing in the breeding of Arabian horses and thoroughbred, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sponsored two races on Sunday afternoon, November 11, at the Jockey Club of São Paulo. At the time, there was a lunch for the UAE delegation offered by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. Shadwell is a 1987 company and owns farms in England, Ireland and the United States.

The GP Al Maktoum Cup (G1) was organized by the Arabian Horse Breeders Brazilian Association and Jockey Club of São Paulo and sponsored by Shadwell Farms.

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From left to right: Ibrahim Salem Alalawi (Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in SĂŁo Paulo), Rubens Hannun (President of the Arab Brazilian Chamber), Benjamin Steinbruch (Chairman of Jockey Club of SĂŁo Paulo) and Hussain Hasan Mirza Al Sayegh (Chairman of Shadwell Farms)

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Dassan Da demolishes rivals in Wathba Stallions Cup Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan (Inputs from ERA) Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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Dassan Da registered an emphatic victory in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only race held at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club race course on Sunday, January 27, 2019.

In the 1600m handicap restricted to horses in private ownership, the 7-year-old grey took up the running 450m out before powering clear under Emirati apprentice Saeed Al Mazrooei. MH Tawag under Gerald Avranche finished over six lengths behind while in third place was AF Motaghatres under Tadhg O’Shea.

Trained by Helal Al Alawi for Khalid Mohammed Rahma Al Shamsi, it was a third career victory for the 7-year-old and second in the UAE having won a virtually identical handicap last February, as well as a 2100m victory on an all-weather surface in Europe back in June 2016.

“We had a wide draw, but that has suited me as this horse does not like to be crowded,” Al Mazrooei said. “He has travelled so strongly throughout the race I was pretty confident from a long way out and that was a good performance.”

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 Int’l Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) along with Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club gave away the trophies.

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 carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, 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 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

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AF Mozhell scores under Chaves Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan with inputs from ERA Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only race, a 1400m handicap, opened the action at the Al Ain race course on Friday, January 18, 2019.

AF Mozhell, owned and trained by Khalifa Al Neyadi, scored a narrow victory to give the Khalifa a third winner for this season.

Jockey Elione Chaves, doubling his tally for the campaign, settled the 4-year-old AF Mozhell just behind the early leader, AF Makerah, before gaining the initiative approaching the 200m pole, immediately seeing off that rival only for Nawwaf KB to emerge as the big danger.

The latter, with Ben Curtis riding for Helal Al Alawi, was closing all the way to the line, but the post appeared just in time for Chaves, who said: “Everything went very well for him today, the first time I have ridden him and - in fairness to the trainer and his team - they were confident of a big run. It was pretty close at the end, but happily the line came just in time for us and this horse should improve as he was still quite immature.”

Faisal Al Rahmani, IFAHR Chairman and Al Ain racing chief, 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 Int’l Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and others gave away the trophies.

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 carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, 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 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

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AF Motaghatres leads 1-2-3 for owner Al Naboodah Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan with inputs from ERA Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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Owner Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah signed off 2018 in Abu Dhabi with a perfect 1-2-3 in the final UAE racing fixture of the year at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday, December 23, 2018.

In the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only race, Al Naboodah saw AF Motaghatres, trained by Ernst Oertel lead the first three home, all sporting his black and silver silks.

The 4-year old AF Motaghatres under Antonio Fresu registered his third win when finishing just a nose ahead of AF Momtaz under Ben Curtis while just a neck behind and in third place was AF Asheham under Tadhg O’Shea completing the sweep for owner Al Naboodah.

O’Shea set out to make every post a winning one and found a willing partner in AF Asheham who led until the dying strides, only to be passed by Ben Curtis and AF Momtaz, saddled by Musabbeh Al Mheiri. However, they veered towards the centre of the track where Fresu and AF Motaghatres were finishing fast before losing momentum when involved in a bump with Curtis’ mount. Fresu just had time to regain some impetus with his charge responding determinedly to lead in the final strides, denying AF Momtaz by a nose with just a neck back to AF Asheham in third.

A delighted Oertel, having watched AF Motaghatres, a 1400m Abu Dhabi maiden winner in January and score for a second time, said: “It has been a great evening and we knew we had some good chances. Mr. Al Naboodah is a pleasure to train for and has some very nice horses, which I am lucky enough to have in my care.”

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 carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, 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 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

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AF Kafu scores in Wathba Stallions Cup in Abu Dhabi Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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Trainer Ernst Oertel and owner Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda starred in a treble win and that included AF Kafu under Tadhg O’Shea winning the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only race in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, December 16.

The Ernst Oertel-trained AF Kafu under O’Shea scored with a little over a length to spare from the Hilal Al Alawi-trained Shivan OA under William Lee while Emir De Carrere under Ben Curtis finished third in this Festival-sponsored race.

Trainer Ernst Oertel and owner Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda only had one runner in the 2200m handicap and O’Shea completed his own double and a treble for owner and trainer when producing AF Kafu to lead close home.

Earlier Oertel and Al Nabooda first scored through debutante AF Moutherah under O’Shea. “She is a lovely big filly and from that wide draw I was keen to be positive and she is still very raw.

Hopefully she has learned a lot from that and can improve markedly. The final 200m seemed a long way because we have gone plenty fast enough early on and she was getting tired late on as she was entitled to. She is a filly we really like and - unusually for us - we have actually taken her for a couple of racecourse gallops to try and help her education so it is particularly pleasing she has won.”

Owner and trainer then supplied first and second in the Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (Prestige), over the same 1400m, but O’Shea was denied on this occasion by Antonio Fresu, who was never headed aboard AF Saab. Runner-up on his sole previous racecourse appearance, Fresu’s mount galloped on relentlessly in the straight.

“We had a double at Sharjah yesterday so it has been a good two days,” Al Nabooda said. “I have a very good trainer and we are lucky to be able to use these top jockeys.”

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RB Fired Up burns rivals in Al Ain Wathba Stallions Cup Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan with inputs from ERA Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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RB Fired Up owned by Abu Dhabi Racing was ridden to a superb win by Billy Lee in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only at the Al Ain race course on Thursday, December 13, 2018.

The Festival’s race opened the day’s race meeting, and the Helal Al Alawi-trained RB Fired Up finished ahead of ES Maydan under Rowan Scott to take the major share of the Dh 70,000 on offer.

After a tardy start, Lee was happy to take his time, settling the 5-year-old towards the rear of the 11 runners before easing him closer on the sweeping home turn. Asked for his effort early in the straight, Lee’s mount responded well, passing longtime leader AF Al Baher, who plugged on gamely for third, at the 350m pole.

They were immediately challenged by ES Maydan, trained on the Al Ain track by Mohamed Ramadan and who looked the more likely winner with 200m left under apprentice Rowan Scott.

However, they were never quite able to wrestle the initiative from RB Fired Up who was registering a third career victory and second over course and distance having won a similar handicap last November. That was actually his second UAE outing, having arrived from the US with a 1600m debut victory at Delaware Park to his name.

Lee said: “We travelled around lovely and I thought we were going to win easily, but, in the end, it was hard work with the runner-up pushing him all the way to the line.”

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 carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, 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 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

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Hawafez gives trainer Bin Attia first win in 2018 The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only race held on Sunday, December 9 at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club racecourse was won by Hawafez, owned by for Salem Ali Murshed Al Marar.

The Dh 70,000 race over 1400 metres was decided in the very last strides when Connor Beasley produced Hawafez with a desperate late lunge, snaring Sam Hitchcott and AF Hakeem, who had only led themselves about 100m out.

Trained by Ridha Bin Attia—saddling his first winner of the season, the 5-year-old Hawafez is now a winner twice after 20 starts; both over course and distance, having landed a maiden at this meeting 12 months ago.

Earlier the Purebred Arabian Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA G3) was won

by RB Torch, originally the first reserve but granted a place in the 16-strong field after the defection of stable companion Abhaar, who was withdrawn after spiking a temperature over the weekend.

Both, as well as two others - making for a quarter of the field - are trained by Eric Lemartinel for his main patron, the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Recording an eight career victory, fifth on turf and third over course and distance, RB Torch was having his third start of the campaign, having twice been well beaten. Bouncing back in emphatic style, he settled in midfield under Fabrice Veron, chasing down leading duo AF Mahshoum and AF Al Sajanjle at the 200m pole and going on to victory.

“We broke reasonably, but then my horse took a little while to get into a rhythm,” Veron said.

“Once he was settled, he was always travelling nicely and I was able to give him a little breather before challenging in the straight. He picked up well when I asked him and has won going away 34

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from the other at the end. You always know when riding for these connections that you have a good chance. Luckily, I was on the right one this evening.”

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 carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, 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 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival / Satya Narayan Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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Jara steers Burj Al Reef to victory Source: HH SH Mansoor Festival/Satya Narayan Photos: Morhaf Al Assaf

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Once again it was the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only which started the action in Friday’s (December 7) third Al Ain meeting of the current season.

It was Burj Al Reef under Dubai World Cup winning jockey Fernando Jara running away with the honours in the Dh 70,000 race at the Al Ain race course.

Probably last of the 15 runners with 1200m remaining, Burj Al Reef snatched what appeared a most unlikely victory in the opening 2000 metre handicap, powering home down the straight under Jara to lead in the final 75m. Trained by Ahmed Al Mehairbi, the 6-year-old was losing his maiden tag at the 12th attempt and clearly relished the stamina test afforded by this 2000m trip. To land the spoils, he and Jara pounced on MH Areeb under Antonio Fresu who seemed less than impressed and took a bite at his vanquishers before trying, to no avail, to regain the lead.

Running into third place was ES Kwashi under Roman Scott for trainer Mohammed Ramadan.

Jara quipped: “He ran very well last time but the extra 200m here has really helped him and he stayed on very strongly in the closing stages, despite the attentions of the runner-up!”

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 carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, 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 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

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AARC 2018 Awards of the year The committee of AARC, and participants in the 2018 Australasian Arabian Racing club program, met for lunch on the 9th of December at Roadvale Queensland to celebrate the presentation of the AARC 2018 Awards to the best Horse, best Trainer and best Jockey. This was the first time AARC has presented awards at the end of a season.

Winner of the AARC Horse of the year was Ausden Prince Mahal, owned and trained by Jay Randle of Preston. Mahal is a 15 year old Gelding bred by The Estate of Gerda Karoline Rebsdorf with a career total of 22 races with 3 wins, 5 seconds and 8 thirds. His record this year was 8 races, 1 first, 3 seconds and 3 thirds giving him 26 points. Second in this classification was Neesa’s Golden Girl on 25 points and third was PVE Remington on 23 points.

Winner of the AARC Trainer of the year was Jay Randle from Preston, north of Toowoomba, Australia on 44 points. Jay has several horses she trains for both herself and also regular clients.

Her 3 main runners for this year were Ausden Prince Mahal, AARC horse of the Year, Neesa’s Golden Girl, second horse of the year and Monster Energy, forth horse of the year. Equal second in this classification were Kane Kelso on 34 points and Emilie Jensen on 34 points.

Winner of the AARC Jockey of the year was Debra Pickford from Redland Bay, Queensland on 21 points. In her career riding purebred Arabians Debra has raced 11 times with 1 first, 4 seconds and 3 thirds and her record for the 2018 season was 6 races, 1 first, 3 seconds and 1 third.

Second in this classification was Renee Kelso on 18 points and third was Isabella Teh on 14 points.

AARC would like to sincerely thank all participants in our 2018 season.

Full details of our points for the year can be seen at:https://www.arabianracing.com.au/2018awards Information provided by Jeff Ablett from Australasian Arabian Racing Club – photos by Christine Ablett Debra Pickford - AARC Jockey of the Year 40

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Ausden Prince Mahal, AARC Horse of the Year

Jay Randle, AARC Trainer of the Year Arabian Horse Intl

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Lyn Hall Open over 1600m 42

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Yet another successful purebred Arabian race in Australia, organised by the Australasian Arabian Racing Club Ltd, on Sunday 02 December 2018.

Six purebred Arabians lined up for this race even though the temperature was 38c in the shade.

First across the line was PVE Remington under Robbie Faehr, 5 wins out of the last 5 starts, 2nd was Neesa’s Golden Girl under Cecily Eaton, 3rd Ausden Prince Mahal under Jason Hoopert, 4th Bonnie Doon Ashquar under Riley Spring, the only maiden in this race with a new young Jockey in control, 5th was Windcharm Lea under Hannah Phillips and 6th was Aloha Natalis under Dr Jill Colwell.

The time for this race was 1:51.84 giving a 200m average of 13.98s.

The three trainers we had on course for this race were Kane Kelso from Gympie, trainer of PVE Remington and Bonnie Doon Ashquar, Jay Randle from Preston, trainer of Neesa’s Golden Girl, Ausden Prince Mahal and Windcharm Lea and Dr Jill Colwell from Roadvale, trainer of Aloha Natalis Nanango Turf Club race track is a regional track north west of Brisbane in our peanut growing region. This is the second race we have organised here this year and as we run after the last thoroughbred race, this is an ideal track for us to put on 1600m open races. The average travel time to this track is about 2 hours.

The committee of the Nanango 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 at least 2 races here.

Full details of the race and a video can be seen on our WEB site. www.arabianracing.com.au/new-race-results Information provided by Jeff Ablett from Australasian Arabian Racing Club – photos by Christine Ablett

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Golam rides RAQEE to Al Shaqab Cup victory Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi’s RAQEE (Mared Al Sahra x Cath) had finished behind the Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi-trained RASSAN (Amer x Sandytiki) in the C&D Doha Cup in November. On Wednesday, January 9, at the Al Rayyan Park’s dirt track, the 5yo edged out the Harry Bentley-helmed Rassan by half a length, under a fantastic ride by Saleem Golam in the sixfurlong AL SHAQAB CUP sprint for local Purebred Arabians. Yet another runner from the stables of the champion trainer Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi, ISTIBDAD (AF Albahar x Mari Chou), had to settle for third with JP Guillambert in the saddle.

The Rashid Mohammed Al Jehani-saddled SARMAD (Majd Al Arab x Al Zajel) made a winning debut to shed her maiden status in the PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (46yos with no rating). The 5yo was helmed in the 1700m run by Jean Baptiste Hamel and the duo finished a length ahead of the rivals at the post.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s MURIHK (Asraa Min Albarq x Baldora De Brugere) shed his maiden status on his second career outing for trainer Julian Colin Smart in the PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (4 Year

Olds) on Wednesday. In the 1700m run on dirt, Theo Bachelot helmed the colt to a comfortable victory with two lengths and a quarter to spare.

Guillambert helms SAMJIDA to Dukhan Cup win Mohammed Jassim Ghazali Jahromi saddled two winners on his first day of the season when Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s SAMJIDA (Majd Al Arab x CR Samborsta) won the Dukhan Cup for Purebred Arabians (Fillies & Mares) (4yo & older) under JP Guillambert at Al Rayyan Park’s dirt track on January 3. In the 1700m feature run, the 8yo mare brushed aside a forgettable season opener in November with a memorable victory, two and three quarter lengths ahead of the Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle-trained DABAAB (Munjiz x Haifaa), with Mathieu Pelletan in the saddle. Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi’s CELESTE DE GHAZAL (Madjani x Citronnelle De Ghazal) completed the top three under Harry Bentley.

Trainer Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi’s second winner on the day was Al Ghazali Stud’s AJS WATHANAN (Amer x Mangaline Du Loup), who registered his second victory this season when he won the Purebred Arabian Handicap (90 & below) with a comfortable four-length Arabian Horse Intl

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SAMJIDA under JP Guillambert margin to spare. Marco Casamento was in the saddle for the 7yo gelding in the 1900m race.

Having finished twice in frame this season, Mohammed Jassim Ghazali Jahromi’s ward, SAA’D (Burning Sand x Mataleb ASF), had shown ability coming into Thursday’s 1700m run on dirt. With Harry Bentley in the saddle, the Injaaz Stud’s colt finally shed his maiden status on his 14th attempt, topping the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Rated 70 & Below) with a neck to spare.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s ISHFAQ (Asraa Min Al Barq x Djazie) was the third winner on the day saddled by Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi at the Al Rayyan Park on Thursday, December 27. The 5yo was also the fourth winner helmed by champion jockey Harry Bentley on the day when he won the 2000m Jaffer Cup (for Local Purebred Arabians) with a dominant four-length margin. The Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki-trained MEQDAM AL ZAIDY (Al Mudaffar x El Modamerah) and the Julian Colin Smart-schooled AALEY AL MAGAM (Amer x Abigaille) finished second and third 46

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respectively.

Harry Bentley helmed the Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi-saddled AL MUSTAFIZ (AF Albahar x Djimana) to the colt’s second career win in the Djendel Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate. Having impressed with minor places in his first two runs this season, th Injaaz Stud-owned 5yo won with half a length to spare this time.

Umm Qarn’s MUHANNAD (Munjiz x Al Dahma) led a one-two for trainer Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle in the 2000m Mared Al Sahra Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate under a ride from Ronan Thomas. The 4yo colt had two forgettable runs earlier in 2018, but bounced back on Thursday with a short-head victory over stablemate Razad, who had Mathieu Pelletan in the saddle.

Injaaz Stud’s DJALMESSA (Dahess x Djalmina) made a winning debut for trainer Mubarak Mohamed Al Khayareen topping the Reda Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate in a thriller.

Champion jockey Harry Bentley helmed the 4yo filly to her maiden victory with a neck to spare in the seven-furlong run.

Source: QREC - Photos: Juhaim CP

AJS WATHANAN and Marco Casamento

SAA’D with Harry Bentley Arabian Horse Intl

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HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad at the races.

HE Minister of Culture & Sports crowns winners of Qatar International Derby Rijm, Amir Al Cham shine at QREC HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, watched the races of the Qatar International Derby at QREC Al Rayyan Park on Saturday, 22 December 2018. HE Salah Bin Ghanem Al-Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, crowned the winners of the last five races of the nine-race day as well as the winners of the traditional Al Messila races.

Thomas Fourcy and Julien Auge combined for the second straight race on the day and registered yet another victory with Al Shaqab Racing’s RIJM (Azadi x Kerjam) topping the Qatar Derby (Gr2 PA) (4YO). Auge and his mount did well to take the advantage in the final two furlongs and were never threatened even as Al Shahania Stud’s RAJEH (Jaafer x Nelka), helmed by Theo Bachelot, and Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s, HH The Emir’s Silver Sword winner, EASTER DE FAUST (Mahabb x Ayisha De Faust), with Harry Bentley in the saddle, tried chasing the leaders.

Al Shaqab Racing locked the top two spots in the Qatar Derby (Gr3 PA) (3YO) with AMIR AL CHAM (TM Fred Texas x Al Yakout), trained in France by Thomas Fourcy, putting up a fantastic

show under Julien Auge in the mile-long run to win one and a quarter lenghts ahead of Daloob, ridden by Faleh Bughanaim for Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle. The victory was the second straight for the gelding, having topped a seven-furlong run at Toulouse last month.

Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s AL JUNOOD (Hafid Du Bac x Al Mubadara) had shown quality in his first two starts in Qatar finishing in the frame both times. On Saturday, under Harry Bentley, the 3YO, saddled by Jassim Mohammed Ghazali Jahromi, moved up front in the home straight and then held on as a fast-closing Fahim, ridden by Ronan Thomas for Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, settled for second in the Local Purebred Arabian Plate (3YO).

On his seventh attempt this season and 16th overall, Al Jeryan Stud’s ARBED (Mared Al Sahra x Tahadi) finally shed his maiden status topping the card opening Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate in a close finish. Ridden by Tadgh O’Shea for Mohammed Nasser Al Naimi in the 1850m race, the colt beat the rivals by a quarter of a length.

Umm Qarn’s YAZEED wins Qatar National Day Trophy thriller Umm Qarn’s YAZEED (Munjiz x Al Dahma) ISHFAQ with Harry Bentley

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bounced back from his only finish outside the top three in his career with a victory in the THE LATE SHEIKH JASSIM BIN MOHAMMED AL THANI TROPHY – QATAR NATIONAL DAY TROPHY (Gr2 PA) at the Al Rayyan Park turf on December 16.

Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle trained colt had finished fifth in the Qatar Arabian World Cup in Longchamp in October, but did well under Ronan Thomas on Sunday to beat some of his rivals from the race in France, edging out Julian Colin Smart schooled GAZWAN (Amer x Arc De Ciel) at the post by a short head. Ryan Curatolo ridden Gazwan, owned by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, finished ahead of third placed stablemate EBRAZ (Amer x Massamarie), who had Theo Bachelot in the saddle.

MUHANNAD and Ronan Thomas

RIJM under Julien Auge

DJALMESSA and Harry Bentley

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AMIR AL CHAM ridden by Julien Auge

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AL JUNOOD ridden by Harry Bentley

ARBED ridden by Tadgh O’Shea

YAZEED idden by Ronan Thomas

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Wadeeaa wins Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1

Photo: Dubai Racing Club / Erika Rasmussen

Thursday’s, January 10, second evening of the 2109 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan was highlighted by a quality renewal of the $350,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 sponsored by Yahsat, a Group 2 contested over 1600m that has served as a prep for both the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) and $1.5 million Godolphin Mile (G2). Additionally, two exciting sophomore stakes were on tap, including the inaugural $100,000 Dubai Trophy over 1400m on turf and the $100,000 UAE 2000 Guineas over 1600m on dirt, as well as a trio of enthralling handicaps and a Group 1 Purebred Arabian affair.

The only Purebred Arabian race on the card, the Al Maktoum Challenge R1 sponsored by Mubadala (G1 PA) kicked off proceedings over 1600m on dirt and provided trainer Mohamed Ali with his first winner of the season when Wadeeaa was never headed in her dirt debut. Owned and bred by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 5-year-old mare absolutely flew out the stalls under Szczepan Mazur and proceeded to hold off all comers in an impressive gate-to-wire win.

“I was pretty confident we were going to hold

on, but was also relieved to get to the post still in front,” Mazur said.

AF Al Jahed winning for a third time at Jebel Ali Racing at Jebel Ali on Friday afternoon, January 11, the first meeting of 2019 up the famous hill, was highlighted by a 1400m conditions race for 5YO+ and AF Al Jahed produced a remarkable performance to win the Al Sahel Contracting Company LLC race.

Proceedings kicked off with the only Purebred Arabian race on the card, a 1400m conditions event in which a maximum field of 16 faced the starter but only three ever really threatened to land the spoils with AF Al Jahed probably never headed under Tadhg O’Shea. Always going well under the 2017-18 champion UAE jockey, the 7-year-old was tracked throughout the majority of the race by Ghazwan Al Khalediah before his challenge petered out with 300m to run. It was left to Dassan Da to give chase but his quest proved fruitless with the race in safe keeping for AF Al Jahed, who now has five career victories to his name.

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AF Al Jahed under Tadhg O’Shea

Nabooda, he was winning for a third time at Jebel Ali and O’Shea said: “He likes it here at Jebel Ali, but that is his first win on the straight course having won over 1600m and 1800m previously. He stays further, so I was happy to be positive and, drawn 16, I was happy to stay on the nearside; the fastest way home is a straight line, obviously. He was probably the best horse in the race, anyway, and has won reasonably comfortably in the end.”

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ES Ajeeb winner of HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club (SERC) staged the final UAE race meeting of 2018 on Saturday afternoon, highlighted by the second running of the AED 200,000 HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup over 1700m. The lone Thoroughbred contest (handicap) on the six-race card was dominated by trainer Doug Watson, whose pair of pupils—Pillar of Society and Mystique Moon—had the race between themselves throughout the final 250m.

The inaugural HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup (Prestige), a 1200m sprint, looked a straightforward opportunity on paper for ES Ajeeb and so it proved. Under Sam Hitchcott, Arabian Horse Intl

the Purebred Arabian’s success was never in doubt with a much-the-best victory. A homebred of Sheikh Abdulla bin Majid Al Qassemi, SERC chairman, the 4-year-old is trained on the track

by Ibrahim Aseel, thus providing an ideal end to the year at their local course with the winner very well received and given a memorable reception.

Hitchcott said: “He has so much speed for an Arabian and is a very good sprinter on a dirt surface, particularly. Sadly, there are few options for him, so this race was a welcome new addition, especially on his home track.”

Earlier, fifteen contested a 1200m maiden, but very few were ever able to get involved and Ziad Galadari’s Ashton Tourettes proved far too good for the remainder, running out a very easy winner for Sam Hitchcott and Aseel.

“He showed plenty of pace at Al Ain, so we were hopeful the shorter trip would suit him,” Aseel said. “I am delighted to have a winner for Mr Galadari, who has very kindly sent us a few nice horses this season. Hopefully, this horse can build on this now he has that first victory and with the extra experience.”

A 2000m conditions contest produced a dramatic conclusion with the lead twice changing hands in the final 100m. Jockey Richard Mullen

ES Ajeeb under Sam Hitchcott

and AF Taraha had taken up the running fully 1000m from home and had most of their rivals beaten when leaving the back straight. However, Royston Ffrench and Inayat W’Rsan had made smooth progress to stalk them into the bend, while Hareer Al Reef started to make relentless headway under Gerald Avranche.

Ultimately, Al Ajban Stables’ Abdalla Al Hammadi-trained Hareer Al Reef’s rally proved too powerful for all.

“He ran very well when staying on over 1600m at Jebel Ali two weeks ago,” Al Hammadi said.

“We were very hopeful the return to 2000m would help him and he stays the trip well.”

Connections wasted no time completing a double, combining to land the following 1700m maiden with Kanz Al Reef, who overcame a tardy break under Avranche to sweep to the front at the top of the short straight; never looking in any danger of defeat.

We were pretty confident Hareer Al Reef would run well back over 2000m and he stayed on strongly,” Avranche said. “Abdallah and his team have the horses in good form, which bodes well for 2019.”

The opening 1200m handicap was won in determined fashion by AZ Dhabyan, who was

Hareer Al Reef under Gerald Avranche

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AZ Dhabyan under apprentice Adam McLean

always prominent under apprentice Adam McLean before the pair committed for home 300m out. McLean, riding his first winner of the season, found he had a willing partner and they stayed on well to win well for owner-trainer Saleha Al Ghurair.

“He had finished second on the Abu Dhabi turf in the past and has shown plenty of speed today,” McLean said. “I was always travelling strongly and once in front he was not stopping; running strongly to the line. It is great to finish 2018 with a winner and I am obviously grateful for this winning opportunity.

Richard Mullen sent AF Alnwha straight to the front Al Ain staged their first meeting of 2019 on Friday afternoon, January 4, which was a sevenrace card highlighted by the lone Thoroughbred handicap over 1400m.

The opening 1400m maiden, restricted to 4-year-olds in private ownership, was another race contested by the maximum field of 15, but only one ever really mattered with Richard Mullen sending AF Alnwha straight to the front and they probably never saw a rival. Skipping 56

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clear early in the straight and never in danger subsequently. Trained by Ernst Oertel for his main patron, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, the homebred filly was making it third time lucky having previously finished well beaten in both her debut, over the same course and distance in November and again, over 1600m, on the Abu Dhabi turf in the Abu Dhabi Championship (Listed PA).

“She is a nice filly and learning all the time,” Oertel said. “As I keep saying, I am very fortunate to train these smart horses for Mr. Al Nabooda, who is such an enthusiastic owner and breeder.”

Representing the powerful Al Asayl team, RB Burning Ash was impressive when landing the best of the Purebred Arabian action, a 2000m handicap, with Fabrice Veron in the saddle for owner His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and trainer Eric Lemartinel.

“You always know you have a chance riding for these connections and the trainer told me to try and get some cover early on so that is what I did,” Veron explained. “Then, when I have needed space to challenge I pulled him out wide where he has really quickened and finished very strongly. We had a nice low weight today and,

AF Alnwha ridden by Richard Mullen

luckily, we have been able to take full advantage of it.”

He may have been reluctant to load, dislodging Fernando Jara behind the stalls before the 1600m handicap, but there was nothing wrong during the race with the attitude of bottom weight JAP Malawih, who having disputed the lead throughout the first half of the race was committed for home a full 450m out and won well.

Riding for Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and the owner’s principal trainer, Irfan Ellahi, Jara was delighted with the outcome and said: “I was happy to be asked to ride him as I thought he had a big chance but he was quite green throughout most of the race so is only going to get better with experience. Irfan does very well with the horses he has and his team has been in good form all season.”

A maiden over 1800m was won by Officer who, as he was on his debut and only previous start, at Al Ain over 1400m, was slowly away and seemingly outpaced throughout the first half of

the race.

However, on this occasion over further and given plenty of time to find his stride by Gerald Avranche, riding for Abdallah Al Hammadi and Al Ajban Stables, he made relentless progress throughout the straight, hitting the front in the final 100m.

Connections wasted no time completing a course and distance double with, in almost a carbon copy of the home straight finish of Officer, Hareer Al Reef powering down the straight to lead in the closing stages in the following 1800m handicap, supplementing their 2000m Sharjah victory just six days ago.

Avranche said: “The yard is in good form and Officer had learned a lot from his debut but is still a baby who should again improve. I won at Sharjah on Hareer Al Reef just last Saturday, so running again so quickly was a slight concern but he has won that very well today.”

The finale, a 1000m conditions race for horses who had not won more than once previously went, stylishly, to Lou Raynal, making his local Arabian Horse Intl

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debut a very impressive winning one with Xavier Ziani riding for Yousif bin Ghilan. A 7-year-old entire by Kerbella, this was 18th career start, but only second on dirt and he was doubling his career tally having registered his maiden victory in the UK on the all-weather at Wolverhampton over 1200m. That was in June 2017 on his sixth racecourse appearance.

Source: Emirates Racing Authority www.emiratesracing.com

Lou Raynal under Xazier Ziani

RB Burning Ash and Fabrice Veron

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Officer under Gerard Avranche

Kanz Al Reef under Gerald Avranche Hareer Al Reef under Gerald Avranche

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Flat Racing

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