Racing in Abu Dhabi

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ARABIAN HORSE WORLD

The $1,272,000 ARABIAN HORSE WORLD Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan

Al Nahyan Jewel Crown

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Photos by Debbie Burt

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H Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the driving force behind the launch of the Sheikh Zayed Jewel Crown, the richest Arabian race in the world, and the first big race of the Abu Dhabi season. The race program is directed by Lara Sawaya, who oversees Sheikh Mansoor’s racing promotions throughout the world, including the resurgence of the Darley Awards in Los Angeles in recent years. The Sheikh Zayed Jewel Crown was part of a weekend of festivities, November 6-8 in Abu Dhabi for Arabian racing participants and enthusiasts through the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The weekend included a conference on racing topics and social 198 ▪ ARABIAN HORSE WORLD ▪ DECEMBER 2015

events incorporating the history of Abu Dhabi. The November 8 racing program at Abu Dhabi was more than racing, with pageantry befitting a world-class sporting event. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Sheikh Zayed Jewel was its immediate global reach. The winner of the richest race for Arabian racehorses was bred in Florida, owned by a Qatari, and trained and ridden by French horsemen. Every major region of Arabian racing was represented in some way — the United States, Europe, and the Gulf. In the $1,272,000 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi on November 8, Kalino (Kaolino x Virlaxy by *Virgule Al Maury) was brilliant, displaying the best performance of his career at an important time. He won the richest race in Arabian racing history in thrilling fashion, holding off Sahabba.


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Racing in Abu Dhabi by Arabian Horse World - Issuu