The Arabian Racehorse Autumn 2018

Autumn Issue 2018

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

Arabian World Cup Preview Stud Focus Part 1

DEBORAH BURT HonSEA

Sculptures in Bronze - Commissions Welcome Award Winning Fine Art Sculptor "Supporting Arabian Racing Since 2012" www.equinecreativemedia.com

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T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE Autumn Issue - 2018 4

News Round up for the third quarter

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ARO Season Review 2018 UK season from August to September

36

DIAR 2018 Review Report and pictures from the UK's highlight fixture

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Qatar International Stakes Gr1PA Report and pictures from Goodwood

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President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) Gr1PA Report and pictures from Doncaster

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Qatar World Cup Preview Longchamp's top contenders

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James Owen Racing Blog

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Stud Focus Part 1 -Tashreefat Visit to Shadwell Stud's high acheiving broodmare

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Stud Focus Part 1 - Athbah Stud Foals A review of their last UK foaled crop, prior to relocation in France

Front cover: Rodess Du Loup and Christophe Soumillon go to post at Doncaster 67

European Group PA Results

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The Final Furlong Selected image from the third quarter

Produced by equine creative media Flat 1 Hamilton Stables, Hockham Road, Compton, Berkshire, RG20 6QJ

equinecreativemedia@gmail.com 00 44 7782 349 047 www.equinecreativemedia.com

Excluding News reports, unless otherwise stated, all features, reports and photographs are

by Debbie Burt (copyright) All rights reserved. Print copies may be ordered.

Photographs may be viewed and purchased at www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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NEWS ROUNDUP NEW LOOK FOR THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE MAGAZINE IN 2018 First published in April 2015, The Arabian Racehorse has gone from strength to strength - the first 30 issues have been viewed over 270,000 times, with an average readership of over 9,000 per edition.

Every edition (right back to Number 1) is available to view via the issuu website or app, and is primarily read on a mobile phone (49%), though desktop (32%) and tablet (19%) viewing is also popular.

The Arabian Racehorse was originally produced to support Arabian racing in the United Kingdom, so it is no surprise in the table below to see the highest readership figures there (over 11,000), though of course the big international races are covered too.

However it should give encouragment to everyone involved in the sport that the map is dominated by red (the 'sun never sets on the Arabian Racehorse'!!) with readers as widespread as the Philippines, Costa Rica and Iceland, as well as the established horse racing nations and those with a tradition of Arabian racing in particular.

The magazine has its' own Facebook page whose following is steadily increasing. It is about to reach 3,000 followers - more than any other deciated Arabian Racing Facebook page.

To grow the publication further in 2018, the decision was taken to go quarterly, in order to bring you the very best of Arabian racing from around the world.

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A dedicated website is live at:

Useful links:

http://thearabianracehorse.com

View all the back copies at:

There you will find links to the magazine's presence on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram, and you can also subscribe to the newsletters which are published monthly in order to keep you in touch with the latest news, with the full coverage kept back for the main magazine.

Hard copies of The Arabian Racehorse have always been available direct from the publisher (at cost plus postage) and will continue to do so, whilst backcopies will still be available to view on the issuu website.

This is the third of the new-look editions reviewing the UK season and previewing the Qatar Arabian World Cup, followed by the UK Champions Review and French Review in the Winter.

www. issuu.com/thearabianracehorse View the 2017 DIAR preview edition: www.issuu.com/thearabianracehorse/docs/the_arabian_racehorse_issue_26_

To order a printed copy please email: equinecreativemedia@gmail.com stating number of copies required, the edition number and your address.

If you are interested in advertising in the magazine, the newsletter updates or the website, please email for a 2018 media pack. equinecreativemedia@gmail.com

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Akbar (FR)

AKBAR DIES AGED 28 One of the few stallions to sire two Dubai Kahayla Classic winners in Seraphin Du Paon and Mizzna, the former French National Stud resident died this summer in semiretirement in Italy.

Bred by Martial Boiseuil, he was bought as a foal by Renee Laure Koch and then resold thorough Patrick Barbe to the UAE. Possessing a remarkable toughness, he won 14 of his 40 starts and was placed 23 times. His wins included the Abu Dhabi Duty Free Championship and the HH Emir’s Sword.

Following the dispersal of the horses of the French National Stud as part of the Arqana 2014 Purebred Arabian Sale, he was bought by Mattia Cadrobbi, his wife Alessandro Martinazzi and Fulvio Bonazza, with two foals born in 2016.

produced Akim De Ducor, Abu Alabyad, Sivit Al Maury, Al Ryma, Neishan, Ouassila Thabet and Snoopi.

By Djelfor, Akbar was out of Fantasia (by Gosse du Béarn), full sister to the influential stallion Flipper. He was a half brother to the dams of the following Group 1PA winners: Kalbarq, Raaziq, Shadiyda and Zefiro De Nulvi.

Speaking to The French Purebred Arabian, Martial Boisseuil said: “I bought Fantasia when her owners wanted to get rid of her. I bred her to Djelfor, a stallion who transmitted a lot of quality, but whom all products weren’t all well used. This breeding gave me Akbar, who is now the big stallion we all know. It is a family with a lot of influx. Sometimes in the ring they can show temperament, but they [save] a lot for the actual race.

When you get to understand them, they are tough and courageous. Akbar was able to win from 1,200 to 2,400m. He is the first ’FR’ to win the Emir's Sword.”

At stud, as well as his two Kahayla Classic winners, he also THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Chndaka (FR) Photo: Shadwell Stud

SHADWELL ARABIANS ANNOUNCE THE LOSS OF CHNDAKA The son of Dormane was bred in France from a family that has produced many outstanding racehorses, such as Darike, Malik D’or, Manifik, and Kalif D’or.

Chndaka started his racing career in France, trained by Francis Lopez. At four, he joined the stables of UAE-based trainer Satish Seemar and raced in the colours of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He was very successful at the top-level in the UAE and then travelled to the UK to win the Al Nahyan International Stakes at Kempton Park, later given Group 1 PA status.

Shadwell director Richard Lancaster said: “Chndaka was a top racehorse here in Europe and the UAE and then of course became such a success in the USA as a stallion. He has produced good looking, athletic horses that have excelled in racing all around the world. His memory will live on with the offspring that he has left behind. We are very grateful to Mandolynn Hill Farm for looking after him so well.”

Upon his retirement, Chndaka was imported to the United-States and stood at stud at Mandolynn Hill Farm in Texas, alongside Shadwell stable mates Nivour De Cardonne and Kaolino. During his years there he sired multiple stakes winners and performers in the USA, UAE, Oman and Europe including Explosive Heat MHF (Gr.1), Charh (Gr.1 PA), Remarkable Man (Gr.1 PA), Muhfuza

Fata (Gr.2), Chriss SWA (Gr.3), Queens Ransom BVF, Chinaactic, Ghallab, Chndakasexpress, Maghazi, among many others.

Michelle Morgan, from Mandolynn Hill Farm, commented: “I feel very lucky to have had the privilege to stand Chndaka at Mandolynn Hill Farm. If someone asked me to describe Chndaka, the first thing to come to my mind was strength but with a gentle eye. This stallion accomplished so much more than most stallions do in their lifetime. He had winners around the world. After spending many years with us, I felt a very special bond with him. He left an empty place on our farm. He will be missed.”

Denise Gault, from RaceStreet Management, helped promoting the stallion during his stud career in the USA: “Imported in 2001 after his successful international race career, Chndaka was our first Shadwell stallion to stand in the US. Over 17 years, he sired excellent racehorses in the US and around the world. Handsome, talented, correct, he was the perfect gentleman and passed his great qualities on to his offspring. Chndaka will always have a special place in my heart.”

Chndaka will always be recognized as one of the greatest and most respected French imports to influence the Arabian racing in the United States as well as in the Middle-East. He will be missed by all.

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ARABIAN RACING RADIO America's Arabian racing magazine Arabian Finish Line has branched out into the world of podcasts. Now on it's seventeenth episode, it highlights the sport of Arabian racing – covering the events, horses and people of the industry around the world. It also includes features on endurance and other athletic disciplines where racehorses may compete as a second career.

This is the first podcast to focus on the Arabian horse and Arabian Racing Radio is hosted by Stephanie Ruff, of Homosassa, Florida and Joe Nevills, from Georgetown, Kentucky. Ruff is the publisher and editor of Arabian Finish Line, and Nevills is a monthly columnist for the magazine, who is well-versed in pedigrees and handicapping.

If you haven't heard it already, check out episode #17 which Racing continues at Delaware Park, most notably with the Buzz Brauninger Arabian Distaff H. (Gr.1).

Stephanie talks to co-host Evie Tubbs Sweeney about her

involvement with Goldensands Racing Partnership. Then, together, they talk to Sue Meyer, the president of the Arabian Jockey Club, about the new requirements for registration for racehorses that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.

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Quick Sand AA (US) winning the 2018 President of the UAE Cup at Churchill Downs under Sasha Risenhoover and below with trainer Jerenesto Torrez. Photo above supplied by Arabian Jockey Club below Stephanie Ruff

LETTER FROM AMERICA with Stephanie Ruff of Arabian Finish Line Racing is in full swing in the United States with tracks running in California, Delaware and Texas. Three of our grade 1PA races have been held recently. Two of them, the Delaware Park Arabian Classic Handicap and the President of the UAE Cup Stakes, assembled the best horses in the country. In the end, it was Joe and Betty Gillis’ homebred Quick Sand AA (Burning Sand x Triumphs Silkie, by Seyvilla Triumph) who won both of them, running his 2017 record to five wins from five starts, including four grade 1 victories. He won the Delaware Park Arabian Classic Handicap (Gr1PA) by a head over Quick And Rich and Thess Is Awesome. They all squared off again at Churchill Downs, but this time it was

an emphatic performance by Quick Sand AA. He won the $100,000 President of the UAE Cup S. (Gr1PA) by 9 lengths over Madjikman and Easter Man, solidifying his place as probable Darley Horse of the Year.

Watch the race: www.youtu.be/reDKc-nU_I

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Uptown Sandy Girl (US) winning the Yellow Rose Stakes at Sam Houston (C) Coady Photography The only grade 1PA for fillies and mares in the U.S., the Buzz Brauninger Arabian Distaff Handicap at Delaware Park, was won by the standout mare Uptown Sandy Girl (Burning Sand x Wibwilcca, by Wilkolak). She came from just off the pace to win the $45,000 race by almost six lengths over R B Kindle and Royally Bred for ownerbreeder Jon and Krista Henningsgard and trainer Lynn Ashby.

Three-year-olds took center stage in the Delaware Park Arabian Juvenile Championship (Gr3PA). A full brother to Quick Sand AA, Burn Em Joey, went gate to wire for an easy victory over stablemate Big Ben AA and RB Texas Hold Em. This was another graded stakes win for ownerbreeder Joe and Betty Gillis of Allegro Arabians and trainer Jerenesto Torrez.

The older mare Dream Pearl (Burning Sand x Triumphs Pearl, Seyvilla Triumph) may be having her best year yet.

She won all three stakes races of the Emirates Challenge, including the most recent $20,000 race at Los Alamitos, to take the bonus money. For 2018, Dream Pearl has four wins and two seconds from seven starts. She is owned by the partnership of Cory Soltau, Dorothy Burt, Evelyn Call, and Betty Eaton and trained by Terri Eaton.

Dream Pearl (US) (C) Stephanie Ruff

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HH SHEIKH MANSOOR FESTIVAL NEWS Al Shamoos wins at La Teste Al Shamoos came up tops in a close finish in the Prix Burkeguy-Wathba Stallions Cup Listed race for Purebred Arabians on Sunday, July 22 in at the La Teste Buch racecourse in France.

Driving home the 4-year-old No Risk Al Maury mare was Delphine Santiago. Al Shamoos forged ahead in the final furlong, after Al Naama and Julien Auge had made all the running, to win in 1.31.60 over 1400m.

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

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.

It was the first win in three starts for Maraasem, a threeyear-old filly by Akim du Ducor and a half-sister to Muraaqib and Barnamaj.

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.

Lightning Bolt storms to Sheikh Zayed Cup win

Al Shamoos (FR) Photo supplied by Sh M. Festival

A win for HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Marasem The 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 August 10.

Trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by FrancoisXavier Bertras, Maraasem, finished ahead of two threeyear-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.

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 four-year-old 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.

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.

Later van den Bos saddled another winner for Waterland when Lightning Bolt won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Gr3PA race over 1,800 metres.

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Lightning Bolt (FR) wins frm Rijm (FR) in Ostend. Photo supplied by Sh M. Festival Lightning Bolt was given a superb ride by jockey Adrie de Vries whilst second in the Euros 35,000 race was Rijm under Falah Bughenaim with the favourite Aoun and Roberto-Carlos Montenegoro finishing third. The winning time was 2:11.27.

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.”

Lyakhov and Kappushev register a double in Kazan 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.

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.

Irbis under A.A Alberdiev finished second while in third place was Saladin ridden by D.D Sukhanov in the 1600metre contest. The winning time was 1:52.51 The ace jockey then rode another winner for 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. This race was worth Euros 5000 and open to 2-year-old Purebred Arabian horses.

His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, HE Vasil Shaikhraziew, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan and

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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.

"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.

Kazan races Photo supplied by Sh M. Festival

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. Once again the Purebred Arabian races under the Festival’s banner was a huge success and even the pony jockeys showed a lot of promise,” said Ms Sawaya.

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.

Akoya (FR) Photo supplied by Sh. Mansoor Festival

Ireland’s Walsh strikes on Akoya 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 at Denmark’s Klampenborg racecourse.

After a double in the Festival’s races in Ostend, 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.

Djehlbi demolishes field in Australia 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.

Returning to the track after a year, one of the few Frenchbred Arabians racing in Australia, Djehlbi (Dehlbi x Djelica), who is owned and trained by Michelle Amos, made it a one-horse race under jockey Isabella Teh. Neesa’s Golden Girl finally got the better of Aloha Natalis by a length and a ¼ to take second.

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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.

Australasian Arabian Racing Club’s president, Jeff Ablett, thanked the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for all the support to Purebred Arabian horse racing in Australia and noted that they were honoured to be invited to attend the ADIHEX Exhibition in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. AARC Secretary Christine Ablett is attending the exhibition for a second time and she looks forward to promoting Arabian Racing in Australia.

Waterland on September 23 at the Duindigt in The Netherlands. With leading UAE 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.

Akoya strikes again

Later Italian Ilaria Saggiomo won on Lets Do It in the Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race. The 40-year-old Saggiomo, who has ridden in over 600 races and was the Fegentri World Ladies Jockey Champion in 2002, scored victory number 77 and will now head to the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship final on November 9, in Abu Dhabi. Dabaab and Anna Gil of Poland, finished second whilst Alazeez under UK’s Anna Wallace finished third.

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 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.

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 held under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival.

Ridden by Jean-Baptiste Hamel, Akoya won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, a Listed race with a prize fund of Euros 35,200. The pair finished nearly five lengths ahead of Shadwan Al Khalediah ridden by Pierantonio Convertino, with Ramiz Al Aziz under Andrea Fele finished third.

This was followed by the Wathba Stallions Summer Cup won by Manou Taouy and Andre Fele, Nina Taouy and Mario Sanna finished second, whilst in third place was Zaffiro de Lottas under Dario Di Tocco.

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.

Lightning Bolt wins another Sheikh Zayed Cup The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr2PA) went to pre-race favourite Lightning Bolt, who made it a memorable day for trainer van den Bos and owner

Lightning Bolt (FR) Photo supplied by Sh. Mansoor 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.

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.

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ARO Championships 2018 With the amendments to the ARO fixture list expected to be published soon the season mid-point has already been passed.

ARO and DIAR Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is having another excellent season and is easily on course to retain the owners title and record his seventeenth championship. The trainers title is as close as ever, with dual champion James Owen, three winners adrift of current leader Phil Collington.

The jockeys' championship is always a close run affair too, with Will Pettis just ahead at this stage and Joanna Mason leading the ladies title, though she is only three behind Pettis and could yet become the first female outright winner by the end of the season. Tadgh O'Shea is again leading the professional jockeys title with four wins.

In recent years the Purebred Arabian championship has gone right to the line and 2018 seems no exception with Emiraaty ahead on place points and Shomoos Athbah, Al Faaris and Senor Dublcheck all tied in fourth place.

Owners

Jockeys Jockey

1st

2nd

3rd

Mr Will Pettis

10

7

6

Mr Charlie Price

9

7

9

Mr Simon Walker

8

11

13

Miss Joanna Mason

7

9

1

Mr David Turner

5

3

5

Horse

1st

2nd

3rd

Horses

Owner

1st

2nd

3rd

Saleemah

3

0

1

HH Sheikh H bin R Al Maktoum

30

27

25

Emiraaty (FR)

2

3

1

Royal Cavalry of Oman

8

5

7

Thamaraat (FR)

2

3

0

Athbah Stud

4

1

1

Johara Bint Shuwaiman

2

2

1

Mrs Delyth Thomas

3

4

5

Halib Des Forges (FR)

2

2

0

HH Sheikha M bint M Al Maktoum

3

2

2

Anfaas

2

1

2

Trainer

1st

2nd

3rd

Philip Collington

24

16

12

James Owen

17

20

17

Said Al Badi

7

5

7

Adam Newey

4

3

6

Peter Hammersley

3

5

6

Trainers

Saleemah with Phil Collington

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ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION SEASON REVIEW Due to rescheduling, the ARO season still has one race to go, at Wolverhampton in early October, though a number of the championship titles have already been confirmed.

They include a seventeenth Owners Championship for ARO Patron HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a first Trainers Championship for Phil Collington and a third lady Jockeys Championship for Joanna Mason.

Makhaater (FR) and Barry Adams lead home a 1-2-3 for HH Sheikh Hamdan and trainer Phil Collington at Chelmsford City on the 19th of August After the Group 1 PA action at DIAR and Goodwood (see reports on pages XX and XX) there was still plenty to look forward to during the summer. Some of the UK's best Arabian racehorses were in action over the third weekend in August at Newbury on Saturday 18th and Chelmsford City on Sunday 19th, with a Group3Pa race and a full fixture on offer. As it turned out, both days were dominated by trainer Phil Collington, whose five wins over that weekend was surely a turning point in his championship ambitions.

Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon International Stakes Gr3PA 5f Newbury, August 18 A field of nine was declared for the UK’s shortest Arabian pattern race, the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes Gr3PA run over 5f. Headed by Group 1PA winning miler Mith’haf Athbah, they include the 2016 winner Kao Kat MHF and three other Group or Graded PA winners in Shomoos Athbah, Storm Troupour and Delishess, who had all been placed in this contest previously.

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Mith’haf Athbah was a course winner of a conditions event over 1m2f as part of the DIAR series last year, but like many of Saturday’s runners, found the easy ground unsuitable at this year’s DIAR meeting. He is a Group 2PA winner over 7f in France however, and Collington has always considered him to have plenty of speed. He had fitted the son of Amer with blinkers for the first time, with the intention of sharpening him up following his fourth in the Jebel Ali Za’abeel International Gr1PA over 6f in which Storm Troupour was third.

Mith’haf Athbah’s stablemate Shomoos Athbah was second in this last year (with Storm Troupour behind in third), an impressive achievement for a juvenile filly against older horses. She has always looked top class, but has not been the easiest to deal with, either at home or on the racecourse, rattling up a string of places in Group company last season. However, thanks to the dedicated work of her devoted groom Ria Tillet who rides her every day and the addition of a net muzzle, Shomoos Athbah finally put her quirks behind her when winning the Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO International Cup Gr3PA over a mile at Windsor in May. She reopposed many of her competitors here, including Zayin Angkor Centurion, who was second, the aforementioned Storm Troupour and also Kao Kat MHF. All three colts have been kept busy this season, running at DIAR and then just three days later reappearing at Goodwood in another Group 1PA race where they all faded to the rear. Whilst all three had claims, they needed

to bounce back against fresher horses.

Reigning ARO champion trainer James Owen fielded three of the runners, headed by course winner Alazeez.

The son of Madjani finished fifth in this contest last year and like Owen’s Grade 2 PA winner Delishess, was another unsuited by the easy going at DIAR. His other filly Naishaan, skipped that meeting entirely and arrived here a fresh horse. She has never really fulfilled her promise, racing too keenly in her races and has frequently run in a hood. Dropping back to the minimum here, with the addition of first-time blinkers it was hoped that trait would be an advantage, though she needed to step up on previous form.

Completing the line-up was Shammat Al Hosn, who also missed DIAR. She was another to exchange her usual headgear for something different and started in a visor.

Her dam won sprints in Holland and Belgium, however based on her sixth in this last year, she may be found wanting again, as this looked a more competitive renewal.

The race had looked a stronger renewal on paper than in recent years and it proved the case with a win for the top rated horse Mith’haf Athbah. With Shomoos Athbah in second it was a double celebration as both horses were owned and bred by Athbah Stud and trained by Collington. Alazeez completed the places, improving on his fifth placing last year.

Mithahf Athbah (GB) and Silvestre da Sousa win at Newbury THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud with Silvestre da Sousa, Mithhaf Athbah(GB) and Abdul Moniem Ahmed

Both Mith’haf Athbah and his stablemate Shomoos Athbah were held up behind the early pacesetters of Zayin Angkor Centurion and the 2016 winner Kao Kat MHF. As the final furlong approached, each horse went to the outside of the main group, with Mith’haf Athbah on the rail and Shomoos Athbah on the far side and the pair readily drew clear. However, Mith’haf Athbah had the greater acceleration and was most impressive in the manner of his win.

and said he should have gone right, instead of left, but over five furlongs, it’s a split second decision.

“Mith’haf is just an amazing horse, he’s won three Group (PA) races at three different grades, over three different trips, at three different courses, for three different jockeys and in two different countries. He’s proving so versatile, he showed a great turn of foot at the end, though obviously he’ll probably step back up in trip next time.”

He was ridden by Silvestre de Sousa on this occasion who commented: “He was good. We just took our time, as he was carrying a [Gr1PA] penalty. He was the class horse in the race. You have to give all the credit to the trainer, for a horse to win over seven furlongs and then to drop back to five and win on the bridle is a nice performance.”

Athbah Stud Technical Manager Abdul Moniem Ahmed said: “We were so delighted to see him win today in front of His Royal Highness, as he is one of the best horses we have in training. He didn’t like the ground here on Dubai Day on his previous run, but today it was perfect.”

Collington was delighted with both his horses saying: “Shomoos is ultra-consistent, she’s won and been placed at this level and was second in this last year too. Perhaps she was a little unlucky going the far side, Tadhg came in

Collington and da Sousa receive their trophies from the Royal Cavalry

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Chelmsford City August 19 The following day, Chelmsford City played host to a seven-race card which featured a number of well-bred debutants in the opening maiden, a very competitive Wathba Stallions handicap and classy six-runner field for the ARO UK (0-110) Handicap over a mile.

It was an emotional win for jockey James Harding on Vindetta in the Wathba Stallions Cup Series, on a day that was dominated by the Phil Collington stable. Harding was adding to his season total of three winners, which have been all gained on horses trained by Adam Newey.

Collington is on course for his best ever season and his four wins here, made the chance of a first ARO trainers championship a strong possibility, with the season drawing to a close.

Run over a mile, the Wathba Stallions Handicap Stakes had attracted a field of nine, with course winner Kayclaire sent off as favourite. However last-time-out winner Vindetta, always had the upper-hand, despite losing her early lead, she soon got back into contention with two furlongs to go. Despite briefly being carried wide by the eventual third, Fatinah, she rallied and stayed on under pressure to win by a neck from Kayclaire, who tried valiantly to reel her in, but was never quite going to get there.

Harding was clearly delighted saying: “It was awesome to reward Adam and the Almost All Partnership, who continue to support me to the hilt and to land a big prize

Adam Newey and James Harding with Lara Sawaya

for them was brilliant. Thank you also to Wathba Stallions and to Lara Sawaya for sponsoring the race. It always helps when you have such a willing partner in Vindetta, who responds so well for pressure.”

Harding received his trophy from Lara Sawaya, executive director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, general manager of Wathba Stallions, chairperson of IFHRA and of the Ladies and Apprentice Racing Committees in IFAHR. She spoke of the HH Sheikh Mansoor’s commitment to the Arabian horse and was delighted to see so many different owners colours in the Wathba Stallions race.

Vindetta (GB) and James Harding win the Wathba Stallions Cup from Kayclaire (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Boudour Athbah (GB) and Charlie Price win the opening maiden from Farhaa (GB) and Joanna Mason Trainer Collington had got the day off to a flying start in the opening race, the Royal Cavalry of Oman Conditions Stakes, with a win for debutant Bodour Athbah ridden by Charlie Price, a first UK Arabian runner for HRH Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Fittingly both she and his third winner, Thamaraat (ridden by Will Pettis) are

by Munjiz, who is one of Wathba Stud’s most successful stallions.

weren’t many options left for him in the racing calendar and my other runners ran great races in defeat.”

And of his final winner, ridden like Bodour Athbah by Charlie Price he said: “Anfaas, she’s run over her perfect trip of a mile and took to the surface well. The other horses might have been unlucky as it was such a close finish, Emiraaty’s so game, he’s a lovely horse, but she’s just outpointed him close home.”

Collington’s other two winners Makhaater and Anfaas, were, like Thamaraat, homebred by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Anfaas led home a notable onetwo-three for His Highness, with the placed horses, Emiraaty and Awzaan, trained by James Owen. All three were sired by Shadwell stallions, Anfaas is a daughter of No Risk Al Maury, whilst Emiraaty and Awzaan are by Al Saoudi.

Speaking of his horses performances, Collington said: “The horses have never gone so well round here as they have this afternoon. It was amazing for Bodour Athbah to win first time out for a new owner, she’s been a nice filly at home, but has needed a bit of time. Thamaraat has been knocking on the door all year, she got a nice ride from Will and this was definitely a more suitable trip for her.”

Of Makhaater winning the longest race of the day, the Royal Cavalry of Oman Handicap over 1m6f he said: “That was a bit of a surprise, stepping up in trip, but there

Anfaas (GB) with Charlie Price

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Those were not Price’s only winners as he also won the second race on Callymay. Trained by Delyth Thomas, the mare had already been placed twice over course and distance this season and was running off a handy mark in first-time cheekpieces. Afterwards, Thomas commented: “She ran very, very well, I’m really pleased with her.”

The final race of the day was a first win for My Boy Sam, making his handicap debut for trainer James Owen.

Heavily backed before the off, they landed the gamble decisively given a pillar-to-post front-running ride by Joanna Mason. Bred by Owen’s mother Jenny, the colt was only having his second start, but made the most of his age allowance and won by a decisive three and a half lengths.

“I’m delighted to get our first winner for the James Owen Racing Club, with My Boy Sam winning the last,” commented Owen. “It was great that many of the members were there to cheer him home and it is what the club is all about.”

Read The Arabian Racehorse August Newsletter with all the video and photo links HERE: https://conta.cc/2BJ7xiW

Callymay (GB) with Charlie Price

Thamaraat (FR) and Will Pettis THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Lingfield Park September 5 There was cause for great pride at Lingfield Park yesterday, for owner-breeders Jenny and Herbie Owen.

They bred the first two home in the ARO Amateur Jockeys (0-45) Handicap in Insignia and My Boy Sam, as well as owning the winner. That both horses were trained by their son James, was further cause for celebration.

The field of nine raced over a mile on Lingfield Park’s Polytrack course, with Abaci being sent to the lead under an assertive ride from Will Pettis. Despite a promising effort on her last start, Abaci was unable to keep her head in front, with another mare, Katwalk, taking it up with three furlongs to go. A useful handicapper, she had returned from a career break at Chelmsford City last month, and if recapturing her old form, she would be considered well in off her current mark of 43. However at 12 years of age, she would always be vulnerable to younger legs, and so it proved to be, with Insignia and My Boy Sam mounting their challenge on her outside as they entered the final furlong.

Both the Owen trained horses ran on well and though the more experienced Insignia prevailed on the line, it was an encouraging performance from My Boy Sam on only his third start to be second, following his recent win in lesser company. Johara Bint Shuwaiman stayed on to deny Katwalk third place.

Commenting after the race James Owen said: “Insignia has run very consistently all season and that is now his fourth win. Our Racing Club’s three-year-old, My Boy Sam, gave him a good battle from a wide draw and he looks an exciting prospect for the future. It’s great for my parents and both horses are HARC eligible.”

The Owens’ described their success as a “great privilege”, which was also enhanced by the fact that Insignia is a son of Istfahan, an ex-racehorse who they had leased as a stallion. The Owens are the only breeders to have foals by him and Insignia became their first homebred winner in their colours when winning a Heritage Arabian Racing Club maiden at Wolverhampton last season.

Insignia (GB) Simon Walker led to post by Herbie Owen THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Farhaa (GB) and Joanna Mason win the open maiden her first run, she's progressed well and we're now excited for next year. She's a rangy filly, the dam has done so well, producing winners from different stallions and the Al Saoudi's all have good minds."

Chelmsford City September 16 Following its’ rescheduled position in the calendar after the cancellation of Huntingdon, the ARO Season Finale returned for a second time to Chelmsford City Racecourse, with two extra finals added to the card. As he did at Huntingdon last season, James Owen sent out the winners of four races, however this time, it will not be enough to secure him a third ARO trainers title, as that honour now passes to fellow Newmarket handler, Phil Collington.

Owen asserted quickly, winning the opening race with Farhaa. The daughter of Al Saoudi had caught the eye on her debut at the Essex track last month when second and readily went one better, drawing eight lengths clear of the field. It was a very professional performance and as a full sister to Najlaa, a narrow margin second in the 2014 UK Arabian Derby, hopes are sure to be high for next season.

Speaking at the end of the meeting Owen said: "It's been a good day. Farhaa is a lovely filly, I was delighted with

The newly instated Copper Final saw Mulan and Kaitlen Robinson win by half a length from Paulownia. This was the pair's second win at the track. Mulan is owned by Kaitlen's parents, with her step-father Gavin Kelly training the mare. He praised the opportunities provided by Arabian racing to help young jockeys get started saying: "I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get on, Kaitlen started off in Arabian racing on Sue Connolly's horses. We're only a small set up in Cumbria and we train Mulan on the beach."

The Forta Stud Mares and Fillies Stakes produced a onetwo for the Owen team, and also the sire No Risk Al Maury, with course winner Naishaan collared in the final furlong by her stablemate, Mazyoonah. Following her earlier victory on Farhaa, this gave jockey Joanna Mason a double, leaving her three wins clear of Ellie Mackenzie in the lady riders championship.

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Above: Mulan (FR) Kaitlen Robinson winners of the Careers at RaceTech at www.racetech.co.uk Copper Final (0-40) Handicap Below: Mazyoonah (GB) and Joanna Mason winners of the Forta Stud Mares and Fillies Stakes, with Lucinda Peck, James Owen and James O'Donnell

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Above: Noble Athlete (FR) leads them home in the Totesport supports UK Arabian racing Bronze Final handicap (0-50) Below: Muhaajer (GB) and Simon Walker winners of the Totesport leads the future for UK Arabian racing Silver Final Handicap (0-65)

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Delishess (US) and Simon Walker winners of the RaceTech the techinical partner of choice for UK racing Gold Final handicap (0-75) Owen commented: "Mazyoonah's run well in her two previous starts, she looks a stayer, she's not the biggest, but she's a real trier. She could be nice for next year.

Naishaan's run well again after her close second in Belgium. She probably hit the front a bit too soon today."

In the Bronze Final, the vetran Noble Athlete proved a popular winner, recording his 18th victory and adding to his 2016 Silver Final win over the same course and distance, for the same jockey. Owner-trainer Delyth Thomas described her horse as "a legend" winning on his 94th appearance and hopes that he will continue next season to reach the 100 race mark, a feat previously achieved by Notid at Huntingdon in 2014.

The Owen team were back in the winners enclosure in the Silver Final, run over the reduced trip of a mile for 2018.

This time it as a win for multiple ARO champion jockey Simon Walker and another HH Sheikh Hamdan homebred in Muhaajer, who travelled strongly throughout and won eased down to win by over three lengths.

Owen said: "Nice to win with Muhaajer as he's been knocking on the door in maidens and probably just got into his grade and won."

It was a quick turn-around for Owen and Walker as Delishess ran out a ready winner in the Gold Final and was value for more than the length and three quarters that separated her from Thamaraat in second. The globetrotting filly had won well at the track on her return to the UK in April, though this was a more competitive affair. “I'm really pleased with her, she won well here in April and went up in the handicap, which she should have done and she proved that today. She got lost at Newbury on DIAR on the soft ground and the five furlongs there was too sharp for her last time. I think she likes the All Weather. We want to get her in foal next year, so I'm keen to run her again this year if we can, so whether she goes to Lingfield for the 1m4f race or maybe to Mons, in Belgium, there's nice race out there at the end of October that might just suit her."

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Unfortunately, after the finish of the Gold Final, as the runners were pulling up, Ria Tillett was thrown from Ashjaan and taken to hospital having sustained a fracture to her ankle which will put her on the sidelines. This also meant a half hour delay until the paramedic services returned to the track before racing recommenced with another new race, the Platinum Final over 1m2f.

This produced the finish of the day with Saleemah, Al Kaaser and Hau Kola spread across the track for a threeway photo. Saleemah and Will Pettis just snatched victory by a head from Al Kaaser, with the favourite Hau Kola, three quarters of a length behind in third.

Trainer Phil Collington was full of praise for his filly saying: "She's so tough this mare, she's possibly a bit unlucky not to have won all her starts this year. Her preparation was held up at the beginning of the season, so we started later than we would have liked, and this will be her last race of the season. She likes it here and she loves the surface."

Also present at Chelmsford City was Shadwell Stud Assistant Director James O'Donnell who was delighted for

the team having witnessed Shadwell runners fill the first three home in the Open Maiden and the Fillies and Mares Conditions races, as well as the winner of the Silver Final and first two home in the Platinum Final. He commented: “It was very exciting, we've had a very good year, the younger horses have been running particularly well for both James and Phil. It's fantastic at this stage of the season to see these nice three-year-olds coming out and we'll put them away and come back fighting next year.

"We've had a very good year, with of course the star being Muraaqib, who is a homebred too. He's been such a prolific and consistent performer who will be an attractive proposition as a stallion. All our stallions have done very well and we've got the first foals of Handassa to look forward to next year, so it's obviously a very exciting time for us. We are also delighted for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan to secure another ARO owners' title too, as he does so much to support Arabian racing in the UK." Read The Arabian Racehorse Season Finale Newsletter with all the video and photo links HERE: https://conta.cc/2Orlgvp

Saleemah (GB) and Will Pettis [right] winners of the Totesport the pulse of UK Arabian racing Platinum Final (0-90) handicap THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Saleemah (GB) and Will Pettis just hold on from Hau Kola (GB)

Wolverhampton, September 22 Despite Phil Collington asserting that her Chelmsford Platinum Final win would be her last start of the season, Saleemah made a quick reappearance in the 0-110 handicap over 1m6f at Wolverhampton the following Saturday. Facing eight other challengers, she certainly came into the race as the form horse, as she was a proven stayer with a liking for artificial surfaces.

Afterwards Collington was full of praise for HH Sheikh Hamdan’s homebred mare, saying: “It was a really game performance from her, coming out so quickly after her last win. I was a bit unsure that it was the right thing to do, but Will gave her a great ride, taking the initiative, I’m delighted with her.”

With half the field stepping up in distance, she was certainly at an advantage and having been settled behind the early leader by Will Pettis, she was second with five furlongs to go and was soon in front entering the final bend. Drawing four lengths clear of the field as they headed for home, she looked likely to assert under a hands and heels ride, however Hau Kola had travelled well throughout and, brought widest around the field, stayed on strongly to close down Saleemah’s winning margin to half a length at the line. Ishfaq finished just over three lengths back in third and could be considered unlucky not to have finished closer as he didn’t get a clear run when it mattered.

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Thamaraat (GB) and Will Pettis win the Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons Amateur Riders (0-85) Handicap

Lingfield Park, September 25

around the outside to make their challenge with a quarter of a mile to go.

Team Collington were back in the winners’ enclosure for another single race, this time at Lingfield Park just three days later. Following two non-runners, the field of nine included two recent winners in Makhaater and Delishess, with Delishess fancied to follow up on her Chelmsford City win, just nine days previously. Also considered a contender was the Collington trained Thamaraat. HH Sheikh Hamdan’s filly had finished just under two lengths behind Delishess when they met over a mile at Chelmsford City, having won over that course and distance in August.

Tatbeeq and Antonia Peck made the running and travelling well throughout, they were no match for Thamaraat in the closing stages. Having been left short of room as the stalls opened, regular pilot Will Pettis was content to settle Thamaraat at the rear, making headway

The daughter of Munjiz stayed on well and is clearly still progressing, as she readily drew clear with Tatbeeq nearly four lengths behind in second and Delishess a similar margin away in third. She is the best progeny to date of her dam Aljazwa, who herself was a three time winner from 1m3f to 1m5f when trained by Gill Duffield, successfully partnered by Collington during his riding days Collington was delighted with Thamaraat’s continued improvement: “I have to say I was a bit worried that Will, who had the choice of rides, had picked the wrong one, but all credit to him, he got it right. Off the back of her Chelmsford run she looked like she would get this sort of trip and she proved that by staying on really well. She’s a very tall filly, who is still filling her frame, I think she should improve again next year too.”

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Above: Jack Day, Will Pettis, Phil Colligton and James Evans

The race was sponsored by Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, who are the largest equine practice in Europe, and also the practice that serves the Collington horses in Newmarket. Rossdales employ over 50 veterinary surgeons and more than 100 support staff across their practices in Newmarket, Exning, Lambourn and Hertfordshire, having started out in 1959, when Peter Rossdale established his own practice in Dullingham Road, just outside of Newmarket.

Present to award the trophies from Rossdales were vets are Jack Day and James Evans. Day is a member of their racing team of vets at Newmarket and Evans is one of their ambulatory vets based at Rossdales Hertfordshire.

Find out more here: www.rossdales.com Watch the race here:

https://youtu.be/6aV2SdDZyiw THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Dubai International Arabian Races Newbury, UK

Dubai International Stakes winner Nafees (FR) with Salim Al Hakmani, Olivier Peslier and Brigadier Albdulrazak Al Shawarzi Dubai International Arabian Races have been running for over 30 years. Originally known as 'Dubai Day' ARO and DIAR patron HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum has recorded an outstanding 49 winners at the fixture since 1998, which includes six trebles [1998, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2014] and three four-timers, most recently in 2016 [1998,2008]. This year that figure rose to 52 as he added another treble to that remarkable total, thanks to Taqdeerat, No And No Al Maury and Saleemah.

Widely regarded as the most prestigious day of Purebred Arabian racing in the world, the card includes three Group 1 PA contests as well as a Group 3 PA race and this year attracted a total of 166 entries across the eight races, which include three handicaps confined to

UK trained horses only, plus an international conditions race. After final declarations on Wednesday July 25, 80 horses stood their ground, of which 24 were entered in the PA Group races. After an extremely dry summer in the UK, it was rather disappointing that DIAR attracted rainfall, with the going changing to soft and though connections had declared anticipating a fast surface, there were only five non-runners.

However, not even the rain could dampen the spirits of Oliver Peslier and the Royal Cavalry of Oman at this year’s DIAR. Peslier rode the winners of the four Group races at the meeting, three of which were for the Royal Cavalry, headed by their homebred colt Nafees in the feature race, the Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA).

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This year's event was also a great success for the DIAR prep series, as the bonus scheme has gone a long way to encourage greater participation at DIAR. There were 13 horses eligible to win awards, though there were many more horses declared that had run in the series held across Europe during the spring and early summer.

The first bonus (and the second of Peslier's winners) fell to the Royal Cavalry's well-related young colt Al Chammy, who had impressed dropped back in trip (with blinkers added) when winning the DIAR Za'abeel prep in June.

They secured a bonus of an extra ÂŁ2000, on top of the first placed prize moeny.

In the following race, the Shadwell Stallions Hatta International it was Joudh, a homebred for HH Sheikh Mansoor, racing under the YAS Horse Management banner who claimed the bonus. She had been a close runner-up to Belqees at La Taste at the beginning of July in the Shadwell Criterium des Pouliches Gr2PA.

Olivier Peslier and Theirry Delegue recieve the bonus cheque from Richard Lancaster following Joudh's win in the Hatta International Stakes

Salim Al Hakmani holds the bonus cheque, with Olivier Peslier and Brigadier Abdulrazak Al Shawarzi of the Royal Cavalry of Oman following Al Chammy's win in the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za'Abeel International Stakes THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Taqdeeraat (GB) and Harry Bentley [8] just head Rafeef (FR) and Mark Dwyer in the Emirates Premier Handicap (50-90)

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s three winners in the two premier handicaps and the international conditions race were recorded with some exciting young horses, two of which were homebred fillies.

Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster was delighted with the day saying: “We didn’t have the big stars that we’ve had in the past, but we’ve some nice young horses for the future and we’ve learnt a little bit more about them all. The two fillies fighting it out in the first race, they’re half-sisters and Saleemah, well she’s as tough as tough. She won that two-mile race at Doncaster last year and now here. The star for the future I’m sure is No And No Al Maury.

“I’m sure His Highness has enjoyed this day immensely. Considering how unlucky we’ve been with the weather, we’ve had a great crowd and they’ve stayed to the end. It’s thanks to Sheikh Hamdan and his enthusiasm that we are here today.”

Taqdeeraat became trainer Phil Collington’s third

successive winner of the opening race, the Emirates Premier Handicap over a mile, winning from Rafeef, also for His Highness, though trained by James Owen.

Later in the card Collington recorded a one-two-three in the Rotana Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap over a mile and a half with Saleemah, Halib Des Forges and Munawwar.

Collington was very pleased with his horses saying: “The weather has really changed things, Taqdeeraat wouldn’t have been my first choice, but she liked this ground. The conditions have just gone Saleemah’s way, she’s a better horse on easy ground and she’s so tough.”

HH Sheikh Hamdan’s winners were all young improving horses offering plenty of hope for DIAR meetings in years to come. No And No Al Maury was most impressive in the UAE Emabassy in London International Conditions Stakes over a mile and a quarter. He had been a narrow margin second in the Listed PA DIAR prep at Capannelle in Italy at the end of April, which will be a good boost for Italian form.

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No And No Al Maury is trained in France by Damien de Watrigant, who commented: “It’s a family who strengthen as they get older. I am very happy that Sheikh Hamdan trusted me with this horse, as he bought it after it had finished second first time out for me and I told him it would be a nice horse. He was bred by Mrs Koch of Al Maury Stud and now the horse is showing on the track what he is showing me in the morning. I think I ran him over too short a distance in the beginning because he is

by Nizam and is a bit keen, but my head lad has done a very good job with him and has got him very relaxed at home. You saw today he was very settled with plenty of energy to finish the race.”

Of his next engagement de Watrigant said: “He will need time between his races and I will discuss his program with His Highness and Mr Lancaster, maybe we will go for the Breeders Challenge Classic over 2200m, he showed he can handle the easy ground.”

The four-year old colt is the first produce of No Doubt Al Maury, who is an unraced Dormane daughter of Nemosie Al Maury, herself a full-sister to His Highness’s champion racehorse No Risk Al Maury.

No And No Al Maury (FR) and Francois Xavier Bertras THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Al Chammy (FR) and Olivier Peslier win the Za'abeel from Ahzar (left) and Storm Troupour (right)

Peslier opened his account in the DIAR International Stakes Gr3PA for three-year-olds over seven furlongs, on the Royal Cavalry’s Tahirwah. However, it was not before a lengthy wait, as the outcome of the race was debated in the stewards’ room.

It had looked like it would be another win for an Italian three-year-old in the fixtures’ feature race for juveniles as Zoe Di Gallura crossed the line ahead of Tahirwah by a nose, but it was not to be. Having made all, the threeparts brother to the historic 2016 Italian winner Urge Di Gallura, had drifted right under pressure in the final furlong and the colt was demoted to second place.

Filling the frame and the fourth spot, were another two Royal Cavalry homebreds in Hadiyah and Ensiab. Those two fillies had finished first and second in the DIAR prep for this race, though the softer ground proved to be more to Hadiyah’s liking and she reversed the prep race order with Ensiab.

Peslier commented: “I had plenty of room, but the Italian horse was hanging towards the rail, I was confident we had won on the line and the best horse won in the end.”

Tahirwah is a son of multiple champion, Amer, his dam Kerim had been Gr1PA placed in the 2012 Hatta International Stakes, splitting two Arabian World Cup winners in Mkeefa and Areej. Kerim is from the excellent de Watrigant family of Mandore, with Tahirwah as a first foal, she could become a producer of note.

Of Al Chammy’s win in the Jebel Ali Za’abeel International Gr1PA over six furlongs, Peslier said:“He won really well, the ground has changed a lot from the first race. It is a wonderful day for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, for Dubai and for Sheikh Hamdan.”

Both Tahirwah and Al Chammy were trained for the Royal Cavalry by Said Al Badi from their base at Wargrave in Berkshire.

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Al Chammy and his sister, the three-time Za'abeel winner, Al Mouhannad were bred in France from Al Ryme (Kesberoy), a daughter of Fatzica, one of Arabian racing’s most important broodmares. As well as Al Ryme, she is the dam of the stallions Al Saoudi (Nuit St Georges) and Azadi (Darike), sire of the Royal Cavalry’s first homebred Group 1 PA winner Nafees. She is also the dam of Arwa (Nuits St Georges) who produced the world’s highest rated Arabian racehorse Al Mourtajez, as well as Al Moutawakila.

Al Ryme’s three wins in France were all beyond a mile and a quarter, yet mated with Nizam, she has produced one exceptional six furlong horse in Al Mouhannad, and a new star in Al Chammy. Nizam himself won the Za’abeel International in 2004, as well as 14 other races, including a further three Group1 PA contests. He recently relocated to stand in Italy under the Haras du Grand Courgeon banner.

Peslier then went on to win the Shadwell Arabian

Stallions Hatta International Gr1PA over a mile and a quarter on Joudh for YAS Horse Racing Management and Didier Guillemin. Their recently appointed racing manager Thierry Delegue was delighted with their filly’s performance saying: “This race is an important win for a filly. It is possible she may go to Abu Dhabi in November for the Jewel Crown.”

This was a third Group 1 PA win for Joudh, who last year won both the Coupe des France des Cheveaux Arabes at Chantilly and the Al Rayaan Cup (Prix Kesberoy), on both occasions beating colts.

She is a full sister to Mabrooka (Mahabb x Shamayl), who also won the Coupe des France des Cheveaux Arabes and went on to win the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches in 2015, both Group 1 PA contests.

Mabrooka later went out to Abu Dhabi to run in the Jewel Crown and finished less than a length second to RB Burn in 2016.

Joudh (FR) and Olivier Peslier win the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Nafess (FR) and Olivier Peslier win the Shadwell Dubai International from Al Mouwaffak (FR) Below: Saleemah (GB) gets the better of Halib Des Forges (FR) in the Rotana Hotels & Resorts Premier Handicap, in which Phil Collington trained the first three home

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The feature race is always the Dubai International Stakes Gr1PA also run over a mile and a quarter. This proiduced another win for Peslier and the Royal Cavalry with Nafees, trained in France by Charles Gourdain. This was third win at this level for the son of Azadi, having won both the French and UK Arabian Derby’s in 2017.

Gourdain commented: “I left him with very little work before the race, he was very fresh, because we’ve had very hot weather in France, so because of the traveling I had to be very careful. Before the race I started to worry he had not done enough work, but he’s a very brave horse and very well ridden by Olivier. He kept him in behind horses and he finished strongly like he usually does.”

There were also more familiar faces in the winners enclosure for the final event, the Emirates NBD Handicap which was won by Mersal. This gave trainer Beverley Deutrom her third win in the race, whilst jockey David Turner had also ridden the 2017 winner, finishing that year as ARO Champion Jockey.

Turner “It’s always difficult coming back from a really good season, it’s been much harder this year. It’s great to win this race twice, I thought they might have gone quicker, but actually everyone rode quite sensibly. I got a nice tow off a lower rated horse and as that one dropped away I went on to the next one. I made up my mind earlier in the day to go down the middle, as the ground on the rail was very loose. He’s a nice horse.”

Mersal was bred at Deutrom’s farm, she explained: “He changed ownership which is why he didn’t run last year, but I’d always thought he was a nice horse. He’s improving all the time.”

A full list of the races and results to date can be found on the ARO website by following this link: https://www.aroracing.co.uk/racing-data-2/

Mersal (GB) and David Turner win the Emirates NBD Handicap THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Qatar International Stakes Gr1PA Goodwood, UK

Muraaqib (FR) and Jim Crowley go to post at Goodwood Muraaqib added yet another Group 1 PA victory to his name, with a one and a half-length victory in the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood. In doing so he triumphed over last years’ second Ebraz, with Lightning Bolt in third, claiming the £200,000 winners’ prize. He is HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s most successful homebred Arabian racehorse, putting his previous second at La Teste well behind him, bouncing back to form for the addition of blinkers.

In a field of ten, which included last years’ one-two Tayf and Ebraz, as well as Lightning Bolt, all Group 1 PA winners, it was Muraaqib who showed superior acceleration in the final stages. With the initial pace of the race slower than expected, the field bunched up in the home straight with a number of horses, including the winner and second, not getting a clear run with two furlongs to go. However, the class of both horses

showed as they pulled clear, with Ebraz having too much to do to reel in the winner.

Pau based trainer Francois Rohaut, has always believed Muraaqib was best over a mile and confirmed that this race had been the aim, saying: “We knew that the blinkers would make the difference today, we saved them for this race. He is the best Arabian I have ever trained, and probably right now, he is the best Arabian in the world, over a mile at least.

Rohaut felt that the Doha Triple Crown would not be an option, unless HH Sheikh Hamdan wished him to run.

It was more likely that he could return to Abu Dhabi in November to contest the Jewel Crown Gr1PA, also over a mile, which was a race he won in the stewards’ room last year.

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Muraaqib (FR) and Jim Crowley (right) with the second, Ebraz (GB) ridden

by Theo Batchelot (left) He was ridden for the first time in Abu Dhabi by Jim Crowley, HH Sheikh Hamdan’s retained jockey, with whom he renewed his partnership today. Crowley also agreed that the blinkers were a positive addition, he continued saying: “I was just waiting for a gap to appear and when it did he won well. He travelled on the bridle and it is a great feeling to win this race.”

Richard Lancaster, Shadwell Stud Director was delighted for His Highness saying: “It’s a great team effort, Jim rode him beautifully. Plans were laid out for this sometime ago, Francois has done a fantastic job.

Muraaqib is that bit older and wiser, so the blinkers did their job today. At La Teste he was giving weight away to the winner, but that was the race he needed to put him right for this.”

Watch the race: www.youtu.be/LqCFl3WiU1g

Muraaqib (FR) and Jim Crowley with Francois Rohaut and Richard Lancaster THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) Gr1PA Doncaster, UK

Rodess Du Loup (FR) and Christophe Soumillon win the President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) at Doncaster

It was deja vu for the Gourdain team at Doncaster, when French Derby winner, Rodess Du Loup, ran away with the UK equivalent, sponsored by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs as part of the President of the UAE Cup Series. This was a repeat win for trainer, Charles Gourdain, who had achieved the same feat last year with Nafees.

With Anfaas declared a non-runner, the field was reduced to seven and set off at a steady pace led by Asraa Min Al-Talqa. Entering the home straight the

leader steadier further, needing encouragement to keep his position, however the field bunched even closer behind them and it was inevitable that the race would develop into a sprint in the closing stages.

It was clear that Soumillon would have preferred more pace in front as he was battling to keep Rodess Du Loup settled, however with the leader coming off the rail, the pair were able to get a smooth run down the far rail, quickening clear of Rajeh and Rijm.

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Trainer Charles Gourdain with Rodess Du Loup (FR) This was a return to form for Rodess Du Loup who had been beaten by Rajeh at their last meeting in Deauville in the Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) (Gr1PA) over the same 2000m distance as at Doncaster. The colts are obviously very closely matched and will meet again in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1PA) at Longchamp on Sunday.

Gourdain was delighted to repeat his Derby double victory saying: “I always thought Rodess Du Loup was as good as Nafees, but he had to confirm it and he did that today. I was disappointed last time in Deauville, but I think that he prefers the better ground, good to soft instead of soft, and he likes a race with a lot of pace. Today there was no pace in the race and he did not settle, Christophe told me that he had a difficult time trying to get him to relax.”

“This is why I think he is a good horse, as even pulling like he did, he was still able to finish strongly and win easily. He is in the big race on Arc day, but it is a short time to recover and I will see how he comes out the race, if he’s not 100 per cent we will not run. We will have to talk to the owner regarding his target - he is a four-year-old and I like to be careful with them. Last time he ran against older horses and he did extremely well, when he was beaten by Rajeh, another four-year-old. It is always a hard job for a young horse to fight against older, tougher horses, and I don’t really like that, I like to preserve the horse as I think he is a very good horse for the future.”

Watch the race:

www.youtu.be/kmKGnA2Vn3I

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Qatar Arabian World Cup Gr1PA Preview Longchamp, France

Three in a line at Chantilly - Yazeed (QA), Gazwan (GB) and Ebraz (GB) all reoppose at Longchamp

It is rare that the first three home in any Group 1 contest re-oppose in the same event the following year, however for the 2018 Qatar Arabian World Cup, Gazwan, Yazeed and Ebraz all take their place in Europe’s richest Arabian race. However, this year the Arc returns to Longchamp, after a two year ‘holiday’ at Chantilly. Regardless of your opinion of the new grandstand in all its’ golden glory, this years’ World Cup certainly promises to be of gold medal standard.

Last years’ winner Gazwan had a stella campaign in Doha over the winter season, becoming the first Arabian to regain the HH Emir’s Sword (Gr1PA) after being foiled in his attempt for back to back wins by stablemate Ebraz in 2017. After a second Gold Sword (Gr1PA) win in April, the small, but very select, Julian Smart trained team relocated to their summer base at Chantilly. From here Ebraz went to England to contest the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, in which

he had finished second to Tayf last season. Tayf failed to shine this year, finishing fourth, almost ten lengths adrift of the winner, mile specialist Muraaqib, who ran on strongly to keep Ebraz at bay.

Also in Doha over the winter, Yazeed won the Qatar Derby (Gr2PA) beating Ebraz by a short head, and later finished third to Gazwan and Ebraz in the HH Emir’s Sword, and split them, like at Chantilly, in the Gold Sword. Both Yazeed and Gazwan made their European reappearances in the Prix Dragon (Gr1PA) on Arc Trials day at Longchamp in September. Whilst it was an eyecatching display as Yazeed and Shahm pulled well clear of the field, the pair battled strongly to the line and that race is sure to have taken its’ toll. Only Al Mourtajez has been able to complete the Dragon-World Cup double, and his Dragon was certainly not as strongly contested.

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Mith'haf Athbah (GB) with Phil Collington and Mehdaaf Athbah (GB) In this years’ Dragon, Gazwan was left to finish nine lengths away in third, exactly the margin he had been beaten by Ebraz in the same race last year, which Smart was quick to point out saying: “He was beaten by the same distance, but that didn’t stop him going on to win the World Cup and maybe that’s why Ebraz, who won so impressively that day, was a bit flat.”

“Gazwan definitely needed the race and will come on from it for sure. Yazeed is a very good horse, but he must have had a hard race in the Dragon, it’s only four weeks ago and the second horse Shahm hasn’t been declared tomorrow.”

Clearly the colts are very closely matched and they alone would make for a fascinating renewal, however the field also includes a rare UK challenge with two runners from Phil Collington, in Mith’haf Athbah and Mehdaaf Athbah. Mith’haf Athbah is a Gr1PA winner over a mile, a Gr2PA winner over 7f and a Gr3PA winner over 5f, whilst Mehdaaf Athbah previously finished

second to Al Mourtajez in this race at Chantilly in 2016, with Tayf in third and Gazawan in fourth.

Collington who was recently confirmed as 2018 UK Champion trainer is looking forward to the challenge saying: “It means an awful lot to have a winner abroad, especially a group winner and especially in France, where some of the best Arabians and trainers in the world are. It’s an honour to be able to take these nice horses abroad, but even better to have a win with them too, like we did with Mith’haf at Toulouse last October.”

He continued: “They will be our first runners in the World Cup. The horses are slightly different, Mith’haf Athbah has proven himself to be sharper, winning below a mile, whilst Mehdaf Athbah, having been placed in the race before, stamina is more his strength.

It will be interesting, they’re almost certain to go a good gallop, which obviously will suit Mehdaf, but Mith’haf is all heart, I couldn’t discount him.”

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Rodess Du Loup (FR) leads Rajeh (FR) [3] and Rijm [4] home in the UK Derby

It is not just the older generation who are closely matched either, as the two best four-year-old colts in Europe Rodess Du Loup and Rajeh also renew rivalry.

They have now met on six occasions, with Rajeh winning three and Rodess Du Loup winning two, with both colts securing two Gr1PA’s to their name over this 1m2f distance. Rajeh was unbeaten as a juvenile, besting Rodess Du Loup twice, however the Charles Gourdain trained colt has been stronger this season, winning both the French and UK Derby’s, though playing second fiddle to Rajeh at Deauville in August in the Doha Cup (Prix Managante). After that race Rajeh’s trainer Francois Rohaut credited his win for the application of blinkers as he felt the colt had not been applying himself when finishing fourth in the French Derby, however Rodess Du Loup improved again at Doncaster.

Gourdain was realistic about his chances saying: “Rodess is a top horse. I hope we won’t have too much rain, he doesn’t mind soft ground, but not too soft. He is full of himself at home, my only concern is he is running against older horses, big champions - horses

like Ebraz who is very, very good. But we have to run the race, he is well and it is a challenge, but a beautiful race to win.”

Another former UK Derby winner in the race is Lightning Bolt, he beat Tayf to win that race in 2016 and beat Gazwan when recording his other Gr1PA win in Newbury’s Dubai International in 2017. Karin van den Bos has kept him busy this summer rattling up the victories in lesser pattern races in Holland and Belgium, but he will have to raise his game returning to this level of competition.

In all sixteen colts will contest the €1 million Euro contest, which is due off at 15.25pm (local time). The ground was universally described as good, by both jockeys and the penetrometer reading of 3.2 on Saturday, though there will be fresh ground tomorrow.

With overnight rain forecast, the ground could ease to good to soft, though with conflicting reports as to just how much rain will arrive, owing to the possibility of thunderstorms, there’s a chance it may get softer by the time racing starts at 14.20pm.

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CRAHCK

MY BOY SAM

James Owen Racing Club is the first of it's kind in Arabian racing giving members the chance to be involved in three horses at the fraction of the cost.

For more details contact James (07880 700559) or Jenny (07739 791545) CRAHCK - KARLOS DU CAYROU - MY BOY SAM TH I Aw N eRn Ar Ca Ec H iOnRg SE www . jEa AmR eA sB o .com

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James Owen Racing Blog The Arabian Racehorse e-newsletter blog-spot returns to the magazine, James Owen takes a look at back over the season for the Racing Club and shares his thoughts on the future too

My Boy Sam (GB) and Joanna Mason prior to winning at Chelmsford City

“We are delighted with the success of the James Owen Racing Club in its’ first year, attracting 32 members.

We’ve learnt a lot and next year we will structure it slightly differently, so we will have couples and family membership for example.

“Our first opening morning back in February was really well attended and was aimed at promoting the club to help raise awareness. Some existing members brought along their friends and we got a few more memberships from that day. It worked really well.

“We’ve since had gallops morning where we meet up at the yard, we’ll have coffee and sandwiches here and then go out to the gallops and watch the horses work.

Newmarket has a fantastic range of facilities, so it’s

great to be able to show our members some of the different gallops and canters that are here. He never made it over to Warren Hill, probably Newmarket’s most famous gallop, but that’s definitely on the agenda for next year. Afterwards we also parade the horses and members get the opportunity to see some of the other horses we have here in training too.

“Dolfina D’Ibos was great in her first season with us, winning three races and ending the 2017 season as Champion Arabian, so obviously we thought she would be a good horse to have in the club. She just tweaked a suspensory ligament this year, which though not serious, would have limited her options, so we decided to put her in foal. She’s a multiple winner with a nice pedigree, so we went to Al Tair.

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Racing Club members watch Crahck (FR) and My Boy Sam (GB) exercise

“Al Tair is a Group 1 winner in Qatar, but also won two Qatar Cup’s (Prix Dragon), which is the trial for the Arabian World Cup and has now been upgraded to Group 1 status. He was also second in the Arabian World Cup in 2014. He’s by Amer and is a three parts brother to Tabarak who won the Group 1 HH Emir’s Sword “Providing the club continues to do well, her offspring will go into the club so that adds another dimension to the membership. Having horses that are unraced seem to capture the imagination of the members, with My Boy Sam they’ve been able to follow his progress right from day one. Jenny and I felt that they related more to him than the other horses and it suited the spirit of the club well.

handicap mark. He’ll run at Wolverhampton in the last race of the season and even though seven furlongs is on the sharp side for him, he should have a good eachway chance.

“We’re currently organising our end of season party on 3rd November, and we will be looking ahead to next season with news on some new horses that will go into the club. We’ll be keeping My Boy Sam who did so well in his first season and we’ll introduce two new horses.

The intention is to keep refreshing the horses so that it doesn’t get stale and keeps the interest for the members.

“His win at Chelmsford was great, but I think finishing second to Insignia at LIngfield was his best run, he should have a nice handicap mark for next season. He won’t be a world beater, but he will be a fun horse and he has a great attitude.

“We replaced Dolfina D’Ibos with Karlos Du Cayrou.

He’d been placed at Chelmsford in June and I thought he was set to run a big race on DIAR, but he just got stuck in the mud and didn’t run his race. He’s finished for the season now and is for sale.

“Our other club horse Crachk, has struggled with his

Karlos Du Cayrou (FR) and Joanna Mason

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DEBBIE BURT EQUINE CREATIVE MEDIA ARO Official Photographer HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Photographer - 2017 Darley Awards To view and purchase photos from the 2016, 2017 & 2018 ARO seasons please visit www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Tashreefat Stud Focus Part 1

Tashreefat (GB)

It has been quite a year for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s broodmare Tashreefat. Her standard bearer has of course been Muraaqib, but Barnamaj, Ajaayib and Maraasem have all made the winners enclosure, making her an influencer of note for future generations.

Bred Shadwell France SNC, though foaled in England, Tashreefat is by Sheikh Hamdan’s great foundation stallion, Bengali D’Albret, who is firmly establishing himself as a leading broodmare sire, out of Seglaoui (Tidjani). Bred by Martial Boisseuil, Seglaoui raced in the UK in the famous blue and white silks, winning three times from six to seven furlongs as a four-year-

old when trained by Gill Duffield. Tashreefat was her first foal and her best to date, though she does have a three-year-old half-brother by No Risk Al Maury, Almaajid, currently in training with Damien de Watrigant.

Also trained in the UK by Duffield, Tashreefat showed a lot of speed, winning three times from five furlongs to seven furlongs. Ridden in many of her races by Phil Collington, he recalls her debut saying: “Tashreefat and No Risk Al Maury both ran in the same maiden at Hereford, so obviously I chose No Risk, and of course he won, but she was second.”

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Above: Tashreefat (GB) Below: Moshrif (FR) her 2017 colt by Dahess

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Muraaqib (FR) at La Teste in July

He continued: “She was quick, absolutely awesome to ride, I got beat on her one day at Salisbury, I said to Gill that I rode her too handy, got to the front to soon and I won’t make that mistake again. So the next time at Stratford, it was over 6 furlongs, I sat near last and they went quite quick in front and I literally cruised up on the bridle and just quickened away to win. You can see that in her offspring, Muraaqib especially.”

Though she never won at Group PA level, she was placed over six furlongs in a Group 2PA contest at Newbury gaining valuable black type before heading to the paddocks. However, her progeny have readily surpassed her efforts as Muraaqib (Munjiz) now has seven Group 1 PA races to his name and will make an exciting stallion prospect once he retires.

Trained by Duffield, her first foal, Sharaf (a colt by Mahabb) was a winner over a mile and five furlongs, her second, Ashraaf (a colt by Madjani) showed more

speed winning three times over seven furlongs. He was considered worthy of a winter campaign in the Gulf, but failed to win, achieving two seconds from nine starts.

Tashreefat could be considered third time lucky as her next produce was Muraaqib. Her genes, combined with those of Munjiz, produced a more precocious colt, winning on his debut for Francois Rohaut over a mile at Toulouse in May of his juvenile season. On his next start he was second to the filly Mabrooka in a juvenile Gr1PA over a mile, before gaining his first top level pattern win in the Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) Gr1PA at Deauville. There followed a remarkable string of wins at Group 1 or 2 level, halted only by a below par effort at Newbury when finishing fourth on testing ground. This season began well with a Group 3 PA win at Bordeaux, though was a surprise runner-up at La Teste in early July, after which blinkers were applied for his seventh and most recent Group 1PA win at Goodwood.

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Barnamaj (FR) and Jim Crowley finish third at Meydan in March

Whilst Muraaqib is certainly the foremost older miler currently in training, Tashreefat’s next produce, Barnamaj (colt by No Risk Al Maury), took a little longer to find his stride. Trained like Muraaqib by Rohaut, he took three attempts to get off the mark, needing 1m2f to do so, however he finished fifth on his first Group 1 PA attempt in the juvenile colts race at Saint-Cloud.

Tried over a range of trips in France and the UK, his best Group 1 PA effort was a second in the Za’abeel International over six furlongs.

Spain’s first Listed event in May this year. Maraasem (filly by Akim De Ducor) her three-year-old, has also done well, winning on her third start, she was less than a length second in a Group 3 PA at La Teste in September. That race may just have taken the edge off her for her next start, the fillies Group 1 PA at SaintCloud where she was fifth.

This year Tashreefat has produced a striking colt foal by Dahess. Named Moshrif, he has quite a family to live up to, but he may prove to be the best yet.

Sent to Ali Rashid Al Rayhi in Dubai last winter, Barnamaj relished the dirt surface at Meydan, finishing a neck second on his debut in the Al Maktoum Challenge (Rd1) Gr1PA over a mile. Stepped up to a mile and a half in Round 2, he reversed Round 1 placings with Paddy’s Day, winning by ahead, though found Ziyadd too good in Round 3, when second again.

He concluded his first UAE season with a very respectable third in the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) and is an exciting prospect for this forthcoming season.

Whilst her next foal Ajaayib (filly by Mahabb) has yet to score at Group PA level, she was a ready winner of

Maraasem (FR) and Francois Xavier Bertras at Saint-Cloud

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Athbah Stud Stud Focus Part 1

Mlatem Athbah (GB) (colt by AF Albahar) and his dam Keen Game (GB)

Athbah Stud is owned by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and has had Arabian racehorses representing them since 2009. Based in the UK, they moved to Dullingam on the outskirts of Newmarket in 2015, however his year the decision was taken to move to France and these pictures were taken before the mares and youngstock made their way to France and so will be the stud’s last UK foaled crop.

Pictured here are two foals from Keen Game, dam of Mehdaaf Athbah, who was second in the Qatar Arabian World Cup in 2016 and lines up in the same race at Longchamp this weekend, a colt by AF Albahar and a

filly by Assy. Also a colt by AF Albahar out of Manade, making him a three-parts brother to UK winner Dossar Athbah and a colt by Assy out of Lily Rose.

There is a Dahess half-sister to Group 3 PA winner Shomoos Athbah out of Djanet Monlau and a Burning Sand half-sister to Akhzam Athbah who debuted this year, their dam Sifflet Al Maury was a three-time winner over 1900m in France and was fourth behind Tabarak in the Harwood International Stakes Gr1PA. There is also a filly by Al Jakbar out of Loran - never out of the frame in five starts, Loran won twice from a mile to a mile and a half.

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Above: Samedea Athbah (GB) (colt Assy x Lily Rose) Below: Ajrad Athbah (GB) (colt AF Albahar x Manade)

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Above: Jenad Athbah (GB) (filly Dahess x Djanet Monlau) Below: Maramir Athbah (GB) (filly Al Jakbar x Louran)

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Above: Dalof Athbah (GB) (filly Burning Sand x Sifflet Al Maury) Below: Rababah Athbah (GB) (filly Assy x Keen Game)

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European Group PA Results 2018 Season July 22 to September 16 La Teste de Buch, France - 22 July Good 3.2

Jebel Ali Racecourse Za'abeel International Stakes Gr1PA 1200m

Prix Berkeguy - Wathba Stallions Cup LRPA 1400m

1. AL CHAMMY (FR) 4 gr c (Nizam x Al Ryme) T: Said Al Badi O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Olivier Peslier B: Mousli/Mousali/Al Elweet

1. AL SHAMOOS (FR) 4 grf (No Risk Al Maury x Hamiya) T: Charles Gourdain O: Al Nujaifi Racing Ltd J: Mlle Delphine Santiago B: Mohammed Al Nujaifi 2. Al Naama (FR) 3. Ahzar (FR) Dist: Sh Nk, 2.0 Time: 1.31.60 5 Ran

Another winner for Newbury, UK - 29 July Good to Soft DIAR International Stakes Gr3PA 1400m 1. TAHIRWAH (FR) 3 gr c (Amer x Kerim) T: Said Al Badi O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Olivier Peslier B: Royal Cavalry of Oman

2. Ahzar (FR) 3. Storm Troupour (US) Dist: 0.75, 1.75 Time: 1.22.94 7 Ran Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes Gr1PA 2000m 1. JOUDH (FR) 4 ch m (Mahabb x Shamayl) T: Didier Gullemin O: YAS Horse Racing Management J: Olivier Peslier B: Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed 2. Sharesa (QA) 3. Eiman Du Loup (FR) Dist: 0.5, 2.75 Time: 2.25.49 9 Ran Shadwell Dubai International Stakes Gr1PA 2000m

Dist: Nse*, 3.75 Time: 1.39.38 9 Ran

1. NAFEES (FR) 5 b h (Azadi x Vivamaria) T: Charles Gourdain O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Olivier Peslier B: Royal Cavalry of Oman

*Zoe Di Gallura finished first, was considered to have caused interference and placed second.

2. Al Mouwaffak (FR) 3. Mehdaaf Athbah (GB)

2. Zoe Di Gallura (IT) 3. Hadiyah (FR)

Dist: 1.5, 4 Time: 2.21.03 6 Ran THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) Gr1PA 2000m

Ostend, Belgium - 30 July Turf President of the UAE Cup Gr3 PA 1600m 1. AOUN (FR) 4 ch c (Mahabb x Shumoos) T: Antoine De Watrigant O: YAS Horse Racing Management J: Roberto-Carlos Montenegro B: Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed

1. RAJEH (FR) 4 gr c (Jaafer ASF x Nelka) T: Francois Rohaut O: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Francois Xavier Bertras B: Al Shahania Stud 2. Rodess Du Loup (FR) 3. Taymour (FR)

2. Dynamites (FR) 3. Al Mounteze Monlau (FR)

Dist: 0.75, 0.75 Time: 2.18.14 8 Ran

Dist: Not reported Time: Not reported 10 Ran

La Teste de Buch, France - 18 August Good 3.2

Goodwood, UK - 1 August Good

Prix Nevadour Gr3PA 1900m

Qatar International Stakes Gr1PA 1600m 1. MURAAQIB (FR) 6 ch h (Munjiz x Tashreefat) T: Francois Rohaut O: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum J: Francois Xavier Bertras B: Shadwell France SNC 2. Ebraz (GB) 3. Lightning Bolt (FR)

1. BELQEES (FR) 4 ch f (Mahabb x Aleefa) T: Xavier Thomas Demault O: YAS Horse Racing Management J: Ioritz Mendizabal B: Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed 2. Al Shamoos (FR) 3. Al Naama (FR) Dist: 1.5, 1hd Time: 1.52.60 9 Ran

Dist: 1.5, 2 Time: 1.48.00 10 Ran

Newbury, UK - 18 August Good

Deauville, France - 11 August Soft 3.5 Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) Gr1PA 2000m

Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon International Stakes Gr3PA 1000m

1. MARID (FR) 3 gr c (TM Fred Texas x Al Dahma) T: Antoine De Watrigant O: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Olivier Peslier B: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani

1. MITH'HAF ATHBAH (GB) 6 gr h (Amer x Karouj) T: Philip Collington O: Athbah Stud J: Silvestre da Souza B: Athbah Stud

2. Deryan (FR) 3. Fettah Du Loup (FR)

2. Shomoos Athbah (GB) 3. Alazeez (GB)

Dist: nk, 0.75 Time: 2.26.26 5 Ran

Dist: 1.75, 3.5 Time: 1.09.62 9 Ran THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Warsaw, Poland - 19 August Turf

2. Maraasem (GB) 3. Fortuna Al Maury (FR)

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - Nagroda Europy Gr3PA 2600m

Dist: 0.75, 1 Time: 2.60.30 6 Ran Prix Cheri Bibi Gr3PA 1900m

1. SHANNON QUEEN (POL) 5 gr f (Ainhoa Faust x Sasanka Fata) T: Janus Kozlowski O: Gromola/Kozlowski J: A Reznikov B: Not Reported

1. NEEF (FR) 3 b c (General x Sarahmina) T: Didier Gullemin O: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Olivier Peslier B: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani

2. Shahad Athbah (GB) 3. Mogadiusz (POL)

2. Bel'izam (FR) 3. Sea Bird Al Maury (FR)

Dist: 1.25, hd Time: 3.22.40 5 Ran

Dist: 0.5, 2.5 Time: 2.60.30 7 Ran

Ostend, Belgium - 20 August Turf

Newbury, UK - 16 September Good

Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Cup Gr3PA 1800m

President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) Gr1 PA 2000m

1. LIGHTNING BOLT (FR) 6 ch h (Munjiz x Oleya Du Loup) T: Karin van den Bos O: Langoed Waterland J: Adrie des Vries B: Karin van den Bos 2. Rijm (FR) 3. Aoun (FR) Dist: Not reported 1.5 Time: 2.11.27 Runners Not reported

1. RODESS DU LOUP (FR) 4 gr c (Dahess x Aurora Du Loup) T: Charles Gourdain O: Khalifa Hamad Al Attiyah J: Christophe Soumillon B: J M Saphores 2. Rajeh (FR) 3. Rijm (FR) Dist: 1, Sh Hd, Time: 2.25.08 7 Ran

La Teste de Buch, France - 8 September Good 3.2 Prix Nevada II Gr3PA 1900m 1. BASEEL (FR) 3 b f (Munjiz x Assrar) T: Xavier Thomas Demault O: YAS Horse Racing Management J: Valentin Seguy B: Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Chilivani, Italy - 15 September Turf

Longchamp, France - 16 September Good 3.1

Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Cup LRPA 2400m

Qatar Cup (Prix Dragon) Gr1 PA 2000m

1. AKOYA (FR) 5 gr h (Muqatil Al Khalidiah x L'Obre Del Sol) T: Karin van den Bos O: Langoed Waterland J: Jean-Baptiste Hamel B: Karin van den Bos

1. YAZEED (FR) 5 gr h (Munjiz x Al Dahma) T: Alban de Mieulle O: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Olivier Peslier B: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani

2. Shadwan Al Khalediah (FR) 3. Ramiz Al Aziz (FR) Dist: 4.75, 1.25 Time: Not reported 13 Ran

2. Shahm (FR) 3. Gazwan (GB) Dist: Sh Nk, 9 Time: 2.11.60 7 Ran

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Autumn Issue 2018

ARC WEEKEND REVIEW

FRENCH REVIEW

All the results and comment fromArqana Sales, and top class Group 1 PA racing from Saint-Cloud and Longchamp

A look back at the all racing and champions from the 2018 season

PLUS: The Arabian Racing Year in Pictures Stud Focus Part 2

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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The Final Furlong

Like father, like son?

Pictured is Shadwell Arabian stallions Madjani, a three time Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) winner. He also won a further four Group 1PA races including two Al Maktoum Challenges (Rd 3). Behind him the young pretender, his son, Handassa, whose Group

victories also include two Al Maktoum Challenges (Rd3).

Madjani currently leads the UK Arabian sires table for number of winners in 2018, with one race to go. Handassa, who retired to stud this year, awaits his first foals who will be born in 2019.

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE