The Arabian Racehorse Issue 23

Issue No.23

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

WAHRC2017 - Monarch AH at 30 Wolves Winners - ARO Season Preview Part 2

DEBORAH BURT HonSEA

Sculptures in Bronze - Commissions Welcome Award Winning Fine Art Sculptor "Supporting Arabian Racing Since 2012" www.deborahburt-sculpture.co.uk

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T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE Issue 23 - 2017

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News ARO Taunton Entries Increase; Shadwell Super 7 Starts; HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival News; Ellie Mackenzie Racing Welfare Arabian Ambassador; DIAR Underway; ERA Schedule 17-18 Season; DA Adios First UK winner

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Wolverhampton Winners Report and pictures from the first UK Arabian Racing meeting of 2017

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President of the UAE CUP - Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes Gr 1 First European Group 1 of 2017

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World Arabian Horse Racing Conference Overview of the 2017 Conference from Morocco

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Festival Focus - Elizabeth Bernard

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Monarch AH - A Celebration, Heritage Arabian Racing Club AGM 2017

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ARO Season Preview Part 2 Peter Hammersley, Ellie MacKenzie, Joanna Mason, Will Pettis and Malcolm Mallow look forward to their chances for the 2017 ARO UK racing season

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Results

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) - photographs may be viewed and purchased at www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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NEWS TAUNTON INCREASE DEMONSTRATES GOOD HEALTH OF UK ARABIAN RACING The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted with the 82 entries and 57 declared for the second ARO full fixture of 2017, which will be held at Taunton racecourse on Sunday May 21. This increase on last year’s figure of 42 purebred Arabians demonstrates that the sport is in good health in the UK and that the opening meeting’s increase on entries and subsequent runners was an indication of things to come.

Windsor racecourse on August 28th, Bank Holiday Monday. This compliments a range of single races run on thoroughbred cards, from the lower levels to the highest. It also includes the shortest and longest races of the UK Arabian racing season – The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes, a Group 3 over 5 furlongs at Newbury on August 19 and the Royal Cavalry of Oman Premier Handicap over 2 miles at Doncaster on June 3.

The Taunton meeting features an eight race card with six races sponsored by long-time ARO sponsor, The Royal Cavalry of Oman. The Royal Cavalry maintain their support in 2017 following last year’s rise, the highlight of which is The Sultanate of Oman Raceday which will return to Royal

Also sponsoring at the forthcoming West Country fixture is Forta Stud, who have doubled their UK sponsorship this year and the Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC), whose sponsorship now extends to three races.

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Tameh (OM) and David Turner give the Royal Cavalry of Oman a winning return to UK Arabian racing at Wolverhampton earlier this month

Forta Stud’s Restricted Maiden and the HARC Conditions race are of great benefit to the grass-roots of the sport and races like these have helped attract new participants.

ARO Racing Operations Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of The Royal Cavalry of Oman who have been part of Arabian racing in the UK for over ten years now. It was also a great pleasure to see them have a winner on their return to UK Arabian racing at our opening fixture last Sunday.”

She continued: “We are also delighted to have more races sponsored by Forta Stud and HARC this season, their support is a very welcome addition and enables ARO to provide a diverse race calendar giving options to race at all levels. We thank the racecourse teams at Taunton, Doncaster, Bath, Newbury, Wolverhampton, Windsor

and Huntingdon for their support of these sponsors this year.”

For further information on ARO entries, decalrations, results, photographs and video links of races throughout the 2017 UK Arabain racing season click onthe link below: www www.aroracing.co.uk/racing-data-2/

www.fortastud.com www.facebook.com/forta.arabians

www.harchorses.com www.facebook.com/HeritageArabianRacingClub/

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SHADWELL

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SUPER It's back!!

The 2017 Shadwell Super 7 Horses to Follow Free To Enter Competition starts this Sunday at Taunton.

Entries must be received by email to equinecreativemedia@gmail.com Or by hand to Debbie Burt at Taunton Racecourse by 12 noon on May 21.

The team of seven horses, must include at least one three or four year old, no unraced horses (as of 21May) are permitted. The horses must be selected from the ARO list of registered runners which can be found via the ARO website.

This season the winner will receive an exclusive Shadwell watch and the runner-up a luggage set comprising of a cabin bag and handbag.

Points willl be scored in all ARO domestic races from May 21 to September 23, as follows: 10 points win 5 points second 3 points third Bonus points: 2 for a Group win and for a 1 Premier Handicap win. In addition any selected horse that wins a DIAR bonus at Dubai International Arabian Races on July 30 will earn an extra 10 points and at the Season Finale, Gold, Silver and Bronze Final winners will earn an extra 5 points.

In the event of a dead heat in any contest the points will be split.

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US ZAYED CUP TO BE RUN ON PREAKNESS DAY, MADRID TO HOST RE-NAMED WORLD ARABIAN HORSE RACING FORUM The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival announced a US$ 200,000 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race on Preakness Stakes race meeting day next year in the US to coincide with 100 years of the founder of the UAE. It will be one of the biggest day’s for Purebred Arabian horses when they line up for Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup 100 Years race at the Pimlico Race Course, in Batlimore, Maryland in 2018.

The Preakness is run on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes and the announcement was greeted with loud cheers at the Four Seasons in Marrakesh.

The announcement was made by Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the Int’l Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees, on a busy final day of the three-day World Arabian Horse Racing Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco on Saturday May 6.

“The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a pioneer in promoting Purebred Arabian racing and the UAE marks the beloved leader’s 100 years in 2018. It is one of the biggest race days in the world when the Preakness Stakes is run and we will also see Purebred Arabians running in the US$ 200,000 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup 100 Years race, sponsored by National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC,” Ms. Sawaya announced during the Workshop [below] of the WAHRC on Saturday afternoon.

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Later in the night at the Gala Dinner and Awards function at Palais Namaskar, which was attended by many UAE Ambassadors, VIPs and the 500-plus guests who attended the three-day event, Madrid was named to host the 9th edition of the Conference in 2018, which earlier in the day was re-named as the World Arabian Horse Racing Forum.

Ms. Sawaya also announced that the Euros 1.2 million Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Group 1) in Abu Dhabi in November will be held on a Friday instead of Sunday, so November 10, 2017 is when the world’s richest race for Purebred Arabians along with the finals of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies and Apprentice championships will be run.

The Festival also decided to rename the Wathba Stud Farm Cup as the

Wathba Stallions Cup-Wathba Stallions being the breeding arm of Purebred Arabian horses of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

“The Wathba Stallions Cup namechange is with immediate effect and next year we are planning to increase the races in this series from 61 to 90.

We will also try and discuss with racing authorities in the UAE and around the world to ensure that the conditions for these races cater to the requirements of the small owners and private stables that the Festival is aiming to promote,” Ms. Sawaya said.

“The Wathba Stallions Cup series will only be open to horses from the host countries as the aim is to develop and promote Arabian racing in these countries,” she added.

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In response to the Purebred Arabian horse connections in the UAE, Ms. Sawaya said the Festival will add races of DH 40,000 each to cater to the horses that never get a chance to run.

“We will urge the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah racecourses to see how best we can address this issue as many owners and trainers have complained of not getting enough races to run their horses,” she said.

On Saturday’s night, UAE Ambassadors, Sponsors, panelists on the various conference subjects and others were honoured amidst dance and music at the ‘Fusion Grand Orient Gala Dinner’ at Palais Namaskar.

Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Dr Nader Saab Switzerland, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

Photos (c) Morhaf Photo

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and

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EXPERIENCE THE THRILL ARABIAN RACING

TAUNTON

SUNDAY MAY 21

ADULT ENTRY - £12 including racecard, £2 bet voucher and £2 drinks voucher Under 18's Free Entry

GATES OPEN 11.30AM - FIRST RACE 1PM

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ELLIE MACKENZIE NAMED AS ARABIAN RACING JOCKEY AMBASSADOR FOR RACING WELFARE The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) confirmed the appointment of ARO registered amateur jockey, Ellie MacKenzie as the new Racing Welfare Jockey Ambassador for Arabian Racing. She will be promoting the work of Racing Welfare throughout the forthcoming season which starts at Wolverhampton on Sunday May 7.

Racing Welfare is the only charity to support all people who work in racing, from recruitment to retirement, and their services are also available to those working with Arabian racehorses, not just thoroughbreds.

represent Great Britain in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) Series, which promotes both Lady riders and Arabian racing around the world.”

She concluded: “We wish Ellie and all the other participants the best of luck for the forthcoming season.” www.racingwelfare.co.uk

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive for Racing Welfare said: “The team at Racing Welfare are very pleased to be able to appoint Ellie as our sponsored Arabian Racing Jockey and Ambassador for Racing Welfare. We are sure that Ellie will be a great asset to the charity in helping to spread the word about the services that we offer to the whole of the workforce of racing, including those working in Arabian racing. I look forward to seeing Ellie riding in the Racing Welfare sponsored breeches for the first time at Wolverhampton on Sunday.”

ARO Director Genny Haynes was delighted with the appointment saying: “ARO welcomes the involvement of Racing Welfare in Arabian racing and we are sure that Ellie will do a fantastic job promoting both organisations. She had her first ever winner riding under ARO rules in 2015. She has since gone on to

Ellie MacKenzie in her Racing Welfare branded breeches outside the winners enclosure at Wolverhampton, following her first winner as Ambassador

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DIAR 2017 PROGRAMME GETS UNDERWAY IN ITALY Clear skies and top quality sport were the order of the day at Capannelle Racecourse in Rome on Sunday May 14 for the Shadwell-sponsored event that was supported by two Arabian races under the banner of the Dubai International Arabian Races.

French raider Meblsh won the Listed PA Premio Dubai International Arabian Races 2017 – bounding clear in the last furlong to run out a hugely impressive winner.

Al Shaqab Racing’s handsome-looking five-year-old is trained by Thomas Fourcy, who said: “This horse always showed quality and we are very happy with his win today. He will probably continue to travel to compete in other international Arabian races of this quality, probably in Italy again.

“We will see how he recovers from this race and we may consider going to Newbury at the end of July, along with other horses.”

Although Meblsh ended up winning easily, his jockey Faleh Bughenaim felt he could have given the colt a better ride.

“The horse really surprised me – I gave him a very bad ride,” said the 26-yearold from Qatar. “I had him in a bad position, but he was brave and took the gaps when they opened. He is a very talented horse, with lots of quality.”

Toulouse in April over 1m2f.

The Swiss owned pair Nil Aziz and Nil Ashal were second and third. The first three home qualify for the bonus scheme, available on Dubai Day at Newbury on Sunday 30th July. If a qualified horse wins at Newbury, they will land a bonus on top of the stated prize money.

Vulcano By Bonorvesu is also qualified for the bonus scheme at Newbury after winning the Premio Shadwell Arabian Stallions, a conditions race for three year olds, by a comfortable margin, as well as Vento Di Gallura and Verdigo who finished second and third.

All three are Italian bred, with Vento Di Gallura trained by Endo Botti, who was successful in this race last year with Urge Di Gallura. The Botti trained colt went on to become the first horse to collect a DIAR bonus when winning the Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes Gr 2 at Newbury last July. www.diaraces.com

The colt is a full brother to the filly Almaa also traine by Fourcy. She won the Qatar Prix de l'Evevage Gr2 at THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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ERA CALENDAR 2017-2018 The fixture list for the 2017-2018 UAE racing season has been approved by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA).

The ERA season will offer 62 race dates and opens at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Friday November 3, 2017. The Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting will open at Meydan on Thursday January 11, with the 23rd renewal of the Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates will take place on Saturday March 31.

In total the UAE season will encompass 10 meetings at Al Ain Racecourse, 15 at Abu Dhabi Racecourse, 11 at Jebel Ali Racecourse, 6 at Sharjah

Racecourse and 20 at Meydan Racecourse. Malih Al Basti, ERA Board Member and Chairman of the ERA Steering Committee said: "We are pleased to release the fixtures for the 2017-2018 UAE racing season. The schedule offes trainers and race goers a comprehensive season of racing across our five tracks.

"We offer racing for domestic and international horses in both the thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian ranks and look forward to the start of another successful season of racing in the UAE on Friday November 3." www.emiratesracing.com

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FIRST UK WINNER FOR DA ADIOS

mile and a quarter and hopefully we can progress from here."

The first meeting of the UK Arabian racing season also saw the first winner in the UK for the American stallion DA Adios, when Zayin Indian Fuego readily won the Botanica International 5-in-1 Spray (0-50) Handicap over a mile at Wolverhampton.

His owner-breeder Paul Simmons was full of enthusiasm saying:"I was impressed with his performance today and gelding him over the winter has clearly helped him focus his mind, we're thrilled with him."

Ridden by David Turner and trained by Peter Hammersley, the six-year-old showed a good turn of foot from the off, always in the first two and quickly establishing a clear lead by halfway.

Though a little green in the closing stages, he still won eased down by three and a half lengths.

Hammersley said:"He's a different horse this year, I'm really please with his attitutude to work now as last year he wouldn't even pick up the bridle.

He'll probably come back here in June, stepping up to a

By DA Adios out of Barryh (Djelfor x Manisa), he is a half brother to the winners, Brigitta (Khairouan) and Zayin Barakaldo (Khoutoubia) and also the impressive debutant Zayin Angkor Centurion (Dahess). His dam was also a winner over a mile and a mile and a quarter.

DA Adios is still the highest moneyearning Arabian ever in the United States ($622,048) and was Darley Horse of the Year twice, in 2002 and 2004 and also WAHO Horse of the Year in 2008.

Peter Hammersley, David Turner, Zayin Indian Fuego (GB) Paul Simmons and Sue Wileman in the winners enclosure at Wolverhampton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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He was a Darley Champion Three-YearOld Colt in 2001, Darley Champion Four-Year-Old Colt in 2002 and Darley Champion Older Horse in 2004.

Sanibel IA was exported to Turkey in 1999 and is the dam of Ucanbey whose earnings in Turkey have exceeded $1million.

During the five years he raced, he won 19 times, winning every major Arabian Stakes race in the US, including the Arabian Cup Championship Classic (Gr1PA) twice, and the UAE Racing and Equestrian Federation Stakes (Gr1PA)

DA Adios stands at Alan Kirshner and Deb Mihaloff's Cre Run Farm in Virginia. On hearing the news of Zayin Indian Fuego's win Mihaloff said:"We are so proud that DA Adios now has winning get in the UK. Zayin Indian Fuego ran a lovely race and exmplified DA Adios's talent. We congratulate all of the connections on their win. We think 'Indy' looks just likehis sire Adios and wish them continued success."

Foaled in 1998, DA Adios is a pure Polish stallion, whose pedigree is free of French blood and is therefore Heritage Arabian Racing Club approved. His is by Wiking, another racing champion, Hall of Fame member and many times leading sire, who is also the sire of Monarch AH. His dam is Sanibel IA, is a graded placed daughter of Samtyr.

Her granddam is Sasanka, the dam of Monarch AH and so DA Adios is bred on very similar lines to that leading sire.

DA Adios is available to breeders via Cre Run Farm in the US and Esteem Bloodstock in Europe at $2,000 (semen transportation available). www.crerunfarm.com esteembloodstock2@aol.co.uk www.harchorses.com www.zayinarabianstud.co.uk

DA Adios (US) at home in Virginia (C) Cre RunFarm THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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WOLVERHAMPTON The Arabian Racing Organisation 2017 season got underway at Wolverhampton's Dunstall Park on Sunday May 7 with a bumper number of Purebred Arabian runners for an opening meeting in recent years

Ellie MacKenzie with Majid Bin Krayaan (GB)

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted with the opening meeting of the 2017 UK Arabian racing season at Wolverhampton, sponsored by Botanica International Limited. The eight race card drew a very encouraging 67 Purebred Arabian runners, more than double the 2016 season opener. The highlight was a

win for the newly appointed Racing Welfare Arabian Jockey Ambassador, Ellie Mackenzie. Demonstrating a fine judge of pace, MacKenzie on the Peter Hammersley trained Majid Bin Krayaan took the lead from over a furlong out to win by three and a half lengths, with MacKenzie riding out her ARO claim in the process.

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Above: Shomoos Athbah (GB) and Will Pettis win from Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) and David Turner Below: Will Pettis with Hau Kola (GB), Ria Tillett, Paul Beard, John Elliot and Phil Collington

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“It’s such an honour to be appointed the Arabian Jockey Ambassador to Racing Welfare” smiled MacKenzie.

“And to ride a winner on my first start in the sponsored breeches is brilliant and also for Majid’s owner HH Sheikha Maryam bint Al Maktoum. The season couldn’t have started in a better way and I am looking forward to promoting both Arabian Racing and Racing Welfare.”

young horses declared, the Botanica International Newcomers Maiden formed the first leg of a double for former 2015 ARO Champion Novice Will Pettis and trainer Philip Collington with Shoomos Athbah. Hau Kola winning the Botanica International (0-90) Handicap was also significant as he had provided Collington with his debut winner as a trainer, exactly a year ago.

Racing Welfare Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow tweeted her congratulations saying: “Great start to the partnership with Racing Welfare, well done Ellie Mackenzie.”

It was a great start for Collington who commented: “I’m really pleased with Shomoos Athbah, she settled really nicely and showed good turn of foot.

Hau Kola knuckled down well and both horses should progress from here.”

Both maiden races were well supported with a significant number of

Mike Palmer and Supermalc (GB) win from eventual third, Istafamouze (GB) and Joanna Mason THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Eqleem (FR) and MiKe Palmer beat Halib Des Forges (FR) and Will Pettis by a neck Below: Emiraaty (FR) and Antonia Peck

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Above: Tameh (OM) and David Turner Below: Zayin Indian Fuego (GB) and David Turner

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Emiraaty (FR) and Antonia Peck

There were doubles too for Mike Palmer on Supermalc in the Botanica International Natural Herbal Cream (0-35) Handicap for his long time supporter Adam Newey. He then followed up in the Botanica International Open Maiden in the HH Sheikh Hamdan colours on Eqleem for James Owen and is now one winner off losing his claim.

Palmer was ecstatic saying: “A big thank you to Adam and James, they’re both excellent horsemen, and I’ve learnt a lot from them - I ride out at both yards every week. I’ve also being working with Dr George Wilson at John Moores Liverpool University on my fitness and diet to get an extra edge this winter. I spend as much time as I can at Oaksey House - the staff are excellent especially Michael Peacock the gym manager and Dominic Elsworth is my jockey coach. Dominic

has been a great influence on my riding, and also my mindset, how I approach racing, which I needed to work on. I can’t wait for Taunton and tomorrow I start my first day’s trial as amateur jockey to Richard Hughes.”

2016 ARO Champion Trainer James Owen also recorded a double for HH Sheikh Hamdan when Emiraaty and Antonia Peck won the feature race, the Botanica Natures Healing Energy Purebred Arabian Open Handicap.

“I’m delighted with Emiraaty, he always tries, we will wait and go for one of the DIAR prep races with him now. I’m so pleased for Antonia and also for Mike, Antonia's lost her claim now and Mike’s the hardest working guy you could meet, he’s very dedicated. Eqleem is a strong stayer, he wouldn’t have been the first choice of my runners, but that’s racing.”

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Havid Turner and Katonahotinroof MHF (GB)

There was a quick-fire double too for jockey David Turner in the third and fourth races. Tameh in the Botanica International (0-75) Handicap was a significant win for the Royal Cavalry of Oman who have returned to their UK base in Wargrave Berkshire with nine horses after an absence. The Botanica International 5-in-1 Spray (0-50) Handicap saw a win for newly appointed ARO Director Paul Simmons with his homebred Zayin Indian Fuego - a first UK winner for DA Adios, America’s leading all-time money earning racehorse and a Heritage Arabian Racing Club approved stallion.

Turner was pleased by Zayin Indian Fuego saying: “Obviously Pete [Hammersley] has been doing a good job with him, and gelding has helped.

I’ve been riding out there over the

winter and wasn’t surprised to see him train two winners today."

He continued: "The Omani horse won easier than I thought, though he needs at least another two furlongs as all he does is stays. I gave him every chance and he ran on well, hopefully the handicapper will be kind to him.

"I think their other runner in the last, Katonahotinroof probably needed a bit more work. I’ve also been riding out at Wargrave since the Royal Cavalry came back to the UK, but I’m not that familiar with their horses yet.

The track there is a bit deeper than here, and with the dry weather we've had it's made it quicker than we would have wanted and he's a probably a little bit soft, but he's run well and should be better next time."

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returning here on June 17.

Reflecting on her day MacKenzie said:"It's made my day to ride a winner on my first outing sponsored by Racing Welfare. Majid is a lovely horse who I rode at Chelmsford in the Season Finale last September. The start didn't go as planned and it cost us the race.

Today he felt like a different horse, knowing that he's one-paced and seeing that everything's won from the front today we took a risk and it paid off. He really battled hard."

“A win for our Racing Welfare Jockey Ambassador Ellie MacKenzie bodes well for this new initiative too. We are also delighted to see new owners registered, as well as the return to the UK of both Dr Al Nujaifi and the Royal Cavalry of Oman. The Royal Cavalry have been long term sponsors of Arabian racing in the UK and it’s good to see them have a winner.”

Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive was thrilled saying:"It has been a superb start to the season, with such a high number of runners and an increase in young horses, it couldn’t have been a better day. We thank all the team at Wolverhampton and look forward to

She continued:"ARO gives a warm welcome to a new sponsor to Arabian racing in Botanica International and we thank Sean Cooney for his generous support and enthusiasm. Clearly Arabian racing in the UK is flourishing and we eagerly anticipate the next ARO fixture at Taunton on May 21."

Ellie MacKenzie and Majid Bin Krayaan (GB) lead the field into the first bend THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Hau Kola (GB) and Will Pettis draw clear of Naishaan (FR) and Joanna Mason

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PRESIDENT of the UAE CUP Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes Gr.1 Deauville, France

Muraaqib (FR) and Francois Xavier Bertras seen winning the Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) at Deauville in 2015

The first Group 1 of the European racing season was the President of the UAE Cup Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux at Deauville on Sunday May 14. Seven runners lined up for the 2000m contest including 2015 winner Prada T, 2016 UK Derby winner Lightning Bolt and Al Mouwaffak, Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Poulains winner in 2014.

Mehdaaf Athbah set the pace in company with Sha'hir, with Muraaqib tracking them in behind. Entering the home straight at the 400m mark, Pierre-Charles Boudot

asked Mehdaaf Athbah to quicken and though he responded well, Muraaqib and Francois-Xavier Bertras gave chase, finally getting the better of him at the 200m mark. Prada T ran on gallantly from behind to take third in the dying strides from Khattab. Al Mouwaffak's run came too late to make an impact, finishing fifth.

This was a fifth Group 1 win for the Francois Rohaut trained colt in the colours of his breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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WORLD ARABIAN HORSE RACING CONFERENCE 2017 Marrakesh, Morocco

2017 World Arabian Horse Racing Conference addresses the press at Adam Park Hotel, Marrakesh, Morocco (c) Morhaf Photo

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s 2017 World Arabian Horse Racing Conference opened on Wednesday May 3 with a press conference at Adam Park Hotel, Marrakesh, Morocco. The UAE’s Charge D’ Affairs to Morocco HE Mohammed Al Yamahi said, “ We thank HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs for bringing this great event to Morocco.”

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the 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 said, “History will be made on Saturday, thanks to HH Sheikh Mansoor, when the world’s latest racing venue, will see horse racing being staged in Marrakesh for the first time.”

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the second successive year. We urge all those present to use the next three days to share their expertise and experience which will help the growth of Purebred Arabian racing.”

Lara Sawaya

“After three days of discussions and debates in the WAHRC, the Hippodrome Marrakesh will come alive with the Festival’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship race and the Wathba Stud Farm Cup race,” she said.

Omar Skalli [above], Director General of SOREC (Moroccan Racing Society) thanks the support of HH Sheikh Mansoor and the Festival for staging races and the conference ion Morocco.

“This opens a new chapter for racing in our country,” he said.

The PC was also attended by HE Saqr Al Raisi, UAE Ambassador to Italy, HE Mohammed Sultan Saif Al-Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and many other important officials, sponsors’ representatives along with Moroccan officials.

Edward Hamod [above], General Manager of National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC, the main sponsors of the WAHRC, said, “We are delighted to be partners for

The opening address took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Marrakesh, the following day, in front of over 400 delegates representing 86 countries.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, who in a message welcomed those attending the Conference:

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Dr Abdullah Al Rayes

“The WAHRC started in Abu Dhabi and after being held in five different countries in Europe, it is now being held in a country in which both Arab culture as well as Purebred Arabian racing is deeprooted,” he said in his message.

“The continent of Africa has great potential and Purebred Arabian racing has its presence in almost all of the countries. This WAHRC meeting could be the ideal platform to get more members into the growing fraternity of Purebred Arabian racing.”

“The Marrakech Conference is also sure to throw up some new facets of the challenges facing the practice and promotion of Purebred Arabian racing on the continent and around the globe,” HH Sheikh Mansoor said.

Dr. Abdulla Al Rayes of the Abu Dhabi National Archives highlighted the role of education, which played a huge part in the success of the Conference and stressed its’ importance for those who are just starting to learn about Arabian horse racing.

Ahmed Al Hammadi of Emirates Racing Association said the experts and experienced panelists were bound to enrich the three-day event.

IFAHR chairman Sami Al Boenain said, “The Festival and the conference has succeeded in bring all horse racing officials of Purebred Racing under on one stage. Today we also have the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) President Mr Peter Pond here and all this augurs well for the future of Purebred Arabian racing.”

Omar Skalli, chief of Morocco’s racing body SOREC said, “On Sunday we will be inaugurating our seventh race track here in Marrakesh. We stage 2000 races in Morocco and 700 are for Purebred Arabians. Ninety per cent of Arabian horses are bred here in our country.”

“We have around 3000 horses and a thousand owners and this latest conference and race meeting on Sunday is bound to propel the growth further,” he added.

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Hassan Moussli

The three sessions on the opening day were ‘Breeding’, ‘Racing and Training’ and ‘Jockeys’ weight control and nutrition’.

Breeding The Breeding Session which began the conference was moderated by Masoud Saleh (Bahrain) with Khalid Al Nabooda (UAE), Jean-Pierre Deroubaix (Fr), Ezzadine Sedrati (Morocco), Hassan Moussli (Syr/ Fr), Michelle Morgan (US) and Ahmad Rayan (Algeria) as panelists.

Al Nabooda explained that it takes four years before you know if you have bred and raised a champion and added that luck only plays a small part.

Morgan used the careers of two full siblings, one a champion, the other not, to demonstrate that genes are only half the battle. However she still valued the less successful horse as they are important to maintain racing at the lower levels.

Essam Abdulla urged breeders to avoid mistakes and develop an appropriate culture of breeding that will focus on quality rather than quantity.

Sedrati highlighted the support of the Moroccan government in helping breeders and also urged for racing competitions between nations and regions that could help the base of racing fans grow.

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Racing and Training

Oman’s Al Hashemi.

Racing & Training was moderated by racing commentator Gary Capwell (UK) with Helal Al Alawi (UAE), Simon Hobson (US), Mohammed Al Hashmi (Oman), Dr Stefano Daneri (Italy), Francis Mautoben (FR), Dr Sefian Alami (Morocco) and Zakaria Semlali (Morocco).

Dr. Daneri defined the role of a veterinarian in racing as one of support to the trainer and said together they can be the winning formula for a horse’s success. “Vets play a very important role in shaping champion horses. The process is complicated but the role of vets does make a huge difference between success and failure of the equine athletes,” said Dr. Alami, who also highlighted the role of sports medicine in racing.

Hobson highlighted the fact that that Purebred Arabian racing and Thoroughbred racing were often oblivious of each other and there should be more communication between them. He also confirmed that medication rules were rapidly changing and this would result in an even-playing field.

“Arabian racing was part of our life, but now it is an industry, so we decided to go out of our country and race in England and France and that has given us substantial success,” said

The UAE trainer Al Alawi highlighted the problem of the lack of races for maidens in his country. “We have nearly 500 horses coming every year and at the end of the season about 400 are still maidens and then the next season these along with another 500 new horses of the next season pose a huge problem for connections to find races,” he said.

Simon Hobson THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Richie Mullen

Jockeys' Weight Control & Nutrition

management program.

The session on Jockeys' Weight Control & Nutrition was moderated by UAE-based racing TV presenter Laura King (UK) with Richard Mullen (UK), Xavier Ziani (FR), Mahi Aramideh (UK), Acaena Amoros (Spain), Dr Jamal Hout (Can), Kai Schirmann (GER) and Dr Philip Pritchard (UK) being members of the panel.

Mullen, the UAE’s champion jockey and Festival Ambassador, said: “Five years ago jockeys never thought of their food and training methods as athletes, but now they do, thanks to the Festival’s concerted efforts through such conferences. We can see a change in the mentality of jockeys.”

The majority welcomed the role the Festival and WAHRC, had played in raising awareness of the subject and praised the Festival-supported research at the John Moores Liverpool University. Speaking on behalf of the university Dr. Pritchard on expressed extreme gratitude to the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for the generous support in their research and development of Jockeys Weight

Mullen made a strong plea to stop the culture of ‘flipping’ (induced vomiting to meet weight requirements). He stated education of the younger jockeys was the most powerful tool in make them adopt healthy practices of keeping weight.

Whilst Schirmann asked that it should be recognised that everybody was different, and that jockeys should always consult their doctors on correct

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Social Media, PR & Communications

Rules, Conditions & Regulations

The second day of the conference began with Derek Thompson moderating the panel on Social Media, PR & Communications comprising of John Cobb (UK), Jean-Claude Alles (France), Isra Al-Shammari (Iraq), Essam Al Sayed (Sudan), Victoria Shaw (Australia), Mondher Zoueiten (Tunisia) and Mats Genberg (Sweden).

Philip Brannan (UK) led the session on Rules, Conditions & Regulations with Neil Abraham (Canada), Yves Plantin (France), Nelly Phillipot (Belgium), Ahmed Saeed Al Marzouki (UAE), Susan Meyer (USA), Hicham Debbagh (Morocco) and Ian Patterson (South Africa) on the panel.

The speakers agreed on the importance of social media after highlighting the great benefits in the rapid dissemination of information.

Naturally this will help in broadening the fan base for Arabian racing.

Genberg said it was all about getting followers, reaching people and having a dialogue, adding that Social Media gave one the opportunity to hear your clients.

Cobb said the Racing Post took instant messages, sent push messages and advocated the need to ignore insults on Social Media. Al Sayed highlighted the benefits of focused coverage of Arabian horse racing.

Alles showed an impressive pilot clip of proposed racing coverage which provided more information while the race was being run, though Laura King from the floor questioned whether we were covering up the beautiful imagery of the horses and racing itself with too many graphics. Isra of Yas TV said Social Media was a fantastic opportunity to reach huge audiences as long as the content was made interesting while veteran Zoueiten said that keeping pace with changing times had helped him get a readership of over 30,000 through the use of net coverage.

The main focus of the participants was on the harmonization of rules, mainly those governing the import and export of horses, movement of horses, handicapping systems and whip rules.

However the Festival made headlines with Ms Sawaya announcing that from later this year the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup races in the US will restrict entries to lasix free horses.

(Lasix or Salix, an anti-bleeding medication is the principal drug that differentiates the US medication regime from other major racing jurisdictions where race-day medications are banned). The Festival also decided to form a body to frame conditions and rules which will only govern the Festival’s races and which could help connections overcome difficult conditions imposed by host countries.

Panelists felt that educating government authorities on the huge impact of horse racing could help goverments to formulate rules that make it easier to move horses from one country to another.

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The Arabian Racehorse's Debbie Burt

‘Women in Racing’ Australia’s only female race caller Victoria Shaw moderated the session on ‘Women in Racing’ with the panel members being Ms Lara Sawaya, Mouna Benjelloun (Morocco), Rene Koch (France), Stephanie Corum (US), Lojaim Omran (Saudi Arabia), Elizabeth Bernard (France), Debbie Burt (UK) and Moza Al Mansoori (UAE).

The panelists revealed the challenges they faced in their respective fields and how they converted them into opportunities on their paths to success. Despite racing being dominated by men, the ladies said they were making inroads into the sport and felt more success in fields of owning, training, riding and the media had come their way in recent times.

Burt highlighted the opportunities given to the lady jockeys through the Festival and used two examples of UK ladies gaining success in the media that week in Ellie MacKenzie and Rachel King. Mackenzie who had ridden in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) stage in Bahrain earlier in the year, had just been appointed a Racing Welfare Ambassador for Arabian racing, whilst King had, that very morning, become only the second female jockey to win the Listed Wagga Gold Cup in Australia, where she now lives and rides. King had previously been honoured with the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley (International) Lady Riders Award.

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‘Future of Arabian Racing’ On the final day the panelists on ‘Future of Arabian Racing’’ were Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the Festival, Sami Al Boenain, President of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), Dr. Abdullah Al Rayes, Director General of the National Archives, Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of External Promotion of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority; Boutros Boutros -Emirates airline Vice President of Regional Communications, Marketing and Branding, Edward Hamod of National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC and Omar Skalli of SOREC, Morocco, with Derek Thompson moderating.

“The fact that 86 countries are represented among those in this gathering is proof of the current status that Purebred Arabian racing is enjoying,” said Ms Sawaya. “We are aiming at getting more of Asia involved next year and that will add to the tremendous progress Arabian racing has made,” she said while announcing more additions to the activities of the Festival.

finding solutions to problems like movement of horses and lesser paperwork in import-export of horses.

TCA’s Al Nuaimi said it was all about putting Abu Dhabi and UAE on the world map while promoting Arabian horses while Morocco’s Skalli added that among the challenges he faced were to draw more people to racecourses; ensure there was entertainment and enough to do between races during meetings.

The panellists were highly optimistic that the future of Arabian Racing was bright and agreed that much of the credit for the growth of Arabian horse racing in the recent years could be attributed to the efforts of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

After seven sessions the Workshop brought the 2017 WAHRC to a close. www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers, in cooperation with Emirates

Boutros believed the Festival’s push had made Arabian horse racing one of the fastest-growing sports and urged the racing fraternity to benefit from the opportunities being provided by the Festival.

Hamod said supporting the Festival and Arabian racing was value for money, whilst Al Rayes called for strategic and long-term goals to be set for Arabian racing. IFAHR chairman Al Boenain said his vision included

Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Dr Nader Saab Switzerland, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.

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Festival Focus ELIZABETH BERNARD HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley (International) Award - Best Trainer

Elizabeth Bernard won the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley (International) Award for Best Trainer and was also responsible for training the Best Four-year-old Filly in Naziq and the Best Older Mare in Sylvine Al Maury. In addition she was invited to speak on the ‘Women in Racing’ Panel at the recent World Arabian Horse Racing Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Whilst the victories of 2015 showed the world that Bernard could steady the ship

following her husbands’ passing, 2016 was a critical first season training under her name only. It was vital to show she had the skills to continue the stream of winners the couple had produced for the past 31 years, working together from their rented stable in the training centre of La Test de Buch, South West France. The Group 1 victories of Alsaker, Sylvine Al Maury and Naziq illustrate her abilities with delicate, but talented equines, in addition to the continued success of Sir Bani Yas.

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Above: with Brigadier General Abulrazak Al Shawarzi after Sylvine Al Maury's win at Longchamp in 2015 Below: Sylvine Al Maury (FR) wins the Group 1 2015

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Alsaker, described by Bernard as “very good but very fragile”, had suffered a leg injury following his Group 1 placing at three. Since joining Bernard, he is unbeaten in all three starts, the pinnacle being the Qatar Derby at Chantilly, when he prevailed by a nose in a thrilling threeway photo-finish. However the injury reoccurred during preparation for Istanbul and he will require another six months rest before returning to training.

Sylvine Al Maury was her star of 2015, ending the season as the top-rated Purebred Arabian filly. There appeared to be much to look forward to for the following season, but she lacked sparkle at home and though tests were inconclusive, she was not seen out until July. Despite only 80 per cent fitness according to Bernard, she dismissed her rivals in Newbury’s Hatta International with ease, following up against the colts in Deauville’s

Doha Cup. Always an excitable filly, it was Bernard who found the key to her early on, when at her husbands’ request, she rode her in morning exercise and immediately realised a hood would help her focus. This tactic had worked well, but to no avail for the World Cup and all parties felt the poor run should be ignored. This was justified by a return to form when third in the Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi, this time overcoming the poor draw and certainly over a distance short of her best.

Naziq continued the Bernard dominance of the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments, having won it six times in total, including four times with her husband. Bernard credits her husband for teaching her patience with the three-year-olds, not overracing or working them too hard.

Bernard receives her International Darley Award from Stefano Daneri THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Alsaker (FR) just heads Tayf (FR) and Khattab (FR) on the line for the French Derby Naziq (FR) wins at Chantilly under Jean-Bernard Eyquem

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Describing Naziq as “skin and bones” she is always concerned for her well being, however “she is a fantastic filly with a big heart and she likes to front run, with a lot of speed and a very long stride.”

At the peak of the 2016 season Bernard had 50 horses in training, over the winter many went back to their studs, whilst others have done well at the sales such Caid De L’Ardus, who topped the Arqana Arabian Horses in Training segment at €150,000.

She hopes her owners recognise her results and send more young horses in. Preferring to break them herself, she allows at least a month for training and praises her team’s abilities to do a good job.

She currently has 23 horses in training, both Thoroughbreds and Arabians including Alsaker and Sylvine Al Maury for the Royal Cavalry of Oman and Naziq for YAS Horse Racing Management.

Above: with Jean-Bernard Eyqeum before Sir Bani Yas's win at Goodwood in 2015 Below: Sylvine Al Maury (FR) wins the Group 1 Hatta Stakes at DIAR 2016

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MONARCH AH - A CELEBRATION Heritage Arabian Racing Club AGM Abu Dhabi

Deidre Hyde and Monarch AH (US)

To mark the occasion of Monarch AH's thirtieth birthday, guests were invited from around the world as part of the Heritage Arabian Racing Club AGM weekend. His story is all the more remarkable as he was orphaned at just three weeks of age, overcoming the odds to become a champion racehorse, setting three track records and subsequently becoming a champion sire and champion grandsire.

In the United States where he was

foaled, he is recoginised as a Living Legend and was inducted into the Arabian Jockey Club's Hall Of Fame in 1998.

Also remarkable is the fact that he has been sold not once, but twice, with his complete herd of mares. Most recently 15 years ago when they arrived at the newly formed W'rsan Stables of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. It was here Monarch welcomed guests last month to a fabulous parade of his progeny.

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The versatility of the Monarch AH (US) line was demonstrated by a selection of his sons who populate the local riding school. The Emirati boys, many who had not long learned to ride, gave a fabulous display of dressage and show jumping.

The performance also including tent pegging with the pegs on fire!

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Monarch AH (US) surrounded by his daughters to celebrate his 30th Birthday

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The stallion block at W'rsan, cleverley designed towers draw air down to keep the stables cool in high temperatures.

Sahm W'rsan - a filly by Tron Ku Tu out of Sweet Dreams by Monarch AH, waits to be called to the parade.

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Waneessah W'rsan - mare by Amer out of Winning Spirt MA by Monarch AH

Running from three to five years his record in the States shows he won 19 of his 23 starts for Magness Arabians, of which 14 were stakes races and he was awarded three Darley Championships.

An instant success at stud, he soon deposed his father Wiking, as Leading Sire and maintained that position until he was exported to the UAE in December 2001. He was also the first sire in US Arabian racing history to have his progeny win over $1,000,000 in a single season.

By 2017 his stock have amassed over $5.2 million in the US alone, which places him third behind his sire by lifetime earnings. Wiking still holds the record for progeny earnings in the US with nealry $8.8 to his credit.

Monarch's dam Sasanka was a Polish Triple Crown winner and is from the famous 'S' line family that traces to

Sabellina.

Monarch's leading US runners are headed by Royal Atheena ($329,259, Racing Hall of Fame, 5 Darley Championships, leading money earning female in the US) plus Geromino HF ($170,219), Royal Fanfare ($168,056), Mountain Majesty ($147,759), Winning Spirit MA ($142,029), Favoritt ($139,212).

Since arriving in the UAE, his sons and daughters have also been successful on the track and in other disciplines.

This past season his son Qassam W'rsan won over 2000m, whilst Al Khattar W'rsan is a champion in dressage.

Monarch AH is still available to breeders via Cre Run Farm in the US and Esteem Bloodstock in Europe. www.crerunfarm.com esteembloodstock2@aol.co.uk

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Above: Filly by Dilijans out of Dahhana W'rsan (Shaddad x Diamond Gilr MRV by Monarch AH) Below: Qassam W'rsan horse by Monarch AH x Cash On The Spot by Sam Tiki

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Training stables and track at W'rsan Above: Yaboob W'rsan (Fares Ikhnatoon x Uptown Girl MRV by Czarnolas) Below: Nurtejel W'rsan (Nitagor x Mai Tai W'rsan by Monarch AH)

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Jaci Wickham - principal trainer at W'rsan

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Above: Fitna W'rsan (Fares Ikhnatoon x First Out by Monarch AH) at exercise Below: Cooling off in the straight pool

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Heritage Arabian Racing Club AGM The second Heritage Arabian Racing Club AGM was held in Abu Dhabi on March 4, the Chairman, Ahmed Abdelrazek welcomed everyone to the 2nd HARC AGM and thanked its members for their support and efforts, whilst Secretary Deirdre Hyde was delighted to note that HARC had exceeded all expectations which has been extremely gratifying.

Following a proposal by Hyde to spread the workload by increasing the management committee, Nelly Philippot of Belgium was welcomed as a co-opted Committee Member and Marek Trela of Poland was proposed as a new co-opted Committee Member.

Iran was welcomed as a new HARC Country Member, whilst all members were reminded that each country must have a representative from their Jockey Club or official racing body and one other person named to us as their HARC officials, otherwise HARC cannot accept that country as a member.

The Committee confirmed that HARC's policy will remain that there will be only one accepted organisation within each country and regions within a country must work together.

Spain and Italy.

HARC’s administrator Leigh Young reminded everyone that a 12 slide power point presentation for use in gaining sponsorship is available on the website and can be adapted for individual use. She asked all to get involved in the search for sponsors and that members should not be reliant on His Highness Sheikh Sultan, as HARC's aim is to be self-funding.

Three HARC Championship races were held in 2016 in UK, Belgium & Brazil.

ARO held a HARC conditions race at the end of last season which received great response thanks to the bonus received and nominated a 2016 Champion HARC racehorse, in LB Farrah. Belgium was able to hold a Nations Cup contest as part of their championship, whilst Brazil reported their HARC GP race took place during the Brazilian National Show offering points to breeders & owners.

At the meeting’s conclusion, a warm thank you was offered to members and friends for their valuable support and to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his vision. www.harchorses.com

Genny Haynes presented her overview of all received Membership forms which will assist planning for the future, including details of horse populations and number of race days.

A further four new Country Members were accepted - Uruguay, Romania, THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

A R A B I A N R A C I N G O R G A N I S A T I O N

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) runs a programme of full Arabian racedays supported by single Arabian races on Thoroughbred fixtures from May to September.

Racing with ARO allows owners and breeders to particpate at all levels, proving their bloodlines through competition.

CONTACT ARO LTD FOR MORE DETAILS

'THE SOLE AUTHORITY FOR ARABIAN RACING IN THE UK' www.facebook.com/ARORacing twitter.com/ARO_Racing

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ARO SEASON PREVIEW Part Two of The Arabian Racehorse stable tours and jockey review, discussing the main hopes for the forthcoming UK Arabian racing season

Peter Hammersley in the winners enclosure at Wolverhampton

Peter Hammersley Jubilee Racing Stables Appleby Magna, Warwickshire After a difficult first year in a new yard, Peter Hammersley got off to a flying start at the opening meeting at Wolverhampton, with two winners, a second and a third. He has 15 horses for a variety of owners, the majority being homebred.

Undoubtedly the stable star of 2016 was Zayin Zachilles, who gave Hammersley and his owner-breeder Paul Simmons a much longed for first Dubai International Arabian Races win, in the final handicap on the card. Hammersley explains: “The way he travelled in that race over 7f on

Dubai Day was incredible and he then won at Hereford two weeks later over 1m4f.

Although Arabians are very versatile, they must have an optimum trip where they can perform at their best. With him a fast run7f does seem to suit him, as he travels so well and he can just sit there and wait, and wait, and then just pounce at the end.

“He’ll go to Dubai Day again definitely, he’s been dropped to 79 after Wolverhampton - those are obviously progressive young horses that beat him.

He’s exactly the same, he never changes, two wins a season and now placed 13 times.

He’s been collected over the winter, so there’s frozen semen available.”

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Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) with Sue Wileman

As for the rest of Simmons’s Zayin team he continues: “We have a new horse, Zayin Angkor Centurion, he’s a half brother to Zayin Barakaldo and to Zayin Indian Fuego, he’s by Dahess. He arrived in November, we broke him in and was fine, but when he was being ridden away, he became difficult. David Turner has been our saviour – he’s been coming up and riding him out. He looks the part and we’re pleased with how he ran, though I didn’t expect him to be beaten by a three-year-old filly – she must be very good! He showed a really great attitude in the finish, really sticking his neck out. He’s come out of the race really well and so we’ll go back to Wolverhampton and step him up 2f for the maiden there next month.

“Zayin Indian Fuego – we thought he had a good chance going into the

Wolverhampton race. Gelding him has definitely made a difference, he’s been more forward going at home, last year he just wouldn’t pick up the bridle and kept dropping himself out in his work. To be fair Sue Wileman who looks after him, has always believed in him and she’s done a fantastic job. We saw he had ability in his run at Newbury last season, but at last he’s showed his true potential. He’ll go back to Wolverhampton for the 1m2f 0-60 handicap.

“Zayin Zodiac, is back on a reasonable mark of 78. He’ll go to Taunton for the 0-80 handicap over 7f, we’re still trying to establish his best trip. He ran a great race at Chelmsford first time out last season so we’re hopeful. He’s done very well over the winter, has had some physio and is blooming now, but it looks a hot race.

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“Kallista - she’s only been back with us about three weeks, but with her it’s all in her head, if she puts it in she’ll run a good race and she ran well at Taunton last year.

I’ve been riding her a bit and she feels great. She’ll have all the HARC races in mind and possibly go back to Belgium again if we can keep her sweet.”

Hammersley has three horses for Forta Stud, who also sponsor a race at the forthcoming Taunton meeting. He continues: “Aurora Forta - she has wintered really well, I’m really pleased with the way she’s developed. She’ll go to the Taunton for the 1m5f race there, which is perfect for her and her work’s been good, so we’re very hopeful.

“Shammat Al Hosn - she’s got a lot of potential, we had a few problems with her last year with sore shins, so we were only able to get a couple of runs into her, but she’s on a nice mark I think. I was really pleased with her run at Wolverhampton, it

will have brought her on. She may go to Chepstow for the 0-70 handicap and then on to Dubai Day. “I also have a colt, Asraa Min Al-Talqa, he’s been working well at Wolverhampton. He’s only three and a late foal as well, so he will probably go straight to Newbury for the prep race and then DIAR, that’s the plan at this stage.

Hammersley has twice won the DIAR juvenile prep at Newbury with colts for Athbah Stud in Cheikh Roque and Khattaf Athbah. “This year I have two three-yearold fillies for Athbah, they’ve been progressing well, they’ll both be aimed at the three-year-old DIAR prep and then the Group 2 on Dubai Day. Dhab’aha Athbah made a pleasing debut at Wolverhampton.

She’s come in her coat and is a lot straighter for the run, though she’ll need further in time. Abiyah Athbah goes to Taunton, though I’d be concerned if the ground got much quicker.

Hammersley with Abiyah Athbah (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Suleyman (FR) at Athbah Stud in November 2015

“They’ve also just sent me a four-year-old colt, Suleyman. He cost €125,000 as a twoyear-old and had four runs in France for Philip Sogorb, three this season. He’s got plenty of natural speed as you’d expect as he’s by Munjiz. We may start off in a maiden or we could go to the DIAR Za’abeel prep race at Chelmsford, we’ll see how he settles in and take it from there.

“For Heather Phillpott we’ve Ultimate Force and Unity Belle. This is the first time I’ve had them through the winter, which has been a great help. They’ve both dropped down in the handicap so hopefully they’ll be more competitive.

They’ll both go to Taunton.

“Colin Banks has sent me Our Dream –

she’s a filly by the US stallion Our Machine. We had a few issues when she arrived, but she’s really settled in now. She will go to Wolverhampton. I’m pleased with her, I’m sure she’ll be alright. She’s keen and she wants to do it."

Speaking of his other winner he smiles: “Majid Bin Krayaan’s win at Wolverhampton gave me a lot of pleasure.

His attitude has really changed since he joined us last year, he was a bit wayward for no apparent reason to begin with, and I’ve ridden him a bit myself this year. He really knuckled down well to the job when winning, but he’s gone up 6lb and of course Ellie has lost her claim as well, so it will be tougher at Taunton, but I hope he’ll run another good race.”

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Regarding jockey bookings he says: “David Turner will ride most of them, he’s been coming up regularly, riding out for me throughout the winter and of course Laura Pearson will ride Unity Belle and Ultimate Force in some of their races, whilst Ellie MacKenzie rides Majid Bin Krayaan.

However it’s getting harder to find good lightweight jockeys, particularly the lads.”

He concludes: “We’ve settled in well here now, they’re working well and they all seem in good form. Let's hope the winners keep coming.”

Right: Unity Belle (FR) leads Our Dream at exercise on Hammersley's private gallops Below: Aurora Forta (AE) and Simon Walker at Hereford last year

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Ellie MacKenzie and Majid Bin Krayaan (GB) with Sue Wileman at Wolverhampton

ELLIE MACKENZIE Recently appointed Racing Welfsre Arabian Jockey Ambassador, Ellie MacKenzie spoke after losing her claim at Wolverhampton: "I'm from Taunton in Somerset; I've only ever had riding lessons and I've never owned my own horse.

When I left school I went to the British Racing School in Newmarket and I'm now based with thoroughbred trainer David Evans in South Wales - I've been there for two years. I've also ridden a couple of winners for him which is nice.

"My Mum and sister are so supportive, they come to most meetings if they can and they love the Arabian racing. With the next meeting being so close to home, they'll

definitely be there. I got into Arabian racing because I wanted to get experience and get rides, so I started riding our for Anna Bucknall who I lived near at the time and I came to the races and led up a few times and steadily got more and more involved."

Of her ride in the HH Sheikha Fatima series she said: "I finished just out of the frame in fourth, but going out to Bahrain was a great experience."

"I only ride on the Flat at present, but I would like to broaden into amateur jump racing if I can. I'm so lucky I've got some nice horses to ride this coming ARO season, its great to loose my claim and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

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JOANNA MASON Joanna Mason had a fantastic breakthrough Arabian racing season in 2016, starting with a ride in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship Series in Texas, where she was a close second and ending as ARO Champion Lady Jockey. Whilst being part of thoroughbred racing’s famous Easterby clan has clearly been helpful to her career, it has not been all plain sailing, sustaining a potential career ending injury, breaking her back in two places in a point-to-point fall in March 2015. Arabian racing helped her return to the track and has given her opportunities outside the thoroughbred amateur sphere. She rides as first jockey to 2016 Champion Trainer James Owen.

After the opening meeting at Wolverhampton she said: “I’ve really been looking forward the Arabian racing season

starting. I’ve been going in once a week to ride out for James and I had a full book of rides at Wolverhampton and five at Taunton.”

“All of James’ horses ran well at Wolverhampton. Alazeez will come on for the run and Naishaan gave a good performance and battled well for the line.

She’s quite tricky customer, she can stop at home like she did going to the start, but James is really good with her. All the young horses will improve, Madaany just looked at everything, it’s a big learning experience for them first time out.

She wouldn’t be drawn on which title she might aim at saying: “Well we’ll take each race as it comes, but it’s good to aim high so I’m hopeful of doing well. James has got some really nice horses for the season, so it’s great to be first jockey for him.”

Joanna Mason and Alazeez (GB) at the start at Wolverhampton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Will Pettis and Wolverhampton winner Shomoos Athbah (GB)

WILL PETTIS

around 6 o’clock.”

Will Pettis finished second in the Jockey Championship last year with 11 winners, having been the Champion Novice in 2015.

Now attached to Philip Collington, he is clearly hoping to challenge 2016 Champion Jockey Simon Walker for the title this year.

Of the 20 horses in Collington’s care, Pettis gave Wolverhampton Newcomers Maiden winner, Shomoos Athbah as the horse he’s most been looking forward to riding on the track and Halib Des Forges (second in the Open Maiden) as well.

Speaking between lots at Collington’s yard he said: “I’m working for Phil full time - it’s no different to being in Lambourn really, I keep my head down, go to the gym, keep fit and my weight down.”

Looking ahead to the season he said: “Obviously I’ve got good support from Phil, I’ll ride most of the first choice runners here, and hopefully some good outside rides as well. It helps that I can do the light weights too.

Describing a typical day he explained: “We start at 6.15 in the morning, tack up, ride first lot out and then stop for half an hour for breakfast. Then another two or three lots and finish around 12 to 12.30. We come back for evening stables at 4 o’clock, I normally have three or four horses to do, brush them off, do their feet and so on, then rugs back on, hay, feed and finish

“I love the Arabians, I said to Phil I enjoy the Arabians more than the thoroughbreds, I feel like I gel with them more. It’s brilliant, especially being able to ride for HH Sheikh Hamdan and Athbah Stud. Fingers crossed we can have Champion Trainer, Champion Jockey and Champion Novice in the yard!”

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MALCOLM MALLOW Also attached to Collington’s yard is 2016 Best Newcomer, Malcolm Mallow. Initially he trained as a chef, but went to Thetford in 2014 to assist in the breaking process for HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Arabians. From there he had a brief spell in National Hunt racing with a few rides in point-to-points, then going back to a breaking yard.

When Colington set up training at the end of the 2015 season he rang Mallow to se if he wanted to join the team, Mallow jumped at the chance saying: "I’ve been very lucky, I just can’t wait to get going now. It’s lovely here in the new yard, the facilities are far better than we had last year. It’s good to have a bit more turnout, so we can get them out for an hour or two every day. It makes such difference to them, especially the older horses, it does wonders for their head.”

He continues: ”We’ve got some nice horses

this year, good young ones coming through and the older horses to carry on from last year in the higher rated handicaps. All the three-year-olds are a nice bunch. I don’t have a preference yet, as they are such different horses who will want a range of trips. It’s interesting for me because this obviously is the first time I can make a direct correlation to last season, with the breeding, seeing the siblings coming through and start to have a bit of an idea of what they're gong to be like."

Speaking of Maaidan who formed the second leg of a memorable first ever double, he said: “ I hope I get to ride him again, he would definitely be my pick this year of the ones I’d like to ride. He’s just a such a consistent, genuine horse.You just can’t help but love him.”

“Hopefully I’ve got a few nice rides for outside trainers this year and combined with what I’ll have for Phil, I’m hoping for a good season.”

Malcolm Mallow gets reday for second lot at Phil Collington's yard THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Meydan, UAE (Dirt) Saturday March 25

Dist: nk,1.75 Time: 1.36.30 6 T: Phil Collington O: Athbah Stud J: Mr Will Pettis B: Athbah Stud

GOING: Muddy 16.15 pm Dubai Kahayla Classic Empowered by IPC Gr1PA 2000m 1. REDA (QA) (Burning Sand x Ba’scherit) 2. RB Burn (US) 3. Sniper De Monlau (FR) Dist: 2.5, 3 Time: 2.16.07 13 Ran T: Julian Smart O: HH Sh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Harry Bentley B: Al Shahania Stud

Al Rayyan, Qatar (Turf) Saturday Thursday April 6 20.20 pm Qatar Gold Sword Gr1PA 2000m 1. GAZWAN (GB) (Amer x Arc De Ciel) 2. Tayf (FR) 3. Mahess Du Soleil (GB) Dist: nk, 1.25 Time: 15 Ran T: Julian Smart O: HH Sh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Richard Mullen B: Al Shahania Stud

Wolverhampton, UK (AW) Sunday May 7 GOING: Standard 1.00 pm 1 Botanica International Newcomers Maiden Stks 7f 1.SHOMOOS ATHBAH (GB) (Burning Sand x Djanet Monlau) 2. Zayin Angkor Centurion 3. Pacific Syrah

1.30 pm 2 Botanica International Natural Herbal Cream (0-35) Hcap 1m 1. SUPERMALC (GB) (WFA Leopard x Northfield) 2. Crown Of Salona 3. Istafamouze Dist: hd, nk Time: 2.12.70 12 Ran T: Adam Newey O: Adam Newey J: Mr Mike Palmer B: Adam Newey

2.00 pm 3 Botanica International (0-75) Hcap 1m 1. TAMEH (OM) (Dhess x Rhoda Du Paon) 2. Al Raha 3. Pogrebok Dist: 3.5,2 Time: 2.02.29 8 Ran T: Said Al Badi O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Mr David Turner B: Royal Cavalry of Oman

2.30 pm 4 Botanica International 5-in-1 Spray (0-50) Hcap 1m 1. ZAYIN INDIAN FUEGO (GB) (DA Adios x Barryh) 2. Jamaahir 3. Billy’s Girl Dist: 3.5,1 Time: 2.05.66 8 Ran T: Peter Hammersley O: Zayin Arabian Stud J: Mr David Turner B: Paul Simmons

Cre Run Sires - Creating Runners

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3.00 pm 5 Botanica International Open Maiden Stakes 1m2f 1. EQLEEM (FR)(Al Sauodi x Magie De Faust) 2. Halib Des Forges 3. Almareekh Dist:nk, 1.75 Time:2.17.75 13 Ran T: James Owen O: HH Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Matoum J: Mr Mike Palmer B: Shadwell France SNC

Another winner for Another winner fed on 3.30 pm 6 Botanica International Cleansing Wash (0-65) Hcap 1m2f 1. MAJID BIN KRAYAAN (GB) (Krayaan Dilmun x Edelphy) 2. Mi Temps Di Piboul 3. Synergy Dist: 3.25, 5.5 Time: 2.19.62 10 Ran T: Peter Hammersley O: ZHH Sheikha Mayram bint M AL Maktoum J: Miss Ellie MacKenzie B: Mrs Jenny Lees

4.00 pm 7 Botanica International (0-90) Hcap 1m2f 1. HAU KOLA (GB) (Madjani x Merwah) 2. Naishaan 3. Zayin Zachilles Dist: 0.75, 11.75 Time: 2.17.36 4 Ran NR2

Paul Beard J: Mr Will Pettis B: John Elliot

Another winner for 4.30 pm 8 Botanica Natures Healing Energy Purebred Arabian Open Hcap 1m 1. EMIRAATY (FR) (Al Saoudi x Horkidee) 2. Katonahotinroof MHF 3. Alazeez Dist: 1.25, sh hd Time: 2.04.31 4 Ran T: James Owen O: HH Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Matoum J: Miss Antonia Peck B: Shadwell France SNC

Another winner for Another winner fed on Deauville (Turf), France Sunday May 15 GOING: Soft 15.05 pm President of UAE Cup Coupe d'Europe Gr1PA 2000m 1. MURAAQIB (FR) (Munjiz x Tashreefat) 2. Mehdaaf Athbah (GB) 3. Prada T (HOL) Dist: nk, 4 Time: 2.24.48 7 Ran T: Francois Rohaut O: HH Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Matoum J: Francois-Xavier Bertras B: Shadwell France SNC

T: Phil Collington O: John Elliot & THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 24

TAUNTON - WEST COUNTRY ACTION

Organisation fixture of 2017, plus all the single race reviews, including the first three UK DIAR prep races.

FESTIVAL FOCUS GARY CAPEWELL & SIMON HODSON

2017 Shadwell Super Seven Leaderboard for this years' competition Report and pictures from the second Arabian Racing

Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Photographs from ARO 2015, 2016 & 2017 Seasons, plus Chantilly, Doha, Deauville, Longchamp, Saint-Cloud, Abu Dhabi and Dubai VIEW and PURCHASE at: www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE