The Arabian Racehorse Issue 26

Issue No.26

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

DIAR 2017 Preview Chelmsford City

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 26 - 2017 3

News DIAR 2017, Shadwell Super 7; Qatar International Stakes

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Chelmsford Winners Report and pictures from the fourth UK Arabian Racing meeting of 2017 sponsored by Wathba Stallions

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Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-50)Handicap Bath report and pictures

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DIAR Preview Part 2 - DIAR Prep Series Review

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DIAR 2017 Group Race Preview A look at the main contenders in the four Group races on Sunday 30 July

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Repeat Performance Interview with Matt Johnson who rides in the UAE Embassy Handicap at DIAR 2017

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Birds Eye View Interview with ARO commentator Gary Capewell, looking back on DIAR and his best bets for Sunday

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Results Chelmsford & Bath

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 DUBIA INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN RACES ARE HERE! The wait is nearly over, this year's Dubai International Arabian Races promises to be the best yet with top class Arabian racing supported by a host of activities for all the family.

The Arabian Racing Organisation was delighted after the final entry stage when they annoucned that the eight races had attracted a staggering 189 entries, another increase continuing the trend set in 2016.

Shadwell Stud Director, Richard Lancaster said:"The number of entries for this years' Dubai International

Arabian Races is outstanding and is a great testament to how important the event has become in the Arabian racing calendar."

Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive said: "ARO is thrilled with this significant increase and it is also very pleasing to see six defending title holders make entries, as well as other top class international and domestic horses."

Entries in the 2016 DIAR Arabian Rainbow Competition for local primary schools THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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In addition to the eight race card, the activity hub will again keep families entertained, Racing to School are bringing their equicizer allowing budding young jockeys to practise their skills , Elizabeth Armstrong hosts the equine art workshop, plus there are the ever popular henna artists, the falcon exhibition and face painting.

afternoon.

Of course the equine stars of the day are also all eligible for Best Turned Out awards, with the groom of the winner in each race receiving ÂŁ300.

See more at www.diaraces.com

DIAR is well known for it's competitions and there will be the Best Dressed Lady, Children's Hat and a #DIARSelfie competition too, in addition there will be a prize draw for a holiday to Dubai, a designer watch and the star prize - a brand new Citroen C1 Touch car.

DIAR's supprt of the local primary schools continues with the Arabian Rainbow Competition, with the judging taking place during the

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SHADWELL

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SUPER The 2017 Shadwell Super 7 Horses to Follow Free To Enter Competition is now heads to Dubai International Arabian Races and the chance of bonus points is high for our teams.

Results are to Wednesday July 19.

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.

Points are 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.

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

Going into DIAR, it is no surprsie that James Owen, who heads the Trainers Championship by a margin of 5 wins, is also ahead with his team here. The top ten on the leaderboard are as follows: James Owen Debbie Burt 2 Jenny Owen Debbie Burt 1 Mark Buchan 2 Mark Buchan 1 Anna Wallace Gary Capewell 1 Teresa Kinsey 2 Brian Wallace

81 66 63 62 60 58 53 51 46 45

The leading horse on points with 21, is still Nicki Thorne's Difaa, a son of the Shadwell stallion, Jiyush.

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

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HIGH CLASS ENTRIES FOR QATAR INTERNATIONAL STAKES, THE FIRST LEG OF DOHA TRIPLE CROWN A high class list of entries was released by the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) for the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA), the first leg of the Doha Triple Crown, to be run as part of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

They include several classy-four-yearolds - Ebraz, winner of this years’ HH Emir’s Sword (Gr1PA), and Nafees and Ahzar, first and second in the Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabe at Chantilly last Sunday. Also among the entries are multiple Group winners Al Mouwaffak, Muraaqib and Tayf, as well as Prada T, a Group 1 winning mare who has twice been placed in this event.

Initiated two years ago, The Doha Triple Crown’s second and third stages are the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1PA), run at Chantilly in October, and the HH Emir’s Sword (Gr1PA) to be run in Doha in February 2018. This series links together three of the most prestigious international events and also carries a $1,000,000 bonus to any horse who can win all three stages.

Will it be third time lucky for Prada T (NL)? Seen here with Pat Dobbs finishing second to Al Mourtajez last year, following a second to Sir Bani Yas in 2015.

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Al Mourtajez (FR) leads them home in the 2016 Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA)

The overall prize fund for the Qatar International Stakes is £400,000, and with £200,000 to the winner, the one mile contest has attracted 17 entries.

Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive said: “The quality of entries has exceeded expectations and includes some exciting young horses just starting to make their mark on the international scene, as well as established champions.”

She continued. “It is an honour for ARO to stage the first leg of such a high-profile initiative for international Arabian racing. The addition of this race at such a prestigious event in the UK racing calendar is a huge boost to the profile of the sport, both domestically and worldwide.

GOODWOOD PRESS LAUNCH PROMOTES QATAR INTERNATIONAL STAKES Representatives from the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO), were in attendance at a press launch for the forthcoming Qatar Goodwood Festival, held at the Sky Bar, Grange St. Paul’s Hotel in London yesterday.

The £400,000 Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) will be run on Wednesday 2 August on the second day of the five-day annual Festival, held at the historic Sussex Downs course.

Clerk of the Course, Seamus Buckley said: “As always we try to produce decent ground, I hate starting off the Festival meeting with fast ground because it’s a long week. It’s been extremely difficult this year, it’s been a very dry spring and early summer. In

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April, getting ready for the first meeting we had 6mm of rain in 36 days, so we had to water extensively for the start of the season. However,we had 50mm last week and as I speak we have the irrigator slowly working its’ way around the course.”

During an interview with ITV Racing’s Oli Bell, ARO Director Genny Haynes said: “Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club have been sponsoring Arabian racing in the UK since 2009 and inaugurated this race in 2015, as the first leg of the Doha Triple Crown Series.

Their were no supplementary entries for the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) and runners are to declare on Monday 31st July at 11am.

Julian Smart with Ebraz (GB) at Saint-Cloud last autumn THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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CHELMSFORD CITY The fourth full fixture of the UK Arabian season sponosred by the Wathba Stallions Cup Series was dominated by trainer James Owen, with doubles for jockeys Simon Walker and Joanna Mason

Karlos Du Cayrou (FR) and Joanna Mason win the feature race at Chelmsford as part of a four-timer for trainer James Owen

James Owen dominated the first Wathba Stallions sponsored fixture of the 2017 Arabian Racing Organisation season at Chelmsford City Racecourse this afternoon. In front of a crowd over 1,000 racegoers, the in-form Newmarket based trainer recorded a four-timer, with victories for Dolfina D’Ibos (0-55 Handicap), Karlos Du Cayrou (0-95 Handicap), Munbaher (0-80 Handicap) and Crahck (Restricted Maiden), giving jockeys Simon Walker and Joanna Mason doubles in the process. The wins put him five points clear in the current Trainers’ Championship and Joanna

Mason two points clear in the Ladies’ Championship.

Speaking after racing, a delighted Owen said: “It’s been great today, they’ve all run well. I like the track, which is local for us. None of them have had hard races today, so we can go to war again with them.

“Karlos Du Cayrou, he won well too.

He enjoyed the surface and he would definitely run here in the Apprentice handicap over a mile - which would be the perfect trip for him. He’s a little bit quirky, but he’s getting better all the time. He comes out of his races well.”

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Dolfina D'Ibos (FR) under Simon Walker finishes almost two lengths clear of Elyassaat (hood) under James Harding and Johara Bint Shuwaiman (rails) and Ellie Mackenzie, in the Wathba Stallions (0-55) Handicap Stakes over 1m6f

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He continued: "I’m pleased to get another win out of Dolfina D’Ibos. She stays well, if she goes up in the handicap a little bit, I might run her in the Ladies race here in August, she does possess a lot of speed. We’re learning more about her, she’s had a few season problems, but we’re getting there with her. Simon gave her a great ride, I know she won easily, but he rode her well."

He concluded: “Crahck has been knocking on the door in maidens. The young lad, Lucas Olsen, who rode him in his first two races, has gone back to Denmark now, he did a great job on him. He’s ok, Crahck, he’s a trier, so I’m glad to win with him, and Munbaher, he loves this track. He’s a Madjani, they all seem to like it here. He loves to get his toe in, loves to lead and he likes to race.

Owen now leads the ARO Trainers Championship with 14 wins, to Phil

Collington's nine, though Collington is just ahead on prize money. In third is Peter Hammersley, who saddled the winner of the fourth race, the Wathba Stallions (0-65) Handicap, Unity Belle.

Heather Phillpott's homebred mare was always prominent inthe hands of Sam Lee, who recorded his first win under ARO rules.

Lee was pleased saying: “It’s my first winner from three rides with ARO. I’ve had quite few winners point-topointing; I’m based with Fred Hutsby in Northampton, he gives me a lot of good horses to ride, but this keeps me fit in the summer.

“This is my third season riding over all, I rode one Arabian last year and I thought I’d take it a bit more seriously this season. I ride out for Peter at home and I knew what I had to do - it’s great when a plan comes together, the horse ran as expected, so it went well.”

Horses for courses, Munbaher (FR) with Joanna Mason - his form figures read 3131 at the Essex track THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Crahck (FR) under Simon Walker, was an easy winner from another Owen runner in Pacific Syrah (FR)

There was also a win for the Royal Cavalry of Oman in the opening maiden, with Riyam ridden by Ellie Mackenzie. Afterwards trainer Said Al Badi commented: “We’re pleased with that. He has improved since he ran in France in May. We thought he would run a good race and he’s won easily.”

The attractive three-year-old colt is the first UK winner for mulitple Group 1 winner and second seaason sire General. Riyam had been well beaten in two starts on good or softer over a furlong less earlier it the year, when trained in France by Christian Baillet, however he readily put that behind him finishing a length ahead of stablemate Lameh and nearly a further three lengths ahead of Munawwar in third.

Al Baidi is hopeful that the colt will run at DIAR in the Group 2 Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes over seven furlongs and

expects Mackenzie to keep the ride.

There was also a first ARO win for Isabella Farnese in the 0-40 Handicap, riding her mother’s Cosmic Girl. Selena Farnese said: “Cosmic Girl’s being retired as a broodmare now. She has a yearling by Monsieur Al Maury and is booked for Assy shortly. Isabella had her first ride on her when she was 17, back in 2011, and this was her second ride, so it’s lovely for her to win. She works for Ed Walker now, so came up from Lambourn to ride today.”

Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive said: “It is a pleasure to host the Wathba Stallions Series again this season. ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya and we look forward to our next meeting here, supported by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival on 12th August.

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Above: Riyam (FR) and Ellie Mackenzie win from stablemate Lameh (GB) and Ciaran Jones in the maiden.

Below: Said Al Badi and Ellie Mackenzie receive their trohpies from ARO Director Genny Haynes

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Unity Belle (FR) and Sam Lee cross the line ahead of Conquer (GB) and Synergy (GB). This is a second win in three starts for the Peter Hammersley trained mare, seen below with Peter Hammersley and her owner-breeder Heather Phillpott

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Isabella Farnese and Cosmic Girl (GB) return from winning the Wathba Stallions (0-40) Handicap. They quickly asserted and finshed 13 lengths clear of Southpaw (GB) and Taer Al Hurr (IQ). They were also awarded the Best Turned Out Prize sponsored by Brian and Anna Wallace.

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Best Turned Out winners clockwise from above: Al Faaris, Mont D'Or, Muhaajer, Dolfina D'Ibos, Unity Belle, Crack and Mark Buchan, representing BTO sponsor Baileys Horse Feeds who said:" Arabian racing maybe small here, but I'm the Export Manager for Baileys and I know it's a lot bigger in the rest of the world, so we're just putting our little bit back."

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Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-50) Handicap Stakes Bath

Ultimate Force (FR) and David Turner get back to winning ways at Bath

Ultimate Force and David Turner put in a fine front-running performance to win The Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-50) Handicap today at Bath, winning by two lengths from Zayin Zamurai, with Senor Dublcheck a further three lengths behind in third. This gave owner-breeder, Heather Phillpott and trainer Peter Hammersley their second win in four days, as Phillpott’s other horse, Unity Belle had won at Chelmsford City on Saturday.

A delighted Hammersley said: “He’s been working well at home all year and has been able to show his true running this afternoon. He’s had three runs on the All Weather and he just doesn’t like it, when he ran here two

years ago he was just touched off by a nose by Senor Dublcheck.

“Dave’s given him a cracking ride today, when he’s in front, he’s quite happy to bowl along. I’m pleased with the way he stayed on, he wants a bit further and will probably come back here next month for the 0-60 Handicap.”

ARO Racing Operations Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “This is the first of two single races to be run at Bath this year supported by long-term ARO sponsors, The Royal Cavalry of Oman, the next will be on Friday 4th August.

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Peter Hammersley with Ultimate Force (FR) and Heather Phillpott

She continued: “The Royal Cavalry’s sponsorship, which they increased in 2016, got off to a successful start this season with six of eight races at our Taunton fixture, followed by our longest premier handicap, run over two miles, at Doncaster.”

She concluded: “We always receive a great reception at Bath, and we thank them and the racecourse teams at Taunton, Doncaster, Newbury and Windsor for their support of the Royal Cavalry’s race sponsorship in 2017.”

The Best Turned Out Award was sponsored by Top Stock and was given to Wahiba.

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DIAR PREP SERIES 2017 Review

Alazeez(GB) and Harry Bentley go to post at Chelmsford City

The DIAR prep series has been universally welcomed by all, across all facets of the sport and it has certainly achieved it's aim of raising the profile of both DIAR and Arabian racing worldwide.

Following the final DIAR entry stage Shadwell Stud Director, Richard Lancaster commented:“The DIAR prep races have played a vital role in boosting participation – all four winners from the last round of prep races in Holland are expected to run which is fantastic and a huge thank you to the connections of those horses for their continued support. The stage is set for a great day’s racing.”

Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Racing Operations Executive said: “The DIAR prep race series has been a great addition, helping to promote the fixture across Europe, together with the other incentives for travel and the Bonus Scheme, which I’m sure have been instrumental in gaining the increase in entries this year to 189 across the eight races on July 30th.

"Hopefully we may see one or more of the Prep Race winners or placed horses secure a bonus race on DIAR and thereby claim their additional prize money as Urge Di Gallura did last year.”

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The series spanned 18 races across five countries starting with Italy, who only joined the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) less than two years ago, holding their first pattern race (a Listed contest as part of the DIAR series) in 2016. Trainer, Endo Botti (of Italy's famous horse racing dynasty), brought the three-year-old colt Urge Di Gallura to DIAR, following his win in the DIAR juvenile prep at Capanelle. They made history by becoming the first Italian DIAR winner and the first to secure one of the DIAR Bonus's when winning the Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes Gr2 PA over seven furlongs.

This year there are no Italian trained representatives entered at DIAR, though the full brother to Urge Di Gallura runs in the Emirates Equestrian Federation International, he is trained

in Holland and is owned by Faisal Al Rahmani.

After Italy in May, the series moved to the UK, to the All Weather track at Chelmsford City. Since reopening, the Essex venue has really embraced Arabian racing and the team, headed

by Fraser Garrity, have been enthusiastic supporters of the sport.

Not only that, crowds for the full Arabian fixtures held there in the last two seasons, have regularly topped 1000 racegoers, and the course has been at full capacity when combining Arabian racing with their popular live music nights.

The two DIAR prep races held there in June were dominated by the 2016 Champion UK Arabian Trainer James Owen, winning both the Hatta and Za'abeel prep races with HH Sheikh Hamdan's homebreds in Naishaan and

Naishaan (FR) and Tadhg O'Shea win at Chelmsford City THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Difaa (GB) and Will Pettis at Chepstow Alazeez. Both four-year-olds, they had also run in the juvenile Group 2 won by Urge Di Gallura last year, Alazeez faring best, as he as was only just third, beaten a neck by the second, Shabih Alreeh, who has since gone on to be Group 1 placed in Qatar in February. Both races attracted international runners, though only Peter Deckers, Jamas DA made the frame behind Naishaan.

Just nine days later the Stayers prep was held at Chesptow, this race is confined to domestic UK runners and helps to promote the grass roots of the sport, such as last years' DIAR Stayers winner Kamikaze, part-owned, partbred and trained by Adam Newey.

However the main event it supports at DIAR does have some high profile winners too, including the great No Risk Al Maury (2006), the highest rated Arabian racehorse of his day and one of only three dual Dubai International

winners (won in 2007, 2008).

This year the race was won in fine style by the Phil Collington trained Difaa, who has looked a progressive individual since his debut at Chelmsford last July.

Five days later the series made it's first visit to Newbury for the juvenile prep, run over the same seven furlong course and distance as the Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes, so it is a true preparation for the young horses, many of whom were having their first racecourse exeperience.

Since the series inception, the race has been won by Warwickshire handler Peter Hammersley, with the Athbah stud colts, Cheikh Roque and Khattaf Athbah, though he had admitted to being hopeful, rather than confident with his two runners this year.

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Anfaas (GB) and Timmy Murphy win the juvenile prep at Newbury In the event, the race went to Anfaas, another Collington trained runner and Sheikh Hamdan homebred, given a well judged ride on her debut by Timmy Murphy. A daughter of the aforementioned No Risk Al Maury, she made her fillies allowance tell, winning from Bariq and Shomoos Athbah.

The focus then switched to Stockholm in Sweden, at another new racecourse in Bro Park. There were four DIAR races, starting with the six furlong Shadwell Arabian Stallions Sprint won

by Bashair, then the UAE Embassy Trophy over a mile won by Ishraaq. The feature event was the nine furlong Group 3 DIAR Stockholm Cup won by the Francois Rohaut trained Sha'Hir, followed by the DIAR International

Fillies and Mares Turf, also over a mile won by another Rohaut horse in Rawah.

Then it was back to the Berkshire for the final UK prep, which supports the DIAR highlight, the Group 1 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, run over the same mile and a quarter at Newbury.

Collington again went away with the spoils, this time with Mith'haf Athbah, ahead of Aghsaan and Awzaan, who had also been placed in the two preps at Chelmsford.

The Shadwell sponsored mixed meeting at La Teste de Buch in France included three DIAR prep races starting with the Shadwell Prix Benagli D'Albret for three-year-olds won by Wadeeaa for Yas Horse Racing Management.

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This was followed by the Group 2 Shadwell Criterium des Pouliches where there was more homebred success for HH Sheikh Hamdan as Jamaheer put over a length between herself and her nearest rival Karimah.

Jamaheer is btred for DIAR, being a daughter of Ziva, who has already produced two DIAR winners in Elraawy and Azizi (also the dam of dual Group 1 winner Handassa). Ziva won the Hatta International in 2002 and is a daughter of Cherifa, one of the few mares to win the Shadwell Dubai International.

The final event, the Group 3 Shadwell Coup du Sud-Ouest des Pur-Sang Arabes saw success for Ebraz, on his first run back in Europe, following his win in the HH Emir's Sword in February in Qatar.

The prep series concluded in Holland with four races at Duindigt. The Listed

DIAR stakes over nine furlongs went to Jaldi Karo, who had been placed in the DIAR Group 3 at Bro Park the previous month. Like Toutatix before him, he has been transformed since joining Maria Hagman-Eriksson this season, and he will look to improve on his sixth placing in last years' Dubai International.

Also Listed was the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes, just short of eleven furlongs. This was won by My First General, becoming his sire, General's first pattern winner, from his first crop to race and trained, like his sire, by Alban de Mieulle. The nine furlong No Risk Al Maury International Stakes wento Jamas DA, who had been third at Chelmsford, whilst the DIAR 2017 International Sprint Stakes over six and a half furlongs was won by th eKim Augenbroe trained, Sheimah Qardabiyah.

Mith'haf Athbah (GB) and Adam Beschizza at Newbury THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Of the 18 winners and 37 placed horses (there was a deadheat for third at Chepstow), 28 were entered for DIAR (Aghsaan, Awzaan, Jaldi Karo, Meblsh, Jamas DA, all having won or been placed twice).

The following 14 horses stand their ground at the declaration stage and thereby are on course for their respective bonus's, should they win on July 30.

Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes 7f Gr 2 PA Anfaas (1st Newbury June 15) Bariq (2nd Newbury June 15) Shomoos Athbah (3rd Newbury June 15) Maolie (3rd Sweden June 27) Bonus £2,000 View UK Prep:

Shadwell Dubai International Arabian Stakes Gr1 PA 1m2f Awzaan (3rd UK June 1, 3rd UK June 29) Jaldi Karo (2nd Sweden June 27, 1st Holland July 9) Lightning Bolt (2nd Holland Jul 9) Mith'haf Athbah (1st,UK June 29) Bonus £3,000 View UK Prep: https://youtu.be/5bwMIYew2UE

Roda Hotels & Resorts Premier Handicap 1m4f Emiraaty (dht 3rd UK June 10) Bonus £500 View UK Prep: https://youtu.be/NcoxRP1glhg

https://youtu.be/7H7WrmMq9VQ

Jebel Ali Za'abeel International Gr1 PA 6f Alazeez (1st UK June 1) Radames (2nd UK June 1) Sheimah Qardabiyah (1st Holland July 9) Bonus £2,000 View UK Prep: https://youtu.be/lsOPVkJHnJ0

Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes Gr1 PA 1m2f Aghsaan (2nd UK June 1, 2nd UK June 29) Jamas DA (3rd UK June 1, 1st Holland July 9) Karimah (2nd France July 4) Bonus £2,500 View UK Prep:

Click here for full declarations: http://www.aroracing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Declarations-Sheets-Finals.pdf

www.diaraces.com

https://youtu.be/Zizc6-PYCn4

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AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST - PHOTOGRAPHER - SCULPTOR SUPPORTING ARABIAN RACING SINCE 2012 proud sponsor of

THE DEBBIE BURT - EQUINE CREATIVE MEDIA PROGRESSIVE CONDITIONS STAKES Won by ALAZEEZ NEWBURY 13 JULY 2017 WWW.EQUINECREATIVEMEDIA.COM THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Dubai International Arabian Races 2017 Group Race Previews

Anfaas (GB) and Timmy Murphy win the juvenile prep at Newbury, from Bariq (GB) and Pat Cosgrave and Shomoos Athbah(GB) and Tadhg O'Shea Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes Gr2 3yo 7f France's dominance both in training and breeding of the winners of this race has been on the wane in recent years, with only four of the last ten winners falling in to that category. Certainly this is a race where the DIAR prep in the UK is having an effect, having dwindled to a low of just five runners in 2013, in the last two years since the programme's inception, combined with the breeders scheme instigated by ARO, numbers have been on the rise once more.

In 2015 the prep race had seven runners of which six ran on DIAR in a

field of eight, whilst last last year there were 10 in the prep, of which eight ran at DIAR in a recent record field of 15 runners, more than half of which were British bred. That was the largest field since 2012, when there were 14 runners. The 2012 running was also significant as of those 14, six became subsequent Group winners in Manark, Samima, Al Anga, Djelmila Al Mels, Al Atique and Djainka Des Forges.

This year's prep race run on 15th June had eight runners, all were entered for DIAR, though only five have declared.

Again all bar one of these were foaled in the UK.

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Ashraq (FR)

The first three home that day all appear to have the credentials to improve as there was only a neck between them and they were five lengths clear of the remainder. Whilst Anfaas and Bariq were debutants, the presence of Shomoos Athbah who had beaten older horses of both sexes on her debut win in May, gives the form a solid look.

They all have solid pedigrees too, Anfaas is from the second crop of dual Dubai International Stakes winner No Risk Al Maury, out of a four time winner, who was fourth in the Hatta International Stakes. She has come to hand a lot quicker than her half sister Saleemah (by Madjani), who won over two miles at Doncaster in June and

held an entry in the Roda Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap, though the ground was not considered slow enough for her to be decalred.

Bariq is by the US stallion Burning Sand, America's leading sire since 2006. His dam won in France at three years over 1m2f and subsequently went on to win a Group 3 over 1m4f in the UAE. Shomoos Athbah is also by Burning Sand out of a Group 3 winner in France over 1m1f.

However Shomoos Athbah could be better than what she showed that day as she had headgear problems at Newbury and could turn the tables on those two.

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Of the overseas runners Ashraq and Maolie are pedigree standouts.

Ashraq is a full sister to multiple Group winner, Mkeefa. Running in the same Al Shahania colours and trained like her sister by Julian Smart, she made her debut at La Teste in the Shadwell Prix Bengali D'Albret, finishing a long way adrift of the winner Wadeeaa.

However, this is no great cause for concern as Smart is not a trainer known for debut winners. Mkeefa herself made her debut in this contest, finishing fifth (with Maolie's brother Mestor in second), before breaking her maiden at Salisbury, placing third in the three-year-old fillies Group1 at Saint-Cloud and gaining her first Group win in Doha in November.

Followed by another in December, she was back in the UK at four, winning the UK Arabian Derby, then the Hatta International and the Arabian World Cup, all Group 1 contest. However, Smart has only won this contest once, with another filly, Aden (by Burning Sand) in 2013. He feel his filly lacks experience and may be too weak, firsttime blinkers may help improve her finishing position on Sunday.

Maolie topped the Arqana Purebred Arabian sale last year and is a full sister to the 2012 winner Manark who went on to win the 2015 Kahayla Classic.

She is also sister to Mestor who was beaten a head in this race in 2011.

Another full brother and sales topper from 2015 is Mont D'Or, he hasn't been so precocious and stepped up in trip he heads for the Roda Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap over 1m4f later in the card.

Mares Turf over 1m at Bro Park in Stockholm at the end of June. Racing against older horses, she finished nine lengths behind the winner, Rawah, but is sure to come on for the run and has Olivier Peslier booked to ride.

Maolie (FR) at the Arqana Sales last autumn at Saint-Cloud

Likely favourite is Celeste De Ghazal, with three runs under her belt already, she was placed on her debut and has won her maiden over this trip on good ground. Stepping up to Group 1 company on her most recent start, she was just out of the frame, that was on easier ground, which may be a concern for her on Sunday as it may well come up soft on the Berkshire track.

By Madjani, whose stock appear to appreciate some cut, it may be that the competition was too strong that day and she can gain her first Group win. She does come from an excellent family, being out of a daughter of a half sister to Kiss De Ghazal, who won eight Group races, including the UK Arabian Derby at Ascot.

Maolie made her debut in Sweden, the DIAR International Fillies and THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Talented by fragile, the 2016 winner Radames (FR) going to post under Dane O'Neill

Jebel Ali Racecourse Za'abeel International Stakes Gr1 6f With very few sprints run at this trip for Arabians, usually shorter or a bit further, the Za'abeel International has become something of a specialists race, so it is not that surprising that the race boasts two three-time winners in Dahess (2005, 2006, 2007), now a leading sire, and most recently the mare, Al Mouhannad (2013, 2014, 2015).

This is a race however where French trained runners have continued to dominate, only Philip Collington with Radames and Julian Smart with Aziz (when they were based in Lambourn in the summer) have been successful in

the last 10 years.

Amongst the principal contenders this year is defending title holder Radames.

A talented but fragile horse, Colllington admits that last year he went in to the race more hopeful than confident, fearing he had not been able to get enough work into him. This year has been better, his second to Alazeez, shouldering his Group penalty in the Za'abeel prep at Chelmsford has pleased his trainer, however he is concernd about the ground saying: "When he was fourth in this behind Al Mouhannad, Paul [Hanagan] said he needed much quicker ground and on good to firm last year he was so much better."

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Dane O'Neill cruises home on Alazeez (GB) in the Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes over a mile at Newbury

Other home contenders include the Za'abeel Prep winner Alazeez, who demonstrated his well being with a win over a mile at Newbury in the Debbie Burt -Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes 17 days ago. After that win Owen said "It fitted into his programme quite well. It's great to get a Turf win into him, and a win here at Newbury. It's probably not best for him to lead, he was pricking his ears in front, but we didn't want it to be tactical. Dane has given us a few pointers we can move forward with.

"Alazeez has come out of his race really well, he will go to the Za'abeel, but he would be ground dependent, I wouldn't want to go running him on ground that was too quick."

Often used as a pacemaker for the leading lights of the Al Shahania Stable in the longer races, Ba'sil gets a chance of glory in the Za'abeel International. He is one of five Julian Smart trained winners of the Royal

Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes, run over 5f at Newbury in 2015, beating Radames. He has also won at this trip and shorter in Doha, as well as two wins over a mile. His best recent effort was in January in a Group 3 over a mile when he was five lengths second, Smart says of his chances:" If the sprinting Ba'sil shows up, he should go well."

Following the retirement of their champion mare Al Mouhannad, the Royal Cavalry look to have another star on their hands, and this time a homebred colt in Maisoor. By Burning Sand out of the Omani mare Ahasen, he is currently unbeaten in nine starts, having raced in Muscat on Dirt and Abu Dhabi on Turf, from six furlongs to a mile and three furlongs. His domestic wins have mostly been by a wide margin, and even in Abu Dhabi where it is more competitive, the comments in runninhg for his three wins all use the word 'easily'. The times are fast too.

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Sylvine Al Maury (FR) and Jean-Bernard Eyquem win the 2016 Hatta International Stakes Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes Gr1 1m2f Sylvine Al Maury made her seasonal reappearance here last year a winning one when reportedly only 80% fit according to her trainer Elizabeth Bernard. Will be doing the same again this year, as she has not been seen since finishing third to RB Burn in the Group 1 Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi.

However she still ended the 2016 season as the highest rated Arabian mare on international classifications at 118. Bidding for back to back wins like another top rated mare, Djainka Des Forges (2014,2015) her class should see her through lack of race fitness and any ease in the ground is unlikely to trouble her.

Last years' second Aghsaan reopposes, she also has good course form having won the Group 3 ARO Cup over a mile there last season and was the winner of the 2016 prep, also over course and distance. Finishing second on both her starts this year, in the Hatta prep at Chelmsford and the Dubai International prep behind Mith'haf Athbah, she goes into the race in good order.

However depsite a DIAR win in the 0-90 opening handicap back in 2015 on soft, her trainer Philip Collington feels at this higher level she is best suited by much quicker ground and is not confident she can reverse last years' form with the favourite, though being back against fillies' is a plus.

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Above: Aghsaan (GB) on her way to the start last year with Dane O'Neill

Below: Hurra (FR) and Jean-Baptiste Hamel go to post in 2016 Also in the Royal Cavalry colours are Djakiri Safinat, a Group 3 winner at this trip on good last September and Karimah. Karimah became the Cavalry's first hombred Group winner and would be more at home on easy ground, as that Group 2 win at Toulouse was on soft.

Group 3 at Jagersro and the prep at Bro Park in Stockholm at least show her to be in good heart at a lower level.

Jeyoosh is a full sister to the Group 1 winner Motrag (who runs in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes).

She has been placed three times at this trip to date, including behind Naziq and won a Group 3 in Morocco on her final start of 2016 Dr Al Nujiafi's homebred mare Hurra has finished third and fourth in this, the last two seasons. She is yet to win at this grade, though two recent seconds in a THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Muraaqib (FR) canters to post with Francois-Xavier Bertras, this year Jim Crowley HH Sheikh Hamdan's first jockey, will take the ride

Shadwell Dubai International Stakes Gr1 1m2f HH Sheikh Hamdan has won the feature race of DIAR 13 times in total, and 10 times since 2000, including last year when his home bred colt Muraaqib ran out an easy winner, from Toutatix and the Italian globetrotter, Lares Des Pine.

Muraaqib will be favourite again, having only been beaten once in seven races, of which six were at Group level.

Top rated juvenile of 2015, his only defeat came in the French Derby to the filly Mabrooka. He has obviously had a few set backs as was not seen after his Newbury win last year, however he made a winning reappearance at Deauville in May in the Group 1 President of the UAE Cup, where Lightning Bolt was a long way behind in

sixth.

Lightning Bolt, last years' Group 1 UK Derby winner hasn't had much luck this season, as he clipped heels, going down on his nose in his most recent start in a Listed DIAR prep in Holland.

He did well to recover to finish second to Jaldi Karo (sixth in this last year) and should have no trouble in reversing the placings with that one if back to his best.

Another Group 1 winner in the field is Motrag, who was a narrow margin winner of the three-year-old colts race at Saint-Cloud during the Arc weekend.

Not so effective since however and it would appear that the strongest challenge to Muraaqib will come from Gazwan.

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Gazwan (GB) and Harry Bentley win the 2015 Dubai International Stakes from Djet Taouy (FR)

Not since Al Sakbe in 1999 and 2001 has a Dubai International winner regained their crown, though in fairness to Gazwan, he was absent from the line up in 2016. A remarkably tough and consistent performer, the Julian Smart trained colt has not finished out of the first four in 18 starts, since making his debut at Newbury in a six furlong maiden in 2014. In addition to the 2015 Dubai International and the 2015 HH Emir's Sword, his other Group 1 victory was on his most recent start when winning the Qatar Gold Sword in February, with Mith'haf Athbah, who he reopposes here, 12 lengths behind.

Coming off his end of Gulf season break, Smart feels he may need the run saying:"He's had a long break after the Gold Sword, but he's in good form at home."

Mith'haf Athbah has found his feet since returning to the UK, his trainer

Philip Collington said:"He couldn't be better and has come on again since his Newbury win in the prep for this race.

He's already been beaten by Gazwan, whilst Muraaqib, just seems to do enough in his races, so it's a really hot race, but I'm pleased with his recent work."

Awzaan is the other UK challenger, who was third behind Mith'haf and Aghsaan in the UK prep as well as second in the Za'abeel prep to Alazeez. Trainer James Owen appreaciates it will require a big step up however he says:"He will love the ground, I've never had him in better form than I've got him now. his weight is perfect, his work has been great. This is the hottest Dubai International I've known, so he will have to really raise his game, but he'll run a big run, I'm sure he won't let us down.

If he gets a place I will be absolutely delighted."

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REPEAT PERFORMANCE Dubai International Arabian Races has something for everyone, although the Group races showcase the best in top level Arabian racing, the grass-roots are not forgotten. We talk to Matt Johnson who gets the ride on Zayin Zachilles, hoping to coax a repeat win in the UAE Embassy Handicap Stakes, the last race on the card

Matt Johnson and Zayin Zachilles (GB) after their Hereford win

Riding Arabians since 2012, amateur jockey Matt Johnson was the ARO Champion Novice in 2013. This year will see his fourth DIAR ride when he partners Zayin Zachilles in the UAE Embassy Handicap Stakes over seven furlongs, the last race on the card and the horse who won the corresponding race in 2016.

Zayin Zachilles is his only ride this year, having debuted on Essalda for his then employer Gill Duffield in 2013. The following year, again for Duffield and HH Sheikh Hamdan, he rode Tatweer to be fourth in the stayers handicap and then 2015 he rode Kayclaire in this race for

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Delyth Thomas.

Speaking of his experience of DIAR compared to riding at other ARO meetings he says: “The whole buzz of the day is great, it’s the biggest day of Arabian racing. Just the number of people, as it’s one of the busiest meetings and the atmosphere is brilliant.

It’s also a chance to ride on a Grade One track and it is obviously a nice course to ride at, with a straight mile and for this race, a straight seven furlongs.”

He already has good course form with Zayin Zachilles having been placed third in a premier handicap over 1m2f in 2014.

He recalls: “It was his fourth run I think, he broke well and I had him in close up, but we just lost out at the finish to Kamikaze and Page Fuller and Sophia and Sam Hitchcott.”

over 1m4f and finished fourth in the Gold Final at Chelmsford on the All Weather on Season Finale Day in September.

Zayin Zachilles gave his owner–breeder Paul Simmons and trainer Peter Hammersley, their much longed for first DIAR winner, when the race was open to professional jockeys, and he was ridden by Harry Bentley. Riding a defending champion is always going to be at the forefront of any jockeys’ mind, even if he has won on it before, Johnson comments: “It’s a little more pressure, I may not be expected to win again, but he’s got the credentials to win. The ground is the only real thing that is going to go against him from last year, though he has gone up a few pounds. He’s a very good top of the ground horse. However the main things is it’s good to know you’re on a horse that’s capable and not a 33-1 shot. It gives you confidence.”

He also won on him at Hereford last year

Johnson, Zayin Zachilless (GB), Fiona Wakefield, Peter Hammersley and Paul Simmons in the winners enclosure at Hereford THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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As the tapes went up at Hereford last year, Johnson and Zayin Zachilles (GB) get cover, behind Unity Belle (FR) (just seen) and alongside Vindetta (GB) (cheekpieces), with Kork MHF (GB) behind, he meets them all again on Sunday

Having been ARO Champion Novice in 2013, when with Gill Duffield, he is now attached to Thoroughbred trainer David Simcock, also in Newmarket. He has been there a while now but had found the life of an amateur jockey tough.

“I’ve been there two years this Sunday, I think. It’s a struggle to get rides on the flat as an amateur, I’ve only had a handful this year, five on Arabians for Pete and two on thoroughbred cards, with another coming up on Saturday at Salisbury. It doesn’t help that the whole of racing is short staffed, so to be able to find the time to ride out for other trainers is almost impossible.”

Apart from his own ride, Johnson is looking forward to enjoying the day on Sunday. When asked who he wants to see run he says: “Not anyone horse in

particular, I just like seeing the international runners come over so we can compare how good the British horses are.

Whatever Julian Smart brings over is a ‘must see’ though. I rode two winners for him when he was based here in the summer, on Al Atique who went on to win the Group 1 mile race at Doncaster under Simon Walker and also Aden who won the Juvenile Group 2 at Newbury on her following start.”

Discussing his probable plans for the race on Sunday and his biggest danger in the race he comments: “It’s always a competitive race, but this year even more so, with some fairly unexposed horses that look like they’re on the upgrade, Zayin Zachilles has been there and done it, he’s so consistent.

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“The aim would be to drop him out and with so many runners I’d be hopeful of getting cover and producing him late like Harry did last year. If the ground’s quick I’d be very confident, but if it’s softer, it’ll be hard to carry that weight and he’s just not so effective.

“I’d be worried about his stablemate Unity Belle, I rode her at Chepstow over a mile which is very stiff and she didn’t get home.

It’s easy to say in hindsight, but I would have ridden her differently that day. She was in contention three out and I thought I was in with a chance. She looks like an improver now she’s got her head in front a couple of times, it could be her day this year.

Trainer Peter Hammersley confirms the concerns about the ground and said: “Zayin Zachilles is really well in himself

and has had a bit of a break. We’re hopeful and though we’ve put cheekpieces on, soft ground won’t help him. Hopefully Matt can give him a similar ride to Harry last year.”

Zayin Zachilles (GB) and Matt Johnson after finishing fourth in the Gold Final in 2016

Can he do it again? Zayin Zachilles (GB) and Harry Bentley win at DIAR 2016 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

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

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BIRDS EYE VIEW ARO commentator Gary Capewell has been calling them home in the Dubai International Arabian Races since 2010. He looks back on how he got started, the challenges of the job and who to look out for on Sunday.

With Derek Thompson giving his annual DIAR overview in the paddock at Newbury in 2015

Gary Capewell called his first ARO race commentary back in 2004 at Uttoxeter, at the tender age of 19. In 2006 he was doing half the meetings with existing commentator and handicapper, Martin Harris. Then by 2008, it was a full-time occupation and he hasn't missed a race since.

He recalls how that first experience came about saying:"I saw that there was Arabian racing on at Uttoxeter and thought it might be a good way to get into commentating. I'd finished my shift at Alton Towers Hotel where I was cleaning and went along and introduced myself to Martin and thanks to some

encouragement from his wife, ended up calling the last race.

"I still have the old video, Steve Harrison rode the winner - I can remember the finish well - Hayley's Comet just beat CS Clarion, who Phil Collington rode, there was a short head between them."

For someone who still considers himself to be shy, it must have been a brave move, calling a race cold as he explained: "I'd never been to an Arabian race meeting or even knew a great deal about it. I can still recall picking the binoculars up and just shaking, I was incredibly nervous.

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Examining the surface at Santa Anita

"Listening back to it now I don't even recognise my voice! Back then I didn't see it as I do now, then it was just a way in.

Obviously through doing this full time now, I go all over the world, I've commentated in eight or nine different countries so far.

He credits working for ARO for securing his job in Dubai during the 2012-2013 season saying:"I went over and was their commentator for a season. I've been lucky to almost fall into it really. I dont think the Dubai job would have happened without the Arabians, as of course I had got to know the Dubai Racing Channel team through working with them on DIAR." Capewell admits to having little background in racing, though has clearly always been an enthusiast.

"My grandad managed a betting shop in Uttoxeter and I used to watch racing from

an early age. My first memory was of Desert Orchid's third King George in 1989 and was hooked ever since."

Prior to that first call at Uttoxeter, apart from a couple of harness races in Wales, he had only been able to practicise off the television at home, however it was immediatley apparent that this was to be his future.

"I started doing commentaries from the TV when I was about eight or nine, I can't remember the winner, but it was a hurdle race at Haydock. I decided from that point on that was what I wanted to do."

Commentating with ARO in the summer gives Capewell the opportunity to work at some of the most prestigious tracks in the UK, which has led to offers of more work abroad. However it is clear that the start ARO and the Arabians have given him, has engendered a sense of loyalty.

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He says:"I've been offered jobs elsewhere which I've unfortunately had to turn down, such as in Hong Kong and India, mainly because I wasn't allowed to do anything else during their off-season as they were exclusive contracts."

"Obviously Newbury is a fantastic place to go, but we also have some really good single races on high profile cards like at Doncaster on St Leger day and of course the race at Goodwood during the Festival. I think I've pretty much commentated at half the tracks in the UK now, just through Arabian racing."

Alongside his job with ARO, he also has a freelance position with William Hill which clearly keeps him busy.

"I went to William Hill for work experience in 2006 and started there in 2007 straight after I graduated from university. Currently I do roughly two shifts a week on either William Hill Radio or William Hill TV. They also use me as the Meydan and Jebel Ali "expert" for the UAE racing season."

When asked about his favourite course, there is no hesitation to nominate Jebel Ali saying:" It was always a personal favourite because I just love the place - it's so friendly, I loved going there every Friday.

"Meydan is great because the commentary box is right on the line, Newbury is a good place to go too, as is Goodwood, because you're quite high up and again, right on the line.

When asked about the most challenging, Salisbury gets the nod because of viewing difficulties, as does Chelmsford and Warwick, where the runners disapear during racing, particularly when there is only one camera. Also, though he doesn't mention it, the recent reduction of the size

Taunton's Commentary box

of the commentary box at Taunton clearly poses a few issues for a man not built to ride in races.

Part of his role with ARO includes the responsibility to give racegoers who may never have been Arabian racing before some additional insight to the sport and always gives a paddock preview at the opening of the DIAR meeting. Explaining he says:" It's similar to when I do race day presenting at thoroughbred meetings, however it is slightly different because not as many people know about Arabian racing as opposed to thoroughbreds.

"I'll mention the differences between the two breeds and also the different bloodlines within Arabian racehorses, with the French lines being different to the show strains, and I'll try and point out some examples if I can. Then when they come again, hopefully they will be a little more familar with everything."

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In the paddock at Chelmsford City

Though racing there once during the Great Leighs years, ARO have enjoyed several full fixtures at Chelmsford City in 2016 and at the start of the current season, held two DIAR Prep races there. Capewell shares his thoughts on the UK's newest track

Introduced two years ago, the DIAR prep series now encompasses 18 races across Europe, all leading to the main event on July 30, with bonuses available for winners or placed horses who score at the Newbury meeting.

"When there's only one camera there, like Salisbury and Warwick, they disappear from view, so that is quite challenging. I think, since it's reopened as Chelmsford City, it's taken quite a while for the track to bed in, but they're having more races there now and I feel during the winter it changed a bit, they need a bit more rain, or watering, to quicken the surface up.

"Obviously I'm a big fan of the DIAR prep series" He says:" It means we've had more international runners than ever, the last two years. It's taken a couple of years for the prep series to get the foreign raiders it deserves, but all the races have now established themsleves in the worldwide calendar. This can only continue to grow and have a positive effect on the amount of international runners we get on the big day itself.

"It's probaly the fairest all weather track though, nice long sweeping bends, about 9f round, there should be no excuses, theres' very little kickback. We tend to get decent crowds there as well. Last year, apart from DIAR, they were easily our biggest crowds anywhere all season."

"Just looking back to last years' results, without this series I doubt Urge Di Gallura, the Italian raider, would have come for the race he won, without having won his prep series race."

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Reviewing the UK prep races this year , he recommends one of the Chelmsford winners in Alazeez: "He would definitely be a horse to follow.

He won the six furlong prep race at Chelmsford and has since won again at Newbury and I think this horse is a Group One winner in the making. Just looking at his action and who his sire is [Madjani] it really wouldn't surprise me if he ended up in Dubai in the future - who knows maybe he could be the first homebred Khayala Classic winner for his owner."

"I'm looking forward to seeing lots of horses run on Sunday, especially Muraaqib, in easily the best renewal of the Dubai International Stakes ever. My each way tip would be Vindetta in the last as she has run well in it before, finishing third in this in 2015 on soft ground. She comes into the race on the back of her best run of the season so far, though she is not quite down to her last winning mark.

Vindetta (GB) winning at Taunton in 2016 under Will Pettis

Asked to recall his favourite DIAR memory replies without hesitation: "When No Risk Al Maury won his second Shadwell International in 2008 beating Jaafer - it was the first time I'd been to this event and was amazed by how smoothly he went through the race and how easily he beat Jaafer. His instant turn of foot is what stood out about him throughout his career.

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by Sylvine Al Maury. You can see the two parallel lines denoting Aghsaan's white face. The Blue mark and 'BL' for blinkers on Pamills Lipse and Najda, a yellow mark and 'HD' for a hood on Sylvine Al Maury. Hurra, Pamills Lipse and Najda are all grey horses and are marked off in Orange.

As well as notes to help horse recognition, there are notes to aid the commentary. Alongside Mrs J-F Bernard he has written her name 'Elizabeth'. Next to Nadja he has put the three other Hatta winners trained

by Smart in Mkeefa 2012 and Djainka [Des Forges] 2013+14.

"My favourite call would be the Hatta International that Nokomys won in 2010 she and the runner up Al Anqa both needed to be produced late, but they were so much better than the rest they went clear over two furlongs from home.

Eyeballing each other, they had a great duel all the way to the line, locked together, both giving their all. I usually have an inkling which way a photo finish had gone, but on this occasion I didn't have a clue - it narrowly went to Nokomys." https://youtu.be/gh7eIJAwT6s

For DIAR, as for all meetings, once the entries have been published he'll go through the possible runners, preparing meticulously, mindful that an unexpected racing emergency may cause extra air time to fill.

"I do a lot, possibly too much! I will always check the horses' previous form at the track, how many races horses' have won, if they're making their handicap debut and so on. If it's a big race, I'll look to see if any siblings of a runner have won the race or if the sire or

dam have won it. Now that we have access to the form online, it's much easier.

"I'll mark my card up with little notes as well. I'll highlight grey horses, mares. I'll go to the paddock beforehand and if the horse has a big white face I'll make a note drawing two big lines next to it. I use 'NB' for a noseband and mark any headgear that they're wearing, using my own colour code for the different types. If the view is restricted at any point it gives me a better chance of making an educated guess as to which horse is which. It's all just to make my job easier."

Summing up he says:"When I first started out, Arabian racing was just a way to get into commentating, but as the seasons have gone by and I've got to know the people involved and made friends all over the world - now I see it as something that I'm proud to be associated with, not a stepping stone. I may get to go to some nice tracks, but that's now secondary to the actual sport itself."

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Chelmsford City,UK (AW) Saturday 15 July GOING: Standard: Slow

1 Wathba Stallions Maiden Stakes 1m 1. RIYAM (FR) 3 b c (Genreal x Djenna) T: Said Al Badi O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Miss E Mackenzie B: Royal Cavalry of Oman 2. Lameh (GB) 3. Munawwar (FR) Dist: 1,2.75 Time: 1.49.14 6 Ran

Another winner fed on 4 Wathba Stallions (0-65) Handicap Stakes 7f 1. UNITY BELLE (FR) 9 ch m (Kerbella x Escada) T: Peter Hammersley O: Miss H Phillpott J: Mr Sam Lee B: Miss H Phillpott 2. Conquer 3. Synergy

2 Wathba Stallions (0-55) Handicap Stakes 1m6f

Dist: 1, 6 Time: 1.35.24 6 Ran

1. DOLFINA D’IBOS (FR) 4 b m (Mahabb x Starbella D’Ibos) T: James Owen O: James Owen J: Mr Simon Walker B: M.Louis Rouzad,M.Stephane Sarre 2. Elyassaat (FR) 3. Johara Bint Shuwaiman

5 Wathba Stallions (0-80) Handicap Stakes 1m2f

Dist: 1.75 0.75 Time: 3.27.85 6Ran

Another winner fed on

1. MUNBAHER (FR) 6 ch g (Madjani x Maizaine) T:James Owen O: HH Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum J: Miss Joanna Mason B: Shadwell France SNC 2. Saleemah 3. Al Faaris Dist: 7, 2.25 Time: 2.19.50 7 Ran

3 Come Racing at Chelmsford 13th August (0-95) Handicap Stakes 7f 1. KARLOS DU CAYROU (FR) 5 ch c (Munjz x Karla Du Cayrou) T: James Owen O: RS Equine J: Miss Joanna Mason B: Caumon, Baldy 2. Mont D'Or 3. Rasaasy

Another winner fed on

Another winner for

Dist: 9, 0.5 Time: 1.32.45 3Ran THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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6 Wathba Stallions (0-40) Handicap Stakes 1m 1. COSMIC GIRL (GB) 6 gr g (Concord x Northfield) T: Selena Farnese O: Selena Farnese J: Miss Isabella Farnese B: Sam Davidson & Adam Newey 2. Southpaw 3. Taer Al Hurr Dist: 13, 1.75 Time: 1.52.61 7 Ran 7 Wathba Stallions Restriced Maiden Stakes 1m2f 1. CRAHCK (FR) 5 ch c (Orient Express x Qandy De Carrere) T: James Owen O: James Owen J: Mr Simon Walker B: Dellova, Vayesse 2. Pacific Syrah 3. Al Mirzam

Dist: 3, 6 Time: 2.25.55 6 Ran

Another winner fed on Bath, UK (Turf)

Tuesday 18 July GOING: Firm

1 Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-50) Handicap Stakes 1m 1. ULITMATE FORCE (FR) 5 ch g (Istfahan x Waterlily) T: Peter Hammersley O: Miss H Phillpott J: Mr David Turner B: Miss H Phillpott 2. Zayin Zamurai 3. Senor Dublcheck Dist: 2, 3 Time: 1.54.84 9 ran

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 27

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN RACES REVIEW

QATAR INTERNATIONAL STAKES REVIEW

Review of the ARO flagship meeting at Newbury on July 30th

Report and pictures from the Goodwood

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