The Arabian Racehorse Issue 27

Issue No.27

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

DIAR 2017, Goodwood, Chelmsford City UK Group 1's

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 27 - 2017 3

News Sultanate of Oman Raceday, Shadwell Super 7; President of the UAE CUP Entries; OStend Win For Jessop

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Dubai International Arabian Races 2017 Report and pictures from UK Arabian Racing's flagship meeting.

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Qatar International Stakes Gr1 PA Goodwood report and pictures

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UAE Abu Dhabi Day Review of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival races

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

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Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes Gr3 PA Newbury report and pictures

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Al Rayyan Cup & Doha Cup Deauville Group 1's report and pictures

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The Royal Cavalry of Oman Meet the horses and people behind HH Sheikh Hamdan's Special Recognition Award winners the Royal Cavalry of Oman

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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 SULTANATE OF OMAN RACEDAY PREVIEW The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) looks forward to competitive racing at the annual Sultanate of Oman Raceday which returns to Royal Windsor Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August. The fixture supports six races as part of the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s sponsorship, with a seventh race run under the banner of the Heritage Arabian Racing Club. The runners for the feature race, the Royal Cavalry of Oman Conditions Stakes, are headed by Awzaan, who has been Group 1 placed, whilst his biggest danger could be Difaa, who has looked very progressive this season.

Awzaan (FR)

James Owen, who currently heads the ARO Trainers Championship said of his runners: “The team are all in good form. Awzaan didn’t like the soft ground at Newbury, but wasn’t given a hard time once his chance had gone and he has come out of the race well.

Hopefully he should get his head back in front, though he wouldn’t want any further ease in the ground. Al Faaris also has an excellent chance in the opening maiden.”

He continued: “I’m also looking forward to seeing Minty Bloss and Connor Brace have their first rides for me. They’ve both been really successful in the pony racing sphere and ride out for me in the mornings when they can. They deserve the chance to progress.”

ARO Racing Operations Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “We are delighted for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, as this raceday is their seasons’ highlight, with the opportunity to sample the culture of the Sultanate of Oman in their traditional hospitality tent where coffee, tea, dates and henna artists will be available.

“We are also pleased with the nine runners declared in the Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) conditions race, which is a series designed to help those at the grassroots of the sport be competitive and has proved a popular addition to our calendar.”

She continued: “This has always been a well-supported fixture at Windsor, and it concludes the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s very generous sponsorship for 2017. We thank Windsor and the racecourse teams at Taunton, Doncaster, Bath and Newbury for their support of the Royal Cavalry’s race sponsorship this season.”

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HAMMERSLEY TEAM LEAD THE WAY IN RACING WELFARE BEST TURNED OUT AWARDS Peter Hammersley’s team currently head the overall yard list for the Best Turned Out Championship during the 2017 Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) season, with 12 awards. The leading groom title is divided in to two categories, yards with 10 or more horses and those with less, with Ria Tillet (of Collington Racing) and Jayme Plumb leading those titles respectively.

Racing Welfare is sponsoring the overall championship with a trophy to the leading yard and cash awards of £125 to the two top grooms which will be presented at the ARO Season Finale to be run at Huntingdon on September 23.

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.

They also confirmed the appointment of ARO registered amateur jockey, Ellie MacKenzie as the new Racing Welfare Jockey Ambassador for Arabian Racing this season, further raising their profile in the sport.

ARO Racing Operation Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “ARO welcomes the involvement of Racing Welfare in Arabian racing and the sponsorship of the Best Turned Out Championship is a great incentive for the hard-working staff in our sport.

Racing Welfare also sponsored the individual Best Turned Out Awards at our most recent full fixture, UAE Abu Dhabi Day at Chelmsford City and each winning groom receives a cash prize and a Racing Welfare gilet. We wish all the yards and their grooms the best of luck for the remainder of the season.”

Unity Belle (FR) a best turned out winner at Chelmsford in July THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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SHADWELL

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SUPER The 2017 Shadwell Super 7 Horses to Follow Free To Enter Competition now heads to Windsor for the Annual Sultanate of Oman race day.

Results are to Sunday August 20.

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.

No bonus DIAR Bonus points were won by the entries this year. 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.

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

Following DIAR and Chelmsford plus some single races, there is no change at the top of the table, though Mark Buchan's Team 2 is now the closest challenger.

The top ten on the leaderboard are as follows: James Owen Mark Buchan 2 Heather Phillpott 1 Jenny Owen Mark Buchan 1 Debbie Burt 2 Anna Wallace Debbie Burt 1 Teresa Kinsey 2 Brian Wallace

81 78 74 73 71 69 68 65 61 60

The leading horse on points with 30, is now Heather Phillpott's homebred, Unity Belle.

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ENTRIES INCREASE FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UAE CUP (UK ARABIAN DERBY) ON DONCASTER ST LEGER DAY The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was thrilled to announce today that the entries for the 2017 President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) have more than doubled on last years’ figures. With 26 possible runners for the final Group 1 of the UK Arabian racing season, they include three existing Group 1 winners, headed by Nafees, winner of the French equivalent at Chantilly in June. The President of the UAE Cup is the oldest Purebred Arabian race series and it is fitting that it is to be run on the same card as the UK’s oldest thoroughbred classic, the St.Leger, on Saturday 16 September at Doncaster.

Run over a mile and a quarter, The President of the UAE Cup resumed its’ association with the UK Arabian Derby last year and is exclusively for four-year-old Purebred Arabians.

Sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, it boasts a prize fund of £80,000, with £40,000 to the winner.

ARO Racing Operations Executive, Gemma Cobb was delighted with the numbers saying: “The number of entries received is a great step forward for UK Arabian racing. With 18 international entries, together with eight domestic entries, it is a huge increase on the 11 received

last year. It just shows what a welcome addition to the European Pattern this race is, as it is the last race confined to both sexes of the classic generation of 2017.

“The prize money boost for this race which was implemented last year, has encouraged a strong potential line up of Group winners and Group placed horses. It is also encouraging to note that the first three home in last years’ contest have all won Group 1 races this season, further enhancing the races’ Group 1 status.”

ARO Director, Genny Haynes was also pleased commenting. “We were excited to welcome back the President of the UAE Cup last year and are extremely grateful to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their generous support of our feature race for four-year-olds. Moving the race from Ladies Day to St Leger Day itself this year, further enhances the prestige of the race and the status of Arabian racing in the UK, with it being run as part of Doncaster’s most prestigious meeting of the year.”

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Mirna(FR) and UK Professional Rosie Jessop win in Ostend

UK JOCKEY JESSOP WINS PLACE IN ABU DHABI FINALS UK lady profesional jockey Rosie Jessop, 28, who works for UK trainer Sir Mark Prescott, Bt. in Newmarket, booked her place in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) Finals in Abu Dhabi in November with a qualifying win in Ostend on August 14.

Trained by Didier Guillemin, her victory on Mirna was the Mahabb mare's first from eight starts, though she had been placed in the apprentice series race at Tarbes last year.

Jessop, was delighted with the win saying: “I have to give full credit to my

horse Mirna for that. She was the best today. I am looking forward to the Abu Dhabi final. " Jessop had spent two winters in Bahrain as an apprentice working for Alan Smith and whilst there, she had plenty of experience of riding Arabians. She was also the first lady rider in the country, which required a changing room to be built especially for her.

It was a successful day for YAS Horse Racing Management, as in additon to Mirna, another of their runners, Naziq won the The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr 3) race run over 1800 metres under Festival Jockey ambassador Richie Mullen.

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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN RACES Newbury, UK The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted with their flagship meeting held at Newbury racecourse on Sunday 30 July, with winners from all nations joining together for a memorable occasion.

Was this be a prediction of the winner of the feature race (Lightning Bolt) from one of the Rainbow Horse entries?

Right from the outset all the signs were there that this year would be a vintage year for DIAR. The strength in depth of the races was immediately apparent, following another increase in entries to 186, up on the 158 received in 2016.

These entries included the defending title holders in every Group 1 PA race, in Muraaqib, Sylvine Al Maury and Radames, as well as Foaad, winner of the international conditions race. In addition, both Kamikaze and Zayin

Zachilles were lining up to repeat their 2016 respective wins in the Roda Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap and the UAE Embassy Handicap, the last two races of the eight-race card.

Despite heavy rain leading up to the event and the ground changing to Soft, Heavy in places, there were only two non-runners, bringing the total number of runners to 84.

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Lightning Bolt (FR) and Olivier Peslier

The feature race, the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Group 1 PA), was described by ARO commentator Gary Capewell in his race commentary as the ‘best renewal ever staged’. It featured the last two winners of the race in Muraaqib (2016) and Gazwan (2015) and two other individual Group 1 winners in Lightning Bolt and Motrag, plus Group 1 placed Awzaan; Jaldi Karo who had been sixth in 2016 and Listed placed since, and Mithah Athbah, who had been Group 2 placed (and subsequently followed up in a Group 1 at Chelmsford on his next start see page 35). Truly a line up to savour.

Motrag, who had won the juvenile colts Group 1 race at Saint-Cloud in the autumn, cut out much of the early pace, hugging the rail, but as they

reached half way and into the home straight, his advantage was challenged on his outside by UK Arabian Derby winner Lightning Bolt under Olivier Peslier. With three furlongs to go, Muraaqib, who had been held up by Jim Crowley in the rear, made his move in the centre of the course, whilst Richie Mullen, who had been tracking Motrag on Gazwan, got to work on the grey to mount their attack.

Inside the final quarter mile Lightning Bolt asserted as Motrag’s dominance came to an end, with Gazwan and Muraaqib in behind. With every stride Gazwan and Mullen were reeling in Lightning Bolt and Peslier, however the 2015 winner is an out and out stayer and Lightning Bolt, who had the edge on speed and fitness prevailed by half a length.

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Lightning Bolt (FR) under Olivier Peslier head for home passing long time leader Motrag (FR) and Julien Auge The line comes too soon for Gazwan(GB) and Richie Mullen as Lightning Bolt (FR) wins by half a length

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It was Gazwan’s first run back since arriving in Europe and his trainer Julian Smart, feared he would lack match practice. so was nonetheless pleased with his colt’s performance.

Motrag kept on for third and whilst it was a little disappointing to see Muraaqib in fourth, he was clearly unsuited by the testing underfoot conditions and it was the first time HH Sheikh Hamdan’s champion had finished outside of the first two in all his eight starts.

Lightning Bolt’s trainer and breeder Karin Van Den Bos was overcome with emotion following his victory saying: “It’s wonderful to be here and to have Olivier Peslier in the saddle, as he is

one of the top jockeys in the world. I know the track at Newbury and it suited my horse very well. He fell on his nose in the prep race when he was beaten by Jaldi Karo, but I knew he was better than that.”

“The track suited him very well, like his half-sister Samima. I have a full sister to Samima for next year, Miss Longchamp. She is identical to Samima, just a bit taller as Samima was a first foal. Then I have a yearling by Damis and this year's foal is a full sister to Lightning Bolt. I’m not sure where he will race next, maybe Deauville or perhaps we will supplement for Chelmsford, I don’t know.”

Karin Van Den Bos with Lighting Bolt (FR) and Olivier Peslier THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Sylvine Al Maury (FR) and Jean-Bernard Eyquem go to post

There was plenty to celebrate for the Royal Cavalry of Oman as they won both the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Group 1 PA) with Sylvine Al Maury and also the Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes (Group 2 PA) with Riyam.

It fell to Hurra, making her third appearance in the race to lead the field, and it was notable that the first three home were all held up, with Sylvine Al Maury having the most ground to make up. However, class as they say is permanent, and JeanBernard Eyquem and Sylvine Al Maury came with a smooth run down the centre of the course to take the lead just outside the final quarter mile.

Pushing her out hands and heels

appeared to be enough as the 2016 winner drew clear, however Karimah, under a strong drive from Olivier Peslier, very nearly spoiled the party, going down by a short head on the line. Mirabella T, representing the inform stable of Holland’s Gerard Zoetelief was four and a half lengths back in third.

As in 2016, the Royal Cavalry’s superstar mare was making her seasonal reappearance, her jockey Jean-Bernard Eyquem commented: “The pace was slow, and she was a little fresh, so though I know I arrive too early with her, I wasn’t worried.

However, in the last furlong, just as I thought I was going to win easily, I see Olivier [Peslier on Karimah] coming, but she did just enough.”

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Above: Sylvine Al Maury (FR) and Jean-Bernard Eyquem's narrow margin win from Karimah (FR) and Olivier Peslier Below: Sylvine Al Maury (FR) with her groom Melodie

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Above: The presentation for the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta Interntional Stakes Gr1 PA following Sylvine Al Maury's repeat win Below: Riyam (FR) parades prior to winning the Emirtates Equestrian Federation International Stakes Gr2 PA

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Shomoos Athbah (GB) and Tadhg O'Shea duel with Riyam (FR) and Ellie Mackenzie

This brought Sylvine Al Maury’s Group 1 winning total to four, whilst the victory of Riyam was more of a surprise. After a couple of runs in France, he had been transferred to the UK to the Royal Cavalry’s base in Wargrave, Berkshire. He readily won his UK debut on the Polytrack at Chelmsford over a mile and though not unfancied, he certainly wasn’t prominent in the betting. Owing to the lack of exposure of the juvenile runners, it was the most open Group race of the day, with no stand out horse like Urge Di Gallura last year.

However, his full brother Vis Di Gallura was there, and amongst the other well related youngsters were Maolie, a full sister to Kahayla Classic winner Manark and Ashraq, a full-sister to World Cup winner Mkeefa, which again

demonstrates the quality of the fields this year.

As the gates opened the majority of the field headed for the stands rail, regardless of where they had been drawn, leaving just three runners to go it alone up the centre of the course, of which Riyam was the leader. It was a brave move by his jockey, young amateur Ellie Mackenzie, not to be swayed by the actions of the professional jockeys in the field and it was Tadhg O’Shea who left the stands side pack a furlong from home to mount the only serious challenge to Mackenzie and Riyam.

O’Shea’s mount Shomoos Athbah clearly possesses talent and quirkiness in equal measure, as no soon as she had got the better of Riyam, she put her head up and threw all chance of

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Salim Al Hakmai, Riyam (FR), Ellie Mackenzie, Brigadier General Al Shahwarzi, Said Al Badi and Jean-Pierre Deroubaix

winning away, whilst Riyam and Mackenzie dug deep to win by half a length. Maolie, under Olivier Peslier stayed on for third, but never threatened the front two.

Riyam was a fighter and the young lady rode him very well.”

This was also a landmark first Group winner for Riyam’s sire General, now in his second season, he has made an excellent start with his early runners.

Ellie Mackenzie, who had won on Riyam at Chelmsford and was riding in her first DIAR, had opened her account in fine style, a first win at Group level too. Commenting on both victories, Brigadier General Abdulrazak Al Shahwarzi of the Royal Cavalry of Oman said: “Sylvine is back from injury and has proven today that she is the best Arabian racemare in the world.

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Lswail (FR) and Julian Auge, clear winners of the Group 1 Za'abeel

The Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International (Group 1PA) produced the most visually impressive performance of the day when Lwsail, making all, sprinted home to win by 10 lengths from Barnamaj, with Macallan in third. Owing to the soft ground, defending title holder Radames was withdrawn and it certainly wasn’t a surface that would suit most sprinters, though that shouldn’t diminish Lwsail’s achievements as he had plenty of Group form over further in France.

This was a step up for the Al Shaqab owned, Thomas Fourcy trained colt, who was proven on easy ground in France over seven furlongs. Afterwards Fourcy commented: “This race was Lswail’s target for the year. He’s a colt I

have liked for a long time. He was a maiden winner in Bordeaux over seven furlongs, but after that, over longer distances, he tended to be too tense and not breathe. Before Newbury, he ran second in a good race, only beaten by the champion filly Mabrooka.

“We will try to find another race at the same distance, but he can stay a mile which he showed us at Group 1 level when he was three years old. I think he could be competitive in America too, like his mother, the champion Kerra.

He is the first Group 1 winner for her.”

The Emirates NBD International Stakes was won in fine style by the Dutch raider Pronto T, by half a length from last years’ winner Foaad.

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Above: Lwsail(FR) parades in the paddock at Newbury Below: With Julian Auge and Thomas Fourcy in the winners enclosure afterwards

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Pronto T (NL) and Pat Dobbs on their way to post

Travelling well in the hands of Pat Dobbs, he was another held up off the early pace and showed a smart turn of foot to accelerate away in the testing ground, with only Foaad able to go with him.

Gerard Zoetelief owns and bred the four-year-old colt, who he trains on the beach in Holland. His horses were in a rich vein off form with that being his third winner in three different countries in a week. Pronto T is a halfbrother to Parma T who won the Gold Final at last years’ ARO Season Finale at Chelmsford and is from the same family as his Group 1 winning racemare Prada T. The international flavour also ran through to the domestic handicaps, as the winner of the opening race, the Emirates Premier Handicap Cheik Roque, was bred in France, had raced

in the UK, France and the UAE and is owned by Athbah Stud of Saudi Arabia. Cheikh Roque had caught the eye in 2015 as a juvenile when he won the DIAR prep race for three-year-olds, before finishing third in the main event that year, when trained by Peter Hammersley. He then went to the Gulf, where, trained by Erwan Charpy, he had won three times over a mile on Turf and was making his UK reappearance at DIAR, now trained by Phil Collington.

Always travelling sweetly for Tadhg O’Shea, the race was set up for Cheik Roque by Zayin Angkor Centurion and David Turner, who, a year younger and with considerably less experience, still ran a cracker, despite being very green in front. They finished well clear of Alrazeen, who was also a long way ahead of Furry.

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Above: Pronto T (NL) and Pat Dobbs win by half a length from defending title holder Foaad (FR) and Jim Crowley Below: Pat Dobbs with Pronto T (NL) and owner-breeder-trainer Gerard Zoetelief in the winners enclosre

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Kayote (GB) and Serena Brotheton win the Roda Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap from Emiraaty (left) and Aurora Forta (right)

The Roda Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap provided further first time DIAR success for lady amateur riders. A latecomer to Arabian racing was nine times Champion Lady Amateur Flat Jockey, Serena Brotherton, who had her first ride under ARO rules last season. Riding the bottom weight Kayote, Keira Clarke’s mare relished the rain soften ground and gave Brotherton her first ever win on an Arabian racehorse.

Al Faaris in the final strides.

Of her win Brotherton said: “I had a couple of rides last year and when I was second at Taunton in May, I thought I’d really like to ride a winner now, but I never thought it would be on a day like today. It was frustrating for Kayote’s owner, Keira Clarke who wasn’t qualified to ride him, but she told me exactly what to do and he was brilliant. He loved the ground and he tried.”

It looked for a while that Kamikaze may record back to back wins, but he cried enough with three furlongs to go, leaving Kayote and Brotherton at the head of the pack. Aurora Forta looked the biggest danger on the far rail, and given her fine run over two miles on the soft at Doncaster in June, it was no surprise to see her staying on, however she was giving four pounds to the winner and was collared for second by

The closing event, the UAE Embassy Handicap produced a repeat result for trainer Peter Hammersley with the Heather Phillpott owned Unity Belle, who she bred in France. Hammersley had trained the 2016 winner Zayin Zachilles, when Unity Belle was fourth and she has clearly progressed well over the winter, as this was her third win this season.

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Above: Kayote (GB) and Serena Brotheton with the Clarks in the winners enclosure Below: Unity Belle (FR) and David Turner win from Tiger Lily (GB) and Ciaran Jones in the UAE Embassy Handicap Stakes

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Breaking well, she led throughout and kept on stoutly for David Turner to keep the challenge of Tiger Lily and Ciaran Jones at bay by a neck, with Aljawaaher in third.

Hammersley was delighted with her win saying afterwards: ”It still hasn’t quite sunk in. David had the choice of my runners to ride and I really thought that Shammat Al Hosn would be the one today, but he was right. She is really blooming since her win at Chelmsford, she did a good bit of work in preparation, so I thought she would run well. Dave was positive and made it look easy.

“Things are really starting to come

together now for us since we moved yards last year. We brought eight here today and we’ve had a winner, a second and a third, they’ve all run well.

We’re definitely going in the right direction, we just need a few more owners and a few more horses. It's onwards and upwards from here.”

Commenting on his third DIAR win Turner said: “I picked her on the basis that I knew she would stay and that I knew it was going to be a wet week.

She’s game and tough, and I think there’s more to come from her as she looks after herself, condition wise.

Heather has stuck by her and it's paid off.”

David Turner with Pete Hammersley, Unity Belle (FR) Sue Wileman and Heather Phillpott THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive said: “ARO is thrilled with how the day has gone.

Our declarations were up again on last year and despite the showers, the crowd was over 8,000 strong.

Relive the day by clicking on the following links -

"It was very pleasing to see one of the bonus’s get claimed in the feature race, as Lightning Bolt had been placed in one of the DIAR Prep races in Holland. This has been a great initiative and Dubai International Arabian Races continue to go from strength to strength.

https://www.youtube.com/user/ARORaceVideos/feed

All the DIAR races can be viewed through ARO's dedicated YouTube page:

or through the DIAR's own website: http://www.diaraces.com/diar-newbury

All the photos from DIAR maybe viewed here: https://equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com/2017-RACING/Arabian-Racing-2017/Newbury-July-30

"The winners of todays’ races, either through owning, breeding, training or riding encompass France, Saudi Arabia, Holland, Qatar, Oman and Great Britain which supports DIAR’s aim of top level international competition.”

DIAR and ARO patron HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum whose vision of a day of international competition for Arabian racehorses, that also educates about Arabic culture, has proved so successful THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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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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QATAR INTERNATIONAL STAKES Gr.1 Goodwood, UK

Tayf (FR) and Olivier Peslier win by a nose from Ebraz (GB and Alan Munro

It was a Qatari one-two at Goodwood as Tayf fought hard to just edge out Ebraz by a nose on the line in the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) in what was described a the 'Best Finish of the Day' by dedicated horse racing channel Racing UK. Despite the small field and the atrocious wether conditions, there was plenty of quality in the race as the runners also included this years' French Derby winner Nafees and another Group 1 winner in Prada T, who had been second in the two previous runnings of this race, to Sir Bani Yas and Al Mourtajez.

Another previous runner, Furry, took the early lead, but he was never likely to be a contender and tracked by Ebraz, he yeilded to that one inside the final three furlongs. Nafees has closed on the leaders but it was Oliver Peslier on Tayf, who had been held up in third, who proved to hold the strongest hand.

As the horses appeared through the driving rain inside the final quarter mile, Tayf was chased along to challenge Ebraz with Prada T coming wide on the outside and Nafees

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Prada T (NL) and her groom in the torrential rain Tayf (FR) in the pre-parade ring

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Head to head - Ebraz (GB) and Tayf (FR) battle up the home straight

plugging on up the stands rail.

time.

Whether it was greeness or the onslaught of the driving rain, but with a furlong to go, out in front, Ebraz lugged away from the rail, giving a clear view to Tayf and Peslier who made the most of the opportunity to get his mounts head in front, however Ebraz bravely battled back and the two mud spattered greys fought all the way to the line.

Whilst both horses are trained in France in the summer months, this was certainly the worst weather and underfoot conditions either horse had faced in their careers. Speaking after the race De Mieulle said: “Both horses are good, I know Tayf is a nice horse and Olivier Peslier rode him very well today. We did not know if he would handle the ground, so he’s done very well and I am pleased with him.”

Owned by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and trained by Alban De Mieulle, Tayf had been beaten by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Ebraz when they last met in the HH Emir’s Sword in Doha in February.

In a desperately close finish which required a photo to separate the pair, it was Tayf who came out on top this

Tayf had not been seen out since the Doha race, however Ebraz had the benefit of a European run, winning a Group 3 in France last month. De Mieulle continued: “Yes, we don’t want to push him too much, because the season is long, coming from Qatar to Europe, so we will wait now and go

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Tayf (FR) and assistant trainer Eric Ventrou

straight to Chantilly for the Qatar World Cup.” Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Racing Operations Executive said: “That was a really exciting finish with two of the world’s best Arabian horses fighting it out to the line in desperate conditions. We congratulate both sets of connections and also those of Prada T who has now been placed in this race three times.”

“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. It is an honour to play host to such a highprofile race and we hope that maybe

this years’ winner could be the first to make history by going on to win the Triple Crown and claim the bonus too.”

The second and third stages of the Triple Crown 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 racing events and also carries a $1,000,000 bonus to any horse who can win all three stages.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9boJgCpbPk More pictures here: https://equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com/2017-RACING/Arabian-Racing-2017/Goodwood-August-2/

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

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE MAGAZINE MAIDEN STAKES Won by MITH'HAF ATHBAH WOLVERHAMPTON 17 JUNE 2017 WWW.EQUINECREATIVEMEDIA.COM THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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UAE ABU DHABI DAY Chelmsford, UK The inaugural UAE Abu Dhabi Day held at Chelmsford City Racecourse was a great success with six Purebred Arabian races held in front of a 10,000 strong audience.

Mith'haf Athbah (GB) narrowly beats Kalino (FR) for the HH Sheikh Zayed Cup Gr1

The huge crowd, who had been queing to get in rihht fromt he gates opening witnessed the first Group 1 race ever to be held at the Essex track, which produced a thrilling finish with Mith’haf Athbah and Tadhg O’Shea winning by the narrowest of margins.

This was also the first time the UK stages of the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA), and the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies and Apprentice World Championships (IFAHR) were run together on the same card as the feature race.

Fittingly it was the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) which provided the crowd with a truly exciting finish, which saw Mith’haf Athbah and Kalino duelling up the home straight and required a photograph to confirm Mith’haf Athbah’s win by a nose. This was a first Group 1 victory for Mith’haf Athbah, who bravely kept the 2015 HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Gr1 PA) winner Kalino at bay, with another former Zayed Cup winner, Al Mouwaffak (2015, Toulouse)

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Mith'haf Athbah (GB) goes head to head with Kalino (FR) in front of the crowds

a further two and a half lengths behind in third.

Trainer Phil Collington was full of praise for his colt saying: “Looking back at his previous form in Group races over further, I thought he had the speed to drop back to a mile. I wasn’t sure if he would handle the surface, as he hasn’t run here before, but it was the right decision obviously. The owners, Athbah Stud will be delighted to win a Group 1 with him.”

Commenting on his mounts win O'Shea said: "He did it really well, there were a couple in the race with really strong credentials. Crucially when the Al Shahania filly sadly broke down in front of me, it left my horse in front and he idled a bit until Kalino came to challenge, but he's very, very genuine and it's great to get a Group 1 under his belt."

Mith'haf Athbah(GB) and Tadhg O'Shea led in by Ria Tillet

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Above: Ria Tillet with Mith'haf Athbah (GB) Below: Phil Collington and Tadhg O'Shea receive their trophies from Lara Sawaya (c) Megan Rose Photography

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Madjanthat (US) and Rikke Bay Torp win the HH Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship qualifier

The HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) offers the valuable opportunity for professional and amateur lady riders to compete and exchange experiences.

The UK stage was won by Madjanthat who led from start to finish for Danish Amateur Rikke Bay Torp, with Vindetta and professional German jockey Tamara Hofer giving chase, and UK amateur Ellie Mackenzie in third on Noble Athlete.

that she‘ll be going to the finals in Abu Dhabi in November.”

Madjanthat’s trainer James Owen commented: “We’re really pleased with him, obviously his form had dipped in the UAE and he’s been freshened up by doing Endurance since he arrived here in the UK. He’s ridden by girls at home and they get on really well with him. Rikki gave him a great ride today, letting him take charge, and she’s absolutely delighted THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Storm Troupour (US) and Milly Naseb win the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Race (IFAHR)

The HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) UK stage was won by another front-runner in Storm Troupour ridden by 24 year-old Milly Naseb, representing Jordan. Last year’s winner Emiraaty, under the UK’s Paddy Pilley was never able to get on terms in second, though they were clear of recent winner Cheikh Roque and Poland’s Konrad Mazur in third.

Both Pilley and Naseb had won at Chelmsford City before, however it was Naseb who had the best record with an impressive five wins from 27 rides on Thoroughbreds at the Essex track.

A clearly delighted Naseb, who is attached to UK thoroughbred trainer Stuart Williams, said: “Although I have

had nearly 150 thoroughbred rides in my career so far, I have only had three on Arabian racehorses and this was my first win on an Arabian. I rode in the Apprentice race last year at Lingfield, and in a conditions race here in June, when I was fourth. It will be really exciting to ride in the finals in Abu Dhabi.”

For owner-trainer, Beverly Deutrom it was an emotional victory saying: “I would like to dedicate this win to Shena Paterson who passed away last week. Storm Troupour loves the All Weather and going round a bend, he needed the run at Newbury after returning from Dubai and will go to Belgium next.”

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Above: Jockeys line up for the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Race (IFAHR) Below: Milly Naseb with the trophies

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Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) and David Turner form the first leg of a double for Pete Hammersley and Paul Simmons

The three supporting races were run under the Wathba Stallions banner, as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Flat Horse Racing Festival.

This proved just as exciting with a double for Owner-Breeder Paul Simmons, trainer, Peter Hammersley, and jockey, David Turner, with the homebred Zayin Angkor Centurion winning the opening maiden and Kallista winning the (0-50) Handicap.

Hammersley said: “That was fantastic.

Kallista has been so frustrating. The blinkers helped settle her and everything went her way today, Dave has given her a brilliant ride. Zayin Angkor Centurion is definitely going the right way, he’ll have a rest and head to the UK Arabian Derby next. I’d like to thank the Sheikh Mansoor Festival for a wonderful evening here at Chelmsford.”

Turner commented:"A fantastic crowd and great sponsors, I'm delighted.

Zayin Angkor Centurion was very good. He's intelligent and learning his job, at Newbury he hit the front and was a bit green with the crowds, but was aware of the other horses around him. Here he knuckled down well and picked up and went away. He can only improve. Kallista is now off a workable mark, the blinkers pacify her and keep her focussed."

Paul Simmons had been confident of Zayin Angkor Centurion saying "He had the best form and did it very easliy. The team have done an amaazing job with him. Kallista is very talented but very clever, she sulks with the kickback, but once in front she was fine. It's also great that her win represents Heraitage Arabian Racing Club breeding too."

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Pete Hammersley, Paul Simmons, Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB), Sue Wileman, and David Turner with Lara Sawaya; Turner completes the double on Kallista

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It was also an emotion packed finale to the card when Billy’s Girl held off the challenge of Taer Hurr. This gave first wins in Arabian racing for jockey James Harding, trainer and part owner, Luke Gedge-Gibson and also was a first win for the sire of Billy’s Girl, Tidabret.

Harding, who had treated the crowd to a Frankie Dettori style flying dismount in the winners enclosure said: “I get very limited rides, with only one ride under rules for my employer, Jonathon Portman, this season, though I had seven wins from my first 19 rides when I started.

"It’s brilliant to get a first win on an Arabian, and I’ve ridden Billy’s Girl quite a lot, there’s been quite a few ups and downs with her. She missed the break, but I was able to sit off the

early pace and then let them come back to me. She stayed on well.”

Gedge-Gibson commented:"She's not been the most straightforward filly to work with, but tonight she's showed that she's got some grit and determination to win. We were reluctant to take the cheekpiees off, but we thought we'd give her a chance without them, but they've defintely helped, putting them back on."

Chelmsford City Racecourse Manager Fraser Garrity “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have the Arabian Racing Organisation and the Sheikh Mansoor Festival races here today. It is also a special privilege to be staging our first ever Group 1 race which produced the best finish of the night, it really got the crowd going.

Billy's Girl (GB) and James Harding win by threequarters of a length

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James Harding celebrates on Billy's Girl (GB)

He contiuned: "Racing is still fairly new to Essex, we’re the only track here and I think the crowd love a good day out and good horses to watch. It doesn’t make any difference to them if they are Arabians or Thoroughbreds.”

Festival Jockey Ambasador Richie Mullen said: "I rode here when it was Great Leighs and this is the first time I've been back since it re-opened. I was amazed how many people were actually here. This is the biggest crowd I've seen for any of the Festival races I've attended in Europe. Obviously the band afterwards helps, but they were queing to get in before racing started which is very encouraging.

personally feel there is a strong case for the sport to be taken much more seriously in this country."

Genny Haynes, ARO Director concluded: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and of its’ Executive Director, Lara Sawaya and we are delighted to welcome all the UAE delegates to witness our Arabian racing here in the UK. Our thanks also go to Racing Welfare for sponsorship of the Best Turned Out awards, and to Fraser Garrity and all the team at Chelmsford for a successful evening.”

Watch all the races here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kzJVQdCWmI&list=PLwscpRWMD3rTRffeeP6Vetsr-FkByrJXI

"This shows Arabian racing is strong and the more events we get like this in the UK, can only strengthen our hand with the British Horseracing Authority. I

More pictures here: https://equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com/2017-RACING/Arabian-Racing-2017/Chelmsford-City-August-12

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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

+ 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 6 3 5 5 2 4 4 4 5 T H Ei nAfRoA@BaI rAoNr aRcAi Cn gE .Hc Oo R. uSkE

www.aroracing.co.uk

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Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-50) Handicap Bath, UK

Ultimate Force (GB) shows he stays well for David Turner ahead of LB Farrah (GB) and Teresa Gavin

It was a repeat performance for Ultimate Force and David Turner who again led the field to win The Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-60) Handicap at Bath, winning by three and a quarter lengths from LB Farrah, with Elyassaat less than a length behind in third. Just 17 days previously the pair had won over a mile at the same track, in another handicap supported by the same sponsor. Trainer Peter Hammersley has the horses of ownerbreeder, Heather Phillpott, in flying form as her other horse, Unity Belle,

also ridden by Turner, had won the final handicap of the day at Newbury as part of the Dubai International Arabian Races fixture five days earlier.

A delighted Hammersley said: “This was the target after his last win here.

He’s really tough and genuine and he’ll stay all day. We’ll see what the handicapper does, he might go to Chelmsofrd or Windsor. The visor has helped him again today and we’re thrilled to bits with him.”

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ARO Racing Operations Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “We’re so pleased for Heather, as a small ownerbreeder, to have such great success with her two horses in recent weeks.

Pete is having a great season, whilst David is now a clear leader in the ARO Jockeys Championship.

She concluded: “Bath always provides a welcoming atmosphere and this is the last of two single races to be run at Bath this year, both supported by The Royal Cavalry of Oman, whilst their next sponsored race will be on Saturday 19th August, with the Group 3 Clarendon Stakes. Their sponsorship concludes at Windsor, with the annual Sultanate of Oman Raceday, held on 28th August.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNTGc-oKf8c

More pictures here:

Celebrations in the winners enclosure above and below Hammersley and Turner with Ultimate Force (FR)

https://equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com/2017-RACING/Arabian-Racing-2017/Bath-August-4/

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THE ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN CLARENDON STAKES Gr.3 Newbury, UK

Macallan (SE) and Anna Pilroth lead them home

Sweden’s Macallan was victorious in The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr 3 PA) run over five furlongs at Newbury this afternoon. Ridden by Swedish professional jockey Anna Pilroth and trained by her mother Bodil Blomqvist, for a partnership that also included Blomqvist. Run as the opening race of the sell-out Betfred Ladies Day card, the race was oversubscribed requiring horses to be balloted out, with Macallan and Pilroth beating eleven horses home including Group 1 winner Radames, who had

been second in the race last year.

Filling the places were Shomoos Athbah who had recently been headed in a Group 2 at the track and Storm Troupour, who had come to Newbury on the back of a win at Chelmsford seven days earlier. This was Macallan’s second sprint win at this level and he is a son of Dahess, one of two three-time Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA) winners, the only other pattern sprint race held for Arabians in the UK, also run at Newbury.

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Above: Anna Pilroth enters the paddock at Newbury Below: Macallan (SE) and Anna Pilroth win from Shomoos Athbah (GB) and Tadhg O'Shea

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A delighted Pilroth commented: “He likes the [soft] ground and I was looking forward to riding him over five furlongs because he is better over shorter distances, so it is a relief that it all worked out. The course here is lovely, I like the undulations, you need a good horse and you need to think a little bit and plan your race.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Director Genny Haynes said: “We are delighted for Anna and her mother who have been rewarded for their campaign with Macallan, racing him in England for the third time in three weeks, he is clearly a tough horse. We also thank the Royal Cavalry for their continued sponsorship of this race and we welcomed Colonel Abdil Al Hosni and Samil Baabood to present the trophies to Anna.”

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKFoH2pBxGc&feature=youtu.be

More pictures here:

https://equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com/2017-RACING/Arabian-Racing-2017/Newbury-August-19/

Macallan (SE) and Anna Pilroth

Anna Pilroth recieves the winners trophy from Col. Abdil Al Hosni and Samil Baabood THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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AL RAYYAN CUP GR.1 & DOHA CUP GR.1 Deauville, France

Khataab (FR) under Jerome Cabre stretches clear for a first Group 1 win from Lightning Bolt (FR) and Olivier Pesleir and Sylvine Al Maury (FR) with JeanBernard Eyquem in the Doha Cup Gr.1 PA (C) Noelle Derre

With the going described as very soft and some fairly unseasonal weather for the Arabian highlight of the Deauville meeting, the first of the two Group 1's run on Saturday 12th August was the Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy for three-year-olds). Putting her unbeaten record on the line was Joudh, for YAS Horse Racing Management, trained like her champion full-sister Mabrooka,

by Didier Guillemin.

In the same colours, Rakeed took them

along, though despite winning on his debut in June, still looked quite green in front. Settled behind were Dynamites (a half-brother to Samima and Lightning Bolt by Nashwan Al Khalidiah) and Arghad (a Munjiz halfbrother to Assy). Mid-division was another well-bred juvenile in Mouhoobah (a Mahabb daughter of Al Dahma), keeping pace with debut winner Goumoh, whilst Somoud (already Listed and Group 3 placed) and Joudh were held up in the rear.

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Joudh (FR) impresses under Mickael Barzalona winning from Rijm (FR) (just seen) and Julien Auge with Dynamites and Antoine Hamelin keeping on in third in the Al Rayyan Cup Gr.1 PA Joudh (FR) in the winners enclosure - all (C) Noelle Derre

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Mickael Barzalona waited with Joudh, not passing a single horse until they reached the 500 metre mark. As the field straightened out, Antoine Hamelin set sail for home up the inside rail on Dynamites, and half way up the straight there was some bunching, of which Arghad looked to come off the worst, however both Rijm and Joudh had kept out of trouble coming around the field and travelling up the centre of the course. Joudh travelled smoothly into the lead ahead of Rijm and the pair drew clear of Dynamites, with Joudh pushed out for a half length win, gaining a second Group 1 title.

tracked by Lighnting Bolt and Olivier Peslier, with the favourite Sylvine Al Maury settled towards the rear.

Seeking the better ground the field raced towards the centre of the track, with the back marker, Khataab coming widest of all as they entered the home straight and the tempo quickened.

In front Al Walid had been joined by Valentin and Lightning Bolt, however, under a strong drive from Jerome Cabre, Khataab quickly made ground.

He showed better acceleration than Sylvine Al Maury who had also been brought nearer the stand side by JeanBernard Eyquem to make her challenge for the lead. Khataab proved to have the superior tactical speed and he powered past them all to take it up inside the last half furlong to win going away by half a length from Lightning Bolt and Sylvine Al Maury.

This was a first Group 1 win for Khataab, having already scored twie in Group 2 company at Toulouse in the French Arabian Breeders Classic last October and the Prix CarthageHannibal - HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AL Nahyan Cup in April on his seasonal reappearance. His dam Djelana won the Prix Nefta and he is a full-brother (embryo) to Djelamer, who won the Group 3 President of the UAE Cup in Ostend last month.

All Photos (C) Noelle Derre

Khataab (FR)

In the Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Manganate), also run over 2000m, Al Walid under Julien Auge broke smartly and was soon setting a steady pace in front, THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: All smiles as Khataab (FR) and Jerome Cabre lead Lightning Bolt (FR) and Sylvine Al Maury (FR) into the winners enclosure and below: The presentation after the Doha Cup Gr.1 PA

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

THE ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN Is pleased to share with you the success of :

ALSAKER

Af Albahar x Jakkarta

SYLVINE AL MAURY

Munjiz x Savavit Al Maury

Winner of Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 ans (Gr1 PA)

Winner of the Doha Cup Prix Manganate (Gr1 PA)

June 19th 2016, Chantilly racecourse

August 13th 2016, Deauville racecourse

NAFEES

KARIMAH

Azadi x Vivamaria

Munjiz x Kahina de Monlau

Winner of the French Arabian Breeders Challenge Poulains (Gr2 PA)

Winner of the French Arabian Breeders Challenge Pouliches (Gr2 PA)

October 27th 2016, Toulouse racecourse

October 27th 2016, Toulouse racecourse

THE A R A B I A N: +33 R A(0)6 C E07 HO S 84 E - bloodstock@orange.fr Jean-Pierre DEROUBAIX 52R38 Anne-Sophie YOH BENET: +33 (0)6 85 16 14 99 - as.yoh@fba.fr

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THE ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN DIAR 2016 Special Recognition Award Winners

Brigadier General Abdulrazak Al Shahwarzi with Sylvine Al Maury (FR) and Elizabeth Bernard [right] and Karimah (FR) with Jean-Pierre Deroubaix [left] DIAR 2017

The Royal Cavalry of Oman have been a long-term supporter of racing with the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) in the UK. At the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) Media Awards in December 2016, the Royal Cavalry of Oman was honoured by DIAR and ARO patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum by receiving his Special Recognition Award. This is presented to an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to Arabian Racing and Breeding in the previous 12 months.

Announcing the 2016 winner, The Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said: “His Highness is passionate about Arabian

horses and is delighted to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made to the promotion of Arabians by Brigadier General Abdulrazak Al Shahwarzi and his team.

“Their troop of 100 horses were among the top attractions at the Royal Windsor Horse Show as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, introducing many new people to the breed.

“In Arabian racing the Royal Cavalry of Oman are consistent supporters internationally, and particularly here in the UK where they have established a base.

Their colours are seen at the majority of fixtures in Britain and their support extends to the sponsorship of races and events.”

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Maisoor (GB) leads the string on exercise at Wargrave where he was born

Whilst the Omani peoples’ association with the Arabian horse goes back many centuries, the Royal Cavalry of Oman was founded in the early 1970’s by the Sultan of Oman and consisted of just 20 horses.

Today it fulfils a managerial role for all equestrian activities, including racing, show jumping and polo and overseeing breeding programmes, as well as providing horses for ceremonial duties, for which they are famous worldwide. Oman was also the first of the Gulf countries to become a full member of the World Arabian Horse Organisation in 1979.

The award was received by Captain Salim Al Hakmani on behalf the Royal Cavalry of Oman. Hakmani had been a jockey and then trainer for the Cavalry and is now Director of Racing. Working alongside him for many years is their current principal trainer, Said Al Badi. He started riding a year after Al Hakmani in 1988, and as soon as he had learnt to ride and spent some time in the ceremonial section, he moved to racing and with Al Hakmani, went to England to work, first with Sarah Kellaway and Ernst Ortel.

Of those early years Al Badi says: “I kept learning, riding in Oman I won His Majesty’s Cup and, as well as England, I also rode in France, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. I liked to work closely with the trainers like Julian Smart, and also Philippe Barbe and Jean-Francois Bernard, who have both passed away now, and also Robin Gow who has been so helpful the Cavalry in the UK, so I have been able to learn a lot from them.

“It is three years since I took over from Salim, before I was his assistant and we worked closely together. I like the work, it can be hard sometimes, but I enjoy it. The horse is like family for us, so to spend as much time with them as possible is important."

Of the Cavalry’s return to racing in the UK he says: “We are very happy to be back, in the Gulf in the summer, you can’t do anything with the horses. It is good that they can get an education here for a few months, particularly for the young ones. It very good for us."

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“When you have good facilities like we have here at Wargrave - a good track, plus the water horse walker and the regular horse walker - and we have good weather, it is easy for the horses here, they are happy. The track here is too tight for fast work, so we gallop at Kempton or Lingfield and we also go to Lambourn to use the equine pool there. ARO is very helpful, for anything we need. We don’t find anything is difficult here, everyone is friendly.”

He cites Maisoor as the best horse he has trained to date and when we spoke prior to DIAR, he was very excited about his chances of extending his nine-race winning streak to ten in the Group 1 Jebel Ali Za’abeel International Stakes. However, Maisoor failed to read the script at DIAR, finishing fourth dropped back to six furlongs, and, like many of the fancied runners, probably found his speed blunted by the soft ground. Nonetheless, the Royal

Cavalry of Oman had plenty to enjoy, recording two Group winners on the day.

The first was Riyam, who won the Group 2 Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes for three-year-olds.

He is a good example of how racing the younger horses in England can pay handsome dividends. He started his career in France, but after two unsuccessful outings, joined Al Badi and the team at Wargrave and made his first English start a winning one. After that confidence booster, it was a generous move on the Cavalry’s part to allow young amateur jockey Ellie Mackenzie to keep the ride on a promising horse in his first race in pattern company and the pair did not disappoint. Mackenzie gave Riyam a positive ride and though briefly headed near the line, she kept him up to the task to take advantage of Shomoos Athbah who idled in front, to score by half a length.

[left to right] Salim Al Hakmani, Ellie Mackenzie, David Turner, Said Al Badi and Brigadier General Al Shahwarzi in the paddock before Riyam's win THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Karimah (FR) gives Sylvine Al Maury (FR) a strong test in the Hatta

Afterwards Mackenzie was delighted saying: “I’m so pleased, I’ve been riding Riyam at home and in a racecourse gallop, as well as winning on him on his debut.

He’s a fantastic horse and I couldn’t ask for more. The plan was similar to Chelmsford, keep close to the main group and stay as straight as possible, though that wasn’t set in stone.

“He’s tough and he battles hard. He can be forgiven his first few runs in France, as he was just learning the ropes, he had definitely come on for his run at Chelmsford and I think he’ll progress more from this too.

As for her thoughts on DIAR she said: “I’ve visited DIAR as a spectator for the last two years, it’s a day I look forward to every year, and to win on my first ride and my first in a Group race, well that’s just fantastic.”

Their other DIAR Group winner, Sylvine

Al Maury, has been a real flag bearer for the Royal Cavalry and underlines the quality of horses that ARO’s flagship meeting attracts. In 2015 she was joint toprated filly, and was outright top-rated Purebred Arabian mare last year in international classifications. In her 15 starts to date, she has only finished out of the top three once and has recorded four Group 1 victories, including her back to back wins in the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta Stakes at Newbury. This years’ win was not so smooth, as she was strongly pressed in the final furlong by Karimah (trained by Francois Rohaut), who had recorded the Cavalry’s first homebred Group triumph at Toulouse last October.

Commenting on both wins Brigadier General Abdulrazak Al Shahwarzi, Commander of the Royal Cavalry said, “Sylvine is back from injury and has proven today that she is the best Arabian racemare in the world. Riyam was a fighter and the young lady rode him very well.”

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As last year, the Royal Cavalry’s superstar mare was making her seasonal reappearance and her regular partner Jean-Bernard Eyquem was full of praise for her saying, “She’s a very good filly, I am very lucky to be her jockey. The pace was slow, and she was a little fresh, so though I know I arrive too early with her, I wasn’t worried. However, in the last furlong, just as I thought I was going to win easily, I see Olivier [Peslier on Karimah] coming, but she did just enough.”

Trained, since her husband’s passing, by Elizabeth Bernard, it was she who found the key to this highly-strung filly early in her career when at her husbands’ request, she rode her in morning exercise and immediately realised a hood would help her focus.

Eyquem continued, “Sylvine has been incredible for me. I would like to forget the World Cup last year because we had a bad draw, and she was too excited – it was

horrible. I like her though, she gives all she can.”

Bernard and Eyquem’s Group 1 success for the Royal Cavalry is complimented by the efforts of Bloodstock Agent Jean-Pierre Deroubaix, who has sourced many of their best horses, including Sylvine Al Maury, in his role as consultant to the Royal Cavalry of Oman, a position he has had for 10 years. The idea was to promote the country, aiming to keep breeding and racing in Oman, whilst adding an elite group of horses based in France, with the best pedigrees, trained by local trainers, with the target of winning Group races in Europe.

Deroubaix went through Europe buying around 40 mares, also bringing a couple from Oman back to France. Using the best stallions possible, the mares are now based in several places, Haras du Berlais and the Haras du Grand Courgeon in France and also Wargrave Manor in the UK.

Sylvine Al Maury (FR) with Jean-Bernard Eyquem and her breeder Rene Koch THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Maisoor's full sister at Wargrave this summer

With only five foals in the first year, to keep a high number of horses in training, a couple of horses who were already proven were purchased. With the goal of 15-20 foals every year, 2016 was significant as the first full crop. Homebred results have been good with the Cavalry’s first two Group winners arriving in the 2016 French Breeders Cup races in Toulouse in Nafees and Karimah. Nafees has emulated another Cavalry and Bernard standard bearer Alsaker, by winning the French Arabian Derby at Chantilly in June, whilst Karimah was only narrowly beaten by Sylvine Al Maury at Newbury. With more homebreds numerically in 2017, the future looks very bright for their racing programme.

Describing his selection methods for the Royal Cavalry he says, “If it is a colt I don’t care about the pedigree, I look at the performance and the conformation. With fillies, I always try to buy from an old proven family. When you have blood from

the best breeders in the world you can build something. If you buy a filly because she is a Group 1 winner and she has no pedigree, you will not succeed.

“For the colts it is different, the target is not to produce stallions, it is to have runners in the best races around the world, so we buy what is available. It is not easy because of tough competition with countries like Qatar and new players on the market like Saudi Arabia. However, I am very proud of the success we have had with Group 1 wins in the UK, France and other countries.”

He says that between luck and professionalism, it is the only way to succeed and feels very lucky to work for the Sultan of Oman and his team, calling Brigadier General Abdulrazak Al Shahwarzi, “A dream boss, he lets the professional people act, so as a bloodstock agent it is perfect for me, I suggest horses, he approves, and I buy.”

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With more and more runners every year in Oman and the steady rise in pattern winners internationally, this policy is working well. The season in Oman starts around mid-October, early November and the majority of horses that have raced in England this summer have now made the 16 hour flight back to Oman.

Al Hakmani also credits Al Shawarzi for helping to progress the Omani peoples’ involvement with horses and the development of a racing programme by building the racetracks, importing horses, breeding horses and helping to source stallions.

“When I started with the Cavalry he took care of me, he sent me all around the world to gain experience and to be a good

jockey. Said Al Badi and I were the best jockeys in Oman and when we stopped riding we both became champion trainers.

We are thankful to him for his trust as it is not easy to be a trainer for the Cavalry. We try to do the best for the Cavalry to make them and His Majesty happy.”

Because of His Majesty’s ill health, the Cavalry’s racing presence in the UK had been limited for a while, however their sponsorship has still been important for UK Arabian racing. This year the increase gained in 2016 has been maintained and it includes the longest premier handicap (run over 2 miles at Doncaster) and the shortest race, The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon International Stakes (Gr3PA) at Newbury.

The Royal Cavalry's Director of Racing, Salim Al Hakmani in the paddock at DIAR 2017 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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HH Sheikh Hamdan with Brigadier General Al Shahwarzi at DIAR 2017

Whilst DIAR is flagship event for UK Arabian racing and with ten runners, certainly a target fixture for the Cavalry, the other highlight for them is of course their own Sultanate of Oman race day, which is now its seventh year. Returning to Royal Windsor racecourse for 2017, having also been run at Salisbury, Nottingham and Chelmsford, it echoes elements of DIAR as Al Hakmani explains, “I think it is good to change racecourses and move around the country, we bring traditional Omani hospitality of dates and coffee served in the traditional tent. We like to share our culture, like they do on Dubai Day. “We are pleased that Arabian racing is doing well in the UK with our help and

also to see that there are some very good races in the UK, such as those at Newbury, Goodwood and Doncaster and we are honoured to be recognized by HH Sheikh Hamdan.”

Both Al Hakmani and Al Badi have seen a big difference in the quality of racing in the UK since they first arrived to learn their trade. Al Hakmani says, “I see a great jump. I first rode in the UK in Arabian races in 1990 and I remember on that first day at Fakenham, I rode two winners! Now when we make entries we see so many horses. The Arabian Racing Organisation has been a great help to us in the UK and I am looking forward to our runners next year.”

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DIAR Newbury,UK

Emirates Equestrain Federation International Stakes Group 2 PA 7f

Sunday 30 July GOING: Sof/Heavy

1. RIYAM (FR) 3 b c (General x Djenna) T: Said Al Badi O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Miss E Mackenzie B: Royal Cavalry of Oman 2. Shomoos Athbah (GB) 3. Maolie (FR) Dist: 0.5, 2.25 Time: 1.43.78 12 Ran

Emirates Premier (50-90) Handicap Stakes 1m 1. CHEIK ROQUE (FR) 5 gr c (Dahess x Fanny De Faust) T: Phil Collington O: Athbah Stud J: Tadhg O'Shea B: Robert Mongin 2. Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) 3. Alrazeen (GB) Dist: 2,5 Time: 1.59.53 11 Ran Emirates NBD International Conditions Stakes 1m2f 1. PRONTO T (NL) 4 ch c (Murhib x Porta T) T: Gerard Zoetelief (NL) O: Gerard Zoetelief J: Pat Dobbs B: Gerard Zoetelief 2. Foaad (FR) 3. Difaa (GB) Dist: 0.5, 1.75 Time: 2.28.67 8 Ran

Jebel Ali Racecourse Za'abeel International Stakes Gr 1PA 6f 1. LWSAIL (FR) 4 gr c (Amer x Kerra) T: Thomas Fourcy (FR) O: Al Shaqab Racing J: Julian Auge B: Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani 2. Barnamaj (FR) 3. Macallan (SE) Dist: 10,6 Time: 1.24.92 9 Ran NR Radames Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes GR1 PA 1m2f 1. SYLVINE AL MAURY (FR) 6 b m (Munjiz x Savavit Al Maury) T: Elizabeth Bernard (FR) O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Jean-Bernard Eyquem B: Mlle Rene Koch 2. Karimah (FR) 3. Mirabella Y (NL) Dist: sh, 4.5 Time: 2.26.66 9 Ran

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Shadwell Dubai International Stakes Gr1 PA 1m2f 1. LIGHTNING BOLT (FR) 5 ch c (Munjiz x Oleya Du Loup) T: Karin Van Den Bos (NL) O: Mr L Waterland J: Olivier Peslier B: Karin Van Den Bos 2. Gazwan (GB) 3. Motrag (FR) Dist: 0.5, 4 Time: 2.24.55 7 Ran Roda Resorts & Hotels Premier Handicap Stakes 1m4f 1. KAYOTE (GB) 7 ch g (Kayeed x Khute) T: Mrs Keira Clark O: Mrs Keira Clark J: Miss Serena Brotherton B: J Harris 2. Al Faaris (GB) 3. Aurora Forta (AE) Dist: 1.25, nk Time: 3.02.15 10 Ran NR Crahck UAE Embassy (40-75) Handicap Stakes 7f 1. UNITY BELLE (FR) 9 ch m (Kerbella x Escada) T: Peter Hammersley O: Miss H Phillpott J: Mr David Turner B: Miss H Phillpott

Goodwood,UK

Wednesday 2 August GOING: Soft Qatar International Stakes Gr1PA 1m 1. TAYF (FR) 5 gr c (Amer x Djelmila) T: Alban De Mieulle (QA) O: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Olivier Peslier B: HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani 2. Ebraz (GB) 3. Prada T (NL) Dist: ns,6 Time: 1.55.77 6 Ran

Bath,UK

Saturday 15 July GOING: Good to Soft The Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-60) Handicap Stakes 1,5f 1. ULTIMATE FORCE (FR) 9 ch g (Tornado De Syrah x SA Floris) T: Peter Hammersley O: Miss H Phillpott J: Mr David Turner B: Miss H Phillpott 2. LB Farrah (GB) 3. Elyassaat(FR) Dist: 3.25, 0.75 Time: 3.17.62 11 Ran

2. Tiger Lily (GB) 3. Aljawaaher (FR) Dist: nk, 1.25 Time: 1.45.43 19 Ran THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Chelmsford City,UK (AW) Saturday 12 August GOING: Standard

Wathba Stallions Open Maiden Stakes 7f 1 ZAYIN ANGKOR CENTURION (GB) 4 b c (Dahess x Barryh) T: Peter Hammersley O: Zayin Arabian Stud J: Mr David Turner B: Paul Simmons 2. Alrazeen (GB) 3. Tatbeeq (GB) Dist: 8, 20 Time: 1.36.05 3 Ran HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championships (IFAHR) 1m 1. MADJANTHAT (US) 7 ch g (Madjani x Dixies Delight) T: James Owen O: RS Equine J: Miss Rikke Bay Torp B: Diane Waldron, HH Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championships (IFAHR) 7f 1. STORM TROUPOUR (US) 6 ch g (Nivour De Cardonne x ES Ornetta) T: Beverley Deutrom O: Beverley Deutrom J: Milly Naseb B: Kathryn K or Paul J Smoke 2. Emiraaty 3. Cheik Roque Dist: 6, 1.75 Time: 1.33.04 10Ran HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Gr1 PA 1m 1. MITH'HAF ATHBAH (GB) 5 gr h (Amer x Karouj) T: Phil Collington O: Athbah Stud J: Tadhg O'Shea B: Athbah Stud 2. Kalino (FR) 3. Al Mouwaffak (FR) Dist: nse, 2.5 Time: 1.46.31 9 Ran NR Al Raha

2. Vindetta (GB) 3. Noble Athlete (FR)

Wathba Stallions (0-50) Handicap Stakes 1m

Dist: 1.5, 3.5 Time: 1.52.81, 10 Ran

1. KALLISTA(GB) 7 b m (Sambist x GAS Pepelka) T: Peter Hammersley O: Zayin Arabian Stud J: Mr David Turner B: Anne Browne, Gadebrook Stud

Another winner for Another winner fed on

2. Southpaw 3. Trip To Khairo Dist: 1.75, 10 Time: 1.56.36 4 Ran THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Wathba Stallions (0-35) Handicap Stakes 6f BILLY'S GIRL (FR) 7 ch m (Tidarbret x Kamilya) T: Luke Gedge-Gibson O: Middleton Stud & GG B'Stock & Racing J: Mr James Harding B: M.Louis Rouzad,M.Stephane Sarre 2. Elyassaat (FR) 3. Middleton Stud Dist: 0.75, hd Time: 1.25.74 7 Ran

Newbury,UK

Sunday 19 August GOING: Soft The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes Gr3 PA 5f 1. MACALLAN (SE) 5 gr c (Dahess x Queen Anne) T: Bodil Blomqvist (SE) O: K KImfors, O Hakansson, B Blomqvist J: Anna Pilroth B: 2. Shomoos Athbah 3. Storm Troupour Dist: 0.5, 1.75 Time: 1.09.04 12 Ran

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Deauville, France

Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) Gr1 PA 1m2f

Saturday 12 August GOING: Very Soft

Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) Gr1 PA 1m2f 1. JOUDH (FR) 3 ch f (Mahabb x Shamayl) T: D Guillemin (FR) O: YAS Horse Racing Management J: Mickael Barzalona B: HH Sheikh M. bin Zayed

1. KHATAAB (FR) 5 gr c (Amer x Djelana) T: Thomas Fourcy (FR) O: Al Shaqab B: Alban De Mieulle 2. Lightning Bolt (FR) 3. Sylvine Al Maury (FR) Dist: nk, 0.5 Time: 2.20.86 6 Ran

2. Rijm (FR) 3. Dynamites (FR) Dist: 0.5, 2 Time: 2.20.19 8 Ran

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 28

SULTANATE OF OMAN DAY Review of the annual Royal Cavlary of Oman sponsored meeting at Royal Windsor racecourse

PRESIDENT of the UAE CUP (UK Arabian Derby

Report and pictures from the UK's final Group 1 race of the season from Doncaster

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