The Arabian Racehorse Spring 2018

Spring Issue 2018

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

ARO Season Preview Gulf Review

DEBORAH BURT HonSEA

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

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE Spring Issue - 2018 4

News Round up for the first quarter

23

ARO Season Preview 2018 UK Arabian racing season starts on April 21

46

Doug Watson Interview with UAE Champion trainer

58

UAE Review A look back at the Group racing in the UAE during the 2017-2018 season

19

Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr1PA

45

HH Emir's Sword Festival

62 78

Front cover: Tallaab AL Kahlediah and Roberto Perez return from winning the 2018 Dubai Kahayla Classic at Meydan 82

Results

85

The Final Furlong Selcted image from the first quarter

Qatar Gold Sword Gr1PA Feeding with ulcers in mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A dedicated website is now live at:

Useful links:

http://thearabianracehorse.com

View all the back copies at:

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

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

This is the first of the new-look editions previewing the new UK season and reviewing all the Winter action from the Gulf States. The next edition will be in the Summer, including the ever-popular Dubai International Arabian Races Preview, followed by the UK Review and Arc Preview in the Autumn and the European Review and Gulf Preview in the Winter.

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

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

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

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Al Saoudi (FR)

AL SAOUDI TO STAND IN UK IN 2018 Al Saoudi (by Nuits St Georges) has relocated to stand in the UK, at Shadwell Stud, near Newmarket for 2018, after ten seasons in France. Alwaleed, Awzaan, Emiraaty, Eqleem and Madany were all successful for their sire in the UK last season.

Richard Lancaster, Shadwell’s Stud Director, commented: “We are very happy to welcome Al Saoudi at Shadwell Stud. We are very grateful to the whole team at Haras de Saint Faust who looked after him for the past ten years, as well as the team at Haras de l’Abbaye where he stood for one season.

him in France. In the past few years, his progeny have been successful in the UK and we hope he will appeal to British breeders.”

French-bred, Al Saoudi is a four-time Group 1 winner, in France and the UAE on turf and dirt for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He started his racing career in France with Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé and won his first Group 1 at 4, the Prix du Président des Emirats Arabes Unis – Challenge Derby, in Deauville. Shortly after this victory, he joined Doug Watson’s Red Stables in Dubai, winning three further Group 1 races.

“We would like to thank all the breeders who used THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Najlaa (FR) [far side] finishes a close second in the 2014 UK Arabian Derby

He is out of Fatzica (Fatzour), granddam of multiple Group 1 winners Al Mourtajez and Al Mouhannad, and multiple Group winner Al Moutawakila.

For more information about Shadwell Arabian Stallions: arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk www.facebook.com/ShadwellArabian www.shadwellarabian.co.uk

Since retiring to stud in 2008, Al Saoudi has sired many winners and Stakes performers including Najlaa (2nd UK Arabian Derby, Gr.1 PA), Awzaan (3rd Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, Gr.1 PA), Vetlana De Faust (2nd Prix Nefta, Gr.2 PA), Al Chahira (2nd Critérium des Pouliches, Gr.2 PA), and Vulkain D’albret (3rd Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Arabian Cup, Gr.3 PA).

Al Saoudi will stand at Beech House Stud (Newmarket, UK), with his 2018 nomination fee set at £500, for natural cover only (1st January Special Live Foal).

The complete roster, including first season sires Handassa, Taajer and new to Shadwell, AF Al Buraq, is available on the Shadwell Arabian Stallions website and Facebook page with the nomination fees and conditions. Breeders are invited to contact Shadwell Arabians to receive their 2018 stallions brochure.

You can read more about Al Saoudi in the feature on Doug Watson on page 46.

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Awzaan (FR)

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2017 INTERNATIONAL PA CLASSIFICATIONS Published by IFAHR at the end of January, the 2017 Purebred Arabian International Classifications were headed by Ebraz on 127, for his win in the HH Emir’s Sword (Gr1PA) at Al Rayyan and in the Qatar Cup (Prix Dragon) (Gr1PA) at Chantilly last season. Just behind him on 125 were stablemates Gazwan (winner of the Qatar Arabian World Cup Gr1PA, Chantilly) and Reda (winner of the Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr1PA, Meydan).

All three horses are owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, bred by his Al Shahania Stud and trained by Julian Smart. Smart commented:"I'm very proud of the boys and all the team of course - it's a fantastic achievement."

Top rated fillies on 117 were HH Sheikha Fatima bin Mansoor’s Loraa (in the HH The Presidents Cup

Gr1PA) and HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Mabrooka (in the Jewel Crown Gr1PA). The top rated juvenile was Rajeh for his win in the Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1PA), whilst Easter De Faust was awarded 112 for her win in the fillies’ equivalent. Of the UK trained juveniles, the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Riyam received a rating of 107 for his win in the Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes (Gr2PA).

In all 69 horses of four years old and over recorded a rating of 110 or more, whilst 14 three-year-olds were rated 105 or more.

The UK’s top Group 1 races continue to attract the top horses - the highest rated UK race was the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) won by Tayf by a nose from Ebraz. Tayf’s performance in the race

Ebraz (GB) clear of the field in the 2017 Qatar Cup (Prix Dragon) Gr1PA Photo (C) Noelle Derre THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Nafees (FR) wins the 2017 President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) (Gr1PA)

matched his runner-up effort in the HH Emir’s Sword for which he received 122, in third was Prada T (112 Coupe d’Europe) from Nafees in fourth.

However it was The President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) (Gr1PA) at Doncaster in which Nafees (120), Ahzar (116) and Pronto T (111) all gained their top ratings for the year. In addition, the first five home were all rated over 110 - Nafees, Ahzar, Motrag (113), Pronto T and My First General (112).

The Shadwell Dubai International Stakes at Newbury also upheld it’s Group 1 status with the the first five home going on to achieve the following ratings: Lightning Bolt (119), Gazwan (125), Motrag (113), Muraaqib (123) and Mith’haf Athbah (115). Mith’haf Athbah was also the highest rated UK trained older horse.

The full list of ratings can be downloaded from:

www.ifahr.net

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Loraa (FR)

10

TALLAAB AL KHALEDIAH WINS SAUDI ARABIAN PRIZE Sixteen runners gathered from Saudi Arabia, and by invitation from around the world, to contest the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz International Arabian Horse Race Cup run over 1800m for a prize fund of $1 million dollars, as part of the annual Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz International Arabian Horse Festival.

In the event, previous winner Tallaab Al Khalediah was too strong for the overseas challengers, with Zuqar (Oman) second and the UK trained Muntaser Al Khalediah third.

Phil Collington, trainer of Muntaser Al Khalediah and also Mith'haf Athbah commented: "Muntaser did us proud. We had a few training set backs with him him and to run that well without a run since July was outstanding.

"Olivier Peslier, who rode Mith'haf, said that he just didn't handle the surface. It was a sand, wood chip mix, which was deep and very different to what we had been training on when we arrived in Saudi Arabia, or what we have in the UK. Certainly to be in with a chance you had to travel well on it and be on the pace."

Continuing he said: "Mith'haf will now have a break and will return around the end of June, beginning of July. We would like to go to Goodwood, rather than DIAR, as it's a mile and he has plenty of speed, even though he's won over a mile and a quarter. Then like last season, back to Chelmsford City to defend his Group 1 Zayed Cup title, followed by Toulouse. There's not much left for him at the end of the year, though Italy might be a possibility."

Collington was also full of praise for his first experience of racing in Saudi Arabi, comparing it to Dubai around 15 years ago he said:"The racetracks are all in good order and I understand they are thinking of putting in a turf track too. They announced at the draw that they would like to extend the racing at the Festival to three days, rather than just the one and would hope to encourage more international runners and hopefully some Group races too."

www.psaiahf.com Phil Collington with Mith'haf Athbah and Tadhg O'Shea after winning the HH Sheikh Zayed Cup last August

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FAREWELL TO ANNE UNWIN It was with much sadness that we learned of the passing of Anne Unwin earlier this year. She had a huge influence in the establishment of Arabian racing in the UK – being keen to prove that Arabians were versatile in any equestrian sphere, as well as beautiful to look at.

In 1978 Unwin approached the Jockey Club of Great Britain, requesting permission for private ‘match races’, using Arabians. This was met with no objection and it was this vision and idea which made a tiny, but significant start for Arabian racing in the UK. She then succeeded in gaining permission for a full Arabian race meeting, on the agreement that it was not to be on Jockey Club racecourses or to allow any betting to take place.

Searching for both an omen and funding, she decided to place £100 bet on Red Rum to win the 1977 Grand National Steeplechase – reasoning that a win was the green light for UK Arabian racing and a loss would confine her vision to just a dream. Red Rum duly won the race and so her dream became a reality!

Finding Hawthorn Hill, a disused racecourse near Ascot, for that initial meeting, Arabian racing was born in the UK as an amateur sport in 1978.

Outgoing ARO Director Genny Haynes commented: “Sadly, Anne passed away on 3rd February 2018 at the age of 87, after a life time of vision, dedication, encouragement, determination, hope and incredible passion for not only Arabian racing, but the Arabian breed. In addition, Anne offered tremendous support for all involved, whether it be breeders, owners, trainers or jockeys.

“Arabian racing, the Arabian Racing Organisation and the Arab Horse Society has so much to thank Anne for, and I am delighted that she is to be recognized by ARO’s UK nomination for the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Life Time Achievement Award 2018.”

Anne Unwin THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Ted Durcan on Al Hibaab (FR) after winnning the Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA)

SEVEN-TIME UAE CHAMPION JOCKEY DURCAN TO RETIRE In February it was announced that Ted Durcan, a seven-time champion jockey in the United Arab Emirates, will retire from race-riding at the age of 44. A dual thoroughbred Classic winning jockey in the UK, he also rode Purebred Arabians for many of the leading stables, the UK highlight being his win on Al Hibaab in the Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA) at DIAR Newbury in 2014.

From his 44 UK Purebred Arabian rides since 2000, he rode ten winners, the first being Djoumis De Leyre for Ernst Oertel in the 2003 UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation International Stakes (Gr2 PA) at Lingfield Park. Further Group success came on Asraa Min Albarq for Al Shahania Stud and Julian Smart in the 2011 Hawthorn Hill International Stakes (Gr2PA) at Newbury.

However the Dubai International Arabian Races 2014 fixture was a standout, winning the feature race on Al Hibaab, as well as the EEF International Stakes (Gr2PA) on Salaama and the Rotana Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap on Azizi. All were trained by Gill Duffield for DIAR and ARO Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Starting his [thoroughbred] career with Jim Bolger in Ireland, he rode his first winner for him in 1992.

Since then he recorded a worldwide total of around 1,500 winners, with his best UK [thoroughbred] total in 2007 with 95; whilst his best UAE total was 60 in the 1999-2000 season made up of 28 Purebred Arabians and 32 thoroughbreds.

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Ted Durcan on Salaama (GB) win the EEF International Stakes (Gr2PA) and below on Azizi (FR) after winning the premier handicap, all DIAR 2014 His UAE career began during the 1997-1998 season as second jockey at Paddy Rudkin’s Blue Stables, which continued the following winter. It was during this time he gained success with the horses of Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, earning a retainer. This helped him gain his first UAE Championship in 1999-2000, a title which he successfully defended for the next two seasons.

Interviewed by the Racing Post, Durcan said: "I've been mulling it over for a while. I'm going to be 45 at the end of the month and I've probably achieved what I'm going to achieve now as a rider. It's time to begin the next phase.

"I don't look on it as retirement. Racing has been my life and it's been very good to me. What I would like to do now is to channel my energies in other directions.

"I'm continuing with Sir Michael [Stoute], who I've learned such a lot from,but I'm fascinated by the bloodstock world and would love to get more inovled there."

Watch Ted Durcan and Al Hibaab win the 2014 Dubai International Stakes: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNt2Pos-tLI THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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HH SHEIKH MANSOOR FESTIVAL NEWS A DOUBLE CELEBRATATION

richest race for Purebred Arabian horses – the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Crown Jewel Cup, a Group 1 race with a prize fund of Euros 1.2 million,” Ms. Sawaya said.

Ms. Sawaya announced the 2018 calendar for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival at a press conference held in Abu Dhabi, that marks its 10th year and also celebrates 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and a passionate promoter of Purebred Arabian horses.

“The Festival has received tremendous support and inspiration from His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Emirates, President of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and we thank them for that,” said Ms. Sawaya.

The Festival’s 2018 calendar includes 10 Purebred Arabian races each in the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup series, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship series, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship series.

The Wathba Stallions Cup will once again focus on the grassroots level 23 races will be held in the UAE and another 27 races outside the country in the Wathba Stallions Cup series, stated Ms. Sawaya.

“China and Romania are the two countries which will join the Festival in staging our events in 2018 while the Madrid will host the annual World Arabian Horse Racing Conference and Hollywood, Los Angeles will again be the venue for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Awards and the US Darley Awards,” she said.

“The Festival will also take part in important shows and events to showcase the progress and finally the curtain will come down in November in Abu Dhabi when the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies and Apprentice finals will be held along with the world’s

IFHRA SCHOLARS SUCCESS The success of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies Scholarship Programme continues this year with the news that UK scholar Ryan Colley has secured a position with the British Horseracing Authority, plus a win for Omani apprentice jockey Saif Al Balushi in Abu Dhabi.

Colley, a former pupil at the Northern Racing College, knew his time as an amateur jockey would be limited because of his size and turned his career aspirations to becoming a starter. He spent eight weeks on work placement through IFHRA in America, gaining valuable experience of overseas procedures, as well as working for the Arabian Racing Organisation in the UK, first as an assistant starter and more recently a starter, at many of their stand alone fixtures in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Colley is convinced that this experience gave him the edge in securing the appointment of Raceday Official, which is a cross departmental initiative at the BHA, combining the roles of Starter and Equine Welfare Integrity Officer.

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Colley said: “It’s been really great to have the support from everyone from ARO who have sent congratulations on social media when my appointment was announced.

I’m excited to start on March 1st and I am also looking forward to the ARO season, as I wil l continue as a Starter for them when I can.”

Balushi achieving so much, he was with us during the summer last year and got on really well. He has a great knowledge of Arabians and we are hoping that he can come back and join us again this summer.”

Saif Al Balushi (far right) with James O’Donnell, Joanna Mason, Richard Manson and James Owen after Mahaasen’s win in the Forta Stud Fillies & Mares Maiden Stakes at the ARO 2017 Season Finale at Huntingdon

2018 RACING SCHOLARSHIP FUND WINNERS ANNOUNCED Ryan Colley

In Abu Dhabi at the Equestrian Club in February, Omani apprentice Saif Al Balushi rode Madjanthis to score in the Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners by a length and a half. After a slow start, the pair settled in middivision, making smooth progress 500m out and showed a good turn of foot to lead in the final 50m.

Al Balushi who was gaining his fourth career win commented: “Thanks to the support of Sheikh Mansoor and his festival I spent six months in Newmarket at the apprentice school and learned a lot. This is my third winner this season, on just my eighth ride so I have to be very happy with that. Hopefully there will be more to follow.”

ARO Champion Trainer James Owen, who had Al Balushi on placement at his Newmarket yard in 2017 was delighted for him saying:“It is great to see Saif Al

Also announced in February by the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) is the news that it has approved seven names to receive the Racing Scholarship Fund (RSF), during the year 2018.

The Fund, part of the IFHRA Mentorship Programme, is aimed to boost young professionals from the equestrian fraternity.

LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT AWARD FOR BUNTING Val Bunting was honoured to receive the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Ladies Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Dalrley Awards Ceremony in Hollywood in April. Though British she was nominated by France, where she now lives in recognition for her dedication to the Arabian racing.

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Above: Val Bunting receives her Lifetime Acheivment Award Below: Beverley Deutrom with daughter Baillie, receives her Best Trainer Award Photos (C) Stephanie Ruff

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There was further UK success when Beverly Deutrom was honoured with Best Trainer. Though only training a small string, Deutrom has regularly travelled her horses abroad with great success. Just two of her many victories include Lahoob in the President of the UAE Cup at the Curragh in 2014 and topically winning the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship, UK stage, at Chelmsford City in August last year with Storm Troupour.

In the Darleys themselves, it was no great surprise to see Paddys Day crowned Darley Horse of the Year, for a record third time, despite not bringing home the Kahayla Classic for the USA. During his winter campaign in the UAE, he beat DA Adios's earnings to become the winningmost US Purebred Arabain racehorse with earnings surpassing the $1million dollar mark, though he has some way to go before catching up with multimilliionaires Gazwan (Qatar) or Cankardesler (Turkey).

The winner’s list of 2018 Darley Awards (for performances in the year 2017): Best 3-year-old colt/gelding: RB Hot Gate Best 3-year-old filly: Uptown Sandy Girl Best 4-year-old colt/gelding: RB Nash Best 4-year-old filly: Sweet Honey AA Best Older Mare: Ivory Shores Best Older Horse: Paddys Day Best Breeder: Joseph & Betty J Gillis Best Owner: Joseph & Betty J Gillis Best Trainer: Jernesto Torrez Best Jockey: Keiber Coa Special new breeder award: Hendrix and Lettie Smelding Special new Owner Award: Lynn Bennett Horse of the Year: Paddys Day HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley (Ladies) International Awards 2018: Best Breeder: Betty J. Gillis (USA) Best Owner: Ms. Aisha Bint Yousuf Al Balushi (Oman) Best Trainer: Mrs. Beverly Deutrom (Great Britain) Best Professional jockey: Natalia Hendzel (Poland) Best Amateur Jockey: Alice Bertiaux (Belgium Best Apprentice jockey: Alexandra Bihari (Hungary

Best 3-year-old filly: Bint Grine (Morocco) Best 3-4 year-old filly: Muneera (France) Best Older mare: Ivory Shores (USA) Best Journalist: Evie Tubbs Sweeney (USA) Best TV Presenter: Amanda Roxborough (USA) Best Photographer: Hedwig Allmuth (Algeria) Best Endurance Rider: Pilar Saravia (Uruguay) Life-time Achievement: Mrs. Val Bunting (France) PHOTO CALL FOR DARLEY STAKES RACE It took a photo to call the winner in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley International Awards Stakes $100,000 Grade 1 race which resulted in a 1-2-3 for trainer Jerenesto Torrez on Saturday, April 7 at the Santa Anita Park racecourse in Arcadia, California.

Sasha Risenhoover was recording her first Grade 1 win on an Arabian horse when Quick Sand AA headed Easter Man under Carol Cedeno with RB Nash under Keiber Coa in third. Trainer Torez, owner-breeders Joe and Betty Gillis and jockey Coa, had all walked aways with Awards the previous evening at the Dolby Theatre.

“It is a great feeling to win a Grade 1 race and Quick Sand AA settled in well and once we found a gap he put his heart into the race and we managed to strike,” said Risenhoover.

Quick Sand AA gets up to beat long time leader Easter Man (centre) with RB Nash in third at Santa Anita Photo (C) Stephanie Ruff

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) runs a programme of full Arabian racedays supported by single Arabian races on thoroughbred fixtures from the spring through to autumn.

This allows owners and breeders to participate at all levels, proving their bloodlines through competition.

The UK season allows owners to experience the prestige of racing at some of the world's best racecourses including Doncaster, Goodwood and Newbury.

Go to www.aroracing.co.uk for more information on the 2018 UK Arabian racing season

+44 (0) 1635 524 445

info@aroracing.co.uk

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

2018 FIXTURE LIST Date

Racecourse

April

Sat

21

Chelmsford (AW)

May

Sun

13

Taunton

Sun

27

Chepstow

Mon

28

Windsor

Sat

2

Doncaster

Sun

10

Wolverhampton (AW)

Thurs

14

Newbury

Fri

15

Chepstow

Sun

24

Chelmsford (AW)

Tues

26

Newbury

Sat

30

Larkhill

†

Tues

3

Chepstow

†

Thurs

5

Newbury

†

Thurs

12

Newbury

Sun

29

Newbury (DIAR)

Wed

1

Goodwood

Wed

8

Bath

Sat

18

Newbury

Sun

19

Chelmsford (AW)

Sat

8

Taunton

Thurs

13

Doncaster

Sat

15

Doncaster

Sat

22

Huntingdon

June

†

†

July

August

September

All fixtures subject to change Full Arabian Racedays in bold

Single Races on TB cards in italics

† denotes an evening meeting

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DIAR 2018 PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED The world renown established Dubai International Arabian Races programme is coming back to Europe for 2018. This international programme of Arabian racing, run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to educate more people about the Arabian breed, the sport of Arabian

“We are delighted to announce the renewal of the

horse racing and the Arabic culture that underpins it.

travel allowances for international runners competing

In 2017, DIAR proudly sponsored 18 preparation races

in the races at Newbury on 29th July and the renewal of

in Italy, Sweden, France, the Netherlands and the

the DIAR bonus prize fund for 2018. The bonus fund

United Kingdom, including six stakes races. Those races

encourages international runners to the UK by offering

were well supported and the efforts of all DIAR partners

a prize money bonus to horses placed in DIAR

resulted in a record participation of international

preparation races in Europe which then go on to win

runners at the showpiece event at Newbury Racecourse

one of the bonus races at Newbury.

(UK) in July.

“Last year, a bonus of £3,000 was won by Lightning Bolt Mirza Al Sayegh, spokesperson for the DIAR

after his Group 1 PA victory in the feature race Shadwell

programme commented:

Dubai International Stakes for trainer Karin van den

“Last year, we were very pleased to see so many

Bos.”

racegoers and families attending our flagship event at Newbury as well as many owners and trainers from all

The programme will be visiting the UK, France,

of Europe and beyond. All the races were well

Holland, Italy and Sweden during the summer with a

supported and were all very competitive.

series of Prep Races from grass roots to Group PA level.

The Dubai International Arabian Races is an

“We are very grateful to the racing authorities from

international programme of Arabian racing run under

Italy, Sweden, France, the Netherlands and the UK for

the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al

their support and help in promoting our race

Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of

programme and our showpiece at Newbury, which is

Dubai.

now established as one of the best and most prestigious days of Arabian racing anywhere in the world.

“In 2018, this event will be held on Sunday 29th July

More information about Dubai International Arabian Races can be found at www.diaraces.com Copy supplied by DIAR

and will feature a total of five Group and International level races, including three Gr.1 PA races.

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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

CHAMPION ARO TRAINER Congratulations

JAmES OwEn RACIng

23 WINNERS fed on Baileys Horse Feeds

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS Tel: +44 (0) 1371 850247 BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS e-mail: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1371 850247 e-mail: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION SEASON PREVIEW The Arabian Racehorse's annual tour of the top three stables, including the 2017 leading jockeys, who share their thoughts on the new ARO season which opens on April 21 at Chelmsford City .

James Owen and Awzaan (FR) who goes straight to Windsor James Owen Green Ridge Stables, Newmarket ARO Champion Trainer 2016, 2017

behind Cheik Roque, who’s gone on and is a good horse. To be fair, we gave it away a bit at Huntingdon, but that was a good run.

With a Newcomers Award and now two ARO Trainer Championships under his belt, Newmarket based trainer James Owen has his sights firmly set on another championship for 2018, with his biggest team of horses asssembled so far. Here he talks about some established favourites and young horses to follow for the forthcoming season.

He’ll start off at Chelmsford hopefully in the open handicap. He’s a dual course winner, over a mile and 6f and by Madjani, he seems to love that surface. He’ll probably have plenty of weight, but he should go well.

He’s a bit more forward than last year, when he needed the run at Wolverhampton. He should put up a good show and that will tell us where we go next. Either to Windsor for the Group 3, or we might have to travel with him and try and find a Listed race. He’ll go on quick ground, so maybe somewhere like Holland would suit.

Alazeez (2013 g Madjani x Volga De Faust) had a great start to his season last year, then got stuck in the mud on Dubai Day, but came back with quite a good run

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Al Faaris (2012 g Madjani x Quaolina) had a good campaign last year, winning his maiden and second at DIAR. He’ll probably go to Taunton for the 0-80 handicap over 1m2f. That would be a nice stepping stone for the 2m at Doncaster. (Crahck will also go that route which will be great for the club members to go to Doncaster on a thoroughbred card, great to give them another aspect of the sport). He ran very well last year in the premier handicap at DIAR and that will be his aim this season, hopefully he’ll get the ground he needs.

Awzaan (2011 g Al Saoudi x Ester Du Paon) we’ve not been in a mad rush with him this year, he will go to Windsor for the Group 3 at the end of May. He was a course and distance winner there on his last start, hopefully he’ll be competitive in that race.

Conquer (2012 g Istfahan x Waterlilly) won at Chepstow over a mile last year. He was a bit late coming in from my parents, so is likely to miss Chelmsford, and head to Taunton or probably Chepstow again. He looks like he’s grown up from the way he’s going at home.

going nicely, but might not be ready for the first meeting, however there’s a race that will suit him better at Taunton. He ran well there last year in a maiden, the 0-80 handicap should suit him.

Dolfina D’Ibos (2013 f Mahabb x Starbella D’Ibos) she did great last year, she’s working really well. Everyone in the Racing Club loves her. Her first run will be in the 0-60 Handicap at Chelmsford over 1m2f. She’s a course winner, she stays well, but has got a little bit of speed.

The way she’s been working I’d like to think she’s improved, she had quite a busy campaign but thrived all last year. She looks stronger and I’m looking forward to seeing her out again.

Emiraaty (2011 g Al Saoudi x Horkidee) he’ll run at Chelmsford in the same race as Alazeez and if all goes well, we’ll look for a race abroad somewhere. He’s earnt a chance to try Listed company. Any trip, any ground, he always shows up, he’s great for the kids to ride. He’s also a great workhorse at home, we know where we are with the others because of him, he’s a lovely horse.

Crahck (2012 h Orient Express x Quandy De Carrere) he’s

Racing Club horses Dolfina D'Ibos (FR) and Simon Walker work with Crahck (FR) and Danielle Giles THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Al Kaaser (FR) and Laura Pike lead Madany (FR) and Jo Mason Below: Eqleem (FR) and Mike Palmer

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Insignia (GB) and Antonia Peck

Eqleem (2013 g Al Saoudi x Magie De Faust) had a good start last year, winning his maiden, it was probably one of the best maidens of the season, loads of winners came out from behind him, but he never really went on after that. He always worked nicely at home and ran ok in the NBD, but inexperience and probably the ground beat him. Dane [O’Neill] was pleased with him, but that probably took the stuffing out of him for the season, as he ran no race at Doncaster in the Derby. He looks like he’s strengthen up no end, I think he’ll stay well, they’ll be some races for him I’m sure, he just need to get more experience.

Insignia (2011 g Istfahan x Waterlilly) he’ll probably start at Chelmsford in the 0-40 handicap. He’s never run that well there, but he’ll be fit and read to run. His last run on grass at Huntingdon when he won was probably his best effort last year. He’ll be in the HARC races and the lower rated handicaps and hopefully be competitive.

Madany (2012 g Al Saoudi x Kaarine) he won his maiden at Taunton, and again disappointed at DIAR, he probably wants quick ground. He looks stronger and he’s grown up a bit, he should be ok.

Muhaajer (2014 g Madjani x Mahra) ran a few times last year and was a little bit disappointing on the AW. He ran quite well at Newbury, I was pleased with him in the DIAR prep race for the juvenile Group 2, staying on for fourth on his debut. I thought he’d win his next maiden as he’d improved at home, we took him to Chelmsford and maybe he didn’t like the surface, but he has always galloped well on the Polytrack at home, so maybe he just need at bit of time. WHP Naishaan (2013 f No Risk Al Maury x Horkidee) she’s got loads of ability and seems to have grown up a bit this year. Again, we’ll not rush her, she will probably start off on the All Weather and then head to the grass, hopefully DIAR, the 0-90, if she’s on a going day, she’s a good filly as she has proven before. WHP Rafeef (2014 f No Risk Al Maury x Maiziane) was second to Al Faaris at the back end of last year. She has strengthened up no end through the winter and is going well. She is pretty easy to get ready, her summer coat is already through. She’ll probably go to Chelmsford for one of the maidens as I think coming out of stalls will be good for her, if not we’ll wait for Taunton, or even Chepstow.

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Speaking of the unraced three-year-olds Owen said:"We've a nice bunch of youngsters, we won’t have anything out early, maybe the three- year-old race at Wolverhampton in June, though My Boy Sam (Sambist x CV Tulee) might run at Chelmsford just to get him out.

For a juvenile HARC horse there are not a lot of opportunities, so he’ll need to get going and get handicapped. I think he’ll be a nice horse and it’s good for the club to have a baby coming through alongside the older horses.

"Of the colts, Al Kaaser and Emiraaty’s half-brother Ameed (No Risk Al Maury x Horkidee), looks probably the most forward. There’s also Alghally (Madjani x Volga De Faust) and Al Hakeem (Munjiz x Al Marwa) they’ve both got plenty of class about them, they’ll probably have one, maybe two runs this year.

"We’ve some nice fillies as well, Mayzoonah (No Risk Al Maury x Udjidora De Bozouls) she looks quite forward, she’s not done a piece of work yet, but she’ll run this season hopefully.

My Boy Sam (GB) and Matt Johnson

Mayzoonah (GB) and Laura Pike THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Muhaajer (GB) and Simon Walker lead Karlos Du Cayrou (FR) and Jo Mason Below: Al Hakeem (GB) and Jo Mason

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Above: Tatbeeq (GB) and Danielle Giles Below: Minty Bloss, Jo Mason and Will Humphreys at Windsor Whilst the majority of his horses are for main patron HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the racing club initiative has been well received (read more on page xx). However good horses are only half the battle and Owen is full of praise for his staff saying: “We’ve a great team at home, obviously headed by Mitch Hunt, he’s my assistant, my head lad, he does everything. Ali does all the medicals and keeps the yard running, our yard staff are all old heads, they keep their eyes on everything.

"Anyone who comes in and helps us do the work, gets involved in the yard, they’ll get opportunities to ride, there’s plenty of Arabians there."

"The majority of my riders are younger, which I think works quite well. Danielle Giles has been with me since I started has been a massive help, she rides a lot of the work and enjoys the Arabians, though has also had a few rides pointing.”

Speaking of his jockeys Owen is keen to reward their input saying: “Mike Palmer joined us full time this season, he’s a really hard worker, Antonia Peck has come back to work with us full time, she had a great year last year and had more experience throughout the winter, pointing and under rules. She’s had some nice rides on the flat and is an improved rider, she listens, does what she’s told, and Matt Johnson has been coming in to ride out as well.

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With regard to first jockeys he says: “Then obviously Jo Mason and Simon Walker. Jo has just come back from Dubai, that was her first morning in today. Simon has been a big help this year, he’s been coming in most weeks, he’ll share the rides with Jo, as he can’t do the lighter weights.”

Last season Owen also supported the young riders making the transition from Pony Racing, though for 2018 the minimum riding age has been raised to 16.

He comments: “We can’t have the really young ones now, but Will Humphrey, who rode Dolfina twice last year, he’s been coming in, he did really well pony racing last year.

“There’s also Minty Bloss, who had her first ride for us last year at Windsor on Baume De Breuil which she enjoyed. It’s fantastic for them to ride in Sheikh

Hamdan’s colours, which is a privilege for anyone, and she was very grateful for the ride. Throughout the winter she has been at Amy Murphy’s and she’s just started coming back in now, once a week. Simon, her father, works for me; they’re proper horse people, they know the job inside out. I think she’s had about 7 or 8 winners already this season pony racing. She’s very experienced and once she gets the hang of these Arabians she’ll be away. She’s not 16 until the end of May, but we’ll get her going then.”

With a strong team ethic, backed up by just over 30 Arabians, and always with an eye to the future, the signs are there that the Green Ridge team will be hard to beat in 2018. www.jamesowenracing.com

Alghally (FR) and Simon Walker THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

JAMES OWEN RACING CLUB Newfor for2018 2018–-Shares Sharesnow Selling Fast!

New available!

The James Owen Racing Club will be launching in March 2018, with three horses in training for the Arabian Racing season, which runs from 1st May to 30th September 2018.

The first of its kind in Arabian racing, the Club gives everyone the chance of getting involved with three exciting horses at a fraction of the cost. For just £350 (or seven monthly payments of £50) you will receive the following benefits: A welcome pack, to include photos of the Club horses, membership certificate, a calendar of fixtures and an introduction to Arabian racing Free entry whenever we have a runner, which includes access to the paddock and winners’ enclosure.

Monthly Club mornings, so you can see your horses in action on the famous Newmarket gallops. Refreshments and bacon rolls included!

A share of all prize-money won. The Club is limited to 50 shares, so you will receive 1/50th of all prize-money.

A Club party in midsummer with guest speakers from the world of racing, giving us a chance to celebrate winners so far and look forward to the rest of the season!

THE HORSES Crahck Dolfina D’Ibos My Boy Sam

4th in last year’s Gold Final and a lovely staying handicapper Champion Arab and Arab Mare of 2017, with three wins 3yo unraced colt by Champion Sire ‘Sambist’, out of ‘CV Tulee’ (winner of 6 races and group placed). HARC Qualified.

If you are interested in further information or to reserve your share, please contact James (07880 700559) or Jenny (07739 791545) or email james@jamesowenracing.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Joanna Mason ARO Champion Lady Jockey 2016, 2017 Like Owen in the trainers’ championship, Joanna Mason will be defending her title for the third consecutive year, full of enthiusiasm she said: “I’m really looking forward to the 2018 ARO season, obviously this is my first day at James’s since coming back from Dubai. After attending the Jewel Crown and Jockey Conference in Abu Dhabi in November, I spent five months out in Dubai working for Charlie Appleby, so I learnt a lot there.

“I recently saw Marion Lachat (of Shadwell Arabians) on the Shadwell stand at a trade fair out there and she told me James had some really nice horses in, so coming back and riding out here has been something to look forward to as well. Last year, I came down once a week, as most days I’m riding out for my grandad at home, but I hope to do the same this year. It takes about threeand-a-quarter hours to get down here, but I’ve a friend I can stay with which makes it easier.

“Hopefully I can win another championship, but obviously Ellie Mackenzie’s doing really well, so it could be harder this year.”

Al Hakeem (GB) and Jo Mason

Jo Mason after winning on Munbaher (FR) at Windsor in 2017 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Saleemah (GB) and Ria Tillet Below: Thamaraat (FR) and Phil Collington with Ashjaan (GB) and Will Pettis

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Yarnu (FR) [centre] Almonther [left] and Makhaater [noseband, right] just over 20 horses in for this season."

Phil Collington Brickfield Stud, Newmarket Former multiple ARO Champion Jockey, Collington has been training full-time for two seasons and like Owen, his principal patron is HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for whom he was a retained amateur jockey.

He also trains for Saudi Arabia's Athbah Stud as well as some individual owner-breeders.

With the majority of his Group class horses and older handicappers retired at the end of last season, Collington has a younger unexposed team for 2018 and consequently makes a slower start to the season with only three runners declared for Chelmsford. He says: "We should have a few more runners at Taunton and get out the likes of Munawwar and Al Muthana and J Force. There’s quite a few maidens who could be anything, though they’re lovely looking horses, including Injaazt and Yarnu, both were in training in France, but never ran.

"We’ve also still got a few more to register, but it will be

Anfaas (2014 f No Risk Al Maury x Laqataat) she’s not grown a lot, but I think she looks to have got deeper and have a little bit more about her. She wants decent ground as she showed a really nice turn of foot when winning the prep race last year. It’s a bit early to tell, but if she got the Hatta trip it would be nice to think she would make up into that sort of filly.

Ashjaan (2014 f Madjani x Neige Al Maury) she had one run last year at Chelmsford. Perhaps on pedigree will also want a step up in trip once she gets out of maidens, but she like the surface there.

Halib Des Forges (2012 g Mahaab x Djosera Des Forges) he was consistent last year and probably didn’t enjoy the soft ground at DIAR, though I think the mile and a half trip was ideal. He travelled very well for Jim Crowley, but then didn’t find on the ground.

Injaazat (2013 c Munjiz x Al Marwa) he’s a half-brother to Foaad and Munawwar.

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J Force (GB) and Will Pettis J Force (2014 c Jaafer ASF x Jelvita) he’ll go to Taunton or possibly Chepstow. He was aimed at the three-yearold prep race last year and he picked up a minor injury, so we backed off him, which meant we had a little bit of a hurried preparation to get him back for Huntingdon as we wanted to run him before the season ended. He ran ok and he looks stronger this year.

Makhaater (2014 c No Risk Al Maury x Magie De Faust) he’s done everything nicely so far, he also looks like he’ll want further as the dam won over 10f. He missed last year, but has been going well this spring.

Mith’haf Athbah (2012 Amer x Karouj) he’s just come back in from his holiday. He had a long year last year and did us proud, he was fantastically consistent. Now he will build up to a prep at the end of June, early July in France and most likely go to Goodwood and then back for the Sheikh Zayed Cup (Gr1PA) at Chelmsford which he won last year. He could go then go back to the

Group 2 at Toulouse which he won last year as well. He doesn’t put on a huge amount of weight, but he looks so well for his break.

Munawwar (2014 c Madjani x Al Marwa) he’s a full brother to Foaad. He had one run last year, which looks a decent maiden as he was behind Riyam, the Group 2 winner. He looks stronger and is a nice horse.

Roswell (2013 c Murhib x Rossignol) he’s a big strong quality horse who moves very well. He seems to do everything very nicely at this early stage and he’s a three parts-brother to Rodin and Raya C so it’s a family I know. He’ll start somewhere in a maiden.

Saleemah (2013 f Madjani x Laqataat) she wants anything from a mile and a quarter up to two miles, she stays very well. She likes the Chelmsford surface, so if there’s a race for her there she’ll run, but also the Doncaster race she won last year would be a target for

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Samawaat (2013 f Munjiz x Tarteel) she was placed on her only run in a maiden at Taunton and picked up an injury after that, she may start back next month.

Shomoos Athbah (2014 f Burning Sand x Djanet Monlau) we know she’s got a lot of ability, she’s proven that she’s Group class. We perhaps over ran her a bit last year, she was a bit fragile mentally, but she’s more mature this year, she could be anything as she’s very capable. She travelled well down to Toulouse, so with another year behind her and if she handles the early season well, she could try her luck abroad again.

Thamaraat (2014 f Munjiz x Aljazwa) I think she probably will benefit from a step up in trip, but there are no maidens beyond a mile that she would be qualified for, so she will probably start at Chelmsford.

Her dam stayed very well, so perhaps that’s what she needs too.

Samawaat (GB) and Laura Pearson [right] Shomoos Athbah (GB) and Ria Tillet [below]

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Above: Mith'haf Athbah (GB) looks very relaxed after his holiday Below: Roswell (NL) in the paddock at Doncaster

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Istiqraar (GB) and Josh

Collington has plenty of juveniles in, including seven from Shadwell Stud, two from Athbah Stud and a full brother to the first winner he trained, Hau Kola for John Elliot and Paul Beard.

Al Muthana (2015 g Al Jakbar x Qusoor) a likely a threeyear-old runner, he looks quite made already. He’s out of a half-sister to Al Hibaab.

Istiqraar (2015 c No Risk Al Maury x Qosheeya) is a halfbrother to Rasaasy and Salaama, both winners of the three-year-old Group 2 at DIAR. He’s a really nice, big, scopey colt and he has his sire’s good temperament which is great.

Jameelah (2015 f Madjani x Zaaqya) I won three races on her dam, who is a half-sister to Aghsaan.

Kareemah (2015 f Akim De Ducor x Speed Tornade) she’s by a champion three-year-old out of a three-yearold winner, so she could be alright as a juvenile.

Raaqy (2015 c No Risk Al Maury x Kaarine) he’s a lovely looking strong colt. He’s been working very nicely and shows a great attitude.

"I might even run one of them in May, but the Wolverhampton race is a good starting point for the juveniles, building towards DIAR. Seven furlongs round there is a nice introduction and then they can still run in the prep race before DIAR. "For Athbah I have Akhzam Athbah (2015 c Munjiz x Sifflet Al Maury) and Boudour Athbah (2015 f Munjiz x Bzeubzeu Al Maury) they’re both nice horses who could make the prep race, or even Wolverhampton on June 10."

The Third Man (2015 c Madjani x Merwah) he’s a full brother to Hau Kola, he looks like he’ll have every chance of running as a juvenile, the dam has already produced a juvenile maiden winner in Jaldi Karo, so we’ll see how we go with him.

"We’ve a few new members of staff this year, but they’re a good team, they all work together well. Will Pettis will continue to ride as first jockey, and Charlie Price, who gave us a couple of outstanding rides last season will join us, along with Ria Tillet and Laura Pearson who will ride as well, it will be good to get underway."

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Peter Hammersley, David Turner and Heather Phillpott receiving their trophies after Unity Belle (FR) won the 0-75 Handicap at DIAR 2017

Peter Hammersley Jubilee Racing Stables, Appleby Magna, In third place in the 2017 ARO Trainers Championship was Leicestershire based trainer Peter Hammersley, who saddled a second consecutive DIAR winner in the final race on the card, this time with Unity Belle, having won with Zayin Zachilles in 2016. Heather Phillpott's mare also came close to clinching the Champion Arabian and Champion Mare title too, having won 3 races, but losing out on place points, finishing runnerup to Dolfina D'Ibos. Hammersley still has a couple of horses to come in, however here he runs through his main hopes for the season.

Arwen Forta (2014 f No Risk Al Maury x Bay Brulee) she’s a half-sister to Aurora Forta who I hope will go to Taunton for a nice introduction if the ground is ok.

Asraa Min Al-Talqa (2014 c Asraa Min Albarq x Manaal) he was a bit backward last year, but came on for each run, winning on his final start at Chelmsford. He’s done really well over the winter, strengthening up and

moving really well and we’re hoping for more progression this season. He will probably go to the ARO Cup and then the Derby at the end of the year.

Majid Bin Krayaan (2011 h Krayaan Dilmun x Edelphy) there’s no real targets for him, we’ll just run when we can. He looks to have improved again physically over the winter, he’ll go to Chelmsford, and then on to Taunton, he ran well there last year.

Shakatak Alenaya (2013 g Ever After NA x Love Shak IA) I’ve been really pleased with him, as it’s a new owner for me, though she’s had Arabian racehorses in the past. We’ve brought him along gently and he’s a lot more confident now, he’ll go to Taunton for the HARC race and I’d be hopeful that he’ll be there or thereabouts.

Shammat Al Hosn (2013 f Dormane x Serafina) I’ve always really liked her, she’s working really well at the moment. She was very unlucky not to win the Gold Final at Huntingdon and I hope she’ll go on this year and win a nice race.

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Stonehenge (2015 g Madjani x Kateland) he's a homebred and all being well he’ll go to the three-yearold maiden at Wolverhampton and as long as he performs ok, it will be the DIAR prep and then he’ll take his chance in the Group 2. He’s certainly strong enough, his dam won over 5f and 6f, so 7f should suit him well.

Zayin Ankor Centurion (2013 c Dahess x Barryh) his early target would be the ARO Cup at Windsor. He’s definitely matured and improved over the winter. I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t go on from his current mark, he ran so well at DIAR. If he’s still below 90 by then, he’ll go back for the premier handicap over a mile in which he was second in last year.

Unity Belle (2008 m Kerbella x Escada) she had a great season last year and will have a similar programme, we’ll bring her along slowly. She’ll probably start at Taunton, though is likely to need the run.

Zayin Activist (2014 c Mared Al Sahra x Samauring Zayin) we’ve been very patient with him as he was very nervous when he arrived, Sue Wileman has done most of the work with him so far.

Ultimate Force (2008 g Tornado De Syrah x SA Floris) he’s higher in the ratings now, so I’m not sure how much more improvement we can find, as he’s 10, but he’s as well as we’ve had him. That 0-60 at Bath he won last year would be part of his programme, if his mark doesn’t rise, as he is a bit of a course specialist there.

Zayin Zachilles (2009 g Kaolino x CS Comete) he’s entered at Chelmsford, but more likely go to Taunton.

The main aim for him will be the race he won at DIAR, so long as he stays below 75. He just needs the ground to be fast. He seems very well.

Stonehenge (GB) and Sue Wileman THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Shakatak Alenaya (GB) and Ciaran Jones Below: Ultimate Force (FR) and David Turner

Like many trainers, Hammersley has struggled with the weather saying: “It feels like we’ve had more rain than most of the country so it’s been tough, but there’s no point in working them on unsuitable ground and ending their season before it’s begun.

That’s why we’re not in a rush with the newcomers, they’ll need a bit more time.”

Praising his team, he said: “The girls did really well for us last year, winning the overall prize for Best Turned Out awards sponsored by Raicng Welfare.

"We’ve also had plenty of jockeys in to ride out, Ciaran Jones has been coming up from Lambourn three days a week, Dave [Turner] does two or three and Mike Palmer comes in one day a week as well.

Leanne [Bates] who used to work for us, has just started coming back in. She’s had plenty of experience working in America and also in Dubai for Erwan Charpy.”

www.peterhammersleyracing.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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David Turner ARO Champion Jockey 2017 Looking forward to the 2018 season he commented: “Yes, it’s starting a little bit earlier than we’re used to.

It’s always a challenge going from a jumps [point-topoint] season into the Arabian season, as I have to drop a stone. I take every year as a blank canvas, two years ago I only had one winner so it can go up and down very quickly. It’s been a challenging start to the year with the weather, but Pete [Hammersley] has had them ticking over - I’d say the older horses here have all wintered well and he’s got some nice maidens too.”

usual mix of maidens and some much higher rated horses, so for the Group races, I’d expect them to be using professional jockeys. Pete has been very understanding and it worked out well last season, but you can’t take anything for granted.”

Turner, who should be on course for his 100th winner this season continued: “I started riding Arabians when I was 18 and I can’t even remember my first winner, but I’m not going to retire after it, I’ll keep going.”

Three of his wins last season came on the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Tameh [right], for whom he also rides regularly, speaking of that connection he said: “The Cavalry contacted me a couple of months ago, saying they would be back in May. I expect they’ll have the

David Turner ARO Champion Jockey 2017 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Ellie Mackenzie returns on Riyam with the Royal Cavalry of Oman team after winnng the Gr2 EEF International Stakes at DIAR

Ellie Mackenzie ARO Champion Novice Jockey 2017 2017 was a breakthrough season for Ellie Mackenzie, becoming Racing Welfare Arabian Jockey Ambassador, losing her claim at the opening meeting, making her first DIAR and Group ride a winning one and ending the season as Champion Novice. 2018 has got off to a good start too with a ride in Oman in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Series and making the shortlist for their International Awards in Hollywood as well, in the amateur jockey category.

Cavalry of Oman returns to the UK with their string in May I’ll be riding out for him as well. I’m hopeful about the fire power I’ll have from some incredibly supportive trainers whom I’m always extremely grateful to; particularly Jenny Lees who has some lovely horses whom I’ve formed a deep bond with as well as some new faces too."

Mackenzie is clearly excited for the new season to start saying:"I'm really looking forward to it and I’m striving to build on the great year I had in 2017. Pre-declaration stage I’m booked for a couple of rides at Chelmsford and I think that both of them could go close.

"I’ve been working hard on my fitness over the winter in preparation for the coming season and ridden out for Yucel Mehmet during the lunch hours of my full time job for Mark Usher. Once Said Al Badi from The Royal THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

No Risk Al Maury KESBEROY – NECTARINE AL MAURY, by BAROUD III Leading Arabian Racehorse in Europe and Middle East in 2011 with a rating of 128.

Champion Arabian Racehorse in the UK (2007 - 2009) & the UAE (2008).

Winner of 17 races from 25 starts (1,400 m - 2,000 m) in the UK, Europe and UAE Total prize money £278,413 Won 6 Group 1 and 3 Group 2 races Sire of winners and Stakes performers in his first crop A leading sire in the UK, France and USA

Sire of Stakes winners: BARNAMAJ (Gr.1 PA), AICHA DE MONLAU (Gr.3 PA), DARIUS DU PAON (Gr.3 PA), RB HOT RISK (Gr.3) and RISK DE RIOLAT (Listed PA) Also sire of Group performers: DAISY DES VIALETTES, RISKY RED Sire of winners: DALSIMATA COLE, NAISHAAN, GASCOGNE, BROWN DE SAULARIE, RB BURNING RISK, AL SHAMOOS, ALMAREEKH, ANFAAS, DRIFA DU BREUIL, EXTRA CLASS, RISKALINA, TIJAARA, VANILLA...

Stands at Haras de Saint-Faust (FR) Contact us to receive the 2018 Shadwell Arabian Stallions brochure Contact: Marion Lachat Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1842 755913 Fax: +44 (0)1842 755189 T H E A R A B I A N R A C www.shadwellarabian.co.uk EHORSE arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk Facebook.com/ShadwellArabian

Al Jakbar

AL SAKBE x ESSAADA, by HOSNI Won Qatar Total French Arabian Breeders’ Cup Mile (Gr.1 PA).

100% individual winners/runners strike rate Sire of Group winners JAMAAYIL (French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint, Gr.2 PA) and AGHSAAN (ARO Cup, Gr.3 PA; 2nd in Hatta Int’l Stakes, Gr.1 PA and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, Gr.1 PA) and winners AL MURJAAN, FIRDOS, AL KABEER, ELYASSAAT and ZAAHY Standing at Shadwell Stud (UK)

Al Saoudi

NUITS ST GEORGES x FATZICA, by FATZOUR Multiple Group 1 winner.

A leading sire in the UK Out of the same dam line as Group 1 winners AL MOURTAJEZ, AL MOUTAWAKILA and AL MOUHANNAD Sire of Stakes performers VETLANA DE FAUST, NAJLAA, AWZAAN, AL CHAHIRA, VULKAIN D’ALBRET and winners DJOULDIA DE FAUST, VOYOU DE FAUST, EMIRAATY, ALWALEED, EQLEEM, ADI DE SAINT LON, ARIS DE CARRERE, BARNAAMAJ, KAREEM KB, MADANY, MARIF, VENT DE FAUST, WINNER DE FAUST Standing at Shadwell Stud (UK)

Handassa

New at stud in 2018

Madjani x Ziva, by Dormane Son of the exceptional sire MADJANI. Winner of two Group 1 PA and three Group 2 PA races.

Total prize money of more than £320,000 Out of ZIVA, Group 1 winning mare, of the same dam line as DJELMANE, MAJD AL ARAB, RADDAD, TAYF, MY PRINCESSE, CHERAZADE, MUSHRAE… Standing at West Kington Stud, UK

Also standing in the USA:

New at stud in 2018

Both sires of Stakes winners and performers

Chndaka

Dormane x Malika Fontenay, by Medicq Allah

Kaolino

Dormane x Cary de Carrere, by Passem

Standing at Società Agricola di Besnate, Italy

Taajer

Madjani x Ziva, by Dormane

Full brother to HANDASSA and out of ZIVA, a Group1 winning mare from an outstanding family

Our International Partners Haras de Saint Faust Laroin, France contact@haras-saintfaust.com www.haras-saintfaust.com

Sharjah Equine Hospital Sharjah, UAE mai@seh.ae www.seh.ae THE

Società Agricola di Besnate Race Street Management,Inc. Mornago, Varese, Italy Carmel, California, USA besnate@sab.it racestreetinc@aol.com www.sab.it A R A B I A N R A C E H Owww.racestreet.com RSE

West Kington Stud Wiltshire, UK westkingtonstud@aol.com www.westkingtonstud.co.uk

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DOUG WATSON Interview with Debbie Burt

Doug Watson in November last year at Meydan after reaching a career landmark of 500 UAE winners [TB & PA] It’s an hour before the start of the 2017/18 UAE Carnival finale, the twenty third Dubai World Cup. Trainer Doug Watson is stood outside the weighing room at Meydan and I congratulate him on another UAE Trainer’s Championship.

“Yes, that was fantastic. It’s a great team of people I’ve got working for me and having the horses that the owners give us, they’re great owners, it’s just a whole team effort, from the grooms up. Noel, my assistant, does such a great job and makes life easy.”

This season his winners total has been boosted by the American bred and owned Arabian, Paddys Day. Coming out for the Jewel Crown in November, his owner-trainer, Scott Powell

of Quarter Moon Ranch, decided to leave his horse in Watson’s hands. Having disappointed on the left-handed Turf track of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, a return to a right-handed Dirt oval, which had brought him so much success Stateside, set him on the road to the Kahayla Classic with a win in Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge (Gr1PA). He picked up placings in Round 2 and 3, as well as winning the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah. The sevenyear-old son of Burning Sand also became the leading US Arabian money earner during his winter with Watson and has since earned another Darley Horse of the Year Award in LA this month.

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Paddys Day (US) and Pat Dobbs win the Mazrat Al Ruwayah sponsored by Jaguar XF Group 2 at the sixth Dubai World Cup Carnival Race Meeting, February 15th, 2018. (Credit: DRC // Andrew Watkins) Reflecting on the journey he has been on with Paddys Day Watson smiles: “It's been fun, he does everything you ask him to do, he’s had a nice freshening up off a pretty hard campaign in the middle of the season and we’re really happy with him. The draw isn’t great, but he won the first leg of the Al Maktoum challenge from 13, so we want to go forward and get a good spot. We’ll let Pat [Dobbs] make the judgement after that.

“It’s been many years since we had a runner in the Kahayla, I think Kandar Du Falgas might have been our last one and that would have been when he was 10 [in 2012 when sixth to TM Fred Texas]. When we first started we had some nice ones like Al Saoudi, Al Jalfane, and Djelmane, we’ve never won, but we’ve been close a couple of times. The local horses look pretty tough this year and we’ll see how good that Saudi horse is. So, things will have to go our way in some ways, but he loves the dirt

and loves racing, and he’s a really nice horse.”

We wish each other good luck for the evening and I am left to recall our first meeting, last January as the 2017 Carnival was about to start.

Everyone assumes the weather in the Gulf is year-round sun, however it was foggy and somewhat challenging for photographs on a Sunday work morning at Red Stables.

“You got that one? Which one are you on Noel?”

Assistant Noel Connolly is keeping track of horses with a stop watch, whilst Watson discusses a horses’ progress with Richard Hills as Sheikh Hamdan’s first and second jockeys, Jim Crowley and Dane O’Neill breeze past.

Work finished for the morning, we’re back in the office, where the walls are populated by photographs of mostly Arabian winners throughout Red Stables’ history.

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It was during his High School years in Centerville, Ohio that Watson was introduced to racing by his friend Austin Smith, whose father owned Woodburn Farm, a leading producer [of thoroughbred racehorses] in Ohio at the time.

“Basically, we were hanging out at the farm” he explained. “I never really worked with the horses, but I started going racing with him and his father. I went to the backside a few times with them and loved it.”

“That first World Cup, everybody was pitching in, it was such a small community of race people here at the time. I don’t think Satish had any runners on the night, so Lord John Fitzgerald asked me to drive the ambulance. I never got in it, nothing happened thank goodness. I just remember sitting in the vet’s room cheering on Cigar. It was really exciting having him come half way round the world.

He was some horse.

From High School he went to college in Chicago, gaining a degree in Finance, but soon found he was missing the racing. After talking to George Smith, Austin’s father, he decided to give racing a go and, returning to Chicago, he walked the track at Arlington. He admits he was clueless, but got a job with Clint Goodrich, with whom he went to Florida and then Keenland.

“It was Keenland that really made me realise that this was what I wanted to do. I just loved it, it was great racing.”

Moving to Jesus Suarez, who trained Smith’s horses, he met Susan Sanderson, on a visit to her sister who was walking hots at Suarez’s yard. Sanderson was assistant to Satish Seemar in Dubai and she asked if he’d like to come out. Faced with a choice between Turfway Park in the winter, which he describes as ‘horrible’ or trying to get a job in Florida, Watson met Seemar and decided to ‘give it a go for a year’.

“And 23 years later,”he smiles “I’m still here.

“I was really only in the game for two years before I got out here. In September 1993 I guess it was the same amount of stables as we have now, but with less horses - there was Satish, Kiaran McLaughlin, Paddy Rudkin, Bill Mather, Dhruba Selvaratnam, Erwan Charpy.

So roughly the same, but it was all domestic races, no carnival. There was like a jockeys’ challenge one month and then in 1996 they started the World Cup, on the final day of the season.

Watson watches Paddys Day in the paddock at Meydan

“That was fun and got it all started. Originally racing over here was an advertisement for the country, nobody in America knew where Dubai was. It was growing so much at the time. All of a sudden the racing industry then knew about Dubai, learned that it wasn't part of Saudi Arabia, because that’s what everyone thought at the time!” He laughs.

“I’d asked Kiaran McLaughlin one day at Jebel Ali if I could get more experience by working for him and he said ‘sure’. Satish was great for me and we had good times there, but the chance to work for McLaughlin who’d been assistant to D Wayne Lukas, and you know, two Americans together, we got on really well, so it all worked out.”

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Red Stables is overshadowed by skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa

Starting off the 1996/97 season as barn foreman at Red Stables, he soon progressed to assistant whilst McLaughlin was away during the summer in America.

He explains. “He would leave in April, we don’t train in the summer, but from August to October it could be a bit nerve wracking. It set me up for when he finally left, the pressure was still there, as now you have to win races, but it wasn’t the pressure of keeping them sound for the man who wasn’t there. I was very fortunate in many ways, but when Kiaran did decide to stay in America full time, I was lucky to be left horses that could win races.”

Watson took over in the 2003/04 season and still uses the same programme as McLaughlin saying: “We do things a little bit differently, but basically everything I learned about training a racehorse came from him. Being able to sit out there with him in the mornings, going over everything with him when we came back in and understanding his reasoning for

doing certain things was invaluable. I was lucky I had a great assistant in Noel, who has been with me the whole time, he had been a rider for Kiaran. That first year we won 40 races. If I’d never come here, I don’t think I would be training horses.”

The Maktoum family own the yard and Sheikh Hamdan is one of the main supporters.

With a wide mix of owners, from Sheikhs to syndicates, keeping horses apart can be hard.

“We have a nice group of owners and we’ve been supported right from the beginning by the Emirates Entertainment Racing Club (EERC) syndicate, the Al Basti family and of course Sheikh Hamdan and we’ve had a lot of nice horses from Sheikh Mohammed’s son. It’s very difficult because there’s a limited number of races, you just have to run against each other. Every time we lead one over, we’re trying to win the race and I think they all know that, or they'd probably take their horses somewhere else!

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“It’s hard though [to find enough races for horses]. We have The Secret for the Boss, he won four at Sharjah last year [2015/16], but then he got rated out of Sharjah so he couldn’t run on his favourite track anymore. He would do well at Meydan too, but there’s no races for him over there.”

and HH Sheikh Hamdan.

Watson gets his horses, both Arabians and thoroughbreds, from overseas. The majority have already been racing and shown enough to warrant a winter campaign. Exporting a horse to a different environment, particularly one as hot as the UAE can be, poses its’ own problems, as Watson explains: ‘They’re all broke in, so we just put them in our training programme and just try to let them come around. If you push too hard they can fall to pieces, so we just start really easy with them. We try and find out what they’ve been doing with their previous trainers, but it can be pot luck that first year.

“Bon Baiser [De Faust] was like that, he came in and he never came right in his coat all year, but the following year, Noel noticed how he was training well and though his first race was horrible, he then came back and won. Sheikh Hamdan always told me he thought they didn’t get good until they were six or seven anyway.”

The Secret (US) Madjani x More Adorable “It used to be that at Nad Al Sheba, you could take a horse like Nivour De Cardonne or some of the others, as there used to be a handicap every week, as the first race. But they've taken that away now at Meydan, so basically, you’re going to Abu Dhabi, which doesn’t tell you anything about the Dirt. Al Ain is a little different and also right handed, so it’s hard to progress one to that top level, I think anyway.”

Dropping down the ratings this season, from runs at Al Ain and on the Turf in Abu Dhabi, The Secret, a handsome son of Madjani out of a Virgule Al Maury mare, won the Sharjah Marathon (2700m) for a third time for Watson

Bon Baiser De Faust (FR) Madjani x Orphe Du Clos

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Al Saoudi (FR) in the paddocks at Shadwell where he will stand for 2018

To date, the closest Watson has come to Kahayla Classic glory was for Sheikh Hamdan with the French bred Al Saoudi. He won the President of the UAE Cup over 2000m at four in Deauville for his owner and part breeder Faiz Al Elweet, before being bought for His Highness. From a family full of Group 1 success, Al Saoudi is a full brother to Arwa, dam of Al Mourtajez and Al Moutawakila. He is also a half-brother to Azadi, sire of Nafees and Al Mouwaffak, and to Al Ryme, dam of Al Mouhannad.

Watson recalls: “Al Saoudi was the best Arabian I’ve ever been around, I’m surprised more people don’t use him [as a sire]. He came out here late, he should have come in OctoberNovember, but he finally arrived in January and we had to run him 15 days before the

World Cup, just to get a start in him and he won over 1400m. For the Kahayla, Richard picked him and Willie Supple was on Madjani.

Willie went up the inside, got the run on us and he was just that bit flat and got beat [second by 1.5 lengths]. We were gutted.

“He came back the next year, won the first leg of the Maktoum Challenge, picked up an injury, won the second leg and it just didn’t go well after that.

“Al Saoudi was the best, we had Bopp Moon, Nivour De Cardonne, Nirwan, Jehol De Cardonne, Falina Des Fabries, Al Sakbe and there’s not even a comparison, he was the best.

I just wish more people would use him. He was unbelievable, beautiful too. Just the stride on him, he moved so well.”

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Since Watson’s arrival over twenty years ago, there have been a number of changes, not least the venue and the surface of the main racetrack.

Since Watson’s arrival over twenty years ago, there have been a number of changes, not least the venue and the surface of the main racetrack.

“For me the Tapeta years [at Meydan] were bad. We train on a dirt track here so when we ran on the Tapeta we struggled, big time.

When they brought the dirt back we were excited. I think it’s worked out well for us, though maybe not for other people. In my opinion, in the world, there’s dirt racing and there’s turf racing. I don’t think the weather out here is conducive to an All Weather track.

On World Cup night it would be slow in the heat, it melts in the summer. I certainly glad they went back to dirt anyway.”

It’s impossible not to be aware of the constant building works on every visit to the Gulf, which frequently leaves visitors struggling to direct the taxi drivers who rely heavily on satnav for guidance, with very mixed results. The

area surrounding Red Stables in no exception and it is not hard to believe that at some point this impressive oasis of calm will succumb to another skyscraper. Watson is keeping an open mind, but you can tell a move would be a wrench, he says: “We just don’t know what’s going to happen.

This barn was built when we got here. Noel’s been here since 1993, he was working for Kiaran then. I hope it doesn’t go. We’ll play it by ear. They’re building a road and there’s going to be a canal with buildings alongside. I would hope that we could possibly move across to the other side of the [training] track, but that’s all up in the air and I’ll do whatever they say.

“For us and our training style, we would have to change it, but I like what we do here. We bring them out, we get them trained, we get off them, I don’t want to be on their backs for an hour, I think we would have more horses tying up and other things. I can just picture the problems in my head right now, but we’ll look after them, if we had to move. I’m sure we would end up going to Meydan or around there, we’ll see, keep our fingers crossed…”

Construction work is all around as horses are hand walked at Red Stables THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Living and working next to a building site is not the only test that Watson and his team face, governed by the weather, the shortness of the season can severely restrict a horses’ options, particularly when things don’t go to plan.

The EERC was the first syndicate in the UAE, and though mostly runs thoroughbreds, has had Arabians such as Hakim with Watson and just prior to the 2018 Kahayla Classic, bought Cheik Roque from Athbah Stud, who is with Erwan Charpy.

“The hardest thing over here is you have five months to get everything done. If have a horse goes wrong, say in November and needs a couple of months, that’s basically your season over. I think most of the owners understand that. Really for the domestic horses its four and a half months, from the beginning November to the middle of March and then everything is geared to World Cup after that.

So, you're trying to get everything done and hoping they stay sound. That’s probably the biggest challenge - trying to keep them healthy for that four and a half months and trying to get some races in and get the owners some wins.”

However it is not without its’ rewards, as Watson explains, smiling: “The Carnival is an exciting time for all the trainers over here because you're running for pretty big prize money. It’s ten weeks of trying to earn as much as you can and do as well for the owners as you can.”

Keeping in touch with the bill-payers is one of the most important tasks for all trainers, as not all have agents to visit on their behalf such as Richard Hills for Sheikh Hamdan that morning. With many of his owners overseas and therefore in different time-zones, that can be challenging too.

“A lot of owners I will talk to on the phone. I just spent an hour with Justin of the EERC, going over what we think would be right for their horses, it’s a lot easier to let him look first at where their horses might go. Sheikh Hamdan mostly leaves us to decide, though he would get involved with ones he thinks a lot of, but we write him a letter each week, saying what we think the horse will do in their races, when they are racing and so on. With the new owners we talk to once a week and now we text a lot too.”

Cheik Roque (FR) in the EERC colours heads to post for the Kahayla Watson agrees that syndicates have a valuable role to play in the Emirates saying: “Oh yeah I think so, if you were to go up into the Grandstand at Meydan on a night when they have a couple of runners, they just fill a box, Justin and Rebecca Byrne do a great job with the EERC, they make nothing out of it, it’s a passion for them. When they have a winner like the other night, it’s amazing for that whole group of people. Not everyone in the syndicate owns shares in every horse they have, but everybody in the syndicate is over the moon when they win.

“They have horses with us, they have a couple with Fawzi [Nass], they have a couple in England, they have a jumps horse now too. It’s a passion for them and it gets a lot of ex-pats involved - they add a lot to the racing and it’s great for Dubai and the racing over here.”

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Pat Dobbs in the Quarter Moon Ranch colours

As retained jockey, Pat Dobbs is now an established part of Red Stables success, whether it be Arabians or thoroughbreds, Watson muses: “We were trying to figure out how the other day, just how long he's been with us. I think he came out and rode one in 2005, he's been in and out since, but he comes out every winter now, I think for about six years. We have a good team. Sam [Hitchcott] and him coming here every morning helps out a lot, I think it adds a bunch to our stable and to winning more races anyway.”

Not surprisingly for a leading stable where rain is a rarity, finding staff doesn’t appear to be a problem, unlike in the UK.

Some people stop in and some come from other stables every once in a while, we are very fortunate it’s great job, even though its only four and half, five months long. It’s one of the best jobs you can have, I think.”

During those hot summer months, when the horses have their break, there is no turn out, Watson explains how they manage without ‘Dr Green’, saying: “We just lead them out and give them the time off. Basically, when we don’t have another race for them, we stop.

Some trainers here keep going. We have a tenhorse walker, so we can keep them ticking over on that, we usually stop with riders on their back when they've finished racing.

“It’s pretty good - word of mouth usually.

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“It’s worked for years, though now with some of the research showing the de-mineralisation of their bones, we try to keep them a little more active now - in the past we just walked until we started training for the next season.

“Its’ about the same heat all day long!” Talking about the weather he laughs continuing: “We start back in late summer and then it’s hot, but by the time you're doing fast work it’s comfortable enough. I wouldn't do fast work in August, it can be stifling hot some of those days, but any time of the day is hot here in July, August and most of September. We start early, but not overly early.”

Like most of the training yards in the Gulf, Red Stables is a mix of purpose-built stables in a barn format, complimented by the more recent additions of wire cage boxes. Watson is a champion of these new boxes saying: “As they expanded this yard, they put up what

we call outside cages and then they came up with a way they could cover them. We found horses that stall walk or crib - when they can see all around them here in the cages, they are more relaxed. They're nice little barns, when they covered them and were able to put AC in them, that was when we really expanded how many horses we had too.

“I think the AC works well, it can get really stuffy in some of those barns in summer, but we have to deal with what we’re given. It’s not ideal, but the horses seem to handle it pretty well.”

As for feed and supplies Watson continues: “Everything is top of the line, the feed, the supplements, anything that’s available in another country is available here. We get hay brought in from America, and Alfalfa. The feed mill here does a good job and about half are on the feed mill mix and the other half are on a mix from Australia.”

Sauternes Al Maury (FR) relaxing in the airy cage boxes THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Paddys Day (US) and Pat Dobbs cross the line in the 2018 Dubai Kahayla Classic

As for training Arabians alongside the thoroughbreds, Watson modifies his methods slightly saying: “We just do a little bit less with them than the thoroughbreds, they kind of do the same amount of canter work. I don't ask them to come off the bridle ever, we work shorter with the Arabians than we do with the thoroughbreds. I just adopted Kiaran’s programme, but there are a million different ways to train a horse. I share the training track with other trainers and they're successful, but with different styles of training and if they're winning you wouldn't want to judge anyone’s training system. We’ll change the routine for the horse if it tells you to change the routine.

“I enjoy training the Arabians, especially when you get the good ones. I get more nervous, like when Al Saoudi or Bopp Moon was running, than I do for any thoroughbred race. Because I know the Boss likes them and enjoys them.

“In the old days, though we had nice thoroughbreds, they weren't the best thoroughbreds, but we had some of the best

Arabians. Even if we’re running for less money, when you have the best, like when Kandar Du Falgas was running, you’d be so on edge - you wanted to win those races because that was the best of the best here. I’ve had a lot of luck with them, we just don't have as many anymore.”

A year later, the outlook for Arabians seems more positive, returning to our conversation outside the weighing room at Meydan, I ask Watson if he thinks Paddys Day might attract more horses from the US? He smiles saying: “I don’t know, he was such a quality horse over there. I know they sent Quick And Rich over and he maybe didn’t do as well as Paddy did this year, but you know, they have some great horses over there - so we’ll just have to see how it goes.

"Hopefully we’ll get a few more Arabians next season, I think we will, I have other owners that are interested in getting some Arabians, so that will be fun and we’re looking forward to that.”

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UAE REVIEW

Muraaqib (FR) and Jim Crowley - Leading Purebred Arabian

The UAE season came to a close with some familar faces at the head of the championship tables. Leading domestic owner was HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, top trainer was Doug Watson, whilst Tadhg O'Shea regained the jockeys' title from Richie Mullen.

Leading Purebred Arabian was Muraaqib thanks to his win in the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Jewel Crown. In second was another Sheikh Hamdan horse in Al Zahir, with the Saudi Kahayla Classic winner, Tallaab Al Kahlediah in third.

top people throughout my time here. Now I just need to put my head down and try to get to 500!â&#x20AC;?

Both Watson and Mullen attained career landmarks, Watson training 500 UAE winners by early November, praising his team and the owners behind him. Whilst Mullen reached the 400 winner mark in January.

On reaching this figure, Mullen said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is amazing and I could not be more proud; never did I think when I first came to the UAE that I would be achieving landmarks like this. I have been very lucky with great support from

Shamik Al Wathba (FR) gives Richie Mullen his 400th UAE winner (C) Abdalla Khalifa

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Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 sponsored by Longines Gr1PA 1600m, Meydan After the drama of the Jewel Crown in November, the opening Group 1 PA race of the UAE Season, there was a month’s respite before the Dubai World Cup Carnival got underway at Meydan on January 11 with the first of the Al Maktoum Challenge races. After a lacklustre performance on Turf at ADEC, Paddys Day, now switched to resident leading UAE trainer Doug Watson, showed his class. A Darley Award winner and multiple Grade 1 winner in his native US, it was his first start for Red Stables and whilst the return to Dirt and a left-handed track were expected to suit, Watson was concerned about the wide draw in stall 13.

In the event, Watson, who had already trained three previous winners of this race, had nothing to fear. His retained jockey Pat Dobbs, always had Paddys Day up with the pace and when the early leader RB Torch weakened with 500m to go, the pair readily pulled clear. However, the son of Burning Sand, idled somewhat in front, allowing Barnamaj and Jim Crowley to close significantly by the time they reached the line.

Dobbs had felt that the track at Abu Dhabi did not suit Paddys Day on his previous UAE outing saying: “He

was very professional tonight. I was left in front too soon, but he had plenty left and I think if they had come to him he would have found more because he is all heart.”

Owner Scott Powell, who had also trained Paddys Day in the US added: “We always believed he was a competitor for the worldwide stage and he has proved it tonight. Doug and all his team have done a great job with him and we are truly delighted. We are just taking his campaign step at a time and this was the perfect first step.”

This was a notable step forward for the second Barnamaj, who is a son of No Risk Al Maury (winner of this event in 2010 and 2011) and a half-brother to the Jewel Crown winner Muraaqib. Making his first start for Ali Rashid Al Rayhi, he had been trained in France, like his half-brother by Francois Rohaut for HH Sheikh Hamdan. There he had been placed twice in Group 2 contests in Toulouse, as well as in the Za’abeel International (Gr1PA) at Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury last summer.

The 1600m race was run in 1:46.36, almost a second slower than AF Mathmoon’s win in the same contest last year.

Paddy’s Day (US) and Pat Dobbs win the Al Maktoum Challenge R1 presented by Longines Equestrian Collection (Gr 1 PA) from Barnamaj and Jim Crowley {left] (Credit: DRC // Andrew Watkins) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Barnamaj (FR) and Jim Crowley win the Al Maktoum Challenge R2 (Gr1PA) (Credit: DRC // Andrew Watkins) Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (Gr1PA) 2200m, sponsored by Mina Hamriya, Meydan In a rematch of Round 1, this time, stepped up in trip, it was Barnamaj who finished in front of Paddys Day, though again it required a photograph to split the pair.

Paddys Day had been bidding to become the first horse since Sahib Du Clos to follow up a Round 1 win in Round 2; whilst Faucon Du Loup was trying to emulate Kahayla, the only horse to record back-to-back wins in the race, in 1994 and 1995. In the event it was HH Sheikh Hamdam’s Barnamaj, on only his second start on Dirt, who showed superior stamina, finishing a head in front of Paddys Day, with Shaheer a further five and a half lengths back in third. Faucon Du Loup again disappointed in sixth.

His Highness’s first jockey Jim Crowley commented: “He ran a great race first time on his dirt debut when showing he handles the surface and he stayed every yard of the longer trip tonight. Over this longer distance, I was pretty confident coming here tonight

and the horse has delivered in gutsy fashion.”

He continued: “Last time he raced three wide, this time we were in behind horses, so he will have learnt something today and hopefully he will keep progressing. I’ve been lucky in this job so far to ride some really nice Arabians.”

Barnamaj’s win was also significant for His Highness’s breeding operation, becoming the first Group 1 winner for his sire No Risk Al Maury. Both sire and dam Tashreefat were trained by Gill Duffield and No Risk Al Maury’s 17 wins included six Group 1 races, becoming a multiple Champion Arabian Racehorse in the UK, as well as a UAE Champion. He was also the first horse to win at Meydan racecourse.

Foaled at the Haras de Saint-Faust where his sire now stands, Barnamaj is from No Risk AL MAury’s first crop.

Though a juvenile winner in France, and Group placed there and in the UK, he made his UAE debut in January for trainer Ali Al Rahyi and has clearly blossomed on the Dirt surface.

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Shadwell Stud’s director Richard Lancaster commented: “No Risk Al Maury was a remarkable racehorse and is proving himself as an outstanding sire. We are very pleased to have bred his first Group 1 winner, out of a homebred mare by a Shadwell stallion, Bengali D’Albret.

“It is a great success for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s breeding operation. We would like to thank Ali Al Rayhi and Jim Crowley who have done a great job with the horse since he arrived in the UAE, but also François Rohaut who has trained him for two years in France and helped him reach Group level.”

HH The President Cup Gr1 PA 2200m, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Despite the full field of 16 lining up for the HH The President Cup, it was left to Al Zahir to dominate in what looked to be a rough race for those horses held up at the rear of the field. Settled in fourth and ridden

by Jim Crowley, they smoothly went ahead with 700m to go and quickly asserted their advantage for an impressive win from Ziyadd, and Dahhm running

on from mid-division to take third.

Trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi for HH Sheikh Hamdan, Al Zahir made a winning local debut over this 2200m course and distance eleven months ago in the Arabian Triple Crown Round 2. He quickly followed up in the 2400m contest of Round 3 a fortnight later, his final start of last season. He was seventh on his reappearance in November and has since been fourth twice at Meydan, including on his most recent start behind stablemate, Barnamaj, in Round 2 of the Al Makotum Challenge (Gr1PA).

Al Rayhi commented: “We have always thought this horse had a big prize in him and he has proved us right tonight. His last two runs were on the dirt at Meydan and he ran well enough, without really enjoying the kickback, but these conditions at Abu Dhabi, on the turf, really suit him. I am very proud to win this race for Sheikh Hamdan and congratulate him, as well as Jim Crowley who gave the horse a very good ride. He has actually won on him all three times he has ridden him. I am very grateful to His Highness for hic continued support and very lucky to train some very good horses for him.”

Al Zahir (FR) and Jim Crowley go to post for R2 Arabain Triple Crown in 2017, the returned to ADEC in 2018 to win the HH The President Cup (Gr1PA) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Ziyadd (FR) and Richie Mullen win the Al Maktoum Challenge R3 (Gr1PA) (Credit: DRC // Andrew Watkins) Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (Gr1PA) 2000m, sponsored by Al Naboodah Facilities Management trophy, Meydan On paper it, looked like a straight rematch between the narrow margin winners of Rounds 1 and 2 of the Al Maktoum Challenge. With there being less than a length separating Paddys Day and Barnamaj on their last two meetings run over 1600m and 2200m metres, it would have been easy to expect that it would require a photo to decide Round 3 over 2000m. In the event, Barnamaj finished ahead of Paddys Day by a length, however he was almost three lengths behind Ziyadd who travelled smoothly into the Kahayla Classic picture in the hands of Richie Mullen.

Having his first start on Dirt and only his third for Jean de Roualle, Ziyadd was the pick of YAS Management’s first jockey and reigning UAE Champion Mullen.

Previously trained in France, he had some useful place form and had won the HH Sheikh Zayed Cup (LR) by a comfortable margin in Rome in 2016. Later that year he had raced on sand in Casablanca, finishing third in a Group 3 over 2200m, though that was his last start until joining Roualle.

Debuting in the HH President Cup prep at Abu Dhabi

Equestrian Club in January, he was a respectable quarter of a length behind Sniper De Monlau (the Kahayla Classic third last year) in first time cheekpieces.

His next outing, also at ADEC, was in the HH President Cup (Gr1PA) itself, in which he lacked the turn of foot of the winner Al Zahir, though was clear of the field - both races were over 2200m.

In Round 3, perfectly positioned by Mullen, Ziyadd tracked the leaders AF Sanjanjle and Naziq. Picking up the lead at the 500m point, they readily repelled the challenge of Barnamaj, who had come wide round the field. Paddys Day was caught flat-footed and though he stayed on for third, it is hard not to conclude his recent Mazrat Al Ruwayah (Gr2PA) win had left its’ mark.

Commenting to the Dubai Racing Channel’s Laura King, after the race Roualle said: “I was confident - yes, but how can you say you are going to win. You just know your horse is well. First time on Dirt, [against] tough horses.”

Confirming the Kahayla Classic as the next target he continued: “We will check everything, give him ten days rest and bring him back slowly. Thirty days is perfect to bring a horse to a big race like this, so we’ll

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keep our fingers crossed. I know now he likes the Dirt, so this is a very good sign and Richie rode a perfect race, so luck was with us tonight. I’m happy for His Highness as well, without him I would not be here.”

Based in the UAE since 2016 he trains at Al Ain for HH Sheikh Mansoor under the banner of YAS Horse Management. This was a second Group 1 PA win in as many seasons for Roualle, who won the HH President Cup with Loraa in 2017.

Ziyadd is a son of the 2008 Kahayla Classic winner Mizzna, and a brother to the 2014 winner Rabbah De Carrere, so he certainly has the pedigree for success on World Cup night, plus a Group 1 course and distance win under his belt, in near record time of 2:15.54.

The Emirates Championship Gr1 PA 2200m, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club The final card of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club season on Saturday was highlighted by the AED1million Group 1 Emirates Championship, won

emphatically by Al Zahir, over the same 2200m as his HH The President Cup victory on his previous start five weeks ago. Trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he has now won four of his seven UAE outings.

The owner’s retained jockey, Jim Crowley, has been aboard each time and, with the early leaders clearly going too quickly on this occasion, was happy to take his time in about sixth before making a move at the 800m pole. He committed for home soon after and the pair entered the short home straight in splendid isolation and with the race won. Thabit and Abu Alabyad ran on from the rear to take second and third respectively, but it was a clear cut success by more than five lengths.

“We were drawn 16 which was a definite concern because you can find yourself in trouble on that first bend, but he is such a classy horse we were able to find a nice position,” Crowley said. “When I asked him to close he did so effortlessly and we know he stays further, so I was more than happy to go for home a long way out. He is a very good horse and I imagine will take his chance in the Kahayla Classic on World Cup night now.”

Al Zahir (FR) and Jim Crowley win R2 Arabain Triple Crown in 2017 -at ADEC in 2018 they won the HH The President Cup (Gr1PA) and The Emirates Championsip (Gr1PA) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Af Al Buraq AMER – AL HANOUF, by SABAAN Leading sire in the UAE by number of wins Sire of Stakes winners and performers Full brother to AF ALBAHAR, sire of Group winners AF MATHMOON (Dubai Kahayla Classic, Gr.1 PA; Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1, Gr.1 PA; Liwa Oasis, Gr.1 PA), ALSAKER (Derby des Pur-sang Arabes de 4 ans, Gr.1 PA), BINT JAKKARTA (Al Rayyan Cup, Gr.1 PA; Prix Razzia III, Gr.3 PA) and ISTIBDAD (Sprinter Championship, Gr.3 PA)

Sire of Stakes winners: AF MAQAYES (Gr.3 PA) and AF AL HAZER (Listed PA) Also sire of Stakes performers: AF AL BAIRAQ, AF TAWAQ, AF AL SAJANJLE and AF AL ALMAA Sire of winners: AF AL JAHED, AF ASHRAS, AF HAKEEM, AF LA’ASAE, AF MAHSHOUM, AF SSAYEB, AF THOBOR, AF AL ASEF, AF AL SALLY, AF ASHEHAM, AF BAREQAH, AF KAFU, AF MADRUB, AF MAHER, AF MASHAREF, AF MONSEF, AF MUKHIFAH, AF TARAHA, AF TEBYAN, AF YATROQ, AJS BURAQ...

Stands at Haras de Saint-Faust (FR) Contact us to receive the 2018 Shadwell Arabian Stallions brochure Contact: Marion Lachat Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1842 755913 Fax: +44 (0)1842 755189 www.shadwellarabian.co.uk THE ARABIAN RACE HORSE arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk Facebook.com/ShadwellArabian

Madjani TIDJANI – SALAMA, by SIBAWAIH Crowned Horse of the Year in the UAE in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Winner of 13 races from 17 starts including 7 Group 1 races (1,600 m – 2,200 m) in the UK, Europe and UAE. Total prize money £525,382 Won 3 Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr.1 PA) Leading sire in the UK by number of wins A leading sire in the USA and the UAE

Sire of Group winners: HANDASSA (Gr.1 PA), AL ZAHIR (Gr.1 PA) and RB FRYNCH BROAD (Gr.2) Also sire of Group performers: BON BAISER DE FAUST, MADJIKMAN, RB MADJYK MAN, ALAZEEZ, NIRAAN, MADGICALL, RB MOOSE, MERLOT MHF Sire of winners: AL FAARIS, AMALE ATLAS, DEESSE DES VIALETTES, ECLIPSE, HAU KOLA, MADJANI L’ATLAS, MAHANY DE PIBOUL, MADJANTHAT, MADJIC VAZ, MAHAASEN, MAJESTIC PERFECTION, MUNBAHER, MYSTICAL MHF, SALEEMAH, TAAJER, TATBEEQ, THE SECRET, WEST DE FAUST...

Stands at Haras de Saint-Faust (FR)

Our International Partners Haras de Saint Faust Laroin, France contact@haras-saintfaust.com www.haras-saintfaust.com

Sharjah Equine Hospital Sharjah, UAE mai@seh.ae THE www.seh.ae

Società Agricola di Besnate Race Street Management,Inc. Mornago, Varese, Italy Carmel, California, USA besnate@sab.it racestreetinc@aol.com A R A B I A N R A C E H O www.racestreet.com RSE www.sab.it

West Kington Stud Wiltshire, UK westkingtonstud@aol.com www.westkingtonstud.co.uk

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Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr1PA Meydan, Dubai For Arabian racing in the UAE, all roads lead to the Kahayla Classic. This year had added international interest, throughout the build-up it was in the form of multiple US graded winner, Paddys Day, but ultimately the prize went to Saudi Arabia.

An historic first Kahayla Classic win for Saudi Arabia as Tallaab Al Khalediah (KSA) and Roberto Perez fly to the finish line in record time.

Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) sponsored by Mubadala 2000m Dirt Meydan Having looked a two-horse race between Paddys Day and Barnamaj at the start of the Carnival, as the race drew near, impressive wins from Al Zahir and Ziyadd added further contenders to the mix. From Oman there was the well-travelled Chaddad, a Group 1 winner as a juvenile in France for Al Shahania Stud,

who had been consistently placed all season in the UAE. Following an impressive win in a $1 million USD race in his native Saudi Arabia, the imposing Tallaab Al Khalediah, also received an invitation to put his unbeaten record on the line.

Watson was concerned by the draw in stall 13 for Paddys Day, saying beforehand that he would need to â&#x20AC;&#x153;break well and get a good position earlyâ&#x20AC;?.

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As anticipated with blinkers back on, the front-runner AF Sajanjle showed good early speed, but was tracked

by Tallaab Al Khalediah on his outside. Paddys Day broke well, but was always racing wide, and with half a mile to go, the distress signals were clear, it would not be his day.

Tallaab Al Khalediah however, was moving smoothly into the lead rounding the home turn. He brushed aside the challenge of Barnamaj entering the straight, leaving that one to stay on for third, ahead of the mare Mawahib. The biggest danger was Chaddad, who was caught flat footed on the turn, but made significant ground in the straight and got within a length and a half of the winner. Had the son of Mared Al Sahra been quicker from the stalls, or his jockey Oisin Murphy had more than a handful of rides on Arabians, he may have finished closer.

Completing the race in a time of 2:13.68, which was one of five track records set that evening, the giant grey gave an historic first win in the race to Saudi Arabia. But for veering across both sides of the track as the horse ran around under Roberto Perez’s whip, the time may have been even faster. Perez’s actions also earned the attention of the stewards who handed him a double fine totalling AED 10,000 for over use of the whip and not allowing the horse sufficient time to respond.

Speaking after the race the Panamanian Perez said: “I feel so excited. It is the second biggest win for this horse and I have ridden him both times. When I put him into the front, I knew I had to save a little bit as he had been winning over 1800m and had 200m more to go today, but he stayed it well.”

Tallaab Al Khalediah and Roberto Perez return to the winners circle

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Above: AF Sajanjale leads the field into the first bend, with Tallaab Al Khalediah in second, with Paddys Day travelling wide on the outside and Cakouet De Bouzouls between them Below: Tallaab Al Kalediah draws clear of Barnamaj [centre], Mawahib [rail] with Chaddad closing on the outside

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Above: Chaddad (GB) and Oisin Murphy finish second

Present to witness this historic victory was Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, son of the owner, who commented: “It is not just a win for our stable, but it is a win for all of the owners in Saudi Arabia. It is a great win and the credit goes to a great horse, a great trainer and a great jockey. It was a tough competition and this horse can go against any other Arabian horse. It was all about hard work, training and it paid off.”

Tallaab Al Khalediah is owned and bred by HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz and his Al Khalediah Stables. A son of Jalood Al Khalidiah and therefore a grandson of the ‘desert-bred’ Tiwaiq, his breeding would not satisfy race conditions in some countries, including the UK. Nonetheless his damline is impeccable. Being out of Siehame, a daughter of Dormane, Siehame is out of CS Samborsta, whose dam Brusally Orsta is by Orzel, the ‘Arabian Secretariat’. Imported from Poland, Orzel became the first US Arabian Racing Champion.

With just five winning runs to his name, Tallaab Al Khalediah represents a country hungry for international competition. It was recently announced by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Club that the King Abdul Aziz International Horse Championship that they staged in January, which included the $1 million dollar race that Tallaab Al Khalediah won is set to expand.

Saleh Al Hammadi, director general and secretary of SAEC and general manager of the KAIHC said that they intend to stage 8-10 races on the feature day with a prep meeting beforehand, similar to ‘Super Saturday’ and the Dubai World Cup fixture. The fixture is also scheduled to move to the end of February, with the feature thoroughbred race being held over a mile and a quarter for a prize fund of $17 million and the supporting races starting at upwards of $1 million each.

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HH Emir's Sword Festival Doha, Qatar

Christian Demuro celbrates as he and Gazwan (GB) win the HH Emir's Sword photo (C) QREC

The three-day 2018 HH Emir’s Sword Festival in Doha, Qatar, culminated in a scintillating victory for Gazwan, ridden by Christian Demuro for trainer Julain Smart and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani in the feature race of the meeting, the HH Emir’s Sword (Gr1PA) over 2400m. This was a second win for Gazwan and a third consecutive victory for Julian Smart, his sixth overall for His Highness and whilst there have been two dual winners since 1990, no horse has ever regained the race in that time period.

Facing a field of 14 competitors, including last years’ winner and stablemate Ebraz, Gazwan was always handy, settled in third behind another Smart trained runner in Ba’sil, who was setting a strong pace in front in the hands of JP Guillambert.

Yazeed who had split Gazwan and Ebraz in the Qatar Arabian World Cup in Chantilly, was held up by Olivier Peslier in mid-division,whilst Ebraz was well to the rear.

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Tiring, Basil hung away from the turn leaving Al Dawoodea and Faleh Bughanaim in front, with Demuro content to retain a lead for Gazwan in second, as the tempo slowed slightly. At the the 400m mark Demuro had timed his challenge to perfection as Gazwan accelerated away from the field, leaving Yazeed, who had been travelling sweetly behind, flat footed. As they neared the finished, Gazwan idled in front changing his legs and Ebraz, who had been making ground impressively from the rear, swept past Yazeed, cutting down his stablemate’s winning margin to just one and a quarter lengths.

Winning in a time of 2.38.63, it was slower than his 2016 victory, however that time of 2.36.45 is still the fastest of the last ten years. Whilst it is no surprise to see yet another son of the all conquering Amer pick up a major Group 1 title, Gazwan’s dam Arc De Ciel also won the race in 2000 and she is a daughter of the 1991 winner Djendel.

Never out of the first four in 21 starts, Gazwan began

his career in 1200m maiden at Newbury in 2014 as a three-year-old, certainly an inadequate trip for a horse best suited by a test of stamina according to Smart.

Since his maiden win over 1600m on his Qatar debut in 2015, all his successes have been at 2000m and beyond, including his first Group 1, the Dubai International Stakes back at Newbury in the same year, beating four other Group winners.

In his next outing he was five lengths second to Al Mourtajez (that years’ HH Emir’s Sword winner) in the Qatar Arabian World Cup at Longchamp, in a race that marked the Al Shaqab horse as a superstar. However, that following February, Gazwan lowered Al Mourtajez’s colours by the same margin, when winning his first HH Emir’s Sword in 2016. Losing his way somewhat following that win, he probably didn’t get the credit he deserved. Despite further Group wins, it was his battling performance at Chantilly when beating Yazeed and Ebraz by the narrowest of margins that showed he was still a force to be reckoned with.

Trainer Julian Smart leads the celebtations in the winners enclose photo (C) QREC THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Gazwan(GB) and Ebraz(GB) with the Al Shahania team celebrate their first and third places Below: Top filly Easter De Faust (FR) with stablemate and second Jethjath, owned

by Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trained by Jassim Ghazali

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Looking at the form book it would be easy to conclude that Gazwan had been kept fresh for this race as it was his first start since Chantilly in October, but Smart admitted after this race that it had not been a trouble free preparation, making his win against younger, race-fit rivals all the more noteworthy.

Reflecting on his team’s chances prior to the race Smart had commented: “The boys are well for today.

It’s going to be extremely difficult - but isn’t it always?!”

In the preceding HH The Emir's Silver Sword for fouryear-olds it was a smooth fourth consecutive victory for the exciting filly, Easter De Faust. Though keen in the early stages, Harry Bentley soon had the daughter of Mahabb settled in mid-division and when pressing the button entering the home straight she produced an impressive turn of foot to overhaul Jethjath.

However whilst Jethjath and Oisin Murphy did not go

down without a fight, Easter De Faust was always in command to win by one and a quarter lengths. The pair had drawn well clear of Evolution Du Croate who was over six lengths away in third.

Bred by Chantilly Bloodstock, Easter De Faust is from the family of Nizam and Dahess. Rated 112, she had already been awarded the title of leading juvenile filly in the 2017 international classifications. Not out of the frame in all her five starts to date, she had won the Qatar Derby (Gr3PA) in January, on her first start since arriving in Qatar from France.

It was a decisive victory for Oman in the feature Purebred Arabian race on the second day of the HH Emir’s Sword Festival, when Meblsh came with a strong run down the outside and readily drew clear of his locally trained rivals, Zahwa and Sharesa by two and a half lengths and a head.

Easte De Faust (FR) and Harry Bentley win the HH The Emir's Silver Sword THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Mblesh and Almotasem Al Balushi win the Gulf Cup The race had looked fairly open on paper, with no less than four horses all bidding to complete a hat-trick of wins including Zahwa. However Meblsh, who had previously been trained in France by Thomas Fourcy for Al Shaqab, had some strong Group 1 place form and was already a Listed winner.

In the end class told, ridden by Almotasem Al Balushi and trained by Badar Al Hajri for Saad Al Mukhaini Bahwan, the six year old son of Amer, was waited with mid-division, before quickening clear of the field for an easy win.

Oman has provided the largest overseas entry for this years’ Festival. It is encouraging to see their global success, not only for the Royal Cavalry themselves, with Group 1 wins in France and the UK last year, but also for individual Omani owners as we saw today in Doha.

The PA Sprint Cup beforehand also produced an easy

victory, this time for Caid De L’Ardus, ridden by Harry Bentley for Khalifa Al Kuwari and trained by Jassim Mohammed Ghazi Jahromi. Since topping the horses in training segment at the 2016 Arqana PA Sale, Caid De L’Ardus (Mahabb) has since won seven of his 13 starts in Doha, including the Majd Al Arab PA Sprinter Championship (Gr3PA) in January.

The second race, a PA Maiden Plate over 2oo0m was a thriller, producing a narrow margin one-two-three in for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Ishfaq, a five year old colt by Asraa Min Albarq, trained by Pierre Demoynaz came out on top by a neck from Mohssn (a half brother to Mkeefa by Almas), with Hatem (brother to Ebraz, Mared Al Sahra and Mu’azzaz) beaten a short head in third, both were trained by Julian Smart.

The day began with a 1600m Fegentri race which was won by Semaisima and Naomi Heller for Alban de Mieulle and HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani.

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On the opening day of the HH Emir’s Sword Festival, the feature Purebred Arabian race, the Al Zubara Trophy for local breds run over 2000m, went to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Reda, who had been third in this event last year, denying the hat-trick seeking Majeed by a length and a quarter.

Aaley Al Magam and JP Guillambert set a strong pace in front, with stablemate Reda, held up in the rear by Theo Batchelot, in company with Majeed and Olivier Peslier. Bachelor had to work hard to move into a challenging position, bringing Reda round the outside of the field at the 400m mark, whilst Majeed had to come between horses from off the rail.

However Peslier’s mount had every chance if he was good enough, but the son of Burning Sand stayed on strongly at the finish for a decisive win, going away.

want to thank JP Guillambert [who] did a superb job.

We thought the more pace in the race, the better it would be for Reda - if JP didn’t actually steal the race on Aaley Al Magam - which at one stage I actually thought he might do. The faster the pace, the better it is.”

He continued: “Purely off the race [the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy - Qatar National Day Trophy Gr2PA] over a mile and a quarter when he was behind TM Thunder Struck, we had to fancy him today. Majeed’s a super, super horse and I know this is his race, but it’s got to end somewhere and I’m glad it was us that did it.”

Trainer Julian Smart commented: “Reda’s a lovely horse and to be honest, we had high hopes today. I

Reda (QA) and Theo Bachelot end Majeed's winning streak in the Al Zubara Trophy, with Damas in third

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Qatar Gold Sword Gr1PA Doha, Qatar

Gazwan (GB) and Christian Demuro win a second Qatar Gold Sword photo (C) QREC/Juhaim

The final Group 1 PA contest of the Qatari season, saw the renewal of rivalries between the leading colts from Al Shahania and Umm Qarn, with Gazwan again asserting his superiority over Yazeed and his stablemate Ebraz. Just as it had been in Chantilly over the same 2000m trip, there was little to split them at the finish line, with Gazwan ahead by three quarter of a length from Yazeed and Ebraz a further half length behind.

This had been Gazwan's intended target since winning the HH Emir's Sword in February. This was his third start in the contest having won last years

event by a neck from Tayf, he had only been beaten a short head by TM Thunder Struck in 2016.

His delighted trainer Julian Smart expects Gazwan to follow a similar programme to last year, with the horse enjoying a break before returning to Europe, having the Dubai International Stakes at Newbury as his aim before attempting a second win in the Qatar Arabian World Cup. Ebraz will join him with the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood his likely UK target, before also heading to the reopened Longchamp in October for the World Cup.

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Feeding with ulcers in mind...

Jane Buchan We are becoming more and more aware of gastric ulcers and research has shown that 90% of racehorses have gastric ulcers and up to 40% of leisure horses, so here’s a recap of potential causes and a look at how feeding and management can be adapted to help reduce the risks.

The horse's digestive system is designed to have a constant flow of fibre from grazing The Problem As the horse is a designed to have a constant flow of fibre passing through its digestive system, the stomach continuously produces hydrochloric acid in its lower glandular region to begin the digestive process, producing approximately 1 ½ litres of acid per hour. The lower area of the stomach is protected by mucus and saliva, which is produced through chewing. When the horse is ‘trickle feeding’ naturally it will produce up to 12 litres of salvia per day and it’s saliva which helps neutralise the acid through its bicarbonate content.

The upper, squamous region of the stomach, however, has no built-in protection because it relies on the physical barrier of continuously ingested fibre. Ulceration of this upper region can occur when acid from the lower region splashes up, because of insufficient fibre passing through the stomach and/or through

the physical effect of exercise. Ulcers in the glandular region are less common but can occur when the protective barrier is compromised, for example, through stress or continued use of drugs, like “bute”.

The Effects of Exercise The severity of ulcers seems to be greatest in horses that are in training for prolonged periods of time. Researchers have looked at the effects of exercise on the digestive system and found that there is increased pressure when a horse exercises at high intensity, leading to compression of the stomach, thus pushing the acidic contents of the gastric region into the squamous region – the ‘sloshing’ effect. The longer the training, the greater the time the squamous region is exposed to acid, increasing the potential for ulcers to occur.

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The equine stomach How Would I Know if My Horse Has Ulcers?

The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is via a gastroscopic examination. The symptoms that would lead you to request an examination include….

• • • • • • • • •

Poor appetite Weight loss – ‘good doers’ are just as susceptible Loose droppings/acidic smelling droppings Mild signs of colic “Girthiness”/grumpiness Resistance under saddle Excessive recumbency (lying down) Dull coat Poor performance/exercise intolerance

Treatment Following gastroscopic diagnosis, there are a number of medications which can be recommended by your vet, most commonly, omeprazole - a proton pump inhibitor, which suppresses the production of stomach acid.

Alongside medical treatment, management

and diet are instrumental for recovery and aiding prevention of recurrence.

Supplements A growing variety of supplements are available with some ingredients now also being included in feeds as well. These may help support a treatment and management regime and aid in the prevention or recurrence of ulcers.

Key ingredients include: • Antacids - Support the buffering of gastric acid, helping to neutralise stomach pH • Beta-glucans - Soluble fibre which can act as a coating for the stomach lining, as well as slowing the passage of feed and thereby improving the digestion of starch and sugar within the foregut •

Pre- and pro- biotics - Support the population of beneficial bacteria within the hindgut, helping to promote the digestion of fibre.

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Feeding and Management Constant access to ad lib forage is essential, to keep the horse chewing and producing saliva, which contains its own buffer to help neutralise stomach acid. If the horse can’t be worked from the field, then lengthy daily spells at grass are also important for fibre intake and to reduce stress. Concentrate feed needs to contain minimal starch to help keep acidity levels in the digestive tract under control.

Exercising on an empty stomach should be avoided, so it is wise to ensure fibre has been consumed - a scoop of alfalfa 20-30 minutes before exercise is ideal and won’t hinder performance. Alfalfa is known to have natural acid-buffering properties and, when given before exercise, can really help to act as a ‘mat’ and reduce the amount of acid ‘sloshing’ in the stomach.

Fibre Intake For the hard-working horse in training, who often has limited access to fibre/forage/grass or who is perhaps not a good hay/haylage eater, increasing time at grass, feeding ad lib hay/ haylage or providing alternative fibre is essential to encourage and increase fibre intake. Alfalfa chaffs are ideal for providing digestible fibre, along with their natural acidbuffering properties, while soaked beet pulp or beet/alfalfa combinations are also very useful, as are dried grasses. These can all be fed in separate buckets from the compound feed, in order to provide a selection and to encourage natural foraging behaviour.

Alfalfa chaff

Concentrate Feeding Research suggests that the horse should not receive any more than 2g/kg of bodyweight per day of starch and sugar, and 1g/kg of bodyweight per feed of starch and sugar, to assist in the management of gastric ulcers.

When looking at feed labels, “low starch” would probably be 10 – 12% and below, “reduced starch”, 12 – 22%, with typical competition and racing mixes being around 30% starch.

•

Removing oats from the diet is an absolute MUST!

Speedibeet

Higher Calorie Requirements Forage • Choose a soft, leafy hay or haylage, which is likely to be more nutritious and more digestible.

• For poor forage eaters, offer alternative fibre sources, such as alfalfa chaffs, dried grasses, beet pulp or beet/ alfalfa combinations, ideally in separate buckets from the hard feed so they can “graze” at it.

• Beet pulp has a good ‘acid binding’ capacity and is high in pectins, which are beneficial in that their structure alters to one that is similar to mucus when in an acidic environment, consequently acting as further protection to the stomach.

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Concentrates • Specialist low starch (8 – 10%) performance feeds, like Baileys Ease & Excel, Saracen Relieve or Dodson & Horrell ERS Pellets, are formulated to provide the necessary calorie and nutrient levels to support the hardest workloads, while keeping starch levels to a minimum. Energy sources include, highly digestible fibre sources, like beet pulp, soya hulls and alfalfa, and higher levels of oils from soya or linseed.

• When only a moderate reduction in starch intake is deemed necessary, or for horses where some cereal intake is required for performance, reduced starch feeds, like Baileys All-Round Endurance Mix, provide slow release calories, support hard work and have a starch content of around 22%.

• Oils or high oil supplements, like Baileys Outshine or Saracen Relieve, can be added to an existing balanced diet to provide additional low starch calories.

Lower Calorie Requirements Forage • Good-doers must be kept chewing, even though forage intake may need controlling to avoid weight gain.

Choose coarser, stalkier (less leaf more stem) hay or haylage, which is more mature and should be less nutritious yet still provide plenty of fibre to chew.

• Give lots of small feeds of forage.

• Use small-holed nets to make forage last for as long as possible.

conditioning, when fed in smaller amounts it can be beneficial for gooddoers due to its ‘acid binding’ capacity.

As a guideline, one mug of Speedi-Beet will soak to approximately a Stubbs scoop in wet volume – making it a great low calorie and low starch fibrous option.

Careful Management So, while diagnosis and treatment is highly recommended, some horses will respond to appropriate changes in management and diet alone but these will need to be maintained to ensure the horse continues to feel comfortable.

For some, a small reduction in starch intake or cereal levels will be sufficient to improve their performance, outlook and condition, while others require a more radical approach. Hard working horses are always at risk from ulcers caused by acid-splash, no matter how little starch they are fed so, for them, careful management is even more important.

For advice on feeding horses in training, especially those prone to gastric ulcers or muscle-related problems, contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247, nutrition@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

Concentrates • Balancers, like Baileys Performance Balancer, TopSpec Comprehensive or Blue Chip Pro, will provide essential vitamins, minerals and protein without unwanted calories and with minimal starch and sugar • Balancers must be fed to the recommended levels with a small amount of alfalfa • Although beet pulp can be fed for THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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IFAHR Qatar & UAE Group 1 PA 2017-18 Season Results Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE 10 November

Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Gr1PA 1m3f Dirt

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Jewel Crown Gr1PA 1m Turf

1. BARNAMAJ (FR) 5 ch h (No Risk Al Maury x Tashreefat) T: Ali Rashid Al Rayhi O: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum J: Jim Crowley B: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum

1. MURAAQIB (FR) 5 ch h (Munjiz x Tashreefat) T: Francois Rohaut O: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum J: Jim Crowley B: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum 2. RB Burn (US) 3. Chaddad (GB)

2. Paddys Day (US) 3. Shaheer (AE) Dist: hd, 5.5 Time: 2.29.87 7 Ran NR 2

Another winner for

Dist: nk, 1.25 Time: 1.41.85 15 Ran

Meydan, Dubai, UAE 11 January

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE 11 February

Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 Gr1PA 1m Dirt

HH The President Cup Gr1PA 1m3f Turf

1. PADDYS DAY (US) 7 b h (Burning Sand x AK Loretta) T: Doug Watson O: Quarter Moon Ranch J: Pat Dobbs B: Jane R Teutsch

1. AL ZAHIR (FR) 5 ch h (Madjani x Petite Class) T: Ali Rashid Al Rayhi O: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum J: Jim Crowley B: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum

2. Barnamaj (FR) 3. Cakouet De Bozouls (FR)

2. RB Burn (US) 3. Chaddad (GB)

Dist: nk, 9.5 Time: 1.46.37 16 Ran

Dist: nk, 1.25 Time: 1.41.85 15 Ran

Meydan, Dubai, UAE 1 February

Another winner for

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3. Paddys Day (US)

Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar 24 February

Dist: 2.75, 1 Time: 2.15.54 13 Ran NR 9

Qatar International Cup Gr1 PA 1m Turf 1. MOLHEB AL NAIF (QA) 6 gr h (Amer x Kesbah) T: Yousef Ben Taher Mehaoued O: Al Naif Racing J: Gerald Avranche B: 2. Ateej (FR) 3. Carab (FR) Dist: 1, 3.75 Time: 1.42.59 13 Ran

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE 17 March Emirates Championship Gr1PA 1m3f Turf 1. AL ZAHIR (FR) 5 ch h (Madjani x Petite Class) T: Ali Rashid Al Rayhi O: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum J: Jim Crowley B: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum 2. Thabit 3. Abu Alabyad

HH Emir's Sword Gr1 PA 1m4f Turf 1. GAZWAN (GB) 7 gr h (Amer x Arc De Ceil) T: Julian Smart O: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Christian Demuro B: Al Shahania Stud

Dist: 5.5,0.75 Time:2.24.99 16 Ran

Another winner for

2. Ebraz (GB) 3. Yazeed (FR)

Meydan, Dubai, UAE 31 March

Dist: 1.25, 2 Time: 2.38.63 15 Ran

Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr1PA 1m2f Dirt

Meydan, Dubai, UAE 1 March Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Gr1PA 1m2f Dirt 1. ZIYADD (FR) 6 b h (Bibi De Carrere x Mizzna) T: Jean de Roualle O: YAS Horse Racing Management LLC J: Richie Mullen B: Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan 2. Barnamaj (FR)

1. TALLAAB AL KHALEDIAH (KSA) 6 b h (Jalood Al Khalidiah x Siehame) T: M bin Mashref O: HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud J: Roberto Perez B: HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud 2. Chaddad (GB) 3. Barnamaj (FR) Dist: 1.5, 1 Time: 2.13.68 15 Ran

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Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar 6 April Qatar Gold Sword Gr1 PA 1m2f 1. GAZWAN (GB) 7 gr h (Amer x Arc De Ceil) T: Julian Smart O: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani J: Christian Demuro B: Al Shahania Stud 2. Ebraz (GB) 3. Yazeed (FR)

Gazwan - 2018 Gold Sword winner (C) QREC

Dist: 1.25, 2 Time: 2.38.63 15 Ran

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Summer Issue 2018

DIAR PREVIEW

VAL BUNTING

A look ahead to the ARO season highlight.

Interview with the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Lifetime Achievment Award Winner

FRENCH DERBY

ARO Cup

All the action from Chantilly

Report from Windsor

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The Final Furlong

Crahck leads My Boy Sam and Dolfina D'Ibos on the Round Canter on Racecourse Side, Newmarket Heath as part of the James Owen Racing Club inaugural Open Day. This club is the first of it's kind in

Arabian racing, allowing members to enjoy three horses throughout the 2018 ARO Season. For more details about the club and shares available, see page 31.

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE