The Royal Cavalry of Oman’s busiest weekend of sponsorship with Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) saw many of the participants record notable firsts in the sport of Arabian racing. The win of Awzaan in Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr 3 PA) run at Newbury racecourse on Saturday 17^th August was a first PA Group win for trainer James Owen, for his jockey Martin Dwyer and for the sire Al Saoudi. The Sultanate of Oman Raceday followed at Wolverhampton and was significant as the first UK full Arabian fixture outside of Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) to be open to professional jockeys. The opening race was won by Izenterisky, which was a first homebred winner for Sheila Collington, wife of trainer Phil. Later in the card amateur Hayley Lewis rode her first ever winner on Jaahez, for Owen and in the concluding race, professional Dylan Hogan gave the Collington trained Halib Des Forges a very positive ride to record his first win on an Arabian, both were in the colours of ARO Patron HH Sheikh Hamdan.

The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr 3 PA) has been held at Newbury racecourse since 2015 and after ten declarations, two of the past three winners in Macallan and Kao Kat MHF lined up, along with Shomoos Athbah, who had been runner-up for the past two seasons. Also present was Conchita DA and El Zarka DA, the first and third in the UK’s premier sprint, the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International (Gr1PA) held over a furlong further as part of DIAR at Newbury last month. However, on rain softened ground it was Awzaan on his first attempt at the minimum trip who was a comfortable winner by three lengths from Conchita DA and El Zarka DA.

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Owen commented: “That was that was a bit of a shock actually, though we’ve always known Awzaan had ability, as he’s been Group 1 placed at a mile, we’ve always run him over staying trips. He’s grown up a lot this year though, I’ve always wanted to try him in blinkers, and I have at home, but he’s just not seemed tough enough to try it on the racecourse. He’s handled his races so much better this season, so we thought we’d give it a go over this trip and it’s worked the oracle. Even though he was slowly away here, he’s travelled really well in his race and all the way to the line. I hope we get to keep him in training next season as I think there are more options for him now.”

He continued: “It’s my first ever Group winner, hopefully the first of many. I’m delighted for Martin as well, he’s enjoying riding the Arabians and his feedback is fantastic.”

The following day the action transferred to Wolverhampton racecourse for the annual Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday, which in the past has been held at Chelmsford City, Chepstow, Huntingdon, Salisbury and Royal Windsor. Fifty-five runners were declared for the six-race card, with the first race starting at 1.00pm. Attending to present the trophies on both days was the Royal Cavalry’s Director General Sarhan Alzedi, assisted by Mohamed Al Hashmi, Racing Manager of the Royal Horse Racing Club in Oman and Salim Al Hakmani, Director of Activities and Racing Department.

Whilst it was emotional day of first winners with the successes of Izenterisky for the Collington’s and Jaahez for Hayley Lewis, it was also a final appearance for Syrah Gris in the Taqah Beach (0-50) Handicap. Trained by Adam Newey for the Almost All Partnership, after 73 starts he made his last outing a winning one, adding to his five previous victories when getting up to deny My Boy Sam in the final strides and will now be retired. Whilst trainer Owen had considered My Boy Sam to be his best chance of his Racing Club’s runners, it was their Tijaary under Alex Chadwick who came out on top after a steward’s enquiry demoted first-past-the-post Abiyah Athbah, following interference to the third Daleel.

Tijaary’s form had been franked in the opener, the Al Seefah Beach Maiden, when Izenterisky, who had been half a length behind him when breaking his maiden at this track in June, was a ready five-length winner under Barry Adams, whose wife Hannah co-owns the horse.

Acknowledging the pressure of training for his wife, Collington smiled saying: “The only worry today was if he would settle to get the extra furlong, stepping up to a mile. Barry gave him a lovely ride and he’s quickened up and gone away from them well. He’s always been very professional at home. We both wanted to breed a horse by No Risk Al Maury as he’s been such a big part of our lives and of course having won on him and his dam makes Izenterisky’s win all the more special. We’ll have a look and see if there’s anything for him abroad, but he’ll probably be put away for next season.”

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In the second race former ARO novice champion turned conditional jockey Charlie Price was grinning following his recommendation to owner-trainer Delyth Thomas to fit Callymay with visors. Having raced up with the pace in the Sohar Beach (0-70) handicap, he drove the daughter of Dahess into the lead and finished over two lengths clear of Falcon Du Roch, who was much better back at this track, following a disappointing run at Chelmsford City.

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Hayley Lewis had been smiling from half a furlong out when recording her first ever win on the maiden Jaahez in the Ras Al Hat Novice Stakes, she commented: “James told me to just let him go and enjoy himself, I’ve been riding Jaahez at home for a while and we get on really well. I knew I was clear and though I could hear the others behind me, he was travelling so well I left him a bit longer before I pushed him on as I didn’t want him to go backwards. I’ve been with James for two years and this is my first season race riding, I’m really grateful to James for the opportunity, he’s great to work for.”

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The Kasab Beach (0-100) Handicap was a competitive conclusion to the day’s racing with Halib Des Forges holding off the challenge of Al Kaaser to win by a neck. This was a first win on an Arabian for apprentice Dylan Hogan, though not his first win in His Highness’s colours having won a premier handicap on Aared and a rated race on Moktamel for Keven Prendergast in Ireland last year.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director commented: “It has been a wonderful weekend of racing for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, who have been a loyal and generous supporter of UK Arabian racing for over ten years. The Clarendon Stakes is the most valuable of all the Royal Cavalry’s race sponsorship with us and took place in front of a near sell-out crowd at Newbury. We were pleased to welcome runners from Belgium and Sweden who have been successful at Newbury before, proving that Arabian racing in the UK can support international competition and this comes on the back of recent overseas wins by our domestic trainers, James Owen and Phil Collington.

“We were delighted with Awzaan’s win for James Owen, giving him a well-deserved first PA Group success as he is on course for a third ARO trainer championship. Though the majority of his winners are for HH Sheikh Hamdan, his James Owen Racing Club has over thirty members for the three-horse syndicate of Tijaary, My Boy Sam and Arwen Forta. Syndicates are an excellent way to attract more new people to the sport and we would like to see this increase in the future.”

She continued: “The annual Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday at Wolverhampton marked a significant milestone in ARO’s history as it was the first time outside of the DIAR meeting that we have had professional jockeys riding alongside amateurs at an ARO full fixture. We are proud to see jockeys of the calibre of seven-time UAE champion Tadhg O’Shea and Derby winner Martin Dwyer riding under ARO rules and we also welcome the success of apprentice Dylan Hogan on his first ride on an Arabian. It is also pleasing to see our former champion novices Charlie Price and Ellie Mackenzie continue to ride with us since taking out their professional licences and we thank their employers Tim Vaughan and Mark Usher for their support.

“This has been a marvellous way to conclude the Royal Cavalry’s very generous race sponsorship with ARO during the 2019 season and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2020.”

Racing Welfare continued their support of the ARO stable staff, with Felicity Marshall awarding Collington Racing and James Owen Racing the Best Turned Out Award in the first two races on the Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday with a cash prize of £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet to the winning grooms’ of Izenterisky and My Boy Sam.

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was thrilled with the declarations for the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr 3 PA) to be run at Newbury racecourse on Saturday 17^th August. The opening race of the Madness Live After Racing card at Newbury features two of the last three winners in Macallan and Kao Kat MHF, as well as Shomoos Athbah who has been runner-up for the last two seasons. Also in the line-up is Conchita DA, an impressive winner of the Group 1PA Jebel Ali Za’abeel International Stakes over a furlong further, also held at Newbury as part of Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) last month. The following day the action transfers to Wolverhampton racecourse for the annual Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday. Fifty-five runners have been declared for the six-race card, with the first race starting at 1.00pm.

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Conchita DA (Anna Van Den Troost) winning the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes Gr 1PA return to Newbury on Saturday.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director commented: “We are delighted that the opening contest of what will be a very popular day at Newbury has attracted 10 horses, three of which are international runners from Belgium and Sweden. As with thoroughbreds, the Arabian sprinters turn up year after year and always produce a great race for the crowd. The declaration of Belgium’s Conchita DA, who appears to be a very progressive young filly, adds further excitement to the race and helps confirm ARO’s commitment to hosting competitive international racing.”

She continued: “The Clarendon Stakes, the most valuable of all the Royal Cavalry’s race sponsorship with us, leads us into the annual Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday at Wolverhampton the following day. This marks a significant milestone in ARO’s history as it will be first time outside of the DIAR meeting that we have had professional jockeys riding alongside amateurs at an ARO full fixture. We are proud that our three most recent champions, Simon Walker, David Turner and Will Pettis will be riding against multiple Champion UAE jockey Tadhg O’Shea, who has a vast experience of riding the top Arabian racehorses in the Gulf states. It also offers the opportunity for our younger jockeys, such as Antonia Peck and Alex Chadwick to progress their experience and establish themselves on the amateur circuit.”

Highlighting Sunday’s feature race she said: “The last race in particular, the Khasab Beach (0-100) Handicap, has a attracted a really strong field of 10 horses who are just below PA Group level and it looks very competitive. This will be a marvellous way to conclude the Royal Cavalry’s very generous race sponsorship with ARO during the 2019 season and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2020.”

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Continuing their support for the stable staff, Racing Welfare will be sponsoring the Best Turned Out Award for the first two races on the Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday with a cash prize of £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet to the winning groom.

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was thrilled to announce today that the entries for the 2019 President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) include this year’s French Derby winner, Hayyan. The final Group 1 of the UK Arabian racing season, The President of the UAE Cup is the oldest Purebred Arabian race series and it is fitting that it is to be held on the same card as the UK’s oldest thoroughbred classic, the St.Leger, on Saturday 14 September at Doncaster.

Run over a mile and a quarter, The President of the UAE Cup resumed its’ association with the UK Arabian Derby in 2016 and is exclusively for four-year-old Purebred Arabians. For the last two seasons it has been won by the winner of the French equivalent, in Nafees and Rodess Du Loup, so expectations will be high for Hayyan, trained by Frederdic Sanchez for YAS Horse Management. He could face a further nine winners, including his stable mate Ibn Gadir, who finished ahead of him when third in the Prix Dormane (Gr3PA) in April. Other potential challengers include recent Group 1 PA runners-up, Melabi and R’ezala who were facing older horses in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes and the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes respectively at Newbury last month.

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Rodess Du Loup (Christophe Soumillon) wins 2018 President of the UAE Cup at Doncaster.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was pleased commenting. “We were excited to welcome back the President of the UAE Cup in 2016 and we are proud that the race has always produced a top-quality winner. With six international entries as well as four domestic contenders we look forward to another competitive race and we are extremely grateful to the President of the UAE Cup Series for their generous support of our feature race for four-year-olds. Holding the race on St Leger Day further enhances the prestige of the contest and the status of Arabian racing in the UK, with it being run as part of Doncaster’s most prestigious meeting of the year.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) enjoyed a busy two days hosting the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival at Royal Windsor racecourse on Sunday 11^th and Monday 12^th August. The culmination of the Festival’s races in the UK, the highlight was a win for Hajres in the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA), becoming the first Tunisian-bred winner of a Group 1 PA race in the UK. The following day Helen Böhler riding Kamikaze won the UK stage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR).  The two-day mixed meeting had begun with UK stage of HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, run as part of the Charles Owen Series, which was won by Megan Bevan.

The prestigious HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) had attracted eight runners including the 2017 winner Mith’haf Athbah and four other Group winners from the UK, Sweden and France. The mile contest was the first Group 1 race ever to be held at Royal Windsor racecourse, who have previously hosted the ARO Cup (Gr3PA) and whose top race for thoroughbreds is the Winter Hill Stakes (Group 3). The steady early pace was set by stable companions Storm Troupour and Kao Kat MHF, though entering the final furlong Storm Troupour’s run was fading and the Phil Collington trained pair of Mith’Haf Athbah and Mehdaaf Athbah were in a line with Macallan, with a fast finishing Hajres coming down the centre of the course. It was Hajres and Jean-Bernard Eyquem who proved the dominant force, pulling clear of Mehdaaf Athbah and Swedish challenger Macallan, to win by three quarters of a length, with 2017 winner Mith’haf Athbah in fourth.

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Hajres (Jean-Bernard Eyquem) wins H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 1PA)

After the race Eyquem said: “We started well, but I did not want to be going too quickly too early. When the pace picked up, I felt I was getting there too soon, so I waited behind horses, until we got to the last furlong and then we go. I love this horse, he is good.”

Elizabeth Bernard who trains Hajres for Emadadein Althoushi from her base at La Teste in France commented: “I am so happy, this is the only horse I have for his owner, who is from Libya. Hajres was born and bred in Tunisia and he has won a Group 3PA in France, a Group 3 PA in Morocco and now a Group 1PA in England. It is a wonderful achievement.”

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The ten-runner HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race featured jockeys from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK. The race produced a clear-cut win for Böhler and Kamikaze who finished nearly three lengths ahead of Zayin Zachilles, with Vindetta, trained like the winner by Adam Newey for the Almost All Partnership, in third.

This was 21-year-old Böhler’s first experience of riding Arabians, she is currently based in Cologne with former German champion jockey turned trainer Peter Schiergen. Talking of her experience she said: “I have no background in racing, though my parents took me racing as a child and then I started to help out with a local trainer, grooming and so on. Since then I have taken out my amateur jockey’s licence and this is my fourth winner today. We have a lot of amateur races in Germany and amateurs can ride in every race so there are a lot of opportunities there. I look forward to the experience of riding in the finals in November.”

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Kamikaze wins the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) under German rider Helen Böehler.

The HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, drew seven runners and also produced a ready winner in Motor Edd ridden by 15-year-old Megan Bevan. Bevan has been competing in UK pony races for six years and is currently lying in third place in the Charles Owen Series. She was clearly thrilled with her win saying: “Before the race I was hoping to come in the top four so we could get some points for the Charles Owen Series. I think it’s amazing to be able to go to Abu Dhabi in November to ride in the Sheikha Lateefa Pony Racing Finals, it’s a great opportunity. I never dreamed it would happen.”

Clarissa Daly, Chief Executive of the Pony Racing Authority in the UK commented: “We were delighted to be invited to run a pony race at the Sheikh Mansoor Festival at Windsor and for Megan to ride her first Series winner. Thank you to everyone involved for their support of pony racing and for giving the kids such an amazing opportunity.”

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Motor Edd and Megan Bevan win the H.H. Sheikha Lateefa Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Race.

The HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) is the highlight of HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival events in the UK. These began with a stage of the Wathba Stallions Cup, run at Chelmsford City in June won by Mawarid, trained by James Owen and was a first winner for novice jockey Isaac Buncle. A second Wathba Stallions Cup was run at Lingfield Park the previous Saturday and produced a notable one-two for Delyth Thomas who owns and trains the winner, Callymay and the second, Kork MHF.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “We are delighted to welcome back the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup to the UK and are proud that this is also the first Group 1 event that Royal Windsor racecourse has hosted. The win of the French-trained, Libyan-owned and Tunisian-bred Hajres continues to underline our commitment to international racing in the UK, which of course the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival also does so much to support around the world.

“We congratulate Helen Böhler achieving a win on her first ride on an Arabian in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race. The series is a wonderful opportunity for lady riders from around the world to compete against each other and share their knowledge.

“ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya and we thank all the team at Royal Windsor racecourse for their efforts over the two days. We also thank Clarissa Daly of the UK Pony Racing Authority for enabling us to host the first pony race in association with ARO.”

Continuing their commitment to the ARO stable staff, Racing Welfare sponsored the Best Turned Out Award for both Arabian races with a cash prize £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet presented to the winning grooms, Tina Collins (Mith’haf Athbah) and Becca Thomas (Kayclaire) by Lizzie Harris.

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) looks forward to welcoming the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival to Royal Windsor racecourse, following declarations for the two feature races ARO hosts in the UK this season. The HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) and the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) will be run on Sunday 11^th August and Monday 12^th August, respectively. Sunday’s Group 1 PA race will also be preceded by the UK stage of HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, run as part of the Charles Owen Series.

A field of eight will line up for the prestigious HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA), which includes the 2017 winner Mith’haf Athbah and four other Group winners from the UK, Sweden and France. The mile contest will be the first Group 1 race ever to be held at Royal Windsor racecourse, who have previously hosted the ARO Cup (Gr3PA) and whose top race for thoroughbreds is the Winter Hill Stakes (Group 3).

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The ten-runner HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race features jockeys from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK. Nineteen-year-old amateur jockey Antonia Peck is the UK representative. Based in Newmarket with leading Arabian trainer James Owen, she is currently heading the ARO Lady Jockeys Championship.

The HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) is the highlight of HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival events in the UK. These began with a stage of the Wathba Stallions Cup, run at Chelmsford City in June won by Mawarid, trained by James Owen and was a first winner for novice jockey Isaac Buncle. A second Wathba Stallions Cup was run at Lingfield Park on Saturday and produced a notable one-two for Delyth Thomas who owns and trains the winner, Callymay and the second, Kork MHF.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “We are delighted to welcome back the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup to the UK and are proud that this is also the first Group 1 event that Royal Windsor racecourse has hosted. The HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race is a wonderful opportunity for lady riders from around the world to compete against each other and share their experiences.

“ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya. Our meetings have always been very well received by the local racegoers at Royal Windsor and we are looking forward to watching some competitive Arabian racing on Sunday and Monday. We also thank Clarissa Daly of the UK Pony Racing Authority for enabling us to host the first pony race in association with ARO.”

Continuing their support for the stable staff, Racing Welfare will be sponsoring the Best Turned Out Award for both Arabian races with a cash prize £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet to the winning groom.

It was third time lucky for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Ebraz in the Qatar International Stakes, Group 1 PA run at Goodwood yesterday. This was the six-year-olds third appearance in the race and, having been runner-up for the past two years, he made amends with a thrilling two-and-three-quarter length win from the 2017 winner Tayf. Lightning Bolt, third last year, filled the same spot again.

The Qatar International Stakes is run as part of the Qatar Goodwood Festival and is now in its’ fifth year. The prize fund for the race is £400,000, with £200,000 to the winner, making it the most valuable race in the UK Arabian racing calendar, attracting 23 horses at the first entry stage. Of the eight horses to declare, seven were PA Group winners and five were multiple Group 1 PA winners, including the first four home in 2018.

Trainer Julian Smart was delighted with his horses’ performance saying: “We came back to win this race with Ebraz again this year, but halfway through I did not think he would win as he was off the bridle and struggling. That was not like him at all as he usually travels very strongly in his races and pulls himself up. Once he got into a pocket that he really shouldn’t have been in, I had a feeling he was going to win.”

He continued: “This particular race is huge and we have won it now. The Qatar Goodwood Festival is a very prestigious meeting and to have an Arabian race here is very important as it gives us a wider audience.”

Winning jockey Maxime Guyon commented: “We have had a good race finally. The horse loves to battle so I preferred to come between horses. He can stop in front, but he showed a good turn of foot today.”

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Ebraz (Maxime Guyon) make it third time luck in the Qatar International Stakes Group 1PA at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “Thanks to the high quality of the entries, this race always produces a spectacle that is the equal of any of the top thoroughbred races run at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. We were delighted with the runners this year, to have the so many of the world’s leading Arabians re-opposing in this race underlines the importance of its’ presence in our calendar. It also showcases our sport during an international week of racing which is a huge boost to its’ profile.”

She continued. “It is an honour for ARO to stage international Arabian racing at this level for the fifth consecutive year. We thank Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, the Duke of Richmond and all the team at Goodwood and Fontwell racecourses for continuing to make this race a success.”

This year’s Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) was heralded as a great success by The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) who were delighted with the increase in international runners and by the crowd of 7,400 who were in attendance for their highlight fixture at Newbury racecourse on Sunday 28^th July. DIAR promotes Purebred Arabian racing worldwide from the grass-roots to the highest level, with the flagship event organised under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The 153 entries yielded 71 runners across the eight-race card, of which 24 were international contenders. The feature event, The Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA) run over 1m2f was won by Gazwan in impressive style. Owned and bred by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and trained by Julian Smart, this was the eight-year-olds second win in the contest and he joins Bengali D’Abret, Al Sakbe, No Risk Al Maury as only the fourth dual winner in the history of the contest. Connections had already been successful earlier in the card with the three-year-old Methgal, who was a ready winner of the DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA) for juveniles, both horses were ridden by Olivier Peslier.

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Gazwan (Olivier Peslier) wins the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes Group 1PA for a second time.

The declarations also included seven DIAR prep race winners and nine horses who were placed in the prep races across Europe. Bayan, trained in France by Frederic Sanchez was successful in the Premio Taajer – UAE Embassy prep race in Rome and she repeated the bonus win for her owner-breeders YAS Horse Racing Management in the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA), which they won last year with Joudh. Whilst the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA) sprint produced a notable win for Conchita DA, as she became the first Belgian Group 1 PA winner for her owner-trainer Peter Deckers and her jockey, Anna Van Den Troost.

HH Sheikh Hamdan was also present to watch his homebreds Al Azeeza and Thamaraat win the two premier handicaps. Al Azeeza gave her trainer James Owen his first DIAR success, when taking the Emirates Premier Handicap over a mile under Jim Crowley, and the Newmarket based handler also trained the second, Naishaan and third, Farhaa for His Highness. Thamaraat’s win under Tadhg O’Shea in the Dubai Developments Premier Handicap over 1m4f was a second victory in the race for Phil Collington who had won it in 2018 with Saleemah.

The Emirates NBD Handicap Stakes run over 7f brought the meeting to a close and was won by the eight-year-old mare Popsstar for Jill Irwin and her Whitley Meadows Stud. Trained by Anthony Holdsworth, the mare responded well for Martin Dwyer when holding off a strong challenge from another of Owen’s runners for His Higness in Mawarid. Owen was also the recipient of the inaugural DIAR Leading Trainer Award sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds, which was a cheque for £1000 presented by representative Mark Buchan.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director, commented: “The success of DIAR and the prep race series was evident in the number of entries received and in particular, the significant increase in international horses declared. It confirms that the appetite for international Arabian racing at the highest level continues to expand and which we at ARO are pleased to encourage as it is part of HH Sheikh Hamdan’s vision for the day.

“The day never fails to produce competitive racing of the highest quality, and to see Gazwan, one of the best Arabians in the world, regain his title in the feature race was a highlight, as he began his stellar career racing under ARO rules as a three-year-old at this very track. It was also pleasing to welcome new trainers, both international and domestic to the DIAR winners enclosure in Frederic Sanchez, Peter Deckers, James Owen and Anthony Holdsworth and hope that they will all be back again in 2020.”

Concluding she said: “We thank HH Sheikh Hamdan, the DIAR committee, Shadwell Stud, all our sponsors, Newbury racecourse, Sportsguide and Equine Creative Media for their ongoing commitment to DIAR. We also thank the owners, trainers, jockeys and officials for making the day such a success and we look forward to their support for the 2020 fixture.”

It was an afternoon to remember for Delyth Thomas who dominated the Wathba Stallions (0-55) Handicap at Lingfield Park today as she owned and trained the first two horses across the line in Callymay and Kork MHF. The race was run as part of the Wathba Stallions Cup series run across Europe and the UAE supporting Arabian racing at the grass-roots level.

The race attracted 13 runners and was held over 1m2f on Lingfield’s Polytrack surface. Charlie Price sent Callymay into the lead from the outset and though headed, the nine-year-old mare was always prominent and rallied well to win by a length, from Racheal Kneller on Kork MHF. Conquer and Alex Chadwick was a further half-length behind in third.

This was the Welsh-based trainers fourth win of the season, which now takes her into second place in the trainers championship, behind James Owen, who trains Conquer for his parents. Thomas was delighted with her two runners, saying: “Absolutely brilliant. I’m over the moon with the two of them, especially Kork MHF. I’ve had him for three years and we’ve had so many problems with him, but he’s run really well his last two runs. Charlie wanted to ride Kork after his good run at Newbury, but we said ‘No, Callymay suits you better’ so he was determined he would beat him!”

Price who had won on Callymay previously said: “She does try for me and the cheekpieces help her, though I thought we should try visors today as she’s not been working that well at home, but I know now it’s just her being lazy. So she’s found a new trick!”

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This race is run as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival events in the UK, which began in June with another the Wathba Stallions Cup, run at Chelmsford City.  There are three further races at Royal Windsor, headed by the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) as well as the UK stage of HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, to be run on August 11^th. The following day the UK stage of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR), will take place as part of the racecourse’s popular regular Monday evening fixture.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya. We congratulate Delyth Thomas on her achievement today and look forward to the forthcoming races at Royal Windsor in two weeks time.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted with the declarations received for the forthcoming Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR), to be held at Newbury racecourse this Sunday, 28^th July. DIAR promotes Purebred Arabian racing worldwide from the grass-roots to the highest level, with the flagship event organised under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The 153 entries, yielded 73 declarations, which include Gazwan and Al Shamoos, the joint-highest-rated horse and the highest-rated filly in the world in 2018. They head the declarations for the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes and the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes, both Group 1 PA races held over 1m2f.

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Gazwan and Harry Bentley winning the 2015 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA)  Photo: Debbie Burt

The declarations also include seven DIAR prep race winners and nine horses who were placed in the prep races across Europe, so the potential for the DIAR bonus awards to be claimed, in addition to the winning prize money, is high. The success of the prep series has contributed to the most significant change for this year’s DIAR card, which has been in the number of international runners declared. This has increased to 24 from 17 in 2018, across the five races that are open to them, which is a very positive achievement for Arabian racing in Europe.

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Bayan [far side] wins the Premio Taajer – UAE Embassy Stakes – DIAR prep Rome 2019 Photo: Debbie Burt

Also to be applauded is the number of champion jockeys across a variety of disciplines that will be riding, headed by HH Sheikh Hamdan’s retained professional Jim Crowley (UK champion Flat jockey 2016). This compliments four-time French champions, Olivier Peslier and Ioritz Mendizabal; seven-time UAE champion, Tadhg O’Shea and last year’s UK champion conditional [National Hunt racing] Bryony Frost, as well as multiple champion lady amateur Serena Brotherton. Not that ARO’s own talent has been forsaken as former ARO champion novices, Ellie Mackenzie and Charlie Price, who since turned professional, will both line up, as will amateurs David Turner (ARO champion in 2017) and Stephen Harrison, who have each surpassed the landmark of 100 winners under ARO rules.

Shadwell Stud Director, Richard Lancaster commented: “We are very happy to see the level of runners that will be racing on Sunday. Owners and trainers from the UK, Europe and further, will bring some of their best racehorses to compete at Newbury. We are very grateful for their support towards our programme and Arabian racing in the UK.

“There are 16 horses competing for the DIAR bonus, won by two horses in 2018 and we wish the best of luck to the eligible horses this year.”

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Olivier Peslier and Thierry Delegue accept the prize and bonus award for winning the 2018 Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA) with Joudh for YAS Horse Racing Management. Photo: Debbie Burt

He concluded: “We are expecting very competitive racing and we are very much looking forward to Sunday.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director, commented: “The success of DIAR and the prep race series was evident in the number of entries received and in particular, the significant increase in international horses declared. It confirms that the appetite for international Arabian racing at the highest level continues to expand and which we at ARO are pleased to encourage as it is part of HH Sheikh Hamdan’s vision for the day.

“We are also delighted to welcome some of horse racing’s best jockeys and proud that our own homegrown talent will be riding alongside them. Apprentice Ellie Mackenzie has already ridden the juvenile Group winner at DIAR, when still an amateur and rides the favourite in that race this year. Charlie Price is currently third in the UK conditional championships and gets the opportunity to ride in his first Group 1 PA race on Sunday. There have been so many young jockeys under both codes who have already benefitted from riding Arabians such as Tom Marqand, Holly Doyle, Page Fuller, Rachel King, James Bowen and Tom Scudamore and we hope that this trend will continue.”

Haynes continued: “For the first time this year, Baileys Horse Feeds will be sponsoring the DIAR 2019 Leading Trainer Award, where the trainer gaining the most points across the eight races will be presented with a cheque for £1000.

“Dubai International Arabian Races is the highlight of our season and we are fortunate that we have a grade one facility in the recently redeveloped Newbury racecourse to showcase our sport. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this unique event on Sunday.”

For all ARO’s Media Enquiries Debbie Burt may be contacted on: 00 44 (0) 7782 349047                                                        or via email: equinecreativemedia@gmail.com

The Arabian Racing Organisation Limited, is the sole Arabian Racing Authority in the UK, operating with the support and permission of the British Horseracing Authority.

The Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) is an international programme of Arabian racing run under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The bonuses on offer for the Dubai International Arabian Races 2017 are as follows:
– Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr.1 PA): £3,000
– Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr.1 PA for fillies and mares): £2,500
– Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr.1 PA) : £2,000
– International Stakes (Gr.2 PA for 3yos only): £2,000
– Premier Handicap Stakes (UK domestic horses only): £500

In order to win the bonus fund, a horse must finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a designated ‘Preparation Race’ and then go on to win one of the bonus races on 30th July in Newbury. Connections of horses winning or placed in a ‘Preparation Race’ can choose to run in any of the above races to compete for the bonus prize money.

Previous Bonus Winners:

2016       Urge Di Gallura  – DIAR International Stakes [then a Gr2PA]

2017       Lightning Bolt  – Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA)

2018       Al Chammy  – Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA)                                                                   Joudh – Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA)

Baileys Horse Feeds are sponsoring the DIAR 2019 Leading Trainer across the eight races, with the points system as follows:

Points system throughout the day:

• 10 points to the winning trainer of each race
• 5 points to the second
• 4 points to the third
• 3 points to the fourth
• 2 points to the fifth
• 1 point to the sixth

The prize fund for the Leading Trainer with the most points will be a cash prize of £1,000 and will be presented before the car draw.  Mark Buchan of Baileys Horse Feeds will be presenting the award.

Click here for the link HH SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN CUP entries:

Entries for the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) to be run at Royal Windsor racecourse on Sunday 11^th August, were published yesterday by the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO).  At the first entry stage the list includes an exciting combination of proven performers and young contenders such as the 2017 winner Mith’haf Athbah and one of France’s top juveniles of 2018, Bel’izam. Of the 20 horses listed, 12 are either Group winners or Group placed and it looks sure to be a competitive affair.

This race is the highlight of HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival events in the UK, which began with the Wathba Stallions Cup, run at Chelmsford City in June.  There are two further races at Royal Windsor, as the UK stage of HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, will also be run on August 11^th. The following day the UK stage of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR), will take place as part of the racecourse’s popular regular Monday evening fixture.

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Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “We are delighted to welcome back the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup to the UK and are proud that this is also the first Group 1 event that Royal Windsor racecourse has hosted.

“ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya. I am looking forward to seeing top quality Arabian racing at this track, as our meetings have always been very well received by the local racegoers. We also thank Clarissa Daly of the UK Pony Racing Authority for enabling us to host the first pony race in association with ARO.”

Continuing their support for the stable staff, Racing Welfare will be sponsoring the Best Turned Out Award at this race with a cash prize £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet to the winning groom. Supplementary entries must be received by 1200hrs on August 2^nd, with declarations due by 1100hrs on August 8^th.