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.

 

Bryony Frost switches saddles to star at Arabian racing’s flagship event

Champion conditional jockey, Bryony Frost, is switching disciplines to ride at the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 28 July.

Staged under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the Dubai International Arabian Races is the culmination of an international race series for purebred Arabians and widely regarded as the most important day’s racing in the sport’s global calendar.

Speaking last Thursday at trainer James Owen’s Green Ridge Stables in Newmarket, Frost said: “The Dubai International Arabian Races is an awesome day out with top class racing and loads of entertainment for all the family. I’m really looking forward to being part of it.

“Riding Arabians competitively for the first time will be a challenge but I’ve had lots of help and advice from James (Owen) and Richard Hills and I can’t wait.

 

“Arabians are real characters, they’re very intelligent and really switched on. You have to take them through their gears slowly and make sure you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ but once you get them there they really start to roll.”

“It will be a real honour to step out in the famous blue and white silks of H.H Sheikh Hamdan and I am thrilled to have been invited to ride.”

James Owen, a former amateur rider who can count among his achievements more than 50 Arabian winners on the Flat and nine consecutive East Anglian point-to-point championships, said: “It has been great to have the opportunity to welcome Bryony to the yard and to introduce her to some of H.H Sheikh Hamdan’s pure bred Arabians. Having ridden both jumpers and Arabians I hope I’ve been able to give Bryony some good advice. Arabians and thoroughbreds are very different in character but I am sure as an accomplished horsewoman Bryony will be able to make the most of her ride.”

Frost is taking her call-up to Arabian Racing’s biggest day very seriously and intends to gain some valuable race riding experience in the Al Gheezah Beach Handicap at Bath tomorrow (Wednesday) where she will partner the H.H Sheikh Hamdan owned, Jaahez, who will be making his handicap debut in the 10f contest for Purebred Arabians.

An important series of prep races for the Dubai International Arabian Races continues at Newbury on Thursday evening with the running of the DIAR 2019 Juvenile Stakes for three-year-olds over seven furlongs which carries a bonus for the owner of any horse finishing in the first three places and then goes on to win one of the five bonus races at Newbury on Sunday, 28 July.

In addition to the eight-race card the day features a host of prize draws, competitions and family attractions headed by the chance to win a brand-new car.

Prize draws and giveaways
Admission is free at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 28 July and racegoers will have the chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the afternoon headed by a brand-new car and holidays in Dubai in free-to-enter prize draws.

The draw for a stunning Kia Picanto 2 supplied by Snows Kia, Newbury and worth £11,300, will take place in the winner’s enclosure after the eighth and final race of the afternoon. The draw is free to enter and the winner, who must be over the age of 17, must be present when the draw is made. In the event that the holder of the first ticket drawn does not present themselves within three minutes of their name being announced a second ticket will be drawn and the process repeated until one lucky racegoer is presented with a brand new set of car keys.

A fantastic trip to Dubai which includes business-class flights courtesy of the multi award-winning Emirates Airline and accommodation at one of Roda’s five-star properties in the UAE’s most vibrant City is the star prize in the racecard competition.

Free goodie bags and gifts will be distributed to those arriving early courtesy of the event’s title sponsor, Shadwell, and Dubai’s ‘family racecourse’, Jebel Ali, who will also be providing designer watches and mobile phones to be drawn throughout the afternoon.

Visitors to www.newburyracecourse.co.uk can increase their chances of winning a trip to Dubai by entering an exclusive draw restricted to racecgoers who both register in advance and attend on the day.

Competitions
The winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition at the Dubai International Arabian Races on Sunday, 28 July will be jetting off to soak up the sun at one of the Middle East’s most glamourous destinations with a trip to Dubai. Return flights with Emirates Airline and luxury accommodation for two courtesy of Roda Hotels & Resorts awaits the winner.

Apple iPads will be awarded to the winners of the Best Children’s hat competition. The boy and girl each judged to have been the most creative in designing and making a hat which best reflects any aspect of the Dubai International Arabian Races will each be presented with a brand new iPad courtesy of the event’s title sponsor, Shadwell, and there will be plenty of runners-up prizes to be won.

An iPad is also the prize in the Best Selfie competition. Racegoers of all ages can upload their selfies to social media using the hashtag #DiarNewbury for the chance to win. The winning photo will be displayed on the giant screens around the racecourse when the winner is announced.

The winner and runners-up of the Arabian Rainbow competition will be announced during the afternoon. Introduced in 2009, the Arabian Rainbow competition is a community arts project which challenges pupils from 14 schools in West Berkshire to decorate a life-sized sculpture of an Arabian horse for the chance to win a first prize of £2,500 for their school. Since its inception the competition has contributed more than £150,000 towards enriching the education of schoolchildren in the region through prize money and gifts.

Family entertainments
There will be opportunities for younger racegoers to get active and creative throughout the afternoon at the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 28 July.

Face painters and Henna Tattoo Artists have become a popular feature at the event and will be offering their services free of charge to racegoers in the Activity Hub.

Also in the Activity Hub equine artist, Liz Armstrong, will be running her popular workshop and sharing her tips and techniques with aspiring young artists who can create their own masterpieces to take home.

Racing to School, the education charity that delivers free outdoor learning activities for young people at racecourses, studs and trainers’ yards will be organising a special introduction to racing for children who have taken part in the Arabian Rainbow competition and their siblings, and will offer all racegoers the chance to try their jockey skills on an ‘equiciser’, used by professionals to hone fitness and riding technique.

Race riding is just one of the opportunities promoted by Careers In Racing, the British Horseracing Authority-managed initiative that provides information on careers across the whole of the racing industry. Their popular jobs board at careersinracing.com processes over 1,000 job opportunities each year and they will be on hand at the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 28 July to offer advice and hands-on activities throughout the day.

The ever-popular Derby Horse Hoppers are set to provide younger racegoers with the chance to win their own race, and for the less energetic live falcons, synonymous with the UAE, will create unique photo-opportunities which can be shared at #DiarNewbury.

Sponsors and partners
Shadwell Stud, the internationally renowned racing and breeding operation established by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be joined by some of the UAE’s leading brands in support of the eight-race programme which begins at 2.10 p.m. and features no fewer than three Group 1 contests.

Jebel Ali Racecourse, owned and founded by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been a strong supporter of the Dubai International Arabian Races since its inception. The informal family atmosphere of its

Friday afternoon meetings have provided much of the inspiration for the activities at Newbury on Sunday 28 July. In addition to supporting the first of the afternoon’s Group 1 events, the Jebel Ali Za’abeel International Stakes, Dubai’s family racecourse will be providing free giveaways to racegoers and high-value gifts for prize-draws which will take place between races.

The multi award-winning Emirates Airline, is among the brands to have supported the Dubai International Arabian Races since its first running at Newbury Racecourse in 2003 and names the opening race on the programme at 2.10 pm, the Emirates Premier Handicap Stakes.

Emirates Airline is also a major contributor to the day’s holiday prize draws and competitions providing return flights from London to Dubai International Airport for the winners of the Best Dressed Lady competition, the pre-registration holiday prize draw and the racecard VIP competition which will be drawn in the winners enclosure after the feature race of the day, the Group 1 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes at 4.55 p.m., and includes a complimentary business-class upgrade.

Five-star luxury accommodation awaits the prize-winners on arrival in Dubai courtesy of Roda Hotels & Resorts who join with Emirates Airline to provide the fabulous holidays which will be given away at the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 28 July.

Roda, whose portfolio in the Emirates’ most vibrant city includes hotels, suites, boutique villas and beach resort properties, are also responsible for the Roda Hotels Premier Handicap Stakes, the penultimate race on the card.

Emirates NBD, the Middle East region’s leading banking group with operations in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and representative offices in China, Indonesia and Turkey, continues to be a valued partner and sponsor of the Dubai International Arabian Races. The Emirates NBD Handicap Stakes will conclude the sporting action at 6.00 p.m. and precede the DIAR Mega Draw when one lucky racegoer will drive away with a brand-new car.

Diplomatic endorsement
The UAE Embassy in London International Stakes at 2.40 p.m. recognises the close association between the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai International Arabian Races, and acknowledges the important role horseracing continues to play in fostering international relationships.

A delegation led by His Excellency Mansoor Abdullah Khalfan Abulhoul, the UAE Ambassador to the UK, will be in attendance to enjoy the day’s racing and present trophies to the connection of the winner of the second race on the card.

Prizes for trainers and stable staff
The enormous contribution made by stable staff responsible for preparing and leading-up runners at the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 28 July will be recognised by Up Next Digital who will award a cash prize of £300 to the stable responsible for the horse judged to be the Best Turned Out in each of the day’s eight races.

For the first time this year trainers will compete for an additional £1,000 cash prize sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds, the family-owned international producers and distributors of a wide range of horse feeds and supplements.

The DIAR Leading Trainer competition will be decided on a points basis throughout the afternoon and Mark Buchan, Baileys Export Manager, will be on hand to make the award to the day’s most successful trainer.

Gates open at 12 noon and admission is free. Scratchcards handed out on arrival will entitle racegoers to collect a free ‘goodie bag’ packed with toys and gadgets, and Jebel Ali Racecourse will be gifting specially produced Jebel Ali branded merchandise to those arriving early.

For further information about the Dubai International Arabian Races, please contact:
Tom Pennington, Shadwell Estate Company Ltd +44 (0) 1842 755913 / 07736 019914
tpennington@shadwellstud.co.uk

For further information or to enquire about press accreditation, please contact:
Philip Brannan, Sportsguide Limited +44 (0) 1189 341 280 / 07774 964119
philip@sportsguidelimited.com

For further information about the event please visit one of the following:
Website – www.diarnewbury.co.uk diarraces.com Facebook – DIARaces Twitter – @DIA_Races
YouTube – https://youtu.be/CudAEqE_frQ

DIAR 2019

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) announced an increase in international numbers on 2018 figures for the four PA Group races at the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) card, when the first entry stage passed at noon yesterday. This year’s fixture will be run on Sunday 28 July at Newbury racecourse, promoting Purebred Arabian racing worldwide and is organised under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was significant that the 46 entries (up on last years’ 41), included 29 international horses that have not been previously registered to run with ARO. Including the UK based horses, 84 entries have been received for the four races.

ARO and the DIAR Committee have been working hard to achieve this increase in international entries which can be attributed to a number of factors, including the success of the DIAR prep series and the bonus scheme, which last year saw two winners of a bonus award, as well as travel incentives for all overseas runners. Of the six DIAR prep races held so far in Rome, Sweden and the UK, five winners, Avez De Pine, Bayan, Cleopathre, Kanaan and Kao Kat MHF have all been entered. It is possible that the sixth, Assuan, may head to the international conditions race, though entries for that contest are still open at this stage.

However, it is the quality of the fields which is most exciting, with 19 individual Group or Listed PA winners holding entries at this initial stage. They include 2015 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA) winner Gazwan, who has amassed almost £7 million pounds in prize money and was the joint top-rated colt of 2018 in the international classifications. He bids to become the fourth horse to win two of those contests, and if successful, would be the first to regain his crown. The race also includes Hayyan and Kanaan, first and third in last Sunday’s French PA Derby (Gr1PA) and the 2018 French and English Derby winner, Rodess Du Loup, as well as last years’ international conditions winner, No And No Al Maury.

The entries for the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International (Gr1PA) for fillies and mares are headed by the highest rated filly of the 2018 international classifications, Al Shamoos, who was a dual Group 1 PA winner last season. Not only did she beat the best of her female generation in France, but she went on to win the 2018 Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi, the world’s most valuable Arabian race, beating the other joint-highest rated colt of 2018, Fazza Al Khalediah.

ARO were also delighted to announce an additional award, that of DIAR LeadingTrainer, which will be sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds. This new initiative will run across the eight DIAR races on July 28, with points awarded down to sixth place in each race. The trainer amassing the most points will go home with a cash prize of £1000. Mark Buchan, Export Manager for Baileys Horse Feeds said: “For some years we have been wanting to become involved in this prestigious event, as the Middle East is a significant market for Baileys Horse Feeds. We are delighted to be able to show our gratitude, albeit in a small way, whilst recognising the importance, heritage and culture of the Arabian breed.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director, was thrilled saying: “We welcome the continued support of HH Sheikh Hamdan for our flagship event, which promotes Purebred Arabian racing worldwide from the grassroots to the highest level. It is clear from the increase in international entries that the DIAR prep series continues to gain momentum and that the appetite for top quality international Arabian racing remains strong across Europe.

“There are still ten DIAR Prep Races to come and we hope we may see one or more of the Prep Race winners or placed horses secure a bonus race on DIAR and thereby claim their additional prize money as Joudh and Al Chammy did last year.”

She continued: “We also embrace the addition of the Baileys Leading Trainer Award, which adds another dimension of competition to this event and we thank Baileys for their sponsorship.”

Concluding she said: “The next race in the UK DIAR prep series will be the rescheduled DIAR 2019 Premier Handicap Stakes, over 1m4f to be run at Chepstow on Monday 24^th June. As always, DIAR at Newbury on 28^th July promises to be a really exciting day for Arabian racing and is the highlight of the ARO racing calendar. Supplementary entries for the international races close Thursday 18^th July and the international conditions and the three handicaps confined to UK runners at DIAR, all close on Wednesday 17^th July. Final declarations for all races are due on Wednesday 24^th July.”

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The British Horseracing Authority have issued notification that four new cases of Equine Influenza (EI) have been identified in the Newmarket population.  We strongly advise ARO participants to read/ download the guidance circulated by the National Trainers Federation and BHA in regard to the prevention and containment of infectious diseases.

The Arabian racing population has, as yet, remained unaffected by the recent EI outbreak but vigilance and caution are advised; being aware of potential avenues of contamination and knowing how to deal with it are of the highest importance.

ARO is liaising with the BHA to establish what, if any, updated vaccination procedures will be required for Arabians to run on GB courses this season.  In the meantime, please make sure that all horses in your yard have up to date flu vaccinations in line with BHA vaccination rules, which can be found here.

The NTF document on bio-security can be downloaded and viewed here: NTF Codes of Practice 2019

From the BHA – 07/02/2019 @ 13:30:00

Below is a Q&A designed to give as much information as is currently possible  in relation to the current outbreak of equine influenza.

Our main priority is to do all we can to prevent the spread of the equine influenza virus and to protect the welfare of our horses. We stopped racing today to restrict horse movements. When we have received the results of further tests, we will make a decision on racing over the next few days. That is likely to be by early evening, but it is important that we are led by the scientific evidence and follow established protocols for dealing with infectious diseases. We ask trainers and owners, in particular, to be patient and thank them for their support.

How serious is this strain of equine influenza? Is it likely to prove fatal or is it a mild form?

It is a requirement that all racehorses be vaccinated against flu, as this is an important barrier preventing spread of the virus and will mitigate the impact. However, the presence of the virus in vaccinated horses demonstrates that it’s not completely effective against this strain.

The disease may be serious in unvaccinated horses, although symptoms in vaccinated horses are usually mild and transient. Symptoms may include a raised temperature, a cough and nasal discharge, and a horse’s performance is affected. It is highly contagious.

What symptoms have appeared in the cases detected yesterday? Are they serious?

They are showing typical signs of mild infection, i.e. nasal discharge, cough, raised temperature. There is nothing to suggest that these particular cases are unusually serious, but implications for the wider horse population and horse movement are potentially serious and we must prevent further spread of the infection as quickly as possible.

What’s the treatment for infected horses?

Much the same as for human flu. Rest, and other medications for symptoms as needed. Anyone with concerns about their horse or horses is advised to contact their vet immediately.

How long does the flu last?

In vaccinated horses, typically 24-48 hours, though with performance potentially affected for several days, or sometimes weeks. If a horse is unvaccinated, it can range between 2 – 10 days.

Is there any risk to human health from the equine influenza virus?

There is no known human health risk associated with the virus.

How did the virus arrive in this country and how has it spread?

We are working to identify the most likely source of the outbreak but we have not confirmed this yet. We expect there is a link between this outbreak and other recent outbreaks elsewhere in Europe.

When did you first know about this strain and what did you do?

We first became aware of the European outbreak in December 2018 and notices were issued by the BHA in relation to this. Trainers were advised to vaccinate any horses which had not been vaccinated in the previous six months and were reminded of the appropriate biosecurity precautions.

Should you have taken steps to stop foreign horses coming into the UK or British horses going overseas where they might risk picking up the infection?

This is a wider horse population issue, not a racing specific one. Equine influenza is endemic in the UK. Whilst the racehorse population is vaccinated, and owners of other horses often choose to vaccinate their horses, up to 70% of horses in UK may be unvaccinated. Stopping movement of foreign horses would therefore be unlikely to prevent spread of disease in this country.

Whilst racehorses don’t generally mix with other horses in their stables or on racecourses, situations inevitably arise where they may come into contact with unvaccinated horses.

What restrictions on movement are in place now?

Trainers whose horses may have come into contact with affected horses will be contacted today and will need to quarantine all horses in the yard. This means that these horses must have no contact with any other equines (e.g. separate lots on gallops) until restrictions are lifted. This is likely to be until samples have been taken from horses and negative test results received.

What steps have you taken since you were notified of the outbreak yesterday evening?

The first step was to call off racing. We have also stopped some Irish horses from returning home after racing in Britain on 6 February. These horses are now in quarantine. We have put restrictions in place on horses from yards likely to have been in contact with horses from affected yards. Testing of all horses on stopped yards is taking place, funded by the Levy Board.

What’s your advice to trainers?

a) If they think their animals may be infected?
b) If they want to protect their animals from infection?

Immediately isolate any animals who may be infected. They should contact their vet as soon as possible to arrange testing. All confirmed cases must be reported immediately to the BHA.

What should be done about race entries and declarations?

Entries and declarations can be made as usual until advice is given to the contrary. Trainers in affected or potentially affected yards will be contacted with specific guidance.

How should trainers get in touch if they have any concerns?

Their first contact should be with their vet if they have any concerns.

The National Trainers’ Federation have an excellent code of practice on their website which documents all the steps trainers should be taking. We are working closely with them.

What is the advice to people working with racehorses?

Everyone should be vigilant and alert to possible clinical signs. They should put increased biosecurity measures in place – as a minimum, hand washing and change of clothes should be required on arrival at any yard.

What is the advice to owners of other horses not part of the racing industry?

We can’t speak on behalf of other equestrian sports or the leisure industry, but the general advice if anyone has any concerns is to contact their vet.

When will the ban on racing be lifted? Might it be lifted partially in some areas of the country?

We will issue a further update on racing fixtures as soon as possible. For fixtures on Friday 8 February, and the weekend of 9-10 February, we expect to provide an update this evening (7 February).

How serious might this be? Could this be as bad as the outbreak that hit Australia in 2007?

The situation in Australia was very different. The virus is not endemic in Australia and horses were not vaccinated and had no immunity to the virus. As such, we would not expect an outbreak here to be as serious or significant.

Did you have contingency measures in place for dealing with this kind of outbreak?

Yes, these include the measures enacted in the last 24 hours. We will continue to put restrictions on racing and the movement of horses as appropriate.

Have you been in contact with DEFRA/Welsh/Scottish governments? What’s their role in managing this outbreak?

While Equine influenza is not a notifiable disease in the UK and therefore not controlled by Government, we will be in touch with Defra to advise them of the situation and the actions being taken.

Could the Cheltenham Festival be under threat?

It is far too early to say.

In general, we would not expect the situation to be as bad as in Australia in 2007, when racing was stopped for an extended period, as British horses are vaccinated and the virus is endemic in the UK. The situation is very different in Australia where the virus is not endemic and horses and not vaccinated.

How many horses will you swab – and how, when and why?

A vet would take a nasal swab. We will be swabbing all horses from in-contact yards tomorrow, as testing is most reliable 48 hours after likely/possible exposure.

In general, swabs are taken if symptoms are identified. We recommend that owners or trainers immediately contact their vet to arrange this. All swabs for racehorses are paid for by Levy Board funding.

Rumours are circulating that particular yards have been affected. Can you confirm which yards have been affected?

We’re not going to identify any specific yard affected, but we did need to confirm at the earliest opportunity that the yard concerned had runners at Ayr and Ludlow on Wednesday 6 February, and/or at Wolverhampton on Monday 4 February, so that other trainers could take appropriate action immediately. However, we wish to emphasise that horses in the affected yard had been vaccinated.

We would strongly request media and other members of the public to stay away from any yard they believe to be affected, as this could risk further spread of the flu virus.

If this can be identified through visible signals, should the trainer have identified this her/himself? Could the trainer have done more to prevent the spread in her/his yard?

A cough and nasal discharge are common respiratory signs seen in horses and the majority of cases would not be equine influenza. Under rules, trainers are not required to report these symptoms and therefore movement is not stopped until we are aware there is a confirmed influenza result.

You have been aware of the outbreak for weeks, could you have done more to prevent this? Should racing have been shut down earlier?

BHA have made efforts to communicate to all trainers and other participants that an outbreak was occurring in Europe. It would have been disproportionate to shut down racing, based on the evidence available at that stage.

The decision to stop racing made within hours of the confirmed outbreak on 6 February.