21 August, 2014, UK ~ French raiders dominate the 10 initial entries received for the UK Arabian Derby at Newmarket Racecourse on Thursday, 25 September, sponsored for the first time by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club.
The race’s most successful trainer with a quintet of victories is French handler Jean Francois Bernard, who this year is represented by Sir Bani Yas, making his debut in the UK after a fruitful campaign in France winning the French equivalent, the Qatar Derby in Chantilly, in June.
Run this year over a mile, two furlongs shorter than its traditional distance and on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile for the first time, the £50,000 contest has been hosted by some of the most prestigious racecourses in the UK and boasts a roll of honour that includes Mkeefa, the highest rated 4-year-old Purebred Arabian that achieved international acclaim after adding the Qatar Arabian World Cup and Qatar Oaks to her victory in 2012.
Arabian Racing Organization Racing Manager Amanda Smith commented, “The race has held up well considering its proximity to major international events here and in France after moving from its traditional mid-summer slot.
“We are extremely grateful to Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club for agreeing to support the race and thereby ensuring that this important event is maintained for the benefit of owners, trainers and their horses. I am sure this will prove to be a valuable addition to their portfolio of international races.”
Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club are an important partner of Arabian racing in the UK and are responsible for 17 races this season, including next month’s £150,000 Harwood International Stakes at Doncaster, the most valuable race for Pure Bred Arabians in the UK. Alongside their sponsorship of domestic and international races, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club also backs the UK Arabian Breeders’ Scheme, providing valuable premiums for breeders of winning and placed Purebred Arabians in domestic ARO races.
Partial List Nominated entries for the QREC UK Arabian Derby. Supplementary entries will be accepted until 12 noon on Wednesday 17th September.[gview file=”https://horsereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Entries-Newmarket-25-September.pdf” profile=”2″ save=”1″ cache=”0″]
~ end Press Release