Muraaqib DIAR 2016
19 July 2017, UK ~ The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) has seen a significant increase on 2016 entries following the close of entries for the international contests of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) card.
The 189 entries (2016 entries = 158), include the defending title holders in every Group 1 PA race, with defenders Muraaqib, Sylvine Al Maury and Radames entered, as well as Foaad, winner of the international conditions race. In addition, both Kamikaze and Zayin Zachilles could defend their 2016 respective wins in the Roda Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap and the UAE Embassy Handicap, the last two races of the eight-race card.
The feature race of the 30 July 2017 meeting, the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, Gr1 PA, has attracted the highest number of entries with no less than 30 horses, of which 25 are rated over 100. The entries include ARO and DIAR patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan’s homebred Muraaqib, already a winner this year with a Group 1 in France.
The Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes Gr1 PA with 25 entries is headed by 2016 winner, the Elizabeth Bernard trained Sylvine Al Maury. The mare, owned by the Royal Cavalry of Oman, could finished her campaign as the top-rated Purebred Arabian mare in the world. This may be down to the one filly that could challenge her supremacy, Naziq, also trained by Bernard. A dual Group winner last season Naziq was runner up in a Group 2 on her 2017 seasonal debut.
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.
Shadwell Stud Director, Richard Lancaster commented: “The number of entries for this year’s Dubai International Arabian Races is outstanding and is great testament to how important the event has become in the Arabian racing calendar.
“The DIAR prep races have played a vital role in boosting participation – all four winners from the last round of prep races in Holland are expected to run, which is fantastic and a huge thank you to the connections of those horses for their continued support. The stage is set for a great day’s racing.”
Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive said: “ARO is thrilled with this significant increase, as of course this continues the trend set last year. It is also very pleasing to see six defending title holders make entries, as well as other top class international and domestic horses. DIAR at Newbury on 30th July promises to be a really exciting day and is always the highlight of the ARO racing calendar. Declarations close on Wednesday 26th July, with jockey declarations due the following day.”
“The DIAR Prep Race scheme has been a great addition, helping to promote the fixture across Europe, together with the other incentives, which I’m sure have been instrumental in gaining these increases. Hopefully 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 Urge Di Gallura did last year.”
Entries:[googlepdf url=”https://horsereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Entries-Newbury-30th-July.pdf” download=”Download” ]