9 July 2018, Duindigt, Holland ~ The final races of the 2018 Dubai International Arabian Races European series took place at Duindigt, Holland, on Sunday, 8 July 2018. Three Arabian races, including two Listed PA races, attracted a total of twenty-nine runners, trained in seven different countries: Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, Great-Britain and Poland.
The first Arabian race of the day was the No Risk Al Maury Stakes, over 1800m. It was Lightfeet that won by a length in front of Ebleem, and Ziggy D.A. finished third. Lightfeet came back into training in Holland for his owner-breeder after a few months in France and only had three weeks to prepare for this race. The horse’s connections were delighted with his performance and will wait to see how the horse recovers before planning the next race.
The Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes, Listed PA, was a sprint race over 1300m. The twelve declared runners all had good form prior to this race. Storm Troupour was leading the pack after the final turn, but could not match the acceleration of the attractive four-year-old filly Hind. Alazeez fought well to take the third place. Mr Thierry Delègue, Racing Manager for YAS Horse Racing Management LLC, commented: “We always knew that this filly had abilities. Her first run of the season earlier this year in Royan, gave her a confidence boost and showed us that she has speed. Today’s Blacktype victory is a confirmation of all the good things we think of her.”
In the Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes, Listed PA, last year’s DIAR day hero Lightning Bolt, trained by Karin Van den Bos, won in an impressive manner, carrying top weight. Shadda’AD finished second and Jaldi Karo came in third.
Multiple Group 1 PA winner Lightning Bolt (Munjiz x Oleya Du Loup) won the DIAR bonus again this year after his victory in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, Group 1 PA.
Van den Bos commented: “This horse continues his great career. He travels very well and has a very strong mind. Jean-Baptiste Hamel gets along really well with him and he gave him a good ride today.
“We are very grateful to Dubai International Arabian Races and Shadwell for all the support to Arabian racing in Europe. We are lucky to have those three great races today and we hope to see all again next year.”
The first three home in each of the four Arabian races qualify for the bonus scheme at Newbury on Sunday 29th July. If a qualified horse wins at Newbury, they will land a bonus on top of the stated prize money.
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