29 February 2020, UK ~ The Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) Committee has announced an increase in their investment towards international Arabian racing in 2020.
DIAR have been supporting Arabian racing in Italy for many years and were very proud to be able to sponsor the first ever IFAHR recognized international stakes race for Arabians in Italy in 2016. This year, the IFAHR Pattern committee have agreed to the improved status of two races sponsored by DIAR: the Premio Shadwell Arabian Stallions (for 3yo, over 1500m) will be a Listed PA and the Premio DIAR 2020 (for 4yo and up, over 2000m) will be upgraded to a Group 3 PA.
Mirza Al Sayegh, spokesperson for the DIAR program commented: “We are delighted that the quality of the DIAR races held in Rome has been recognized and they have been upgraded. The quality of the Italian Arabian racehorses has improved remarkably in the past few years with several horses coming to compete at Newbury, UK, in our flagship event in July as well as in international races over the world.
“The Italian breeders, owners and trainers, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, ANICA and Rome Capannelle racecourse, have done a great job to help bring those races to the next level. We are happy to be back in Italy on the 19th April.”
Other upgrades
The Shadwell Critérium des Pouliches (Gr.2 PA for fillies and mares, 4yo and up, over 1900m) held at La Teste de Buch, France, on the 29th June will now offer total prize money of €30,000, a €5,000 increase from 2019. It will be run alongside the Shadwell Coupe du Sud-Ouest des Pur-sang Arabes (Gr.3 PA, 4yo and up, over 1900m) and the Shadwell Prix Bengali d’Albret (maiden race for 3yo, over 1400m).
Shadwell Stud director, Richard Lancaster, commented: “The participation of French trained horses in the DIAR races, whether in preparation races or the big day at Newbury at the end of July, is always high in number and quality. We are very grateful for the support of French owners and trainers, as well as French breeders who use our stallions. It is therefore our pleasure to support Arabian racing in France.”
Finally, the DIAR Committee have chosen to increase the total prize money on offer for DIAR day at Newbury on 26th July 2020 by more than £19,000. This boost will be split between the different races. The details of this year’s DIAR races will be published shortly by the various racing authorities.
Details and updates about the DIAR 2020 race program can be found on the website and Facebook page. Conditions of the races will be published as soon as possible.
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