Dubai International Arabian Races is one of Europe’s most prestigious Arabian horse racing fixtures
18 July 2016, Newbury, UK ~ The Dubai International Arabian Races returns to Newbury Racecourse for the 14th time on Sunday, 24 July, with its most valuable prize money ever on offer.
The eight-race showcase for world-class Arabians now features four Group races including three Group 1 races. Total prize money for the day has risen by more than 13% to £180,000 with each of the Group 1 contests receiving increases.
The Jebel Ali Racecourse Zaabeel International Stakes and the Dubai Duty Free Hatta International Stakes are now each worth £32,500, an increase of £7,500, and the featured Shadwell Dubai International Stakes is up by £5,000 to £55,000. The concluding race on the program, the National Academy of Indian Payroll Handicap Stakes, goes up from £6,000 to £8,000.
His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh, Chairman of the race day committee said, “His Highness Sheikh Hamdan is a passionate supporter of Arabian racing and is delighted to see this day continue to grow and inspire similar events across Europe under the banner of the Dubai International Arabian Races.
“We are very much looking forward to this year’s renewal when I know we will be assured of some world-class sporting entertainment and I would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for their continued enthusiasm for this very special race day which is very close to Sheikh Hamdan’s heart.
“We look forward to welcoming a big crowd on Sunday and hope that Arabian racing followers, local families and pupils from the many schools who have taken part in activities in the lead-up to this event will have an exciting and truly memorable day.”
The day will be presented by international racing personality Derek Thompson who will be accompanied in the parade ring by specialist Arabian broadcaster and commentator Gary Capewell, both providing a unique insight into some of the world’s highest-rated Arabians.
Gates open at 12 noon, and the first race, the Emirates Premier Handicap Stakes, will go off at 2:00pm.
Domestic and international coverage of the races is assured and is delivered by Racing UK the leading satellite horse racing channel in the UK, and Dubai Racing Channel who will be broadcasting from Newbury Racecourse. All eight races will be streamed live via the Arabian Racing Organization’s website www.aroracing.co.uk.
Staged under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai International Arabian Races is the culmination of series of European events backed by His Highness’ Shadwell Stud, one of the world’s leading Arabian and Thoroughbred racing and breeding operations.
Arabian racing’s championship event was first run at Kempton in 1982 and its move to Newbury in 2003 coincided with the relocation of the Arabian Racing Organiation’s headquarters to the Berkshire course and a revamp of the program.
In celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday there will be a rare chance to see two Arabian stallions presented to Her Majesty in 2013 by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain who personally selected the pair from his private family collection at the Royal Stud of Bahrain, widely regarded as one of the few establishments in the world to have preserved the original ‘desert war horse’.
The two stallions, Mlolshaan Mahrous and Tuwaisaan Tha’atha’a’ta who took part in The Queen’s 90th birthday pageant in May will be paraded before racing by Jenny Lees who cares for them at her Pearl Island Arabians stud in Hertfordshire.
Live falcons will be on display in the newly created Activity Hub which will also be the venue for the Henna artists who will be offering free Henna hand art, synonymous with Middle Eastern fashion and culture.
More information on the website: http://www.diaraces.com/