Prize money increase and family attractions at DIAR Day at Newbury

28 July 2017 – UK Europe’s most important day for Purebred Arabians takes place under the Dubai International Arabian Races banner at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 30 July 2017, with prize money topping £190,000, free admission and a host of activities to entertain the whole family.

Prize money for this year’s eight races totals £193,000, an increase of £13,000 on 2016 following a similar rise last year, with all four Group races on the program benefiting from the increase. The Group 2 PA Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes has received a 20% boost and is now worth £25,000, and the day’s featured Group 1 PA Shadwell Dubai International Stakes increased by £3,000 to £58,000.

The Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes and the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes, both Group 1 PA events, increase from £32,500 to £35,000.

His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of the DIAR Committee said, “The Dubai International Arabian Races is an important part of Sheikh Hamdan’s vision to enable more people to enjoy the sport of Arabian horse racing and with the support of Shadwell to help more countries to develop the sport internationally.

“The international preparation races which have been held in France, Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands and Britain have been a great success and I am sure have contributed to the number of European runners we will see on Sunday.”

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, providing a unique insight into some of the world’s highest-rated Arabians from the moment gates open at 12 noon.

Race Card:[googlepdf url=”https://horsereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DIAR-17Racecard-3.pdf” download=”Download” ]

Big prizes to be won on and off the track

DIAR Newbury 2016

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A brand-new Citroen C1 Touch worth £9,000 is the star among an array of prizes on offer including a VIP trip for two to Dubai will be drawn after the day’s feature race, the Group 1 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes.

A ladies best dressed contest, Children’s Hat Competition, and best Selfie of the day will also be awarded prizes.

The Activity Hub will also play host to pupils from 14 schools in West Berkshire and Hampshire who have taken part in this year’s renewal of the Arabian Rainbow competition which, since its introduction in 2009, has awarded around £90,000 to schools in the area.

The competition challenges pupils and teachers to paint near life-sized sculptures of Arabian horses with their own design reflecting Anglo-Arabic culture or art for a first prize of £2,500 to spend on equipment within the school to enhance education. Runners-up prizes of £1,500 and £1,000 will be awarded to the second and third placed schools respectively.

Staged under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, Sunday’s race day is the flagship event among a series of international events promoted by DIAR.

Photos Pamela Burton 2016

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