18 July 2019, UK ~ The Arabian Racing Organization (ARO) was delighted with entries received for the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) card following the close of entries for the handicaps on 17 July 2019, and the supplementary stage for the international contests this afternoon. This followed the recent announcement of an increase in international entries on 2018 figures at the early closing stage for the four PA Group races.
This year’s fixture will be run on Sunday, 28 July at Newbury racecourse, promoting Purebred Arabian racing worldwide, and is organized under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The 153 entries include 19 individual Group or Listed PA winners holding entries at this initial stage. They are headed by Gazwan, who was the joint top-rated colt of 2018 in the international classifications and who won 2015 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA). The race also includes Hayyan and Kanaan, first and third in the French PA Derby (Gr1PA) as well as the 2018 French and English Derby winner, Rodess Du Loup. There is similar strength in depth for the fillies’ equivalent contest, the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International (Gr1PA) in which the highest rated filly of the 2018, dual Group 1 PA winner, Al Shamoos, is entered.
The possible runners also include eight prep race winners and 15 horses that were placed in the prep races across Europe, so the potential for the DIAR bonus awards to be claimed is again high. Last year Al Chammy followed up his prep race win, to take the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr1pA), whilst Joudh, who had been second at La Teste, won the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA). The connections of both horses received an additional £2000 DIAR bonus on top of their prize money.
Shadwell Stud Director, Richard Lancaster said: We are delighted with the level of entries for our flagship event at Newbury at the end of the month. The quality and number of horses entered are testament to the strength of the day and we are very grateful to all the owners and trainers from the UK, Europe, and beyond, who are supporting our races.
“The Arabian racing authorities have played a pivotal role in building this European race program and have done a fantastic job. We would like to thank everyone involved for their continued support and we’re looking forward to a competitive day of Arabian racing at Newbury.”
Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director, commented: “The success of DIAR and the prep race series is evident in the number of entries received and in particular, the increase in international contenders. It confirms that the appetite for international Arabian racing at the highest level continues to grow and we welcome the new overseas trainers who may well make their first appearance at DIAR, should they declare.
“We are proud that the global elite of Arabian racing are considering competing on what is the highlight of our racing year and we are fortunate that we have a grade one facility in the recently redeveloped Newbury racecourse to host this unique event.”
Declarations close on Wednesday 25th July, with jockey declarations due the following day.
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