27 April 2017, UK ~ Preparations are underway for the 2017 DIAR racing season in Europe. This international program of Arabian racing is run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Its aim is to educate more people about the Arabian breed, the sport of Arabian horse racing and the Arabic culture that underpins it.
In 2016, DIAR proudly sponsored the first ever IFAHR recognized international stakes race for Arabians in Italy. The program also expanded to incorporate Sweden for the first time. Those races were well supported and the efforts of all DIAR partners resulted in a record participation of international runners at the show-piece event at Newbury Racecourse (UK) in July.
Mirza Al Sayegh, spokesperson for the DIAR program commented: “Last year, we were very pleased to see so many people attending our flagship event at Newbury. The hard work of our committee and our partners has led to an increased number of international runners as well as a large crowd of racegoers and families who enjoyed what is now established as one of the best and most prestigious days of Arabian racing anywhere in the world.
“In 2017, this event will be held on Sunday 30 July, and will feature a total of 5 Group and International level races, including 3 Gr.1 PA races as well as a Gr.2 PA race for 3 year olds.
We are delighted to announce the renewal of the travel allowances for international runners competing in the races at Newbury on 30th July and the renewal of the DIAR bonus prize fund for 2017. The bonus fund encourages international runners to the UK by offering a prize money bonus to horses placed in DIAR races in their own country which then go on to win one of the bonus races at Newbury.
“In 2016, a bonus of £2,000 was won by the Italian runner URGE DI GALLURA trained by Mr Botti. In May Urge Di Gallura raced in the DIAR 3-year-old program in Rome, then in July impressively won the Group 2 PA race at Newbury, UK. We are hoping that other international runners will follow his footsteps this year.
“In 2017, DIAR will also raise the total prize money of the Group races by a total of £13,000,” Al Sayegh concluded.
The DIAR program will be visiting the UK, France, Holland, Italy and Sweden during the summer with a series of Prep Races from grass root to Group PA level.
Fixture list: http://wp.me/P26iCL-KWi
or: Horsreporter.com> 2017 Calendar >Events Calendar