7 July 2018, Newbury, UK ~ It was 1-2-3 for the three year old fillies in the winner’s enclosure following the fiercely contested Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury, UK, on 5 July 2018, for the 7 Furlong race entitled 29th July International Stakes.

Video

Even as debutantes Ensiab (Kerbella x Parsa) under Ellie Mackenzie and stablemate Hadiyah sat on the early leaders, the early pace was set by Akhzam Athbah under Tadgh O’Shea. With less than three furlongs to race, the pressure mounted and the red, green and gold of the Royal Cavalry of Oman colors emerged from the pack along with the James Owen trained Mazyoonah under Martin Dwyer.

Under a confident rider from Anas Al Siyabi, Hadiyah quickened well to pull away with Ensiab chasing, but it was Ellie Mackenzie and Ensiab that pulled to the front and won by 1 ¼ lengths. Third place finish was Mazyoonah with the Phil Collington trained Akhzam Athbah in fourth.

It was a performance that impressed and will certainly add an exciting dimension to The Dubai International Arabian Races International Stakes (Group 3 PA) for three-year olds at the flagship event on 29th July where horses will be looking for blacktype success and coming up against strong overseas competition.

Willie McFarland ARO Operations Manager commented: “I don’t think any of us expected to see such a finish today. It was a very race and great to see such a classy performance from an unraced horse. It makes you wonder how things will translate at the end of the month. This race looked like it could serve up some excitement and it certainly did deliver. The Dubai International Arabian Raceday is our premier fixture, the flagship of the Arabian racing season and this race was a fantastic opportunity for UK trainers to trial some very well-bred horses – are extremely fortunate to be able to put on these Prep races under the generous sponsorship of DIAR.”

Photo: ©equinecreativemedia.com