Arabian Racing Organization Awards Royal Cavalry of Oman for Outstanding Achievement in Arabian Racing

Hatta Presentation 2017

4 December 2017 ~ The Horserace Writers and Photographer’s Association (HWPA) Annual Derby Awards Luncheon on 4 December 2017, honoured the Royal Cavalry of Oman for their support and long-term commitment to Arabian racing with the Outstanding Achievement in Arabian Racing Award. The winter event took place at the Lancaster Hotel in London and is sponsored by Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). It is thanks to QREC’s involvement that this prestigious award has been established.

The Royal Cavalry of Oman has been a supporter and sponsor of Arabian racing, both in the UK and internationally, for over ten years. The 2017 season was their best to date in the UK, finishing second in the ARO Owners Championship with seven wins from four individual winners, their victories included two Group 1’s and a Group 2, and £118,676 in prize money.

Also significant, has been the growth of their breeding program – producing their first ever homebred Group 1 winner Nafees, winner of the UK Arabian Derby on Doncaster St Leger day, and the Group 2 Juvenile winner, Riyam.

Royal Cavalry UK Trainer, Said Al Badi, who was based in Berkshire for the summer, won the ARO Best Newcomer award and their team’s steady stream of winners and placed horses played its part in securing the ARO Jockeys Championship for David Turner and the ARO Novice Jockey title for Ellie Mackenzie.

Also recognised for their achievements this season were James Owen, Champion Arabian Trainer for the last two seasons, Ellie Mackenzie, Champion Novice Jockey and leading UK small owner-breeder, Heather Phillpott.

Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi said; “Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is really proud to support for the fifth consecutive year The Horserace Writers and Photographers Association award ceremony. Congratulations to The Royal Cavalry of Oman for their achievement in Arabian Racing not only for their support in the UK but worldwide.”

ARO Chairman Charles Gregson commented. “We are delighted to see the Royal Cavalry of Oman honoured in this way as they have done so much to support Arabian racing here in the UK and we warmly congratulate them on this award. We are also extremely grateful to both the QREC and HWPA for recognising Arabian racing at this annual event.”
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