September 11, 2013, UK ~ The world’s highest rated Purebred Arabian, Tabarak, has been declared for the Group 1 Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Harwood International Stakes which will be run as part of the Ladbrokes St Leger card at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday, 14 September.
Staged under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and promoted in conjunction with the Arabian Racing Organization (ARO), the £150,000 event is the most valuable contest for Purebred Arabians ever to the staged in the UK. The race attracted 38 entries and produced to the maximum field of 18 when declarations were made yesterday, Tuesday 10 September.
The 18 runners, who represent five countries, hold between them an impressive record of 25 pattern race wins in eight different racing jurisdictions, including eight Group 1s amounting to £1.2 million in prize money throughout their racing careers.
Tabarak comes into the race partnered by top French jockey and last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) winner Olivier Peslier, who will be looking to replicate their victory in the H.H. The Emir’s Sword (Group 1) in Doha, Qatar earlier this year.
Djet Taouy (FR) already has two Group 1 victories under his belt this year following impressive runs when landing the President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) at Newmarket’s July Meeting on his first visit to the UK, followed by a battling performance to win the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes at Newbury last month.
Reigning UK Champion Trainer, Gill Duffield is responsible for a quartet of runners including Al Hibaab (FR), winner of the Irish leg of the Listed President of the UAE Cup, owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also represented by Group 3 winner Sivit Al Maury (FR).
After an impressive win in the six furlong Group 1 Jebel Ali Racecourse Zaabeel International at Newbury on Dubai International Arabian Race day, Al Mouhannad, the Royal Cavalry of Oman filly trained by Christian Baillet, heads to Doncaster.
Amanda Smith, Arabian Racing Organization (ARO) Racing Manager commented, “The race is a valuable and important addition to the International Arabian Pattern and I am delighted with the quality of the horses that have been declared to run. We are now looking forward to an exciting and competitive race on Saturday’s Ladbrokes St Leger card. It promises to be a fantastic showcase of Arabian racing, the strength and depth of the field is testament to the support of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.”
The stalls draw and final declarations of jockeys will take place on Thursday, 12 September at 11am and will be posted on the ARO website shortly after.
~ends