October 23, 2013, California ~ The $150,000 prize money, UAE President’s Cup Gr 1 stakes, will be run for the first time on the undercard of the 30th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 1 at Santa Anita Park in California.
According to Kathy Smoke, USA Arabian Jockey Club President, 13 invitations were extended for the singular honor of the first-ever running of an Arabian race horse at the race course jewel of California, Santa Anita Park. “This race will be run on the first day of the Breeders Cup World Championship, Nov 1, 2013,” she said. “The invitees due for entry on Oct 28, 2013, represent bloodlines from 3 continents.”
Full invitee list:
Al Waed – (Kador De Blaziet x Cassels Naomi) bred in Texas – 5 yr old horse
Ayers – (Burning Sand x BW Ali Catt)bred in Florida – 7yr old horse
Djarnizam Maamora (MOR) – (Nizam(GB) x Djarni Des Forges (Fr) bred in Morocco – 5 yr old horse
Grilla – (Kong x Dixie Darlene x Wiking) bred in Florida – 7yr old horse
Litle Bit – (Burning Sand x Halianna) bred in Florida – 5 yr old mare
Lucky Sand – Burning Sand x Vague De Gemme) bred in Mississippi – 3 yr old colt
Mahra T – (Burning Sand x Tikis French Kiss) bred) in Utah – 4 yr old filly
Ms Dixie – (Burning Sand x Dixie Darlene) bred in Florida – 5 yr old mare
NC Casey Jones – (Makzan x Shes the Most) bred in Texas – 10 yr old horse
No Problem Al Maury (FR) – (Dormane x Memosie Al Maury) bred in France – 5 yr old horse
Sergeant Pepper MHF – (Amazing Son x Shippey Lane) bred in Texas – 5 yr old gelding
Smoke House – (Kaolino x Smokey Rose) bred in Flroida – 4 yr old gelding
So Big Is Better – (Burning Sand x WM Mirror Image) – 9 yr old horse
Race time, Friday 5:10 pm PST
Smoke indicated the time and effort to place the Arabian race: “Taking into account the types of wagering, the time zone for viewing the race abroad, the viewing of the race in the USA time zone, the sponsor and Breeders Cup determined that placement (of the Arabian race) as the 11th and last race- at 5:10 PST following the BC Distaff (at 4:35pm) would be the best placement this year. This placement will afford the best on track attendance. I feel confident the USA Arabian racing entrants will provide an exciting race for those who’ve never seen our breed run.”
Smoke noted that full wagering on the Arabian stakes race is available.
“Inclusion of an Arabian stakes race on The Breeders Cup World Championship weekend of races demonstrates how important Arabian racing is to the Emirates Equestrian Federation and their resolve to bring Arabian racing to the forefront in terms of public recognition in the USA. The Emirates Equestrian Federation understands the significance of promoting the Arabian breed worldwide and the USA is fortunate to be included in their global race calendar,” Smoke concluded.
Thoroughbreds trace back to Arabians
All modern Thoroughbreds trace back to three stallions imported into England from the Middle East in the late 17th and early 18th Centuries: the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian. The Thoroughbred was largely developed during this period when native English mares were bred with the imported Arabians.
The Breeders’ Cup is Thoroughbred racing’s international year-end championship, consisting of 14 races and purses and awards totaling $27 million. Santa Anita Park will host the races on Friday, November 1 and Saturday November 2, and they will be televised live by NBCSN and NBC. The $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic will be televised live and in primetime Saturday, November 2 on NBC (8-9 p.m. ET).
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