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FEBRUARY 2016 AED 20
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL UNDERWAY www.equestrio.com
HH PRESIDENT OF UAE POLO CUP
DIARY
JULIUS BAER GOLD CUP, DUBAI 19TH FEBRUARY – 11TH MARCH
Founded in 2009, the tournament is the premier regional polo competition of the year, and attracts VIPs, society figures, and senior corporate executives from across the GCC. It is played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association with The Gold Cup being played according to HPA rules and the provision of umpires is managed under strict international supervision by the HPA. Mohammed Al Habtoor, Founder of the tournament and patron of the Habtoor Polo team said, “This year there are nine teams playing in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, further evidence that the competition is picking up momentum. The Dubai Open has helped put the UAE on the world polo circuit. Each year the competition gets better and better, and we attract some of the best polo players in the world.” Save the date to watch the best of the best in local and international polo. www.dubaipologoldcup.com
SUPER SATURDAY, DUBAI 5TH MARCH
This is where the pressure really heats up in the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan. It’s now that you get a chance to see those potentials for the world’s richest horse race and excitement is at fever pitch. If you’re a racing connection and can watch your horse leave the paddock, then opt for bagging a box. The Equestrio Arabia team welcomed the start of the Carnival from luxury timepiece brand, Longines’ box and that was arguably the best seat in the house. Well, as official Meydan timekeepers, you’d expect them to be at the right place, at the right time. www.emiratesracing.com www.meydan.ae
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CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP FESTIVAL, ENGLAND 15TH – 18TH MARCH
The highlight of the jump season is The Festival , where the atmosphere is so great that it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. There is no sporting event quite like The Gold Cup (the featured race on the last day) and no sound like the roar of the crowd as the horses gallop up the final furlongs. The course has just gone through a multi-million pound refurbishment so enjoy the facilities and the exceptional view of the course and the rolling Cotswold English countryside beyond. And pack lots of winter clothes. Cheltenham is charming, but chilly. www.thefestival2016.co.uk
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LEAD INTERVIEW
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A POLO EDUCATION BEING PART OF SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS POLO LINEAGE IS IT ANY WONDER THAT ALEJANDRO NOVILLO ASTRADA BECAME A 8 GOAL PROFESSIONAL? HE AND HIS BROTHERS HAVE WON AND COMPETED IN THE WORLD’S PROMINENT TOURNAMENTS FROM THE UK, TO THEIR HOME COUNTRY OF ARGENTINA – AND NOW HE’S PLAYING IN THE UAE’S LEADING LIGHT, THE DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES. HE SITS DOWN WITH EQUESTRIO ARABIA TO TALK FAMILY, THE TRAVELLING LIFE OF A POLO PLAYER AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF DUBAI AS A PREMIUM POLO DESTINATION. WORDS: Charley Larcombe PHOTOGRAPHY: Tony Ramirez/ www.imagesofpolo.com
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meet Alejandro in a stolen half an hour for a quick coffee in Dubai Marina. Stolen because we’re both very busy – he is in the midst of The McLaren Cup whilst my deadline is knocking loudly at my door. It’s a shame there isn’t more time, as Alejandro, like all of his charming, game of kingsplaying family, is a delight to talk about all things polo. The Novillo Astradas are amongst the top players in the world sporting 10 goalers in their line-up and silverware in their estancia pony barns. This polo lineage began with their grandfather, a horseracing man whose foremost passion was horses; breeding and racing thoroughbreds. When he took up polo though, it was the start of a successful partnership between the family and the sport. His son, Alejandro’s father, inherited the passion and was a keen amateur, competing in and winning The Hurlingham Open and reaching a 9 goal handicap. A businessman first and foremost, it is an even greater feat that he managed to climb to such a level despite the pressures of an office working life too. It was through polo that he met his business partner, Skey
Johnston (grandson to the founder of Coca-Cola) and it was this partnership that, later down the line, would build the family Club, La Aguada near Buenos Aires, into what it is today. A stunning estancia of 990acres dedicated to breeding the best polo ponies, it is also the base for all of the Novillo Astrada sons. With childhoods spent in this gaucho-esque ideal, is it any wonder that Eduardo, Miguel, the late Javier, Nacho, and the youngest of the boys, Ale’ took up their father’s love for the sport and eventually turned professional? But the path to becoming globe-trotting polo athletes wasn’t as set in stone as the lifestyle would suggest – to Ale’s parents, an education was far more important. “They would say; ‘We can leave you all of this [the farm and money], but you could lose it tomorrow. An education is something that you will always have’,” explains Ale. Each brother, and their younger sister, dutifully went to study, with the eldest Eduardo leading the way and eventually following his father into the family business. It was Miguel
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SPOTLIGHT
HH PRESIDENT OF UAE POLO CUP, GHANTOOT RACING & POLO CLUB
ALL THE
PRESIDENT’S MEN WORDS: Rosanna Lockwood PHOTOGRAPHY: Neville Hopwood
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SPOTLIGHT
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he H.H President of the UAE Polo Cup, held in the name of the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Middle East. The grand final of the two-week long series, which this year featured seven teams of formidable local and South American talent, is regarded as a “must attend” event in the UAE sporting calendar. This certainly proved to be the case on Friday 15th January, when crowds of VIPs, families, and polo aficionados turned out to watch the spectacle at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo club in Abu Dhabi. Many of whom were no doubt relishing the opportunity to gain access to the normally private and very exclusive grounds of the only royal polo facility in the country. Members of the ruling Al Nahyan family set an intimate but relaxed atmosphere for the day when they arrived at the grandstand, confirming that this event is as much about family ties as it is about impressive sportsmanship and national pride. Soon after their arrival, a squadron of MB-339s from the UAE Air Force’s Al Fursan aerobatics display team tore through the cloudless blue skies, leaving trails of smoke in the colours of the national flag, further setting the tone for an intense battle on the pitch. However, by half past four, all eyes were on the Sheikh Zayed Polo Field, where Ghantoot, in yellow and the blue-shirted
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Members of the ruling Al Nahyan family set an intimate but relaxed atmosphere for the day when they arrived at the grandstand, confirming that this event is as much about family ties as it is about impressive sportsmanship..” February 2016
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SPOTLIGHT
Bin Drai teams, were warming up for the five-chukka Final. Pre-match gossip along the pony lines earmarked home side, Ghantoot, as the favourites, despite their 17 goal team handicap against Bin Drai’s 18. To account for this, Ghantoot already had half a goal on the board when local patron, Yousaf Bin Desmal, led them onto the grass. They were then quick to assert their authority by scoring two goals within the first three minutes of the game, and had three goals confidently in the bag by the end of the first chukka, against Bin Drai’s solitary goal by Marcos Panelo. Already 2.5 points behind, Bin Drai’s highest handicapped player, Guillermo Terrera, proved himself a force to be reckoned with early in the second chukka by single-handedly escorting the ball almost the entire length of the field to score the second goal for the team. A period of chaos ensued and there was a sharp intake of breath when Panelo’s horse suddenly buckled during a mid-field tussle. Horse and rider recovered in a split-second but they were unsuccessful in wrestling the ball from Ghantoot’s Bautista Bayugar. A handful of careless fouls eventually led to a successful penalty for Bin Drai, who then managed a fourth and fifth goal in quick succession, thanks to the rapid manoeuvring of Tererra. The chukka closed at 5-3.5 to Bin Drai, thereby unsettling the earlier rumours of an assured home-side win.
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Buoyed up by their lead, Bin Drai charged relentlessly up and down the pitch, scoring four goals in as many minutes in the fourth chukka…” Further fouls by Bin Drai left open goals for Ghantoot to bring their score up to 6.5 within the first few minutes of the third chukka. By this point, the sun was setting fast over the grandstand and, not to be outshone, Saeed Bin Drai quickly answered with goal number six for his team just a minute later. Despite the sterling efforts of 6 goal professional Matias Vial diligently picking up any loose balls at the rear, Bin Drai were soon back on top with 7 goals.
Buoyed up by their lead, Bin Drai charged relentlessly up and down the pitch, scoring four goals in as many minutes in the fourth chukka, with Raul Laplacette then firing an impressive ball clean through the posts, bringing their score up to 12. With victory seemingly assured, the happy campers within the Bin Drai team ranks could no longer contain their excitement, erupting into cheers and high-fives on the sidelines. The final chukka was marked by a panicky line-out under a moody Arabian night sky. Ghantoot’s players fought hard for possession and managed two further goals. But it was Argentinian Laplacette who sealed the deal for Bin Drai with goal number 13, to Ghantoot’s 8.5, when the final whistle blew. Spectators wrapped up warm against the cool evening wind to watch adorable young polo fan, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, award the large silver trophy to patron Saeed Bin Drai, who was also awarded Best Local Polo Player. “We know Ghantoot is a tough team,” Bin Drai commented after the match. “We know that we have a good team too. But with Ghantoot, if you don’t push and you don’t go three or four goals ahead; it’s very challenging, they come back. Both teams were very close but I think we played better in the fourth and fifth chukka and that made the difference. He added. “To win The President’s Cup means a lot to me.”
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To win The President’s Cup means a lot to me.” Saeed Bin Drai
TEAMS
Bin Drai Saeed Bin Drai Marcos Panelo Guillermo Terrera Raul Laplacette Ghantoot Yousaf Bin Desmal Lucas Diaz Alberdi Bautista Bayugar Matias Vial
0 4 8 6
18 0 5 6 6
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RACING
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL, MEYDAN, DUBAI, UAE
INTERNATIONALS ARRIVE BUT LOCALS DOMINATE 64
February 2016
IF 2015 WAS SOMETHING OF A TRANSITIONAL YEAR FOR RACING AT MEYDAN, THE UAE’S FLAGSHIP RACECOURSE, THANKS TO ITS CONVERSION TO DIRT, THEN 2016 SHOULD BE A YEAR FOR CONSOLIDATION. TRAINERS, JOCKEYS AND HORSES SHOULD BE FULLY USED TO THE NEW SURFACE, ON WHICH THE MAJORITY OF DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL RACES ARE RUN, AND RICHES ARE WON. WORDS: Laura King PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Watkins
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home Not everyone embraced the dirt, however, and the number of Carnival entries was down on previous seasons, paving the way for the UAE’s home trainers to have a profitable few months. That task would be made easier, too, by the knowledge that Godolphin had slightly fewer Carnival horses than in previous years. That made for some more competitive racing in the first few weeks, with the ‘boys in blue’ having less of a stranglehold on the big prizes. Enter Emirati handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe for a spectacular night when the Carnival got underway on January 7th. The former Champion Trainer had a disappointing 2015 season, but has his string in superb form this time around and, after mopping up plenty of races on the domestic scene, he had them primed for action when the dirhams became dollars and the competition became tougher, Remarkably, Al Raihe won every Thoroughbred race he entered on opening night, when the Maktoum Challenge Round I – one for Thoroughbreds and one for Purebred Arabians – were the night’s features. Al Raihe’s Le Bernardin, an impressive Listed winner over course and distance in December, repeated the effort here, this time just hanging on over the 1,600metre trip from the fast-finishing Layl and Prayer For Relief. The son of Bernardini has now probably done enough to gain a start in the Group II Godolphin Mile, and jockey Tadhg O’Shea indicated that he would now have a break. “I think he goes well fresh, so hopefully the plan will be to give him a break now and come back for the Burj Nahaar on Super Saturday,” said the three-time UAE Champion, who was mid-way through riding a treble on the evening. O’Shea’s earlier triumph was a slightly more surprising one;
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The evening was dominated by trainer Satish Seemar and jockey Richie Mullen, who combined for a welcome treble.”
Al Raihe’s Nawwaar splitting the pacesetters in the straight and galloping on strongly to take a 1,200metre handicap. Later on, the Irish jockey completed his three-timer when Ghaamer made almost all of the running to land a turf event over 1,400metres. O’Shea wasn’t onboard for the most impressive of the Al Raihe quartet however, that honour going to Ertijaal, who scooted away with a 1,000metre turf handicap under Paul Hanagan. The fouryear-old deemed good enough last season to run in the British 2000 Guineas, has been rejuvenated as a sprinter and beat a top-class field by four lengths, impressing Hanagan. “It’s no wonder I struggled to hold him over a mile,” joked the rider. “I’m just delighted with him, he’s very good. After a performance like that we’d have to be thinking about maybe the Al Quoz Sprint, but
obviously there’s a long way to go.” Hanagan was out of luck in the day’s Group I, the Purebred Arabian Maktoum Challenge, which went to Pat Dobbs onboard Nacer Samiri’s Thakif. The jockey later doubled up when the hugely progressive One Man Band landed Doug Watson his first Carnival success for the season, winning a 1,900metre handicap by a length and a half. The Watson and Dobbs team were successful again the second meeting, when their Polar River claimed the notable scalps of two Godolphin fillies in the UAE 1000 Guineas Prep, beating Promising Run by almost five lengths. The unbeaten filly looks very smart and can certainly have a say in February’s Classics. The same comments may not apply to Godolphin’s Steady Pace, who made hard work of winning the colts’ trial under James Doyle, who believed his mount was pulling up at the end after spotting a camera on the infield. Even so, the nose victory over Rouleau was slightly disappointing for one rated eight pounds higher and he would need to improve again to take the UAE 2,000 Guineas. Away from the three-year-old races, the evening was dominated by trainer Satish Seemar and jockey Richie Mullen, who combined for a welcome treble. Their Zabeel Stables team suffered a somewhat below-par start to the season, but certainly bounced back here, winning the featured Listed Dubawi Stakes with veteran Reynaldothewizard. The 10-year-old, winner of the Group I Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2013, is famously tricky to keep sound, but has won this race in each of the last two seasons and was just as impressive here, beating Cool Cowboy by two and three-quarter lengths.
“We just didn’t know tonight as he shows us nothing at home,” said a borderline emotional Mullen afterwards. “It’s a huge team effort just to get him here; I am just a very small part. We have to take every day one at a time with him, but I would imagine we’ll go for the Al Shindagha Sprint next, and then hopefully back to World Cup night.” Amazingly, the yard’s first winner of the evening was with an even older horse, the 11-year-old Tiz Now Tiz then rolling back the years in the night’s domestic handicap, before the treble was completed with More Aspen in the Listed Singspiel Stakes. The five-year-old mare had not won since September of 2013 but had been running well in defeat and everything finally dropped right for her here, as Mullen guided her to a wide-margin success over British raider Big Baz. “We’ve always really liked her,” said Bhupat Seemar, assistant to trainer Satish. “She has run some really good races in defeat and has strong form at Abu Dhabi with quality horses such as Forjatt. To be honest, we were hoping to run her in the handicap, but she didn’t get in, so this is a real bonus.” With the first two weeks governed by the local yards, one international did at least get in on the act when Mike De Kock welcomed a winner at each meeting. His Star Empire landed a turf handicap on opening night under Sam Hitchcott, but it was Forries Waltz who really impressed when getting jockey Christophe Soumillon off the mark a week later. The four-year-old suffered his first defeat in four career starts at Meydan last year, but seems to have improved for a year off and bounced back well here, holding off Godolphin’s Flash Fire in an ultracompetitive 1,600metre turf contest.
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RACING
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With the first two weeks governed by the local yards, one international did at least get in on the act when Mike De Kock welcomed a winner at each meeting.�
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Safety Checks in again The third week of the Carnival saw the second Group II, and Safety Check returned to defend his title in the Al Fahidi Fort, over 1,400metres on turf. Charlie Appleby’s reliable five-year-old faced a strong line-up, with 2014 winner Anaerobio also in the field, as well as South African Group I winner Harry’s Son. The race was run at a furious tempo, with Ghaamer and Mastermind going off in front, and it briefly looked as though William Buick on Safety Check might fail to catch them. However, the five-year-old has a strong turn of foot and employed it well here, chasing them down in the straight and eventually winning by a length and three-quarters from Harry’s Son, with Mastermind staying on for third. He became just the second horse to win back-to-back Al Fahidi Forts, following on from South African star Linngari in 2006 and 2007. It was a first Carnival win of the season for both Buick and Appleby, and the former said it hadn’t come easy. “Tonight was tricky as there was such a strong pace and it’s difficult to judge when to push the button,” said Buick. “He has an electric turn of foot, but it doesn’t last long. He’s a legend and a stable favourite.” Appleby added: “I thought we had him fitter today than we did for his first start last year. There’s no reason why we won’t crack onto to the Zabeel Mile next, and then we’ll have to consider our options after that.” Buick later completed a double when guiding Saeed Bin Suroor’s Haafaguinea to a narrow success over stablemate Al Saham in the closing 2,400metre turf handicap. Another celebrating a brace on the day was Jebel Ali Stables handler Dhruba Selvaratnam, who’s Roicead led home stable companion Saayerr in the 1,000metre turf sprint. Both horses had been off the track for some time, but Roicead, ridden by Wayne Smith, came home a comfortable two lengths ahead. Caspian Prince fared best of the international contingent, finishing third.
“It’s been two years, since United Color [in January 2014] and I won a race here [at Meydan],” said Selvaratnam, who has enjoyed plenty of success at Jebel Ali during that time. “Saayerr cantered all over Roicead when they worked together last time, but maybe he needs six furlongs now. I’ll try to keep them apart next time.” The Selvaratnam double was completed by Top Clearance, who made just his second local start a winning one under Chris Hayes in the 1,600m dirt handicap. The US import, whose most eyecatching bit of form is a fifth in the Grade I Haskell Invitational behind American Pharoah, looks a good acquisition, and did well to reel in Godolphin’s American Hope, who had gone for home under James Doyle. He finished second, ahead of Success Story – the first horse bred in Korea ever to race overseas. On another good night for the UAE’s resident trainers, Musabah Al Muhairi also got in on the act when his exciting Special Fighter bounced back to form in the 1,900metre dirt handicap. Godolphin’s Let’s Go was sent off the hot favourite but failed to cope with his first try on dirt, and Fernando Jara was able to coast to an easy victory on Special Fighter, who appreciated the return to a longer trip, after finding 1600metres too sharp on his previous outing. “We don’t really know how good he is yet,” Jara said afterwards. “He needs to be tested again against some tough horses. He goes really nicely on this surface and that was a good performance today.” The night’s other international race, a 2,000metre turf event, saw De Kock keep up his run of a winner per meeting, and this time it was veteran Sanshawwes who prevailed by three-quarters of a length from stablemate Whistle Stop, with Soumillion doing the steering. The Carnival is now a third of the way through, and, although the action has been typically open and exciting, there is yet to be a winner trained outside of the UAE or South Africa. Hopefully, the still strong European contingent will be able to rectify that in the coming weeks.
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RACING
UAE REVIEW
THE SEASON 70
February 2016
SO FAR
A ROUND-UP OF THE REGION’S BIGGEST AND BEST RACING FROM OUR VIEW IN THE PADDOCK. WORDS: Laura King
PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Watkins
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ESCAPE QASR AL SARAB, THE EMPTY QUARTER
A Feeling of
Emptiness You’ll leave feeling so relaxed after a stay at the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab resort in The Empty Quarter, that you may start planning a regular retreat to this oasis in the desert. WORDS: Charley Larcombe
B
eing asked to drive a Rolls Royce Ghost Series II to a 5-star resort in the Liwa Desert is one of those rare trials that are thrown up to me in my role as Editor in Chief. It’s one of those trying asks, when you really have to question if the deadlines and stresses and re-editings are enough. Two words: They Are. As a self-confessed car nut and by all means a lover of luxury living – I even like a camping weekend to come with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot – an invite such as this was a no-brainer. Picking up a brilliantly ostentatious burnt orange and chrome ‘Roller’ on the Sheikh Zayed Road and heading out of Dubai on a Thursday afternoon is a pinch-me moment. The V12 engine easily eats up the miles, whilst the innate luxury you’d naturally expect from a Rolls Royce means you pick up speed without feeling the slightest bump or dip in the road. You’re hitting 100 whilst cossetted in an automotive throne. Which makes
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Supplied
watching your speed a little difficult; but who cares if you have to check your km/h, drive slowly and spend more time in a car as comfortable and as soothing as a hot bath after hunting? At over five metres long, this isn’t the type of car you nip in between traffic – I mean you wouldn’t want some errant taxi driver to chip your bespoke paintwork anyway. But this is very much a car to be driven – not simply driven in. With a top speed of 250km/h with a max torque of 780Nm at 1,500rpm there’s an incredible power from the direct injection engine and contributes to the 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.9seconds. That isn’t at all bad for a car so luxurious, that it would give a sheikh’s palace a run for its money. Suffice to say, the drive out to The Empty Quarter, a three-hour trip from Dubai, was spent revelling in a sportscar dressed in the finest leathers and mahogany. The long journey meant we checked into Qasr Al Sarab
after dark – but my recommendation is get there either early morning or as the sun is setting. The drive in to the resort must be among the most spectacular in the world. A winding slate track through desert sands which undulate and change colour as varied as the sun. Ombre, deep oranges, palest of yellows through to dark reds and almost purple hues. In short, it’s just magical. It takes about 20 minutes from when you turn off the main road and I wish it would go on for a little longer. Not that you don’t want to reach your destination. Rising out of the sands like an old Oman settlement, the 206-room resort with its turrets and palm trees welcomes you to your new home. I reluctantly released the keys to the Ghost and stepped inside to check-in, a cavernous entrance hall filled with the scent of rose petals and vaulted windows framing the surrounding desert.
Our group were then spirited around in buggies to our rooms and I found myself in a beautiful deluxe balcony suite at the end of the property with an uninterrupted view of the highest dune; an ethereal peak just discernable in the evening starlight. An invitation to a private dinner in the desert meant a case of dressing up in a duvet-worthy scarf to keep out the chill and a feast of delectable local dishes, rare barbecued steaks and buttery lobster before retiring for an early night. I kick-started my day the following morning with a hike to see the sunrise and the rays bathe the valley in light. In a resort as relaxing as this, there is the temptation just to laze on your balcony or around the pool but make sure you’re up with the larks at least one morning to witness this view. It is breathtaking. And certainly made a couple of hours of email checking and editorials fly by.
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ESCAPE
Lunch was spent by the pool at the Ghadeer restaurant – one of seven eatery and beverage options on the property – tucking into super fresh salads before heading to the Anantara Spa. Six treatment rooms including a Hammam with a whirlpool bath, an ice area and a Vichy treatment room meant our group were pummelled and pumiced and then let out onto the relaxation garden to sip ginger tea in a Zen-like stupor with just the odd chattering of birds and the tinkling sound of the fountains as our soundtrack for some quiet retrospection. For those foodies amongst you, reserve a table at Suhail, the rooftop bar and grill. The chefs here are famous for their steaks so delectable you can by-pass the knife and just dive in with a spoon. Opt out of ordering a cocktail (it isn’t their strongest suit) and celebrate with bubbles or sample the extensive grape list. For something a little more hassle-free, wander down to Al Falaj, the resort’s take on a Bedouin barbeque. Low-slung sofas and cushions provide the perfect spot for great food and an incredible view of the night sky. There’s so little light pollution that the stars seems close enough to reach up and
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pluck out of the inky navy and the blanket of the galaxy dips straight into the sands. Yep, that’s magical too. For the adventurous there are so many activities on offer, from desert sailing and dune bashing, to fat biking and a falcon and saluki show. I’m not quite sure why you’d want to, but if you feel like leaving your sunken bath and king-sized bed, you can venture off into the desert to camp for the night. In short, if switching off totally isn’t within your capabilities, you’ll be suitably entertained. When it’s sadly time to leave – it’s so disappointing having to go back to Real Life, isn’t it? – there is a helicopter pad to whizz you straight back to the city. But I wanted to travel in real style so reached for the Rolls Royce Ghost keys and drove back to the hustle and bustle. Feeling full of life after my time in The Empty Quarter.
NEED TO KNOW: www.qasralsarab.anantara.com
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HORSETORQUE
STRONGER, GRANDER,
FINER
The upgraded Lexus LX 570 SUV boasts a restyled exterior and a refined cabin, making it a luxury vehicle to look at – and most importantly, to drive.
M
uch is expected from the SUV market these days. With so much choice on the forecourt, buyers are looking for a vehicle to cope with venturing off-road – but to do so in the lap of luxury. With the 2016 Lexus LX 570, these market expectations are met. This upgraded model has already piqued much interest, and come the first quarter of 2016, we anticipate seeing several of these distinctive SUVs on the SZR. “The new luxury LX represents the latest Lexus’ design direction, expressiveness and performance,” says Chris Buxton, General Manager of Lexus Sales at Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor of the car brand. “The new vehicle continues to up the ante of the luxury SUV driving, thanks to its new styling, performance, technology, and luxury features.” Prestige takes a closer look at this evolution of style and substance. EXTERIOR Primed for an upgrade since its last development in 2008, the LX 570’s exterior has gone through more of a trim and tone, than a total body blitz. A more aggressive spindle grille is the main focus with a dramatic pinched in fascia and tightly creased, angular LED lights and units. Sequential LED turn signal lamps – utilised in a Lexus vehicle for the first time – means increased visibility when turning. And the side profile has been refined, as has the rear, which cuts a sturdy yet graceful outline. To the details: seven exterior colours are available including two new tones – Sonic Titanium and Deep Blue MC. All colours are
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designed to reflect the LX’s dynamic surface and are developed through a multi-stage paint process that gives the cars their jewel-like lustre. Perfect for that UAE sunshine bouncing off the bumper as you’re cruising into the desert sands or hitting the roads between Emirates. What else is new? Oh, 21-inch aluminium wheels are available for the first time too. After all, it’s all about the final flourishes. INTERIOR Inside, and the interior is a tech-loaded lap of luxury. As with other recent Lexus vehicles, the interior layout has been designed following the Lexus’ Human Oriented concept, which locates controls in an easily accessible area closer to the driver. The new, larger 12.3inch navigation screen can now show several view combinations to assist the driver, whilst the 570 also puts more information directly into the driver’s line of sight. The newly available Heads-Up Display shows vehicle speed, warnings, information icons, and much more. Additions to the LX’s already-luxe interior include four new wood-trim selections – Matte Walnut, Linear Dark Mocha, Linear Espresso, and Dark Brown Walnut – all complemented by the new wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel. A new analog clock rests in an aluminium surround and packs the requisite modern touches by featuring LED hands and markers as well as GPSregulated time-change functionality. In last year’s upgrade, there was the integration of Apple’s Siri Eyes Free tech, which lets occupants access iTunes,
Apple Maps (with turn-by-turn navigation), and more via voice through the Siri digital assistant. Tunes roll forth from your choice of AM/FM/satellite/HD radio, CD, Bluetooth, iTunes, or USB, and play through a nine-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system. The passenger-pleasing 11.6inch screens replace the former 7inch versions in the rear seat entertainment system in this edition, whilst the luxury touches continue with the Lexusexclusive Mark Levinson surround sound. ENGINE As with the exterior, the 2016 LX 570’s powertrain is a mix of old and new. Power comes from the same 383-hp 5.7litre V-8 as before, but Lexus has included an eight-speed unit. Those familiar with Lexus will be thankful to see the Drive Mode Select system, which allows the driver to choose from four modes that tailor the suspension and powertrain response via a dial on the console. Eco focuses on saving fuel and dials back the A/C for increased efficiency; Comfort sets up the carry-over Adaptive Variable Suspension for a smooth ride; Sport heightens powertrain response and dials back the steering assist; Sport+ firms up the suspension for maximum agility. A new suite of safety features are also included, such as a package comprising a pre-crash system with pedestrian detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beam. Safer, smoother, smarter; the all-new Lexus LX 570 ticks the boxes.
LEXUS 570 HORSEPOWER
• 5.7litre V8 engine • Lexus Safety System + • Starting from 385,000AED
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Shopping
THE ROGER DUBUIS VELVET RIBBON
Exceedingly sophisticated and feminine, this is a timepiece for the refined and discerning woman. The Haute Joaillerie sparkler, featuring 631 diamonds, is a testament to Roger Dubuis’ uncompromising technical standards, with solid foundations, a stunning flair for design, as well as magnificent gemsetting. Even the caseback of this Poinçon de Genève-certified watch is set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
THE PANERAI LO SCIENZIATO LUMINOR 1950 TOURBILLON GMT TITANIO
Dedicated to the genius of Galileo Galilei, this updated Lo Scienziato is now skeletonised, and for the first time, made of titatium. A special edition of only 150 pieces, this watch is remarkably light, thanks to skeletonised bridges, plates, and spring barrels, as well as the absence of a traditional dial. All elements are directly attached to the movement or the flange. The timepiece features an alligator strap in anthracite, in perfect harmony with the titatinum.
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THE JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO TRIBUTE GYROTOURBILLON
A grand complication model to celebrate the Reverso’s 85th anniversary, this piece features a sophisticated case housing an unusual movement with an entirely openworked back dial. In this iteration, width and thickness are trimmed by 30%. The platinum model is limited to just 75 watches.
THE AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CONCEPT SUPERSONNERIE
Presented in a light titanium case that prevents sound absorption and boosts amplification, this exclusive-production timepiece is precisionmade to awaken sound. Boasting unprecedented acoustic performance, refined sound quality, and the harmonic tone of traditional pocket-watch, it remains a contemporary minute repeater wristwatch. The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie comes with a black rubber strap with a titanium AP folding clasp.
THE MONTBLANC 4810 EXOTOURBILLON SLIM
From the new 4810 Collection celebrating Montblanc’s 110th anniversary, this watch is a reliable performance piece for the modern traveller. Strong and elegant, the timepiece features a guilloché dial, and red gold Roman numerals and indexes. Fitted with a black alligator strap, the 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim combines the Maison’s patented movement complication with a quick stop-second function.
THE RICHARD MILLE RM 5002 ACJ TOURBILLON SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH
This new aviation inspired timepiece draws its design elements from the luxurious airplanes built to the exacting requirements of clients by Airbus Corporate Jets. It makes use of grade 5 titanium bridges and baseplates for its internal design, along with an extensive application of skeletonisation to every possible area. Many of the watch’s parts are coated with a special aeronautical coating, used to protect airplane engine and chassis parts.
THE LONGINES DOLCEVITA
Steel and gold are combined in this elegant timepiece that embodies glamour and grace. The watch is an homage to “La Dolce Vita”, the sweet life, and blends geometric lines with soft curves to create a contemporary, yet feminine piece. The solid rose gold crown of the DolceVita and the touch of pink on the dial match the rose gold and steel band, and is also available in a version set with diamonds.
THE VAN CLEEF & ARPELS MIDNIGHT NUIT LUMINEUSE
Inspired by a dream to illuminate the dial of a Poetic Complication in a mechanical way, this timepiece makes this vision a reality. On a background of aventurine glass, diamond stars shine, with constellations including the Unicorn traced out on the dial. The watch, inspired by the piezoelectricity phenomenon, contains a strip of ceramic which, when the movement causes it to vibrate, generates electrical energy. This power six diodes which, on demand back-light the six diamonds visible on the dial.
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Shopping ROBERTO COIN
Rubies and diamonds come together in the Fantasia Fireworks Collection. Fluid and intricate, these earrings are a vibrant addition to any jewellery collection, and come with a matching ring.
ATELIER VERSACE
The ultimate expression of female power, beauty and strength, this necklace set with pear-shaped diamonds is at once elegant and exuberant.
CHOPARD
This dazzling cuff bracelet combines coloured precious stones with titanium. Rows of flowers with pear-shaped diamond petals sparkle with graded shades of blue sapphires, Paraiba tourmalines, and white diamonds.
ROBERT WAN
Known as the Pearl Emperor of Tahiti, Robert Wan crafted this necklace from Tahitian black pearls. This piece, from the Jewels of the Southern Seas collection, is a shimmering and sensual addition to any collection.
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ULYSSE NARDIN
The Hourstriker Horse is a celebration of equine beauty and power, and of the deep connection between horse and man. The limited edition timepiece is available in 18 carat rose gold or in platinum, and features hand-carved Jaquemarts on a genuine black onyx dial.
TUMI
Sophisticated and practical, the Sinclair Harlow leather backpack is a versatile piece of luggage. Whether for business, commuting, or for every day wear, it also features a separate laptop compartment.
KARTELL
Plastic is fantastic in this Kartell Grace K bag, a sophisticated piece with brilliant finishes of metallic gold, copper, silver, and titanium. The gold chain strap adds a classic edge.
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S P O R T I N G TA L K
Cristina Gusita THE POLO COORDINATOR GENERAL OF THE DUBAI POLO GOLD CUP SERIES, CRISTINA GUSITA SHARES WITH EQUESTRIO ARABIA THE EXCITING PLANS FOR THE NEW AL HABTOOR POLO CLUB AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE GROWTH OF POLO IN DUBAI.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE My role as Polo Co-Ordinator General encapsulates everything regarding event and Club sponsors, branding, organizing the tournament, teams, media, entertainment. The list is endless! I have been involved with organising polo for nine years and it has been an exciting development.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS SPORT? First the game itself it is very important; once you understand it then the feeling of watching and knowing the game is like no other. I also appreciate the other side, the social aspect of the tournaments, where high-class people get together to enjoy a beautiful day at the polo, entertainment etc. is delightful.
WHAT IS THE GROUP’S PLANS FOR THE GROWTH OF THE TOURNAMENT? WHAT ARE ITS MAIN AIMS? Both my personal and on the larger scheme aims are to encourage more people from the Emirates to play the sport of kings, and also to encourage more international teams to participate.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE SPORT DEVELOPING IN DUBAI? In the past decade it has increased dramatically; more and more brands and people are interested in this beautiful sport, both locally and internationally. With the new Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, I’m sure we are going to succeed in developing the sport to its maximum potential.
TELL US ABOUT THE 2016 EDITIONS OF THE TOURNAMENT AND YOUR HOPES TO BE PLAYING AT THE NEW GROUNDS: The Dubai polo Gold Cup will be played at the new Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club in 2017. It will be a dream come true for me, as the polo fields and facilities at the new Polo Club are incredible and will attract players and polo lovers from across the GCC and the world. The season schedule will have more high goal tournaments, not only The Gold Cup Series, but more will be added. Once the fields are perfect and more polo ponies available, it’s only one small step for players and patrons to join the Club. At this point, Dubai is a big attraction in the Polo World. Every professional around the world wishes to play for The Dubai Polo Gold Cup.
HOW DO YOU ATTRACT SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS TO YOUR EVENTS? WHAT ARE THE KEY THEMES THAT THEY MUST SHARE? There are many factors which appeal to high-end sponsors wishing to have face-time with the clientele and supporters of polo. First of all The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series enjoys a respected position in the polo calendar only behind the likes of the UK, US and Argentina and it’s the highest handicap tournament in the Middle East Africa and Asia region. In 2015 the World Polo Tour upgraded the tournament from Challenge Cup status to the highly coveted World Polo Tour Cup. Some of the biggest names in polo participate in the tournament such as the 9 goaler, Lucas Montverde who plays for the UAE Polo Team with patron HH Shaikha Maitha bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Other high goalers include Zedan 10 goaler, Pablo McDonough, Mahras’ Alejandro Novillo Astrada and Bin Drai’s Guillermo Terrera. With such talent and prestige, it is no wonder that brands are attracted to our tournaments. And we are delighted with their continued support. 108
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