HH Shk Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Book

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book 2014

Copyright @ 2014 by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

All rights reserved including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. This book is the proprietary work of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. Any unauthorised use of this copyrighted material or use of any of these terms in relation to goods and /or services (including seminars, workshops, training programmes, conferences, classes etc) is prohibited without the prior express written permission of the copyright holder.

Copyright @ 2014 by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

All rights reserved.

HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book 2014

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ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book 2014 Compiled by

M. Satya Narayan

Copyright @ 2014 by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book 2014 All rights reserved including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

This book is the proprietary work of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. Any unauthorised use of this copyrighted material or use of any of these terms in relation to goods and /or services (including seminars, workshops, training programmes, conferences, classes etc) is prohibited without the prior express written permission of the copyright holder.

Copyright @ 2014 by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

All rights reserved.

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ACTIVITIES

Contents Foreword 4-5

Abu Dhabi International Hunting

Messages 7-20

& Equestrian Exhibition, 2014

2014- Monumental achievements

21-24

Festival, AD Falconry Club enhance ties

66

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup

25-27

Festival support for German Aseel Cup

67-68

Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Cup Endurance

28-30

Research continues on jockeys weight, food management

69-70

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Cup Endurance

31-33

Sheikh Zayed Bin Mansoor Cup Endurance

34-35

Darley Awards USA 2013

71-75

Frontiera Endurance, Portugal

36-37

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards 2013

76-80

Compiegne Endurance, France

38-39

5th World Arabian Horse Racing Conference, London

81-93

Tetford Forest Endurance, United Kingdom

40-41

HH Sheikha Fatima International Conference

European Jr. Endurance Championship, Verona, Italy

42-43

on Education and Training

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Ladies Endurance Cup, Verona, Italy

44-45

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Race Series

Italian Endurance Festival Rides, Verona

46-47

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World

World Championship for Young Horses, Samorin, Slovakia

48-50

Championship (IFAHR)

Lara Sawaya elevated to Executive Director of Festival

51

62-65

94-97

98-151

152-209

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World

Festival stand in Oman horse and camel exhibition

52-53

Apprentice Championship

IFAHR names Ms Sawaya to head Apprentice racing

54-55

Wathba Stud Farm Cup (Abu Dhabi) Series

227-257

Sheikh Nahyan unveils Festival’s 2013 Year Book

56-58

Wathba Stud Farm Cup (International) Series

258-298

Sawaya to head Abu Dhabi-based IFHRA Festival stand - a big hit at Arabian Travel Market

59 60-61

‘One World, Six Continents’ Grand finale Acknowledgements

210-226

299-327

329

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he Festival started in 2009 and at the initiation stage the sole aim was to continue in the path of our Father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had endeared the principles of culture and heritage in general and the passion for Purebred Arabian horses in particular, to a whole nation.

While we continue to tread on that path, the last six years of the Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has been highly successful in promoting the skills of the Purebred Arabian horse, both in Flat-racing as well as the long-distance sport of Endurance.

The racing of Arabian horses is an inherent part of our heritage and today, when we no longer need to depend on them for our very livelihood, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy the cultural and sporting aspects associated with these magnificent horses.

The year 2014 has seen a lot of additions to the Festival and the events laid out through the year stop at six continents while continuing in its effort to enhance the status of the Purebred Arabian horse.

Recording and recapturing the various hues of the Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s activities in 2014 is the Year Book, which is being brought out for the fourth consecutive year.

The Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Year Book 2014 should serve as a testimony to the growing importance and achievements of the Purebred Arabian race horses as well as the passionate fraternity that is behind the success of this noble creature..

Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan |4

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HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF THE UAE AND MINISTER OF PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS 5|

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he milestones created by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival best illustrate the foremost objectives of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

TCA Abu Dhabi maintains, safeguards and manages the cultural heritage of the Emirate. Traditional activities and heritage sport have been practiced for generations and the Purebred Arabian horse has always been part of the UAE’s culture and rich heritage.

Over the past few years, reviving the status of the Purebred Arabian as one of the symbols of the UAE’s ‘past, present and future’ has been successfully undertaken by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

An initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has made its presence felt at the global level.

The support of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has ensured that the Festival has become one of TCA Abu Dhabi’s principal events.

Looking back, the international endeavor was an exceptional first

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TCA ABU DHABI PROUD OF FESTIVAL’S SUCCESS stride onto the global stage for a series which has fast become one of the most popular, flourishing and progressive Purebred Arabian race events in the world.

While the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race series, which comprises Group, Listed and Prestige races, are held around the world, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship series has been a visionary step in the global promotion of lady jockeys.

The Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup series, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Award, the annual World Arabian Horse Racing Conference have all added impetus to preserving the heritage of Purebred Arabian horses.

The newly-added HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Apprentice Championship have also provided a huge boost to Purebred Arabian racing and to jockeys. The support to a growing number of Endurance rides at home and abroad has added a new chapter to the Festival’s success story.

Now this fourth edition of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book 2014 is another notable achievement as it is the first publication that is dedicated to a Purebred Arabian race series.

The Year Book gives TCA Abu Dhabi another reason to celebrate the world-wide success of this unparalleled Festival.

Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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ACTIVITIES

EMIRATES AIRLINES’ SUPPORT CONTINUES TO GROW

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s one of the world’s leading international airlines, we are privileged to continue our partnership with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Emirates’ sponsorship of this prestigious event has now entered another season.

At Emirates, we are committed to supporting the sport of horse racing, both in the UAE and internationally, demonstrated by our partnerships with many elite racing clubs and marquee races around the globe.

Our sponsorship of this world class racing festival demonstrated this commitment. We are meticulous about the entities that we sponsor, ensuring that each one of them combine with our commitment to quality and passion for success.

For Emirates, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is a perfect match.

What is evident is the concerted effort that Emirates and the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has on the sport of Purebred Arabian racing. We are both born from the rich fabric of the UAE and have achieved international recognition, through impressive growth and copious success.

As globally recognised brands, we represent the diverse culture of the UAE and the

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future vision of our nation’s respected leaders.

Emirates is no stranger to the world of horse racing. We are passionate about the sport and have invested significantly in prominent equine events around the globe. In the UAE, Emirates is the Official Sponsor of the $10 million Dubai World Cup, the richest horse race in the world. Emirates also sponsors the internationally acclaimed Godolphin stable.

Our scale of horse racing sponsorships is widespread, stretching to far-off corners of the globe, much like our route network.

These events are all internationally recognised, further

promoting the Emirates brand and with it, the UAE. Some of our most illustrious racing sponsorships include the Melbourne Cup Carnival in Australia and the Breeders’ Cup Turf at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in the US. Our renewed sponsorship of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival has added further appeal to our already extensive portfolio.

We are honoured to once again be a sponsor of this racing festival and see this as the continuation of a fruitful and mutually beneficial association.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group

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Jasem Al Darmaki

Acting Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

his could not be a more appropriate time to record another glorious year of activities of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. Launched under directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has attained significant growth and has made meaningful progress at the global level.

And if there is one factor that ceases to surprise it is the progress that the Purebred Arabian horse has made as a racing champion and as an endurance star.

Since time immemorial the Arabian horse has played a fundamental role in the history and culture of the Arab people.

Owning an Arabian stallion was a matter of great pride as these noble and handsome creatures partnered Arabs during times of war and peace.

Arabian horses have also established their stamina and durability and horse racing as a rule, has been a sport that Arabs have practiced since ancient times. It is a well-known fact that Arabian stallions were the founding fathers of the modern thoroughbred racehorse.

Purebred Arabian horse racing

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CELEBRATING A GLORIOUS YEAR OF ARABIAN RACING is integral to the UAE’s history and culture and is popularly followed all over the Emirates.

In organising the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, we have preserved the UAE’s cultural, heritage and traditions.

Under the directives and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World, the Festival has achieved phenomenal success and we will strive to build on this success.

By promoting this sport globally, the Festival seeks to enhance the status of Arabian racing. The Festival of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor has, in a comparatively short time span, helped revive Arabian racing in many centres in the world – something our authority is keen to further grow.

We are encouraged by the success that the Festival has achieved and are confident that Purebred Arabian horses will prove that they are equally adept at flat racing as they are in other areas of equestrian sport.

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PIVOTAL ROLE PLAYED BY MEDIA

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ince ages, people of the UAE as well as those in the Arabian Gulf region have always enjoyed a close relationship with Purebred Arabian horses.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, by staging activities concerning the Arabian horse, has underlined the great importance the breed of horse as well as its status as a racing horse, enjoys.

Since the start in 2009 some very important and interesting aspects of Purebred Arabians has come to the fore and we are confident that the future activities of the will further bolster Purebred Racing and its allied sectors.

The role of the media is crucial to the success of any initiative or campaign and the professional manner in which the activities of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival have been conducted has helped in this direction.

The media, both within the UAE and at the global level have accorded great space and air time for the Festival’s

activities and that has played a pivotal role in its success.

With His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood directly involved in the Festival’s activities it is no surprise that the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has progressed from strength to strength and reached the UAE’s message far and wide.

This fourth edition of the Year Book which encapsulates all the Festival’s action on the tracks and in conferences, seminars and award ceremonies, is an apt reflection of the professionalism and class with which every aspect of the Festival is treated with.

Wishing all a happy reading of the Year Book 2014.

Mohamed Ebraheem Al Mahmood, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Media

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t the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) we feel extremely privileged to be involved with such a prestigious event as the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The Festival has contributed significantly to strengthening and enhancing Purebred Arabian racing in the UAE, Arab Region and globally and has also created exciting new opportunities for lady and Apprentice jockeys and women.

ADSC would like to place opn record its gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World, who have driven the Festival with their far-sightedness and constant encouragement.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has played a pivotal role in fortifying and enhancing the status of Purebred Arabian and has made a big impression on the global stage.

We at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council feel honored to support the activities of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival which has completed six successful years and steps into a seventh in 2015..

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ADSC STRONGLY BACK FESTIVAL’S ACTIVITIES The many events organized under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival also contribute significantly to preserving the heritage and traditions of the UAE, and help demonstrated the immense care and encouragement offered to Arabian horses by the UAE’s wise leadership.

The Festival is yet another initiative by our esteemed leaders to cement and consolidate the successes of equestrian sports in general and women’s sports at local and international levels.

We extend our deep and sincere thanks and gratitude to the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, and we do appreciate and recognize all efforts that led to the success and revival of Arabian racing through this initiative.

We at Abu Dhabi Sports Council will always be pleased and honored to help in such endeavors which put the UAE’s and Abu Dhabi’s name and reputation on the international sporting map.

Aref Alawani,

Secretary General Abu Dhabi Sports Council

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ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL ARCHIVES PLEASED TO SUPPORT FESTIVAL

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Dr. Abdulla Elreyes

Director-General of the UAE National Archives, Ministry of Presidential Affairs. | 12

he UAE National Archives has long been a supporter of both national and international cultural and sports events, and is proud now to sponsor the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. This continues the already strong ties the National Archives maintains with the community and national institutions.

The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundation for this sport, making it a part of our national heritage, and instilled a deep love of thoroughbred Arabian horses amongst the public. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National Archives has taken the same road. His love for Purebred Arabian horses is reflected in horse races being sponsored in the UAE and abroad, and he has played a critical role in improving the sport, giving it a status and momentum that has propelled it to the very top level worldwide.

His Highness sees this event as an important thread in weaving the fabric of the Emirati environment. The Arabian horse tradition was handed down from the past, and remains a building block of our present as much as a cornerstone for the future.

The National Archives is indeed pleased to be able to sponsor the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. This event brings a focus on authentic features of past Emirati life-style while instilling a sense of identity and belonging amongst younger generations, with hopes they will appreciate and preserve these traditions into the future.

Finally, it gives me great pleasure and honor to thank Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival for providing us with the opportunity to participate in this prestigious organization as a Main Sponsor. Without her dedication and support this dream would not have been achieved.

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nder the wise and generous guidance HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival has spared no effort to further foster the Purebred Arabian horse.

Arabian horse lovers all over the world owe a deep debt of gratitude to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the approach he has taken to promote and encourage the development of Arabian horses around the world, under the banner of the successful HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

For the past twenty years or so HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, together with all of their Highnesses, the Sheikhs of the United Arab Emirates have shown their love for the Purebred Arabian horse which has played such an important part in the lives of our ancestors throughout the ages.

Over the years, because of the progress of modern Arabia, the equine culture was briefly overlooked. But now, thanks to the efforts and objectives of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, the culture of the Purebred Arabian horse has once more secured a prominent position around the world with races being held on a regular basis.

Great credit must also be given to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World, for the encouragement and support that she has given to the promotion of lady jockeys of all nationalities. And thanks to her support these races have been become very popular around the world and is encouraging more girls to take up the sport.

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SIGNIFICANT BOOST FOR PUREBRED ARABIAN RACING

We at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, under the kind patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan are proud to have been part of the revival of the heritage of the Purebred Arabian Horse throughout the world and take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to H.H Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club

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OPPORTUNITIES GALORE FOR LADIES IN RACING

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Noora Al Suwaidi,

Secretary General, UAE General Women’s Union Chairman of the UAE Women’s Sports Committee Member of the UAE Olympic Committee

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t has been another year of outstanding performances by lady jockeys and we are proud that this is due to one of the many exciting initiatives by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World.

The support of HH Sheikha Fatima has had a significant impact on further fostering the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival..

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, who has pioneered the women’s movement in the UAE ever since the General Women’s Union was established, has succeeded in achieving a qualitative change for women and is continuing to strive for women’s development in the UAE, the region and the world.

Under her wise and able leadership Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the UAE General Women’s Union played a substantial role in the success of the events organised by the Festival.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) has

grown beyond expectations and as a result more countries are encouraging lady jockeys to the participate in the Festival.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards acknowledged the role of women in Purebred Arabian racing by honoring the leading riders.

The Festival also introduced the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) which ran over five rounds starting with Sacramento, in the US and culminating in a grand final in Abu Dhabi in November, 2014. This is another important addition thanks to the UAE leadership.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Conference of Education and Training and provided a lot of information on the status of jockey training schools and apprentice jockeys around the world. This will serve the future of aspiring jockeys in a very positive way.

It has been a great season of success and all and our thanks and gratitude go to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and our ‘Mother of the UAE’ HH Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak for the constant attention and supervision that they have provided to us.

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IFAHR INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IS A HUGE STEP FORWARD

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Sami Jassim Al Boenain

Chairman of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing’s (IFAHR)

he year 2014 has been a remarkable one for IFAHR, the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and for Purebred Arabian racing.

In fact ever since the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival stepped in to promote and support Arabian racing in 2009, IFAHR have been strong partners and have worked tirelessly with just one goal – the Purebred Arabian horse.

During the 17th General Assembly meeting of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), which was held at the Le Meridien Hotel in Paris on Monday, October 6, the one piece of news which certainly thrilled most present was the IFAHR International Agreement which aims to find a common set of standards that most countries can agree upon between them.

It was decided in 2013 to create this agreement for all members and this has now been done. We distributed it in its present form to all Racing Authorities in IFAHR member countries via IFAHR members.

This agreement allows each member country to choose what articles they accept and in this way at least all trainers, owners, sponsors etc will get a clear view on the situation in each country. the IFAHR International Agreement brings together a series of Articles, setting out recommended best practice in significant areas of racing and stud book administration common to all jurisdictions.

The Articles include Definition of a Purebred Arabian Horse; Eligibility to Race; Embryo Transfer; Racing Ages; Export Certificate; Registration of Names; Use of a Suffix showing the country of

Foaling and Arabian Pattern Race and Handicapper Committee Rules.

The IFAHR meeting also admitted two new members – Iran and Portugal and also accepted and approved the rules of the Pattern Racing Committee.

With the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival also increasing the number of races and also introducing the new HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship the year 2014 got bigger.

The formation of the Abu Dhabi-based International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) will now lay special focus on racing academies.

Finally we owe all success to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood for their wholehearted support and vision in promoting Arabian racing.

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ACTIVITIES

SAFEGUARDING PURITY OF ARABIAN BLOODLINES

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ith the kind of patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS) was founded in 1989. The EAHS registers Arabian horses in the UAE and is the keeper of the studbook.

Its duty includes defending, with dedication and care, the heritage and purity of the bloodlines of Arabian horses.

The world-class standard and the internationally recognised quality of Arabian horses in the Emirates is already fully appreciated and will be further promoted.

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ACTIVITIES

FESTIVAL HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION

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n the quest for new sources of return, investors are acknowledging the potential of frontier markets: regions where growing populations, vibrant entrepreneurialism and stabilising societies create a “sweet spot” for investing.

Africa and the Middle East are such regions, together forming the largest unit of frontier market opportunities.

Invest AD - the Abu Dhabi Investment Company - has been operating in these markets for over 30 years, acquiring the multi-layered experience and extensive networks necessary to access and identify real opportunity for our clients.

Owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Invest AD is an independently run asset manager, operating with a single goal: to provide excellent returns for investors who - increasingly - are looking to allocate assets to frontier opportunities.

Invest AD is a proud sponsor of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival because we believe that this festival demonstrates the rich heritage of this region, while making a significant contribution to the development of the sport on a global scale.

The company employs international best practices for risk management and control. The team follows the CFA Code of Professional Conduct and its own strict internal codes of conduct.

By employing best-in-class systems and international independent fund services providers, Invest AD gives clients the highest-quality business infrastructure.

Invest AD is a proud sponsor of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival because we believe that this festival demonstrates the rich heritage of this region, while making a significant contribution to the development of the sport on a global scale.

Invest AD offers institutional investors expert access to securities markets across the Middle East and Africa through equities and fixed income funds, discretionary managed accounts, and the provision of sub-advisory services to other fund managers.

The company manages both panregional and country-specific frontier markets funds, the latter designed to benefit from early-mover advantage in markets that have previously been difficult to access.

Invest AD’s portfolio managers and analysts benefit from top-level financial services experience in global markets.

They draw on a deep understanding of the diversity of the African and Middle East regions, and place an emphasis on direct contact with senior management of companies and policy makers, whether they are based in Rabat, Accra, or Riyadh.

We wish the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival the best in all their future activities.

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ACTIVITIES

TDIC IS STRONG PARTNER OF FESTIVAL

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he Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is delighted to be a part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The Festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and TDIC was created to be the dedicated tourism asset management and development arm of TCA Abu Dhabi.

TDIC is the master developer of major tourism cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi.

Today, much of our success can be attributed to our ability to respond to the needs of the modern global economy, while dealing with the complex mechanisms of finance and economics and recognising that design and investment are fundamentally connected.

Through investment partnerships and joint ventures, TDIC has played an important role in Abu Dhabi’s continual evolution as a world-class destination for tourists, businesses and residents alike.

Abu Dhabi’s premier developers Our impressive portfolio of projects embraces all aspects of Abu Dhabi’s heritage and culture, while preserving the country’s natural beauty and enriching people’s lives. Our unrivalled reputation in the industry has been built around our transparency, proven abilities and compelling value proposition.

By working closely with both public and private sectors, sustainability is built into every project in order to help facilitate the future economic diversification of Abu Dhabi.

We see our strength in our ability to identify real estate and development opportunities that support sustainable tourism. We work towards developing partnerships and relationships that create solid foundations for the future of the Emirate, as well as provide investment opportunities for private and public sector companies. Our projects are delivered to the highest standards and meet the needs of Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing tourism industry. We are also involved in creating destinations that will ensure a long-term future for Abu Dhabi tourism, supporting the implementation of the Economic Vision of Abu Dhabi 2030.

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ACTIVITIES

AL AWANI GENERAL ENTERPRISES

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stablished in 1983, Al Awani General Enterprises Est, is the market leader in the Middle East’s equestrian industry, specialising in the marketing of a wide range of branded equine products. Our mission is to benefit the lives of horses of all types in every discipline, through the very best products that make a difference in the equine industry.

Based in Abu Dhabi, the company is a well established 100 per cent privately owned business entity which applies ethical business practices with a modern approach, thereby holding a substantial competitive edge and extraordinary customer appeal in the Middle East equestrian market. As the agents for a wide range of equestrian products in the Middle East countries — namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman — all products are sold to distributors, mass merchants, retailers, horse stables, individual horse owners, veterinary establishments and over-the-counter sale at our chain stores in these countries.

Our product range includes horse feed, fodder, wood shavings, veterinary medication, feed supplements, premises & on animal fly-control products, saddleries, riding gear, racing, endurance and polo equipment, horse shoes, farrier tools, stable and tack equipment, riding arena, PVC paddock & electric fencing, stables, horse walkers, show jumping equipment, horse transportation vehicles, etc.

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ACTIVITIES

PROUD TO BE A PART OF A UNIQUE ENDEAVOUR

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e are extremely proud and honored to contribute to the success of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and its many accomplishments..

We are is grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for giving us this opportunity to support the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

We have already observed the substantial success that Purebred Arabian horses have enjoyed around the globe and in the UAE in particular.

The large crowds which have attended the races and events confirms the success of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Purebred Arabian horses have always been a part of the UAE’s heritage and culture and Purebred Arabian racing is a very popular sport not only in the UAE but all over the world.

There is a growing awareness of the ability of this noble creature and the Festival is going the right way with its events in promoting the sport.

We are also thankful to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World.

Once again, I would like to stress that we are delighted to be part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and we pray and hope that the activities of the Festival will further benefit Purebred Arabian flat racing.

Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland | 20

2014 - A year of monumental achievements for Festival

ACTIVITIES

COMPREHENSIVE

HH Sheikh Mansoor’s horses won every Purebred Arabian Group 1 race held in the UAE in 2013-14

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t has been another year of monumental achievements both on and off the field for HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival in 2014.

HH Sheikh Mansoor, who has a keen eye for Arabian race horses and has been a champion Endurance rider himself, had been present at every endurance event in the capital in 2014. But his biggest success, in fact a feat never achieved by any owner since organised racing began in the UAE nearly 30 years ago, was a clean sweep by his Purebred Arabian horses of every Group 1 race held in the UAE in the 2013-14 season.

Again this success was achieved with the help of an Emirati trainer, Majid Al Jahouri, which by itself is another success for the focus and care that HH Sheikh Mansoor takes in nurturing local talent. Al Jahouri won all the seven Group 1 races with horses owned by HH Sheikh

Thakif, owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs was one of the star performers as HH Sheikh Mansoor’s horses swept the Group 1 races in the UAE. 21 |

ACTIVITIES Mansoor and topped with a brilliant success in the Group 1 Kahayla Classic on the world’s richest race meeting – the Dubai World Cup. The clean sweep of the country’s top prizes was achieved when Rabbah De

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Carrere romped home in the Kahayla Classic, the opening race on the Dubai World Cup night card. Rabbah De Carrere, drawn in Gate 15, had to wait for an opening and when it appeared, his rider Olivier Peslier produced an electrify-

ing finish down the rails to collar Djainka Des Forges and deny Qatar from winning the prize for a third successive year.

While this success on home soil in a sport that is so dear to each and every Arab, there

was more success in store for the sports-loving HH Sheikh Mansoor. Manchester City, owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor, were crowned Premier League football champions for the second time in three years on May 11, 2014,to reign

supreme in what is considered as one of the toughest leagues in world football.

Meanwhile, the period from January to November, 2014 was phenomenal for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian

endurance rides being held in Portugal, France, Italy, UK and Slovakia.

HH Sheikh Mansoor also supported the research and study by the Liverpool John Moores University on jockeys’ weights.

This year the status of Purebred Arabians touched a new high when the Festival- sponsored Darley US Awards and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards were staged at the Dolby Theatre, the home of the Oscars, in Hollywood.

The St. James Theatre in London was the venue for the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference 2014 with a welcoming dinner ceremony at Banqueting House and a Gala Dinner at Guildhall to round off the thought-provoking conference.

Another conference staged by the Festival in November was the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Conference of Education and Training and provided a lot of information on the status of jockey training schools and apprentice jockeys around the world.

In November, 2014 His Highness Sheikh Mansoor initiated the start of a Federation to nurture and give a positive direction to aspiring flat racing jockeys. The result was the formation of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), a body which is now headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, the Festival’s presence at various Shows attracted a lot of VIP visitors

ACTIVITIES

Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The Festival’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race series and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) series under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World, continued to attract the cream of owners, trainers and jockeys, including the lady riders, in races held all over the world.

The Festival also introduced the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) which ran over five rounds starting with Sacramento, in the US and culminating in a grand final in Abu Dhabi in November.

At home and around the world the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series, under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, continued to create ripples in furthering the cause of Purebred Arabian racing.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival staged a series of endurance races at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, followed by an impressive campaign in Europe with

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ACTIVITIES and others and the Festival’s activities were explained to them.

The third HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival YEAR BOOK 2014, which was launched at the Abu

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Dhabi Book Fair, was a much sought-after item in the shows.

And looking ahead at 2015, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has announced a Triple

Jewel for the US races in the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, an increase in the number of races in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) and the world’s richest race for Purebred Arabian races to

be held in Abu Dhabi in November 2015 as the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (The National Day Cup) Group 1.

The race, to be run on November 8, 2015, will carry a total prize fund of Euros 1.2 million and will be run over

1,600 metres.

Thus after a successful 2014, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival looks to make the year 2015 an equally memorable and success-filled period.

Bastons wins HH Sheikha Fatima Ladies Endurance Cup

ACTIVITIES

FEMALE POWER

Top five lady riders in the 90-km event win a 4WD car each apart from a slice the of cash prize on offer

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rgentina’s Catalina Bastons, riding 10-yearold bay gelding Moreno, won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup, a 90-km CEN ride held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

The UAE’s Aya Abdulla Reda Ishaq Ali on Oued El Kebir Larzac finished third behind Spanish rider Laia Soria Pinol to salvage some pride for the UAE riders, who had swept the top ten places in last year’s ride.

Another Spanish rider Nuria Figueiras Rifa on Vitamina II and Ireland’s Amy Louis on Terminator Te finished 4th and 5th respectively and were part of the top five pack of lady riders who won a 4WD car each apart from a slice of the Dh 300,000 on offer.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Moham-

med Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs attended the 90-km race which attracted over a hundred lady riders from all over the world.

The winning Argentine praised her horse Moreno and said the Al Reef Stables and the trainer Abdullah Al Hammadi (who trained both the first and second-placed horses) had done a great job in preparing the horse for this important and prestigious ride. “I am delighted as the UAE lady riders are very strong and today’s start list

RESULT Top five in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup 90-km CEN ride: 1. Catalina Bastons-Argentina (Moreno) 2 hrs 58 mins 40 secs; 2. Laia Soria Pinol-Spain- (KY Inefe) 2:58.41 3. Aya Abdulla Reda Ishaq Ali-UAE-( Oued El Kebir Larzac) 2:59.17; 4. Nuria Figueiras Rifa-Spain- (Vitamina II)3:07:24; 5. Amy Louis MC Auley-Ireland-(Terminator Te) 3:07:25.

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ACTIVITIES was a highly competitive one.

But both the weather as well as the course was in great shape and I enjoyed this win,�

Catalina Bastons said.

Along with the five 4WD cars and the Dh 300,000, an amount which will be shared by all those who completed the ride, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival also honoured the connections of Ameretto after the horse won the European Triple Crown of the Festival’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup for the third consecutive year. Owner Dr Paul Daviero and jockey Mauro Manueddu were elated as the owner received a special bonus of Euros 50,000 for the three-in-a-row win of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Triple Crown that comprised of races in Germany, Poland and Holland.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian

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ACTIVITIES Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR and Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa, Saif Sultan Al Awani, representative of Awani companies, Abdulrahman Rumaithi and Salah Al Marzouki from Abu Dhabi Sports Council attended the prize distribution ceremonies.

“The large number of starters, 106 in total, reflects the love and affection for the Mother of the UAE and the World Her Highness Sheikha

Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and

Childhood. This event also marks the UAE National Day and we thanks HH Sheikh Mansoor and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for all their support,” Ms Sawaya said.

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ACTIVITIES

EMPHATIC

Argentina’s Mendez wins Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Ladies Endurance Cup Partners 11-year-old Moreno to emerge on top in the 100-km Ladies Endurance Cup ride

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ilena Mendez from Argentina won the Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on February 27, 2015.

Mendez partnered 11-yearold Moreno to land the 100-km ride in three hours 18 minutes and 40 seconds. She maintained an average speed of 30.20 kmph in the ride which was run in three stages of 40 km, 40 km and 20 km respectively.

As many as 103 riders vied for the Championship.

UAE’s Nouf Abdul Reda Ali, astride 11-year-old Quid Du Barthas from the MRM Stables, was just two seconds behind in second place as another Argentinean contender Martina Spelanzon, riding eight-year-old Fangio Font Noire for Al Reef Stables, was seven minutes back in third place.

Polish rider Kamila Kart and the Egyptian lady Noura Abdulla took the fourth and fifth positions. All of them were rewarded with a 4WD

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ACTIVITIES car each.

Mendez was 18 seconds behind the UAE’s Ali when they set out on the final 20km loop and the Argentinian pressed her horse to clock an average of over 33kmph on that loop and that was enough to ensure her victory by a narrow two seconds.

Mendez, who is 21, has been working for the Al Ain Stables from the last two years. Her career spans over ten years but she tasted success of a winning ride only with this victory. “My horse is a true champion. It was a tough ride owing to harsh weather conditions.”

The ride was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as part of the HH Sheikh Man-

soor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The race was attended by HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave away the prizes and trophies for the winners.

The crowning ceremony was also attended by Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Lara

Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of the Int’l Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairman of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committee in the Int’l Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Af-

RESULT Top five in the Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup, CEN 100 Km Endurance Ride, Friday, February 27, 2015: 1. Milena Mendez –Argentina- (Moreno) 3hrs 18 mins 40 secs; 2. Nouf Abdul Reda Ali-UAE- (Quid Du Barthas) 3:18:42: 3. Martina Spelanzon-Argentina-(Fangio Font Noire) 03:25:12; 4. Kamila Kart-Poland- (Othentik Du Fausset) 03:30:33 5. Noura Abdulla Ahmed Mahmoud-UAE- (Azim SU)03:31:25: fairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre,

the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, Omeir Travels and

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| 30 ACTIVITIES

Iriarte wins Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Endurance Cup for second successive year

ACTIVITIES

REPEAT SHOW

Clocks an average speed of 29.14kmph to finish on top of a field of 118 riders in the 100-km ride

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ruguayan rider Jonatan Rivera Iriarte is second time lucky after she won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup again consecutively for the second year.

The 100-Km Endurance Ride was run at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday, February 28, 2015.

Iriarte won the ride partnering eight-year-old crossbred mare HH Ciabu from Al Ain Endurance Stables.

He won the ride in 03:25:53 seconds clocking an average speed of 29.14 kmph in the event which had a field of 118 riders.

Iriarte and HH Ciabu completed the first 40-km loop in 15th place, then moved into 5th place after the next 40-km and then sped away to win from the UAE’s Rashid Mohammed Ebrahim Al Baloushi on Cesar Cost for Zabeel Stables. Matar Saeed Moham-

med Al Kaabi onboard Em Caco finished third while Argentina’s Martina Spelanzon and Sabrina Mendiz took the next two places.

The top five riders were awarded 4WD cars each.

For Argentina’s Martina Spelanzon it was the second 4WD car in as many days as she was placed third just the previous day at the 100-km Sheikha Fatma Bint Man-

soor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup. The race was attended by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave away the prizes and trophies for the winners. The ceremony was also attended by Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairman of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committee in the Int’l Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

“I would like to dedicate my win to Saeed Suhail

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ACTIVITIES | 32

Al Yabhouni, owner and trainer of the Al Ain Stables” said the Uruguayan rider. The toughest part of the race was the final loop where all riders increased the speed to secure an early lead, but my horse was the best of all,” he added.

Al Yabhouni was over the moon to see his horse crossing the line ahead of the others and said: “Despite the grueling nature of the competition, our horse proved his class and lived up to our expectations.”

Ms Lara Sawaya commented: “It was a successful race thanks to the good performance and commitment of the riders.

Everything was fine and great right from the big crowd, the families and their children who have enjoyed the fun activities on the sidelines.”

RESULT Top five in the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup CEN 100 Km Ride held on Saturday, 28th February, 2015: 1. Jonatan Rivera Iriarte-URU- (HH Ciabu) 03hrs 25mins 53 secs 2. Rashid Mohammed Ibrahim Al Baloushi (Cesar Cost) 03:26:51 3. Matar Saeed Mohammed Al Kaabi (Em Caco) 03:28:30 4. Martina Spelanzon-ARG- ( Raymar Ali) 03:30:47 5. Sabrina Magali Mendiz –ARG-(Wally) 03:31:50

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ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

FAMILY FEAT

Al Jahouri bags Sheikh Zayed Bin Mansoor Endurance Cup Young rider dedicates his win to HH Sheikh Mansoor and also thanks his trainer-father Ali Khalfan

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Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri clinched the Sheikh Zayed Bin Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Juniors and Youth Endurance Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on Friday, March 6, 2015.

The CEN 100km ride was part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Riding eight-year-old Baraka Farad, from Wathba Stables, Al Jahouri covered the distance in 03:20:24 seconds riding on an average speed of 29.94 kmph.

The winner was ahead of Ali Rashid Al Ghailani who partnered 10-year-old Anglo Arab gelding Mustafa and behind them came Fatma Jassem Saeed Al Marri, riding Rosemary.

Al Jahouri dedicated his win to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and also

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thanked his father Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri who as the trainer had prepared the horse for the race. This was his debut win of the season and he hoped to better his performance in the upcoming events.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for staging such crucial events for the development and promotion of the sport.

He added that there was good response from the private stables and owners which only proved that the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is paying off,” he said.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi

Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, Omeir Travels and Racing Post.

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ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

FRONTEIRA, PORTUGAL

Spanish 1-2 in prestigious Atoleiros ride Five UAE lady riders complete the challenging ride in first international exposure of such magnitude

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival chose the Portuguese town of Fronteira to unveil its international endurance campaign for the year 2014.

Among the endurance rides supported by the Festival in Fronteira, located in the Alentejo region of Portugal was the CEI Atoleiros, an endurance event named in honour of the historic battle that took place there in 1384.

Commenting on the challenging nature of the course, Technical Delegate Abdul Aziz Sheikh said, “The course is partly a valley and the surface is uneven. In some areas there are stones, holes and muddy ground. The track is not very wide. It’s true that the riders were racing through green valley but the surface is not green at all. The underfoot condition is very challenging. The major parts of the track are ups and downs and it’s amazing to see the riders handling the course with this relatively high speed.”

FEI Endurance Director Ian Williams commented: “With an exciting combination of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival Endurance

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Cup and the Portuguese National Championships, this weekend looks to be a great event in Fronteira. With the recent initiatives taken by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to put the horse welfare and clean sport at the very top of the agenda, we are confident that the competitions will provide a spectacle of great horsemanship and fair play.”

It was a Spanish 1-2 finish in the prestigious CEI Atoleiros ride while the UAE lady endurance riders lapped up all the international experience they could with five of them completing the ride.

Villalon Torres on board Nabuco led a 1-2 finish for the Spanish riders. Parejo Gutierrez Loal, riding Beader was second and behind them

finished the French contender Joel Marescassier aboard Djitane De Leyre.

The UAE lady riders who rode were Aya Abdel Redha, Afra Al Suweidi, Ayesha Al Romaithy, Alia Al Khafaji, Shathra Al Hajjaj, Reem Shaaban, and Mayssa Al Braiki.

Ayesha Al Romaithi, who led for the first three stages dropped to fifth in the fourth vet gate, before being disqualified after an unfortunate fall. Shathra Al Hajjaj, the most illustrious rider of the team retired after vet gate three on veterinary grounds.

The remaining five UAE lady riders have completed the race to fill in the minor places in their first international exposure in a competition of such magnitude.

In the CEN One Star Ride, Joao Augus Noura, astride

ACTIVITIES Repoker did most of the work to cruise to a clear cut victory in front of Anna Darbas aboard Bab Al Shams. Marco Sardo partnered Outsider to finish third.

HE Saqer Nasser Ahmed Alraisi, UAE ambassador to Portugal, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Manoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival ,representatives of the Portuguese endurance organisation accompanied by other Arab and foreign ambassadors and officials crowned the winners.

Alraisi commented: “We are truly grateful to President HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme

Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for making our job very easy. The wise leadership of the country has already established solid relations with the outside world and the UAE-Portuguese ties are extremely strong in all aspects of life.”

Ms Sawaya said: “We are truly proud of the great success which has been achieved by the festival at this very beginning, but this is only the start and there are more surprises and initiatives to come under the directives and vision of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikha Fatima

Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE,” she said.

“All UAE girls have performed very well in the the challenging race and they will take part in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance CEIO Cup in Verona Italy next,” she added.

Moroccan Ambassador to Portugal Karima Bin Aish commented: “I feel proud to be an Arab woman thanks to the initiative of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE. Now, the image of the Arab women in the West has changed due to this great effort of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The promotion of the Arabian horse is a support to the heritage and culture of all of us as Arabs.”

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ACTIVITIES

FESTIVAL MONDIAL D’ENDURANCE IN COMPIEGNE

UAE ‘s Al Mazroui, Al Marri reassert dominance Saif Ahmed Al Mazroui wins 160-km ride; Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri tops in 120-km ride

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival was involved in a big way in the three-day 2014 edition of the Festival Mondial d’Endurance in Compiegne, France between May 23 and 25, 2014.

Riders from 32 countries took part in the two rides making this annual event bigger than the European Championship in terms of nations participating.

The 160-km was run in five stages of 39.4 kms, 36kms, 34.4 kms, 30.3kms and 20.1 kms and gained more importance as it was one of the qualifiers for riders and horses for the World Equestrian Games which was to be held in Normandy in France two months later.

HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and HE Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain attended the event.

The UAE have been a

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dominant force in this sport of endurance and Saif Ahmed Al Mazroui on Napoli Del Ma reflected that with a brilliant win in the 160-m ride.

Al Mazroui on Napoli Del Ma finished ahead of Marine Saignie on Qhashmyr D’Hazel with the UAE’s Ali Ghanim Obaid Al Ali on JQ Safi Safra third to make it a memorable UAE 1-3 finish.

Commenting on his win, Al Mazroui said, “HH Sheikh Mohammad and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan gave me valuable tips as the ride progressed. I dedicate this win to them.”

“The first loop was tough and there were a lot of riders in the leader’s pack. It was a close competition right through and I am happy that my horse qualified for the World Equestrian Games held in Normandy,” he said.

Two days later, Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri on Quran El Ulm came up with a superb finish to win the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival sponsored Festival Mondial d’Endurance HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Cup 120-km ride.

Completing a 1-2 triumph for the UAE was Sheikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qassimi on Laiza De Jalima while French duo Marine Saignie on Qrafiq La Majorie and Ludovic Saroul on Magdan Solal were third and fourth before another UAE rider Ahmed Dahi Salem Al Mehairbi on Talik Ben Melfik finished fifth.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Cup, was run in four stages of 37kms, 33.1kms, 30.3kms and 20.1 kms and a total of 121 riders started.

It was yet another dominant display by the UAE riders with Saif Ahmed Al Mazroui on Jager FPA, who won the 160km ride on Friday, leading the field into the final stage of 20kms and looked headed for his second win in three days. At that stage Al Marri was 4th and with Quran Al Ulm, winner of a 160-km ride here in a good condition, the UAE star forged ahead to post an easy win.

Al Marri completed the 120-km distance in 5 hrs 6 minutes and 05 seconds while Sheikh Faisal finished in 5:08.22 with the French

ACTIVITIES riders timed at 5:10.11 and 5:24.48 respectively.

Al Marri, who has the rare distinction of winning the HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup 160-km twice in 2013 and again this year, said it was a challenging ride. “The competition was just like in a world championship and the course is also a tough one.

But the UAE riders proved we are second to none and I am very happy with this win.”

HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince attended the final’s day’s action and congratulated the UAE riders after their victory.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse

Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “The UAE riders once again proved their superiority at the international level.”

“The Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival will be sponsoring the World Junior and Young Riders Championship to be held in October 2015 in Chile. The Festival will also be sponsoring two endurance rides in Fontainebleau in France in March and October next year ,” said Ms Sawaya.

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ACTIVITIES

FINALE

Al Marri, Spain’s Izquierdo win Tetford Forest rides Festival’s 5-day WAHRC extravaganza ends with two rides at the picturesque Tetford Forest area

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he fifth and final day of action in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s 5th World Arabian Horse Racing Conference shifted to the King’s Forest in Tetford.

The Festival’s five day extravaganza ended with the UAE’S Abdul Ghanim Al Marri on Ro Al Lisain winning the 100-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Festival Cup on Sunday, June 1, 2014.

There were two rides run at this beautiful venue.

While Al Marri topped the pack of riders competing in the Purebred Arabian endurance horses’ category, the Spanish duo of Alejandro Dachs Izquierdo and Nuria Serrabassa Fabre made it a 1-2 in the category for Purebred Arabian horses that have earlier in their careers raced in flat races.

Alejandro on Zen Al Maury and Nuria on Tidjari, two flat-race horses now in endurance, did very well to win the 100-km One Star which was run in four stages of 32kms, 32kms, 20kms and 16kms.

“All three of us in fact did an extra 12kms as we got lost in the forest,” said the 26 yearold Alejandro. The winner of

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the 120-km Catalunya Championship in Barcelona last year, Alejandro is keen to fight and get a place in the strong Spanish national team.

For Al Marri it was his second win in two weeks after winning the 120-km ride in Compiegne on May 25, 2014.

“It was a tough ride, we lost our way and rode extra kilometers but it is good to win in the end,” said the 18-year-old star rider from the UAE. HE Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Mutaiwee, UAE

Ambassador to the United Kingdom, HE Asim Mirza Al Rahma, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, HE Sheikha Najla Al Qassimi, UAE Ambassador to Sweden, HE Saqr Nasser Ahmed Al Raisi, UAE’s Ambassador to Portugal, HE Abdul Aziz Nasser Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Italy, HE Dr. Hessa Abdullah Ahmed Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to Spain, HE Sulaiman Almazroui, Ambassador of the UAE to Belgium and HE Al Asri

Saeed Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to Morocco, HE Abdul Rahim Al Awadi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, ADEC Director General, Abdul Mohsin Al Dossary, Vice President at the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International

Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) gave away the trophies to the two sets of winners.

“It has been a great end to one of the most important week in the calendar of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. While the three-day World Arabian Horse Racing Conference in London discussed some crucial issues related to Purebred Arabian horses, the two races at Newbury reflected the growth with more nations being represented. And today, this endurance ride open only to Purebred Arabian horses in King’s Forest was also a huge hit,” said Ms Lara Sawaya.

Genny Haynes of the ARO said, “Hosting the conference here in the UK will certainly boost Arabian Racing here and it was a historic event.”

The local organisers baked a cake in the shape and colours of the Festival’s logo and all guests and winners got a slice of the tasty pieces.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in associa-

ACTIVITIES tion with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC),

Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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ACTIVITIES

YOUNG TALENT

Spanish delight in Euro Jr. Endurance Championship Gil Berenguer Carrera riding 12-year-old mare Nina Bin Menfis tops in the 120-km ride

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Spain dominated the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival-supported European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2014 held in Verona, Italy on Saturday, July 12.

Gil Berenguer Carrera riding 12-year-old mare Nina Bin Menfis topped the 120-km ride with a ride time of 5 hours 49 minutes and 40 seconds to win the individual Gold and also lead the Spanish team to a Gold medal in the team championship.

French girl Nina Lissarrague on Ainhoa Catharissime prevented a Spanish sweep of the individual medals and came second with a timing of 5:52.09 while Spain’s Paula Muntala Sanchez riding Shagya Irisz in 5:53.40 took the individual bronze.

Both Carrera and Sanchez were also members of the Spanish team event and along with Maite Pradera Ledo on Hiaben, who completed the ride in 6:22.52 in 13th place, made it a Span-

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ish double by winning the team championship Gold medal. Their combined time of 18.06.12 was better than the second-placed Belgium who took the Team Silver in 18:09.02. Hosts team Italy took the Bronze medal in 18:26.57. Russia was the only other country to finish as a team and their time was

24:25.39.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “The HH Sheikh Man-

soor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s involvement with endurance rides has been a success and the European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2014 is another chapter added to the Festival’s initiatives.” Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of

the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Hassan Rakan Al Mansouri, representing the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival took part in the prize distribution ceremony.

“It was a great success with riders from Belgium, Slovakia, Denmark, Spain,

ACTIVITIES Britain, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Switzerland participating,” said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi.

“The course was very challenging but the young riders showed a lot of skill and were highly competitive

in the four-stage 120-km event,” said Hassan Rakan Al Mansouri.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in associa-

tion with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and spon-

sored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports

Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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ACTIVITIES

JUBILANT

Afra stars in UAE’s golden moment Double gold for the UAE in HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup in Italy

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The UAE flag was waved jubilantly as the UAE ladies team celebrated their maiden international triumph in Verona, Italy in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festivalsupported first-ever Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup, a world class ladies competition being held here in Europe for the first time.

The Emirati girls established their supremacy both in the individual as well as the team categories.

Led by a dominant display

by Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi on Rivergum Drifter UAE took the individual Gold while Aya Abdulla Redha on Quersick Niellans took the Bronze.

With Alia Al Khafajy on Exclusiva finishing sixth, the three UAE riders totalled 16 hrs 18 mins and 26 seconds for the 120-km event to snatch the team Gold. Ayesha Al Romaithi on TRA Clica finished 18th while the fifth member of the UAE team, Shathra Al Hajjaj on Eros, was eliminated after the third stage as her horse went lame.

Bahrain’s Sheikha Najla Bint Salman Al Khalifa took the Silver in the individual event and led Bahrain to team

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silver in the 7-team competition.

Double gold-medallist Afra, a 26-year-old multi-ride winner in the UAE, said it was her biggest career win. A Research and Analysis Assistant at the Al Ain Municipality, Afra said, “We came here determined to win. My horse’s

trainer Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi told me he is a good hope and I just kept him in front. The pouring rain made it very difficult in the early stages but we managed to achieve a great win.”

Aya was unfortunate as she was overtaken with about five kms left by Bahrain’s Shaikha

Najla but her third place effort helped the team garner the gold.

Al Baloushi, trainer of the winning horse Rivergum Drifter said, “He has gradually improved with a 5th place, a third place, a second place and now a winning finish.

Afra also rode a great race in

tough conditions.”

HE Noora Al Suwaidi, Secretary General, UAE General Women’s Union and Chairman of the UAE Women’s Sports Committee said, “This is a great result for the region with the top six spots going to the UAE and Bahrain riders.

A golden double by the UAE

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girls is a pleasing result considering the efforts and support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood for women all over the globe.”

“The 5-member UAE ladies team was nursed and supported by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World and this double triumph has reflected the success of the wise initiative,” said Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Honorary President of Italia Endurance Festival.

“A 7-member team of lady riders were pencilled in before the start of this season and they have been gaining experience in the Festival’s rides held abroad in Portugal, France and the UAE. And

today they showed that all the hard work has paid off,” she said.

“We also thank the UAE’s top endurance trainers Ismail Mohammed (MRM Stables), Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Al Wathba Stables), Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi (Al Ittihad Stables) and Hassan Rakan Al Mansouri providing their horses and helping the UAE lady riders achieve this

success,” Ms Sawaya said.

Bahrain’s Shura Council member HE Lulwa Awadhi said, “It is a proud day for the women of the Arab and Gulf region as the UAE and Bahrain came out with flying colours. The Festival’s efforts have paid off as our lady riders proved their mettle against some of the best in the world and in tough conditions.”

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ACTIVITIES

DOMINANT

Young Ali Khalfan, Al Mazrooei win their respective competitions Sweden’s Eriksson on Penelope Del Ma prevents clean sweep of Italia Festival by the UAE riders

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iders from the UAE dominated for the second day running with Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri and Mohammed Al Mazrooei winning their respective events in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival-supported Italia Endurance Festival in Verona, Italy to add to the double Gold by the UAE ladies.

Fifteen-year-old UAE schoolboy stunned his seniors when he edged past two other UAE riders in a close finish to win the 126-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup Open CEI Two Star ride.

The Al Ain schoolboy riding Vendaval was involved in a close battle with Saeed Al Khayari on Ostro Di Chia and Sheikh Hasher Bin Mohammed Thani Al Maktoum on Cal Colonial.

With the narrow pathway amidst the fields making it difficult to overtake, Khalifa waited in third place for much of the final stage before he saw the gap when one of the front runners tired a

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RESULTS The 126-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup OPEN CEI Two Star ride: 1. Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri-UAE-(Vendaval) 5hrs 48 mins 51 secs; 2. Saeed Al Khayari-UAE-(Ostro Di Chia) 5:48.53; 3. Sheikh Hasher Bin Mohd. Thani Al Maktoum (Cal Colonial) 5:48.54

The 126-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup (Young and Junior riders) Two Star ride: 1. Mohammed Al Mazrooei-UAE- (Khedji) 6 hrs 11 mins 27 secs; 2. Mohammed Al Muhairi-UAE-( Fair Plex) 6:12.49; 3. Ali Ghanem Al Ali-UAE-(Shakim) 6:12.50.

The 83-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup One Star ride: 1. Annelie Eriksson –Sweden-(Penelope Del Ma) 3:53.08; 2. Salem Hamad Al Kitbi –UAE-(Orodemattaepadru) 3:53.29; 3. Ismail Mohammed Al Hosani-UAE-(Boa Queda TB) 4:01.35.

ACTIVITIES bit and seized that opening to forge ahead and stave off Al Khayari to win the 126km event by a narrow two seconds.

The 1-2-3 finish in the Open ride was followed by a similar 1-2-3 by the under-21 UAE riders in the 120-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup (Young and Junior riders) Two Star ride.

Mohammed Al Mazrooei on Khedji took 6 hrs 11 mins

27 secs to win the gold ahead of Mohammed Al Muhairi on Fair Plex (6:12.49) while Ali Ghanem Al Ali on Shakim in third with a timing of 6:12.50.

Finally it was left to Swedish girl Annelie Eriksson on Penelope Del Ma to prevent a clean sweep of the Italia Endurance Festival by the UAE riders when she won the 86-km HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup One Star ride.

Salem Hamad Al Kitbi

on Orodemattaepadru and Ismail Mohammed Al Hosani on Boa Queda TB finished second and third adding two more medals to the UAE tally.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club did very well in the 120-km Open event to finish 5th while singer-rider Reem Shaban Al Hassan on Siperia finished 6th and also won the Best Conditioned Horse award in the Open category.

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ACTIVITIES

TRIUMPHANT

Historic maiden win for UAE’s Al Faresi Afra writes new chapter by becoming the first Emirati lady to compete in a World Championship event

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amorin in Slovakia became the latest European city to stage an equestrian event under the umbrella of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses 2014 got off to a rousing start as riders from 15 countries came together in pursuit of glory at Samorin, Slovakia.

An array of riders from the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, France, Estonia, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic took part in the challenging 120km CEI 4* event for seven-year-old horses.

The event opened to the rapturous sound of drumming by a band wearing the green and gold colours of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival as representatives from the participating countries performed a march past waving their national flags to the crowd.

Miloslav Seruga, President of the event was joined by Peter Pellegrini, Minister of Education, Science Research and Sport, Ms Lara Sawaya,

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Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) offered an enthusiastic welcome to the riders and wished them best of luck.

The UAE’s Mansour Saeed Al Faresi clinched the biggest win of his career when he won the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global

Arabian Flat Racing Festivalsponsored FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses.

Riding the Ismail Mohammed-trained Tiswan Fageole, Al Faresi completed the challenging 120km course in a time of five hours, 47 minutes and 29 seconds as French riders filled the second, third and fourth places on a day of mixed fortune for UAE riders.

Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum was the first rider to cross the finish line but his horse Normandy

ACTIVITIES

went lame and was cruelly disqualified.

Frenchman Jean Philippe Frances (Tinka La Majorie) was promoted to second place following the disqualification of Sheikh Hamed’s horse, with a time of 05:50.31s, while compatriots Aurelie Cambe (Tismael De Vayrols) took third place in 05:54:40s and Emilie Lambert (Baghdad Font Noire) fourth place in 05:58:45s.

However, the UAE endurance team had other reasons to be happy as Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi made history when she secured a praiseworthy fifth place among a strong field of 43 riders representing 15 countries. The talented rider from Al Ain also wrote a new chapter by becoming the first Emirati lady rider to compete in a World Championship event.

Al Suwaidi completed the course aboard the mare Ainhoa Tidjour in a time of 05:58:46s.

Only 21 riders from a start list of 43 completed the CEI 4* event held over five loops of 30, 20, 25, 25 and 20 kilometres each.

“I have never won or competed in anything as big as this event,” 20-year-old Al Faresi said. “This is the happiest moment of my life and I would like to dedicate this victory to The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE people.

“It is a very disappointing that Sheikh Hamed Dalmook’s horse did not pass the final VET gate, but I’m still

proud to have secured victory for the UAE. I’ve waited a long time for this and it is a fantastic feeling to win the first ever ride in Slovakia.

I have been competing in many big rides but I’ve not

been lucky. I thought I can achieve something good after I finished fourth in the prestigious 160km CEI 3* President Cup at Al Wathba.

And it happened today. I feel so blessed,” the winner said.

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ACTIVITIES The event also enjoyed a fifty percent completion with 21 horses checking in at the final VET gate and delighted FEI Endurance Director Ian Williams who described the historic first World Championship event in Slovakia as a ‘big success.’

“We could not be happier with the quality of competiton and high rate of finishers,” he said. “You want to make the course challenging but you also want to see as many horses and riders possible complete the ride. So we’re very pleased with the results and believe that the organisers in Slovakia have done a splendid job.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the IFAHR Ladies Committee, thanked His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for his continuous support of endurance.

“This event was planned

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and executed under the directives and instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” she said. “We had 2,000 metres of branding for the Sheikh

Mansoor Festival and the event was broadcast live to many parts of Europe and the UAE. “Sheikh Mansoor is a committed to supporting and

sponsoring events like these under the banner of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and we are very pleased with the re-

sponse we have had from the organisers, support sponsors, the riders and endurance and Purebred Arabian enthusiasts from around the world,” she said.

Sawaya elevated to Executive Director

ACTIVITIES

RESPONSIBILITY

“I just follow the instructions of HH Sheikh Mansoor and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak”

L

ara Sawaya, who was named as the Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival when it got off to a humble launch in 2009 was in May 2014 named as the Executive Director of the Festival.

The instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs was conveyed to her in Compiegne, France when the Festival’s endurance campaign in Europe was being worked off.

“I am very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for giving me this huge opportunity to serve in a field which is also very close to my heart- horses in general and Purebred Arabian horses in particular,” Ms Sawaya said.

“I have to admit that I just follow the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the world, who take such keen interest in the Festival and monitor the progress closely,” she said.

“I also thank all the sponsors, officials of the Purebred Arabian racing fraternity from all over the world for their co-operation and support in making the Festival reach its goals as laid out by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” Ms Sawaya said.

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ACTIVITIES

NEIGHBOURLY

Festival’s presence in Horse, Camel Heritage show gets good response An attractive collection of photos, CDs and posters reflecting the Festival’s success were on display

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival took an active part in the third edition of Oman’s Horse, Camel and Heritage Fair even as the Festival’s flagship event for lady jockeys, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship kickstarted the year 2014’s Festival calendar.

Along with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival, many Omani government and private institutions participated in the exhibition, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Sports Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Muscat Municipality, the Public Authority for Craft Industries, Sultan Qaboos University, the Royal Cavalry and Royal Camel Corps, the Household Cavalry, International Tent Pegging Federation, Oman Equestrian Federation, Oman Camel Racing Federation, ROP Cavalry Unit, the Royal Guard of Oman Cavalry, Oman Society of Fine Arts, Omani

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Photography Club, in addition to a number of Oman’s private sector companies.

HH Sayyid Hamad Bin Thuwaini Bin Shihab Al Said inaugurated the Fair and also paid a visit to the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival Stand. The top-ranking Omani official

was received at the Festival’s Stand by the UAE Ambassador to Oman HE Abdulredha Abdullah Khouri and Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing

Committee in IFAHR. Ms Sawaya briefed HH Sayyid Hamad Bin Thuwaini Bin Shihab Al Said on the various activities of the Festival with Purebred Arabian horse racing being at the heart of the focus both in the UAE and Oman.

An attractive collection of photographs, books, CDs and pamphlets of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship, the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup and other

ACTIVITIES

activities of the festival were on display at the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival’s stand which attracted a large number of visitors.

HH Sayyid Hamad Bin Thuwaini Bin Shihab Al Said hailed the brilliant vision of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote the Arabian horse worldwide, during his visit to the stand.

Ms Sawaya presented HH Sayyid Hamad Bin Thuwaini Bin Shihab Al Said with a copy of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival Year Book which encapsulates all the activities of the Festival and is the only such publication for any race series in the world.

The UAE Ambassador to Oman HE Abdulredha Abdullah Khouri said, “The Stand of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival is a proud reflection of the importance given by the UAE leadership to Arabian horse racing. Purebred Arabian horses are part of the culture and heritage of both the UAE and Oman and this participation by the UAE in this leading heritage show in Oman reasserts that fact.”

“This show in Oman is very important for us to support and boost the growth of horses and camels in the region and the world. We had a lot of visitors from the region and the world and they were briefed about the activities and aim of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival,” Ms Sawaya said.

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ACTIVITIES

IFAHR names Ms Sawaya to head Apprentice racing Appointment comes under huge praise from members of the Arabian racing fraternity

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he 17th General Assembly meeting of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities, IFAHR, which was held at the Le Meridien Hotel in Paris on October 6, 2014, gave an additional responsibility to Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in IFAHR, as Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys and Racing in IFAHR. Apart from this decision on the added responsibility for Ms Sawaya, the IFAHR meeting admitted two new members – Iran and Portugal; accepted and approved the rules of the Pattern Racing Committee and took a huge step forward with the creation of the IFAHR International

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Agreement which aims to find a common set of standards that most countries can agree upon between them.

Mr. Sami Jassim Al Boenain, Chairman of IFAHR said, “Thanks to the support of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, IFAHR and Arabian Racing have made tremendous progress in the recent past. Lara as Executive Director of the Festival has, through her passion and genuine love for Arabian horses, brought about huge improvement in Arabian racing, Ladies racing and Apprentice jockeys. We congratulate her on the additional responsibility and wish her the best.”

Ms Lara Sawaya said: “We owe all success of the Festival to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE

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and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood for their whole-hearted support.”

“Being named Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys and Racing in IFAHR is a new challenge and we are ready to take it on,” she said.

“According to the visions of HH Sheikh Mansoor and HH Sheikha Fatima, the focus on Apprentice jockeys will help develop a new generation. Our focus will be on apprentice schools and lady jockeys while the initial aim of promoting Arabian racing will still be the driving force,” Ms Sawaya said.

Mr. Ahmed Al Hammadi, IFAHR Board Member representing the UAE, congratulated Ms Sawaya on her new position and said much of the recent success was a direct result of the efforts of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Ms. Susanna Santesson, FEGENTRI representative and one of Germany’s ardent Arabian racing official said: “The appointment of Ms Lara Sawaya as Chairman of Apprentice Racing will be a huge boost to young aspiring jockeys and lady jockeys.

The focus will be on Racing Training Schools in various continents.”

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ACTIVITIES

RECORDING HISTORY

HH Sheikh Nahyan launches Festival’s Year Book 2013 YEAR BOOK captures all the exciting moments on and off the tracks during the year 2013

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n 2011, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival decided to publish the first-ever Year Book, a compilations of the events organized in 2009, 2010 and 2011. That was followed by two more editions for the year 2012 and 2013 respectively and in 2014 the fourth edition was launched.

HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, released the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book 2013 at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2014 which began at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on April 30, 2014.

A number of Sheikhs and high-ranking officials and guests visited the Festival’s stand and received the Year Book.

Received by Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing in IFAHR, Sheikh

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Nahyan visited the uniquelydesigned stand of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and officially launched the Year Book, being published for the third successive year by the Festival.

The hard-bound book

sporting a picture of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, on the cover page runs into over 300 pages. It has been compiled and edited

by M. Satya Narayan, the ex- Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor

of Gulf News, who has been covering horse racing for over two decades.

The foreword for this 2013 Year Book of the Festival is by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, with messages also from HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism

& Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) among others.

A host of VIPs visited the Festival’s stand and sought copies of the Year Book 2013.

Commenting on the launch of the third successive edition of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said: “We are proud to see the Year Book roll out for the third year in a row. The support of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

ACTIVITIES

and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has made the Festival one of TCA Abu Dhabi’s leading events and is well reflected in this Book.”

Ms Lara Sawaya said: “This is truly unparalleled in the horse racing world.

In fact there is no other book published on any race series in the world, be it in Purebred Arabian racing or Thoroughbred racing.”

“The Purebred Arabian racing fraternity was excited and proud to receive the first two editions and this third edition will make them even happier.

The Book has captured all the exciting moments on and off the tracks during the year 2013 and is not only a record of all the Festival’s activities but also portrays the huge impact of the Festival on Purebred Arabian racing,” Ms Sawaya said.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emir-

ates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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Sawaya to head Abu Dhabi-based IFHRA

ACTIVITIES

HISTORIC STEP An international Federation dealing with racing schools, academies takes birth

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It was a historic step taken in November, 2014 when His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, initiated the start of a Federation to nurture and give a positive direction to aspiring flat racing jockeys.

The result of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor’s instructions resulted in the formation of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), a body which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR, representing Lebanon and the UAE, was named the Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) while Ms.Susanna Santesson of Germany was named the Vice Chairman.

Commenting on the birth of IFHRA, Jasem Al Darmaki, Acting Director General, Abu

Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “This comes as no surprise for under the directions of HH Sheikh Mansoor, the Festival has always been one step ahead in thinking and chalking out programmes and initiatives for the general benefit of Arabian horse racing and its allied activities. We welcome IFHRA’s formation and wish the Board success in their all future activities.”

Sami Al Boenain, Chairman of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “We are truly obliged to HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival

and the move to set up this new body is a very big boost for the future of flat racing industry around the globe. I would like to tell the boys to be careful when competing against each other and while they must be keen to win they must also be keen not to harm their fellow jockeys.”

Noora Al Suwaidi, Secretary General, UAE General Women’s Union, said: “ It’s a great honour for us in the UAE to become the host country of the newly born international body to support the stars of the future as we support the Arabian races in the process.”

Aref Al Awani, Abu Dhabi Sport Council Secretary General, said: “We are delighted to see the world coming to Abu Dhabi under one umbrella- the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. Abu Dhabi Sports Council will always support the efforts to bring Abu Dhabi and the UAE to the forefront of the events while promoting our culture, history and heritage around the globe.”

CONFIRMED IFHRA became fully official when Mr. Khalid Hus-

sain from the UAE’s General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare confirmed the registration of the Federation before the Executive Committee meeting of the newlyformed IFHRA on February 12, 2015, in Abu Dhabi.

Conveying his greetings to HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture Youth & Community Development over the same, Mr. Hussain confirmed and announced the official certificate of legal registration of IFHRA as the first international body with its Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

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ACTIVITIES

BUSY

ATM visitors flock to Festival’s Stand Visitors hailing from the Arab region evinced a lot of interest in the Festival’s activities

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he Arabian Travel Market Exhibition (ATM) is the region’s leading travel trade event and once again the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival made its presence felt with a uniquely-designed stand.

ATM hosts over 23,500 visitors, along with over 2,700 exhibitors, including large industry players and amidst them the Festival’s Stand stood out and was a very popular stop over the four-days.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Commitee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “ The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Stand, wherever we are present, is always busy with visitors. The Arab Travel Market, which has a lot of visitors from the region, is a good event to be a part of.”

“The Purebred Arabian

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horse is very close to every Arab’s heart and this love for a creature that is part of their heritage results in many visitors stopping over at the Festival’s stand and make a lot of enquiries about the role and events that the Festival stages all over the globe,” she said.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat

Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official

ACTIVITIES Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises,

Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014,

Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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ACTIVITIES

ATTRACTIVE

Festival dominates ADIHEX 2014 Triple Jewel in US and increase in prize money for European Triple Crown announced at ADIHEX

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, which has now been a regular participant in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), once again made a huge impact in the 2014 edition held from September 10- 13, 2014.

After ADIHEX 2014 opened its doors on September 10 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Emirates Falconer’s Club, the Festival’s stand stood out amidst the hundreds of exhibitors at the as Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre.

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is among one of the most substantial events on Sports, Hunting, Horse, Pony And Donkey, Safari, Equestrian, Weaponry and Marine Sports topics and the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival along with many other associated bodies took part with much fanfare.

A number of Sheikhs and

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high-ranking officials visited the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival Stand and went through the collection of materials that highlighted the activities of the Festival in promoting the Arabian horse.

In a special booklet published by the Festival for ADIHEX 2014, HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of

Presidential Affairs said: “Our culture is inseparable from that most beautiful of creatures, the Arabian horse - a source of inspiration for poets and storytellers for millenniaand as global interest in these noble animals increases, it is only right that we draw focus to their roots.”

“Equestrianism is entrenched firmly not only in the United Arab Emirates

but the entire region and all events celebrating the greatness of the Arabian horse in any form is a great milestone.”

“In welcoming visitors to ADIHEX 2014 and to the stand of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival we are sure the bond between the Arab horse and the modern world gains strength,” HH Sheikh

Mansoor stated.

While the stand was receiving thousands of visitors, the Festival also staged two press conferences which were attended by international invitees and members of the international media.

TRIPLE JEWEL IN USA In the first press conference at the Capital Suite at ADNEC, Ms Lara Sawaya,

ACTIVITIES Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) announced the introduction of a Triple Jewel in America and a boost in the prize money for the winners of the European Triple Crown during 2015, both in the Festival’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan series.

“Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and

Minister of Presidential Affairs, the festival opens a new chapter in its book of success and achievements with the launching of the $150.000 Jewel Triple Crown,” she stated.

“The prize money of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Europe and USA will remain unchanged (€ 35,000 each) and its equivalent in US dollars respectively, but the new development is a bonus of $150.000 for the newly introduced Triple Jewel for US and the increase of the bonus for Europe to € 50,000,” she confirmed.

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The American Triple Jewel competition will be held at three race tracks, said Kathryn Smoke, President of the Arabian Jockey Club.

“The first leg will be run at the Sam Huston racecourse on April 8, over 1400m, followed by Pleasanton on July 5, over 12 furlongs and Los Alamitos on September 20 over a mile, bringing the total number of the Festival’s races to 23 in America,” she said.

However, Ms Sawaya said that the winner of the trophy on either coast of the Atlantic should take part in at least two of the three races to qualify for the bonus provided that the races will be restricted to 4-yearolds and above.

Elsewhere, Ms. Sawaya announced that two new categories have been added to the 11 categories of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards at the house of the Oscars in LA from 2015.

“The top female endurance lady rider and a special award for the lifetime achievement lady from those who are working from behind the scenes and doing great jobs have been added to the list of honours,” she said.

“This lifetime achievement award will not be restricted to the sponsors alone, and the winning lady could be from any other party. Also, the endurance associations around the world will be asked to nominate one rider for the award and the judges will make the

ACTIVITIES final selection,” she added.

In the second press conference held on the sidelines of ADIHEX 2014, Ms Sawaya outlined details of the year-ending finale in Abu Dhabi which was held in November 2014.

With 200 amateur and professional lady jockeys from 56 countries around the globe and 800 guests from the international Arabian racing industry coming to Abu Dhabi, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival celebrated its sixth anniversary at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on November 9, 2014, under the slogan of ‘One World, 5 Continents’, Ms Sawaya stated.

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ACTIVITIES

SOARING

HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, Falconers Club bolster ties Purebred Arabian horses and Falcons are two important elements of the UAE’s heritage and culture

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The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Race Festival has enhanced its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club following which falconers will be part of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards and thereby showcase the Purebred Arabian horse and the Falcon as two of the important elements in the heritage and culture of the UAE. This announcement was made along with the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club schedule of the competitions during the 2014-2015 season at a joint Press conference at the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Race Festival Lounge at the Eastern Mangroves Jannah, Abu Dhabi.

“The feature is a total purse of Dh25million in prize-money for the season,” Sultan Al Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club, confirmed.

Fadhel Al Mansouri from Abu Dhabi Sports Council

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reiterated their determination to promote the UAE history and heritage and present the true image of the nation to the rest of the world.

“Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential

Affairs, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has become a strategic partner of the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club and not just sponsors,” said Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian

Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR. Regarding the support of

the festival to enhance the success of the sport, Ms Sawaya said they will provide prizes for the spectators.

“Moreover, the falconers will be honoured during the annual HH Sheikha Fatma Bint Mubarak Darley Awards where the falcon will stand alongside the Arabian horse,” she confirmed.

HH Sheikh Mansoor support for Germany’s Aseel Purebred Arabian Horses Cup

ACTIVITIES

AUGUST 22 TO 24, 2014, KASSEL, GERMANY

Move aims to preserve the sports of forefathers and communicate and liaise with the new generations

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nder the patronage of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the three-day events of the Aseel Purebred Arabian Horses Cup Germany 2014 was held in Kassel, Germany, from August 22 to 24, 2014.

The move falls within the keenness of His Highness to support and encourage the Arabian horse races in line with the privileged position enjoyed by the equestrian sport in the UAE. A special reception held on the occasion was attended by HE Jumaa Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, the Count Fernand Castle, Dr. George Holmes, Chairman of Aseel International Purebred Arabian Horses Club, Dr Abdulla Rayes, Director General of the National Archive, Abdel Mohsen Dosari from the General Youth and Sports Authority Welfare, Matar Al Yabhouni, Pesident of the Abu Dhabi Horse Racing Committee and member of the board of Abu Dhabi

Sports Council, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing

Festival, Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Overseas Promotion TCA Abu Dhabi, Ahmad Al Fahim, Executive Director Marketing and Investment TDIC, Abdulla Al Tamimi, Hamad Al Zaabi and Ali Al Mazrouei from

the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, besides a number of German officials and persons involved with the horse industry around the globe.

HE Jumaa Al Junaibi expressed his pleasure with the hosting of this event in

Germany under the generous patronage of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for Purebred Arabian horses to underline the civilized and

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ACTIVITIES bright image of the UAE and to promote this noble creature.

Al Junaibi reiterated the importance of such a move to preserve the sports of fathers and grandfathers and communicate and liaise with the new generations about their glorious past in addition to deepening the perceptions of the values of originality and national identity.

Al Junaibi praised the support and encouragement of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for small breeders and owners worldwide to increase the attention to the Purebred Arabian horses and promote the culture and civilization of the UAE. The events of the Aseel Purebred Arabians Cup included a number of horse riding activities mixed with the Arab culture. The focus

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was on the performance of the riders on the back of saddled horses and the art of horse riding. Races were held over 36km, 63km and 84km alongside horse riding, dressage and western style of riding.

The events contained exciting shows for the different free styles and dressage concurrently with reining.

The event also provided

a good opportunity for social communication and a Purebred Arabian horse show which contains handicrafts and arts as well as Salukis, Falcons and Camels.

The events culminated with the Aseel International Cup 2014 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Jockey experiment gathers steam in Liverpool

ACTIVITIES

LOOKING AHEAD

Liverpool John Moores University in bid to improve the way Jockeys ‘make-weight’

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) to study and try and improve the way Jockeys ‘make-weight’ is in full swing under the leadership of Dr. George Wilson and his team.

Dr. Wilson and his team at LJMU have been busy working closely with Jockey Franny Norton to try and improve the way Jockeys ‘make-weight.’

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and chairman of the IFHAR Ladies Racing Committee visited the university and met Dr. Wilson.

Franny Norton professional jockey from the UK, Dr Graeme Close and James Mortin, Professor Keith Georges and Professor Peter Wheeler, Dean of the John Moores University were also present at the base where the First Research in the world in partnership with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival dealing exclusively for Jockeys on how to lose weight

without affecting their mental behavior is on.

Many Jockeys choose to undertake severe food and drink restriction, use of laxatives, self-induced vomiting and chronic use of sweating to ‘make-weight’. These unhelpful weight control practices are extremely dangerous for the physical and psychological health of jockeys as well as impairing their riding performance.

Liverpool John Moores University along with a team that includes a clinical psychologist, physiologists, nutrition and a medical doctor, have designed and implemented a scientific diet plan which not only works to stop the use of these dangerous techniques but also includes specific psychological treatment strategies to treat the potential mental health problems.

“We are excited over this initiative under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs” said Ms Lara Sawaya.

“Working with the Festival has allowed us to promote the physical and psychological well-being of all jockeys worldwide. We have put together a professional team including a clinical psycholo-

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ACTIVITIES gist, physiologists, nutrition and a medical doctor who has worked for 25 years with jockeys,” Dr. Graeme Close said.

“Many Jockeys choose to undertake severe food and drink restriction, use of laxatives, self-induced vomiting and chronic use of sweating to ‘make-weight’. These unhelpful weight control practices are extremely dangerous for the physical and psychological health of jockeys as well as impairing their riding performance.

“We have designed and implemented a scientific diet plan which not only works to stop the use of these dangerous techniques but also includes specific psychological treatment strategies to treat the potential mental health

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problems,” he said.

Dr. Wilson confirmed that all the results of their experiments with the jockeys were exciting and the final outcome was great. Our future plan is to educate and protect the riders. Our job is to look after the jockey health and welfare through individual assessments to determine the jockeys’ eating habits and create personalized diet recommendations.

“The jockeys are the only professional sportsmen who are working without support.

There’s no one behind them and they have to depend on their own. Our effort is to ensure healthy eating practices based on the jockeys’ need to maintain weight and ensures good nutrition practices,” he said.

Powell brothers steal limelight in Oscar-style award ceremony

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he preparations and planning began much in advance with the announcement of “Darley Awards Hollywood 2014” by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival spread over two press conferences on both sides of the globe.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival Darley Awards, “Darley Awards Hollywood 2014”, was unveiled first at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center during the second day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and then at a press conference at the Beverly Wilshire, Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

“As a celebration of the third year of sponsorship of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival with the U.S. Arabian Racing Cup Darley Awards, the Oscars of Arabian racing will be held on April 4-5, 2014, in Hollywood, California,” stated Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Head of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing.

HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival Darley Awards is clearly recognized as the highest achievement possible for racing Arabians in the U.S. The 2013 Darley Nominees for Arabian Racing in USA were announced in February, 2014 and were as follows: 3-YEAR-OLD COLT OR GELDING – DJS Double O Seven, Lucky Sand, MY Kaliber, RB Champagne Taste, Thess Is Awesome; 3-YEAROLD FILLY – Dhaan, Gogo Dancer CS, Our Princess, RB Burn Baby Burn, Reign Supreme CS; 4-YEAR-OLD COLT OR GELDING– In X Hess, Krossfire CS, Lacy Vaz, Noble Czar, Smoke House; 4-YEAR-OLD FILLY – C Louise, Delishess, Mahra T, Sand On Fire, TTT Tiny Tina; OLDER HORSE – Ayers, Grilla, Sammy V, So Big Is Better, Valiant Boy SBFAR; OLDER MARE – DC Willeys Song, Explosive Heat MHF, Hy Hopes JPL, Lil

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DARLEY AWARDS USA 2013

Dolby Studio in Los Angeles (old Kodak Studio) plays host to glittering Darley Awards night

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Rich Girl, Ms Dixie; OWNER – Cre Run Enterprises LLC, Mark Powell, Quarter Moon Ranch, Rosebrook Farms LLC, Sam Vasquez; BREEDER – Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff, Dale Partin, Sam Vasquez, Bill Waldron, Dianne Waldron; TRAINER – Lynn Ashby, Ron Martino, Randy Nunley, Scott Powell, Jerenesto Torrez; JOCKEY – Victor Carrasco, Alex Cintron, Gerardo Mora, Gregorio Rivera, Juan Torres and HORSE OF THE YEAR – Dhaan, Mahra T, Ms Dixie, So Big Is Better, Valiant Boy SBFAR. On April 4, 2014, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival helped lift the status of Purebred Arabian racing to a new high when the Dolby Studio in Los Angeles (the old Kodak Studio) staged a glittering Darley Awards night.

It was all set for an exciting evening at Hollywood’s most popular vicinity when the red carpet was laid for the cream of the Purebred Arabian racing fraternity of the USA and the rest of the world and in true ‘Oscar’ style the guests for the ‘Black-tie’ event faced the cameras with Derek Thomson hosting the show.

The imposing and magnificent Dolby Studio then came alive to host the passionate Purebred Arabian family as top achievers of the US were honoured for their brilliant performances in the year 2013.

HE Abdulla Al Subosi, General Consulate of the UAE Embassy in Los Angeles, welcomed the gathering while Dr Wadoda Badran, DirectorGeneral of the Arab Women Organization, Bahrain’s Shura Council member Lulwa Awadhi, Sami Al Boenain, IFAHR Chairman ,Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Commit-

Winners 2013 The 2013 HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival Darley winners (USA): 3- YEAR-OLD COLT OR GELDING - Thiss Is Awesome 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY - Dhaan 4-YEAR-OLD COLT OR GELDING - Smoke House 4-YEAR-OLD FILLY - Mahra T OLDER HORSE - So Big Is Better OLDER MARE - Ms Dixie OWNER - Mark Powell BREEDER - Bill Waldron TRAINER - Scott Powell JOCKEY - Juan Torres HORSE OF THE YEAR: SO BIG IS BETTER

SUBSECTION tee (IFAHR), Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Equestrian club, Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, from Dubai Equestrian Club, Sheikh Hamdan Al Sharqi from Invest AD, Salah Al Marzooqi from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with the stewards of the Arabian Racing Cup- Denise Gault, Dr Kinsman Wright, Dianne

Waldron, Nancy Blewe andt, Deborah Mihalof, Michelle Morgan and Sam Vasquez among others who gave away the various awards.

In the 2013 HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival Darley awards for Arabian Racing in USA, the spotlight was on Mark Powell and his younger

brother Scott Powell as they won three awards each. (See detailed list of all winners) The Darley Awards, organized by the Arabian Racing Cup, also revived a special category award after a gap of ten years and honoured HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, President of the General Women’s Union – Chairwoman of Motherhood

and Childhood Supreme Council for their support to the Arabian racing around the globe. Ms Lara Sawaya and Musallam Al Amri, Racing Manager for HH Sheikh Mansoor, received awards on

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SUBSECTION behalf of HH Sheikha Fatima and HH Sheikh Mansoor respectively and expressed their total satisfaction over the success of the event which is being held in such a historic venue and on such a large scale for the first time.

Denise Gault, Chief Steward of the Arabian Racing Cup said: “We are honored to continue the partnership with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival for our third year together.

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HH SHEIKHA FATIMA BINT MUBARAK DARLEY AWARDS

Shayel Aldhabi, Lorra among award winners

Nelly Philippot Hermanne from Belgium was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award

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ver since the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival stepped in to promote Purebred Arabian racing, two areas that have come under a special focus have been the lady jockeys and women in racing.

Thus it was no surprise when the Festival under the inspirational leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, unveiled the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards which catered to a broader section of women and female horses in Purebred Arabian racing.

This set of awards is given out along with the traditional Darley USA Awards and in 2014 the panel to select the 2013 winners was headed

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by Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

The panel included Mubarak Al Muhairi (UAE), Omar Al Shamsi (UAE), Ahmad Mohsen Mahfouz (UAE), Abdul Mohsin Dosari (UAE), Essam Abdulla (UAE), Sami Al Bounain (Qatar), Lulwa Alawadhi (Bah-

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards (International): The 2013 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Award winners: ∙ THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY - Lorra – France ∙ FOUR-YEAR-OLD FILLY - FARH – France ∙ OLDER MARE - Shayel Aldhabi (AE) - UAE ∙ BREEDER - Renée -Laure Koch - France ∙ OWNER - Manuela Daverio Scharfenberg - Germany

∙ JOCKEY - Rachel King - UK ∙ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - Nelly Philippot Hermanne - Belgium ∙ LADY JOURNALIST - Noelle Derre - France ∙ LADY PHOTOGRAPHER - Pamela Burton - USA ∙ RACING TV PRESENTER Amanda Roxborough – USA

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SUBSECTION rain), Dr Wadouda Badran (Egypt), Boutros Boutros (France), Denise Gault (US), Jeanne Wassermann (US), Richard Lancaster (UK), Mike Griffin (UK), Kathy Smoke (US) and Margret De Ruiter (The Netherlands).

On April 4, 2014, the Hollywood Dolby Theatre - the House of Oscars - opened its doors for a tremendous Red Carpet Event and the 3,000 seats were soon filled with guests of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al

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Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

And soon it was time to reveal winners of the 11 categories of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards.

Among the popular winners were equine stars Shayel Aldhabi and Lorra.

Shayel Aldhabi, a UAEbred mare owned by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, was given the Best Old Mare Award. This

achievement served as a solid reflection to the success of UAE’s local breeding programme as Shayel Aldhabi is a UAE-bred Purebred Arabian star.

Another popular winner in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards was 3-year-old filly Lorra, owned

by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Lorra was named Best 3-year-old filly.

SUBSECTION But the biggest cheers went to Nelly Philippot Hermanne who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Belgian official has been a tireless supporter of Purebred Arabian races and has almost single-handedly helped to keep the sport alive in her country.

HE Abdulla Al Subosi,

General Consulate of the UAE Embassy in Los Angeles, welcomed the gathering while Dr Wadoda Badran, DirectorGeneral of the Arab Women Organization, Bahrain’s Shura Council member Lulwa Awadhi, IFAHR Chairman Sami Al Boenain, Ms Lara Sawaya, ADEC’s Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, DEC’s Ali Moosa Al

Khamiri, Invest AD’s Sheikh Hamdan Al Sharqi, ADSC’s Salah Al Marzooqi along with the stewards of the Arabian Racing Cup- Denise Gault, Dr Kinsman Wright, Dianne Waldron, Nancy Blewet, Deborah Mihalof, Michelle Morgan and Sam Vasquez among others, gave away the various awards.

Ms Sawaya, who is also the Director of this prestigious Awards, hailed the support of the UAE leadership in promoting women in racing.

“All this has been possible primarily due to the initiative and support of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister

of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, President of the General Women’s Union –Chairwoman of Motherhood and Childhood Supreme Council,” Ms Sawaya said.

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5th World Arabian Horse Racing Conference a resounding success

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SEMINAR REVIEWS PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS FACING ARABIAN RACING

Over 400 people from 53 countries assess key developments; propose to carry the sport forward into a brighter future at London meeting

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he historic St. James Theatre in London was the place to be for anyone and everyone involved with the rapidly growing sport of Purebred Arabian racing for the fifth edition of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference (WAHRC) promoted by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing

Festival at the end of May, 2014.

Over 400 officials, dignitaries and guests representing 53 countries from the many jurisdictions of Purebred Arabian racing engaged to discuss the key developments and proposed to carry the sport forward into a brighter future.

Leaders, visionaries and solution providers aiding the progress of Arabian racing outlined their views

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SUBSECTION and experiences during the five-day programme which was highlighted by a threeday conference.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs welcomed everyone attending the conference with a written message.

“Now we are in the fifth edition and it certainly has been a journey that has not only brought together all sections of the Purebred Arabian fraternity onto one platform but has also thrust into focus many issues and obstacles in the progress path of Purebred Arabian racing.”

“The Festival believes that discussing and exchanging ideas is the only way forward for the sport of Purebred

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Arabian racing and the Fifth World Arabian Racing Conference in London will certainly be another positive addition to this march,” he said.

CONTRIBUTIONS Participants and attendees also included HE Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, the UAE Ambassador to Germany, HE Asim Mirza Al Rahma, the UAE Ambas-

sador to the Republic of Poland, HE Sheikha Najla Al Qassimi, the UAE Ambassador to Sweden, HE Saqr Nasser Ahmed Al Raisi, the UAE Ambassador to Portugal, HE Abdul Aziz Nasser Al Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Italy, HE Dr. Hessa Abdullah Ahmed Al Otaiba UAE Ambassador to Spain, HE Abdulla Hamdan Al Naqbi, the UAE Ambassador to the The Netherlands,

SUBSECTION HE Sulaiman Almazroui, the UAE Ambassador to Belgium and HE Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Morocco and HE Abdul Rahim Al Awadi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were all felicitated and honoured for their support to the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

HE Abdul Rahman Al Mutawee, the UAE ambassador to the UK, also welcomed the delegates and said: “We are happy that there are representatives from 32 countries and over 55 speakers at the seminars over the next three days.

This is a significant event and we are glad that it is being staged here in London which is a prominent centre for horse racing.”

Sami Al Boueinen, Chairman of IFAHR, hailed the conference and said: “Ten years ago IFAHR consisted of amateurs but since the support of His Highness

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Su-

preme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, both IFAHR and Arabian horse racing have received a huge boost.

“The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s World Arabian Racing Conference has served as a huge boost for

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SUBSECTION women involved in Purebred Arabian racing. Every edition of the Conference has had a topic concerning women in Arabian racing and with the fifth successive event now set for London we hope it will be another event of success,” said HE Noura Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Women’s Association.

Commenting on the progress of Purebred Arabian racing, Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), said: “We started on a small note in 2009 but today we have 94 races scheduled for 2014 and that has triggered tremendous interest worldwide

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in Arabian horses.”

Genny Hanes, Chief of the Arabian Racing Organisation, added: “The conference is a great initiative and we hope the vast experience and knowledge shared here will help the sport go forward.”

Yasir Mabrouk, representing the Emirates Racing Association, (ERA), thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor and HH Sheikha Fatima for ‘giving the Arabian racing world this great initiative.’

“This conference brings the Arabian horse racing world together and the exchange of views and expertise will go a long way in promoting the sport of Arabian racing,” he said.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Surour Al Sharqi representing key sponsor Invest AD said they were honoured to be part of the festival while Nabil Al Zarouni of TCA Abu Dhabi said: “For us this has

SUBSECTION been a priority event as it deals with the UAE’s culture and heritage.”

Khalid Hussain of GAYSW and Ahmed Al Hammadi, IFAHR Board member, also echoed similar sentiments prior to the start of the event.

BREEDING The opening day’s topics featured a range of issues beginning with the need to attract the younger generation to Purebred Arabian racing, to the challenges facing the creation and adoption of an international agreement to harmonize rules including those on transport of horses and an acceptable pattern race format.

Noted British racing commentator Derek Thompson moderated the opening session on Breeding with the participants being Sheikh Hamed Al Hamed (UAE), Bill Smith, Rene Koch (France), Linda Otermans (Netherlands) Mamdouh Al

Baraqi (Saudi Arabia), Salim Al Quraini (Oman), Jean Pierre Deroubaix ( France), Richard Lancaster and Michelle Morgan (US).

While almost all speakers agreed that a sound foundation mare was important to breeding there was also a unanimous nod to the present system of using artificial insemination which ensured a wider choice in breeding.

However, on the aspect of Embryo Transfer, which some national laws permit-

ted, some of the speakers felt that if not curtailed or regulated it would result in a few bloodlines dominating at the peril of a larger base.

The UAE’s Sheikh Hamad said that with support from His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, land was being given free to breeders of Purebred Arabian horses, feed at subsidized rates while veterinary care was

almost free.

France and Oman have already initiation steps to woo the younger generation while an upcoming auction in the UK was also a move in this direction, the conference was told.

RACING & TRAINING In the afternoon a session on ‘Racing and Training’ Pat Buckley of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, engaged speakers Faysal Al Rahmani (UAE), Jean Pierre Totain

(France), Yves Plantin ( France), Yasir Mabrouk ( Sudan / UAE), Karin van den Bos ((Netherlands), Ernest Ortel (South Africa / UAE), Mohammed Al Hashemi ( Oman) and Susanna Santesson ( Germany) in some interesting discussion.

Dutch trainer Karin van den Bos told the conference about her holistic approach to training which included preventive measures to reduce injury to race horses.

The ERA’s Yasir Mabrouk recalled the flexible approach during the early stages of organized racing in the UAE and highlighted the high standards that now prevail in the UAE. Faysal Al Rahmani (UAE) pointed out the success he had achieved in organizing auctions of Arabian horses in the UAE and said: “The local Purebred Arabian breeding industry has progressed so much that over 500 foals are born in the UAE in a year.”

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SUBSECTION Oman’s Mohammed Al Hashemi said the move to buy 200 horses from Europe and distribute it to Omani citizens had created a huge base and Arabian racing was all set to open its doors to international racing soon.

VETTING, NUTRITION & LEGAL ASPECTS The session on ‘Vetting, Nutrition and Legal aspects’ moderated by Philip Brenan (UK) was a lively session with Mohammed Al Machmoum (Morocco), Alberic Thiery ( FR), Ahmad Al Badi (UAE), Jerard Habibian (Lebanon), Izeta Sulemanjin ( Croatia), Graham Walcroft (UK) and Kathy Smoke (US) contributing their thoughts and ideas.

Sulemanjin outlined the efforts to formulate and implement the Pattern Race Committee’s rules while Graham Walcroft said a panel was putting together an International Agreement

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SUBSECTION which will involve a series of articles that membercountries could sign either in part or full to coordinate Purebred Arabian racing around the world.

Ahmad Al Badi of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Lebanon’s Jerard Habibian representing the Court of Arbitration on Sport (CAS) urged the harmonization of rules regulating the sport while the US representative Kathy Smoke warned that

national legislations in many countries could be a huge hurdle in the way of the ‘International Agreement’ adopted by Arabian racing bodies.

Frenchman Alberic Thiery sought a coordinated approach in implementing dope testing while Al Machmoum admitted harmonization of rules was a challenging task as even basic issues like transport of horses in a region like the

Middle East was hindering the sport’s progress.

The opening day ended with a Welcome Dinner at the Banquet Hall.

DAY TWO

The next day at St James’ Theatre, the focus was on the importance of social media and networking to supplement Arabian racing’s charisma online and help advance it to a wider audience.

RESEARCH & WEIGHT MAINTENANCE The most exciting topic which received huge attention of the officials and audience was the jockey’s weight maintenance which

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SUBSECTION often causes riders to indulge in unhealthy behavior such as skipping meals or over eating and purging especially on the day of the race-meeting.

Dr. Georges Wilson and his team at the Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) have been busy working closely with jockey Franny Norton to try and improve the way Jockeys ‘make-weight’ without resorting to traditional methods that keep them stressed and suffering endless physical and psychological problems.

The findings of the study were presented during the special session which was moderated by the RUK commentator Gary Capwell.

“We are delighted to team up with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival to study and try and improve the way Jockeys ‘make-weight’ without using the dangerous techniques which are harmful for the jockeys, leading to dehydration, loss of concentration, and decrease in mental and physical abili-

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ties,” Dr. Wilson said.

“The team included a clinical psychologist, physiologists, nutrition and a medical doctor that has designed and implemented a scientific diet plan which not only works to stop the use of these dangerous techniques but also includes specific psychological treatment strategies to treat the

potential mental health problems.

The panel comprised eight speakers including the team’s leader Dr. Georges Wilson, Franny Norton professional jockey from the UK, Dr. Costas Papageorigiou, Dr. James Morton, UAE jockey Ahmed Ajtebi and Aziz Sheikh.

“We are excited over this

SUBSECTION initiative under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor to implement the recommendations of the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak EARS Conference. We are looking to make a positive impact in this arena,” Dr. Graeme Close said.

“Working with the Festival has allowed us to promote the physical and psychological well-being of all jockeys worldwide.

We have put together a professional team including a clinical psychologist, physiologists, nutrition and a medical doctor who has worked for 25 years with jockeys,” he added.

“Many Jockeys choose to undertake severe food and drink restriction, use of laxatives, self-induced vomiting and chronic use of sweating to ‘make-weight’.

These unhelpful weight control practices are extremely

dangerous for the physical and psychological health of jockeys as well as impairing their riding performance.

“We have designed and implemented a scientific diet plan which not only works to stop the use of these dangerous techniques

but also includes specific psychological treatment strategies to treat the potential mental health problems,” he said.

Dr. Wilson confirmed that all the results of their experiments with the jockeys were exciting and the final

outcome was great. Our future plan is to educate and protect the riders. Our job is to look after the jockey health and welfare through individual assessments to determine the jockeys’ eating habits and create personalised diet recom-

mendations.

“The jockeys are the only professional sportsmen who are working without support. There’s no one behind them and they have to depend on themselves. Our effort is to ensure healthy eating practices based on the jockeys’ need to maintain weight and ensures good nutrition practices,” he concluded.

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SUBSECTION WOMEN IN RACING During the lunch break Ms Lara Sawaya took centre stage in a special Sharing Success seminar for the UK group ‘Women in Racing’ where she shared her extraordinary career path and offered advice to a captivated gathering hosted by TV presenter Penny Lancaster.

The session also included the viewing of an ITV news item featuring ARO

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jockey Anna Wallace and the promotion of the racing at Newbury, further signalling a wider interest in the sport.

The ‘Women in Racing’ theme was resumed after lunch, which gave Ms Sawaya another opportunity to share her career highlights with a receptive audience. ‘’Women have become a prominent fixture in the world of horse racing over the decades, although the road travelled has not been an easy one.’’

Ms Sawaya told the gathering how she came to the industry from the back door of marketing and soon progressed to being a promoter and mentor of women racing around the globe.

“In Dubai, my company used to send me wherever there’s a mission impossible, including the marketing of satellite dishes in Saudi Arabia where the ‘business’ was forbidden by law!” she said.

“It’s the vision of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood which has guided us to break new grounds at all levels,” she said.

“We were able to promote the Arabian horse worldwide and get lady jockeys on the

backs of Arabian horses for the first time in the process,” she said.

Other speakers included Bahraini legislative member Lulwa Al Awadhi and Professor Waduda Badran from Egypt who were attracted to the racing world with the initiative of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak as Arab

ladies activists.

The US was represented

by Denise Gault and Jeanne Wasseman, Germany was represented by Manuela Daverio alongside Sara Oliver from UK and Susan Leahey from Ireland. They all narrated their experiences as breeders, owners and bloodstock agents.

FOCUS ON MARKETING The third and final day of the conference day concluded with discussions on Marketing and Promotion and the Future of Arabian racing. Moderated by Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajiri, the participants included Sheikh Hamdan Al Sharqi (UAE), Matar Al Yabhouni

( UAE), Boutros Boutros (France), Ahmad Abdel Razek (Egypt), Sam Vasquez (US), Ahmad Al Fahim ( UAE), Genny Hanes ( UK), Khaled Al Nabooda ( UAE) and Ms Lara Sawaya.

Later it was time for Derek Thompson and Ms Lara Sawaya to deliver their presentations. Ms Lara Sa-

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SUBSECTION waya announced that from the next season the UAE breeders will be rewarded with a percentage of the prize money earmarked for the Wathba Stud Farm Cup races held in the UAE. “We will allot an extra amount for this purpose and this will go to breeders whenever their horses win,� she said adding that the Festival would forward the problems of the UAE breeders to the concerned authorities.

IFAHR Chairman Sami Boenian also confirmed that the launch of an all-compre-

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hensive database/website would be finalized soon.

The need to help the breeders, woo youngsters to Purebred Arabian racing, make efforts to ease the transport of horses between nations were some of the other topics that the workshop decided to continue working on.

GALA DINNER The end of the conference, which was telecast live on Abu Dhabi TV on all the days, was highlighted by a gala dinner at the historic Guildhall in the City of London.

SUBSECTION HE Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Mutaiwee, the UAE Ambassador to the UK, presented the Conference flag to Asim Mirza Al Rahma, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, signposting that the 2015 Conference will be held in Warsaw in 2015.

Abdul Rahman joined Ms Lara Sawaya in thanking

all the participants for their attendance.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Annual Yearbook for the year 2013, edited by M. Satya Narayan, was released to the Purebred Arabian racing fraternity at the dinner banquet.

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HH SHEIKHA FATIMA CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Huge boost for aspiring jockeys Racing officials, lady, apprentice and professional jockeys, trainers and owners exchange views

W

With Abu Dhabi playing host to the Arabian racing fraternity during the ‘One World, 6 Continents’ extravaganza, some of the finest brains in the racing industry shared their experiences as the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival reiterated the importance of jockeys with the two-day HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Conference for Education and Training.

Over the two days on November 7 and 8, 2014, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Conference for Education and Training got racing officials, lady, amateur, apprentice and professional jockeys, trainers, owners and media persons engaged in various subjects which included: Jockey Training Worldwide and Prevention of Racing Accidents; Jockeys– High Performance Athletes – At The Top; PR and the Media for Racing Industry, Recruitment, Training and Education and Arbitration; Controlled Jockey Diet, Weight Control, Healing and

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the Research of Liverpool John Moores University and was rounded off with a Workshop.

Before the opening session Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Club, welcomed the participants and wished them the best in their tough mission to face the challenges ahead.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the

SUBSECTION International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR said the two-day conference was very important to chalk out the progress of aspiring jockeys.

“All this has been possible thanks mainly to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the world,” she stated.

Sami Al Boenain, Chairman of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR)

thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for all the support he’s providing to the Arabian racing community.

“We needed the brilliant vision of HH Sheikh Mansoor and the great imitative of HH Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak to support upcoming jockeys.

“Such international conferences which attract

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top experts in different fields of the equine sport give the youngsters more self-confidence and aspiration to realize their dreams and ambitions by developing their skills and talents,” he said.

The topics on the opening session included jockey training worldwide and prevention of racing incidents, the jockeys’ high performance athletes at the top, PR and the Media for racing industry requirements and training and education and arbitration.

The speakers focused on the necessity that youngsters should read to educate themselves about training programs for becoming horse racing jockeys, to learn about the skills they need to possess, training requirements and the employment outlook for the field.

The speakers also underlined the role of the training schools to impart ideas on how to ride and acknowledge a horse, understand horse behaviour and have racing experience.

According to the speakers, the most common way to begin is with private lessons, which many jockeys start at a very young age. Related work as a stable hand or in other positions that provide hands-on experience with horses can be helpful, the experts opined.

They also stressed that only a very small amount of college-level programs and courses could help, though they may not be essential for

becoming a jockey. Physical fitness and stamina are vital, and prospective jockeys must be keenly aware of the injury risks associated with horse racing.

In order to become familiar with horse behaviour, prospective jockeys were advised to start by taking private lessons through a local stable or join a local club.

Many students interested in working with horses start at a young age - sometimes as early as six years old. There

are several different riding styles typically offered to students, in addition to basic riding skills, riding students often learn aspects of basic horse care and horse behaviour analysis.

Dawn Goodfellow representing North Racing College noted that there are few universities offer post-graduate certificate, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs in equine science or equine business. These programs focus more on

SUBSECTION

the business aspect of horse breeding or racetrack management and less on training to be a jockey.

Other speakers including Kai Schirmann, from the German Jockey School, Remi Bellocq, Christopher Watson, Mellisssa Weatherley, Ku Sun Kim and Yasser Mabrouk highlighted the need for increasing the number of college programs devoted exclusively to training jockeys since they are very few in the world.

Legendary American jockey Chris McCarron said that many potential jockeys begin their career working in horse stables or participating in programs offered through a local club. They may start working as a groom or stable hand, feeding and grooming horses, as well as checking them for health problems, walking horses to cool down after races and cleaning their stalls. With experience, an aspiring jockey can be promoted to exercise rider on a racetrack.

Exercise riders warm a horse up in the morning before a race; monitor the horse for behavioral issues and report observed health problems to the horse trainer.

The subject on Controlled Jockey Diet, Weight Control, Healing and the Research of Liverpool John Moores University is reported in other pages in this Year Book.

Meanwhile one of the major success points was the announcement regarding the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin

Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to start of a Federation to nurture and give a positive direction to aspiring flat racing jockeys.

The result of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor’s instructions gave birth to the Inter-

national Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), a body which will be headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Ms Lara Sawaya was named Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) while Ms. Susanna Santesson of Germany was

named as the Vice Chairman.

“The main aim is to ensure there is a coordinated effort by the various racing schools and academies, proper communication between them and a focused effort to shape the young and aspiring jockeys and steer them into the professional world of flat racing,” Ms Sawaya said.

Commenting on the birth of IFHRA, Jasem Al Darmaki, Acting Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “This comes as no surprise for under the directions of HH Sheikh Mansoor, the Festival has always been one step ahead in thinking and chalking out programme s and initiatives for the general benefit of Arabian horse racing and its allied activities. We welcome IFHRA’s forma-

tion and wish the Board all success in their future activities.”

Sami Al Boenain, Chairman of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “We are truly obliged to HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and the move to set up this new body is a very big boost for the future of flat racing industry around the globe. I would like to tell the boys to be careful when competing against each other and while they must be keen to win they must also be keen not to do harm to their fellow jockeys.”

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival also announced that in 2015 the number of races in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship will be increased.

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ZAYED CUP 2014

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Enjoying the premier status in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race series.

It comprises Group, Listed and Prestige races held in the UAE, USA, Europe, Australia and on the African continent.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race series has attracted some of the best Purebred Arabian horses racing currently in the world and the intense competition and excitement have resulted in making the series a big hit at every venue it was staged.

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Aqaba Brown Dirt Cowboy scores under Spalding

ZAYED CUP 2014

01-02-2014, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

The Willcox-trained nine-year-old veteran son of Aqaba Captain Fantastic sprints home easily

A

qaba Brown Dirt Cowboy closed strong under Australian lady jockey Katie Spalding to deny Alchimia, the mount of Daniele Walker, in the concluding stages of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne on a bright Saturday afternoon.

“He gave me a good trip and responded willingly when I have asked him to improve,” Spalding said. “This is my fifth win aboard an Arabian horse.

“I have ridden four winners at Queensway, Gold Coast before and I don’t find any difficulty in handling this noble creature.

They tend to sometimes be slow at the start and up tide, but with practice they are easy to handle.”

Trained by Christine Willcox, the nine-year-old veteran son of Aqaba Captain Fantastic broke nicely and settled well in the early stage before he was put into top gear to sprint home easily in the premier event.

The race was staged under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which was launched in 2009 under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

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Mubarak Al Nuaimi of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority said: “It’s a day to remember. We have been working very closely with the Festival to promote Abu Dhabi as a tourist and commerce hub and our efforts are paying off, thanks to the directives of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the IFAHR, said: “We are truly delighted to have made this great start for the sixth edition of the festival.

“Now that the festival is back to Australia we are delighted to be here after a one year break. It’s a big honour to stage the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at Caulfield Racetrack, which is one of the leading racing venues within Australia and the rest of the world.

“The Arabian horse was in the spotlight in one of the major racing days Down Under as it is the practice of the Festival to showcase the breed on the big stage.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the Gen-

RESULT HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (PA 4yo+) Purse: Euro 41,307. Distance: 1,200m Turf 1. Aqaba Brown Dirt Cowboy (Mrs. Christine Wilco) Katie Spalding.

2. Alchimia (Anthony Mountney) Danielle Walker.

3. Aloha Desert Jewel (Ms Cassie Saunders) Ms Jill Colwell.

4. Ausden Prince Mahal (Ms Jennifer Randle) Ms Isabella The. Also ran Magelica, Conderosa Rassim, Chantree Desert Prince.

Winner Owned by C.A. Wilcox.

eral Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s

Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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Alibaba Del Sol blazes away on snow-capped White Turf Dutch trainer Karin van den Bos strikes again with her nine-year-old stable star

A

libaba Del Sol, ridden by Daniele Porc, finished full of running in the concluding stages to beat front runner Phraseur Kossack in an exciting finish to the second running of the 1600m Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Listed Cup at the St. Mortiz White Turf.

The only Swiss entry and last year’s runner up Nil Ashal under Olivier

ZAYED CUP 2014

16-02-2014, ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

Plaçais finished third. The race was held as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and carried a purse of €35,000 (42,000 Swiss francs).

Owned by Holland’s Landgoed Waterland and trained by Miss Karin van den Bos, nine-year-old Alibaba Del Sol picked up nicely and pulled hard in the home turn to delight his connections. “We are

happy to see Alibaba Del Sol winning on ice in this special racing event thanks to the support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival,” said the winning trainer.

“We are regular participants in the races which are held under the umbrella of the Festival and honoured to be associated with this great initiative of the leading international breeder and owner HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” she added.

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ZAYED CUP 2014 The winning jockey Daniele Porcu commented: “It’s a great experience to race at St. Moritz where competition and fun are brought together to entertain holiday makers at this beautiful venue. Alibaba ran a cracking race and he won impressively.”

Phraseur Kossack was given a confident ride by

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Stephen Hellyn but could not get the better of a horse who was in brilliant form on the day.

More than 8,000 spectators were present at the White Turf for an exciting programme that also featured harness racing and races for traditional trotters.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority

RESULT HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (PA 4yo+) Purse: Euro 33,477. Distance: 1600m Snow 1. Alibaba Del Sol (Miss Karin R van den Bos) Daniel Porcu.

2. Phraseur Kossack (Daniel c Klomp) St. Hellyn 3. Nil Ashal ( Mrs Franziska Aeschbacher) Mr. Olivier Placais.

4. Benben ‘Ba (Kim Augenbroe) Miguel Lopez Also ran: Gazel T, Vizir de Faust Winner owned by Landgoed Waterland.

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ZAYED CUP 2014 of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored

by Invest AD, Tourism Develop-

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ment & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s

Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr.

Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

Grilla conquers challenging surface

G

rilla, ridden

by David Cabrera, prevailed over a challenging surface to land the third round of the $47,000 Grade 1 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at Sam Houston Park, USA. Heavy showers all afternoon had rendered the track wet and slippery but Grilla was given a confident ride to make his way through the field and prevail by four lengths after being eased near the post.

RB Champagne Taste chased the winner home under Gerardo Mora, but could not threaten the leader while Burning Fleet, Emesto Valdez up, held on for third place. A high quality field of ten Purebred Arabian runners went to post in the 1,400m event.

The race was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs under the umbrella of the sixth edition of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Direc-

ZAYED CUP 2014

08-03-2014, SAM HOUSTON PARK, USA

Heavy showers all afternoon render the racetrack wet and slippery

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ZAYED CUP 2014 tor of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), Ali Mosa, Director of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Zayed Al Mansouri, representing Invest AD,

Fatima Al Nuaimi, representing UAE Women’s General Union and Prof.

Luis Combos, from the University of Texas Health Science, Texas, presented the prizes and trophies to the winners.

Ms. Sawaya commented: “The festival is making steady progress and advancing from one success to another. It is beginning

to pay off.

“The Sheikh Bayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup is now a Grade 1 event.

When we started it was a Listed competition before being promoted to Grade 2 thanks to the increased prize-money and the higher quality of horses making the lineup.

Mrs. Kathryn K. Smoke, President, Arabian Jockey

RESULT Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Grade 1, 1400 metres: 1. Grilla (Bill Waldron) David Cabrera; 2. RB Champagne Taste (Jerenesto Torrez) Gerardo Mora; 3. Burning Fleet (Jerenesto Torrez) Emesto Valdez-Jimnez; 4. Sand On Fire (Kenny Massey) T. Collier.

Winning time: 1:32.62 Also ran: Sergeant Pepper, A Clear Act, Butch Cassidy LZP, Cells Bells, WMA Sandstorm. Winning ownmer: Bill Waldron

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ZAYED CUP 2014 Club, USA said: “The festival has brought the Arabian horse to life again through the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship IFAHR.” Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism& Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) added: “Equestrianism in general, and Purebred Arabian rac-

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ing in particular, have been a part of the life and spirit of every Emirati and by promoting this sport globally, the Festival seeks to enhance the status of Arabian racing.”

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports

Council in association withEmirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored

by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment,

Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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18-04-2014, TOULOUSE, FRANCE

Sir Bani Yas reigns supreme at Hippodrome de Toulouse Bernard saddles winner for UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

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op French jockey JeanBaptiste Hamel steered Sir Bani Yas to win the fourth round of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at the Hippodrome de Toulouse.

The four-year-old son of Amer settled at the tail of the compact field as stable companion Abu Alabyad

set a steady pace under J-B Eyquem before the Frenchman pushed the button to emerge the easiest of winners on the line.

Sir Bani Yas won by a length and a quarter ahead of the Qatari contender Al Saklawiya. The speedy colt covered the mile and a quarter distance in 02.14.37 seconds. Jean-Francois Bernard who trains Sir Bani Yas for

His Highness The President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan commented: “He’s a progressive kind of horse and there’s more to come from him. Sir Bani Yas is a tough battler and strong stayer and we expect to show the best of him in the big challenges ahead.”

Bernard had declined to set a target for his colt saying that everything depends

RESULT HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 2) (PA 4yo+) Purse: Euro 25,000. Distance. 2000m Turf 1. Sir Bani Yas ( Jean-Francois Bernard) Jean-Baptiste Hamel 2. Al Saklawiya (T Fourcy) Julie Auge 3. Abu Alabyad (Jean-Francois Bernard) Jean-Bernard Eyguem 4. Voyou de Faust (Miss Sandrine V. Tarrou) Roberto-Carlos Montenegro Also ran: Mkeefa. Winner owned by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

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ZAYED CUP 2014 on how he would come out of the trip pointing out that there are many options open for him.

The event was held under the directives of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director

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of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authority (IFAHR), said: “I don’t think things could be better, and Toulouse is another great success for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival

which is growing bigger and bigger thanks to the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the generous patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE.” The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi

Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al

Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE General Women Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

Valentin obliges under top Panamanian rider Pedroza

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11-05-2014, BERLIN, GERMANY

The 40-year-old jockey has ridden over 1,000 winners around Europe

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Accomplished Panamanian jockey Eduardo Pedroza, who is based in Germany, gave Valentin a fine ride to win the fifth round of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Listed Cup on an action-packed card.

Trained by JM Wolters at the Stall Lucky Stables in Holland, the five-year-old son of Amer was always going well before the 40-year-old Pedroza, who has ridden over 1,000 winners around Europe, asked his horse for his effort and the response was immediate as Valentin stretched out to cross the line three lengths clear of the field.

A field of 12 runners was declared to battle out the Listed 2,000-metre contest which carried a purse of 30,000.

The race was open to four-

year-old Arabians and above who were WAHO registered and holding an IFAHRaccepted pedigree.

It was held under the directives of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Mohammed Ebrahim Al Mahomoud, Deputy Chairman of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, reiterated the support of the authorities to all sports and events which contribute to the promotion and revival of the sports of the fathers and grandfathers and enhance the culture and heritage of the UAE. Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Director General of

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ZAYED CUP 2014 the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority said: “The series which are originally introduced to support small breeders and owners has received the cooperation of all parties involved and proceeding from one success to another.”

Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to Germa-

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ny, praised the strong support which is received by the sports sector in the UAE saying that it underlines the keenness of the wise leadership of His Highness the President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and

Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces coupled with the role which is played by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Pres-

idential Affairs to promote sports in general and Arabian horse races in particular.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing

Authority (IFAHR) said: “Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we are delighted to return to this beautiful venue which attracts a big crowd to its well-organised events. The races of the Festival are growing bigger and bigger with every move.

Ms Sawaya thanked

ZAYED CUP 2014 the management of the Hoppegarten Racecourse noting that it’s one of the best venues around the globe to host the events of the Festival which are receiving huge respect and encouragement of the spectators.

“I would also like to thank all Their Excellencies The Ambassadors of the Arab countries who have joined us at the Hoppegarten,” she said.

The race was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Suroor Al Sharqi, Monther Al-Eissa, Kuwaiti Ambassador, Dr. Mohammed Hejazi, Egyptian Ambassador, Dr. Mazen Tal, Jordanian Ambassador, Dr. Hussain Alkhateeb, Iraqi Ambassador, Mona Kamel, Head of Mission of the League of Arab States, Aden Mohammed, Ambassador of Djibouti and the Libyan and Moroccan Ambassadors.

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Bernard’s Group 1 star scores impressive win

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31-05-2014, NEWBURY, UNITED KINGDOM

Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Djet Taouy bags Newbury’s maiden Zayed Cup

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he first UK running of the HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup was a Listed contest over a mile and a quarter.

The race was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Run over a distance of a mile and a quarter the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Listed) carried a total purse of £70,000.

Top weight and a leading contender was Djet Taouy, who had changed stables since winning back to back Group 1 races last year with the UAE Derby at Newmarket and following up over this course and distance in the Dubai International.

The early pace was steady, with Lahoob, Azizi and Nerbah at the head of affairs, with the others closely bunched behind. Little had changed as they entered the

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ZAYED CUP 2014 straight and in the last half mile, most were still in with a chance as they spread across the Berkshire track. However, on the far rail Munyah Farah and Lahoob were edging ahead of Nerbah, but it was the other Royal Cavalry runner, Djet Taouy, who burst clear on the stands side, coming wide to win by a length and a quarter.

Djet Taouy was ridden by French jockey David Michaux

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and was reversing places with his earlier conqueror Nashmi to score in the distinguished colours of the Royal Cavalry of Oman.

Trainer Jean-Francois Bernard, Delighted with the result, said: “It’s a well-deserved victory for the brilliant horse and for the man on board who gave every opportunity to showcase his ability.

“Djet Taouy recaptured his true form and image as a

top class horse. His obvious target is the World Cup in Longchamp on the Arc Day in October, but big races at Newbury, Deauville and Chantilly are also on the agenda.”

The winner travelled nicely to clock 2.26.20 seconds and score by a length and a quarter to the run of the judge on soft ground.

Nashmi, ridden by Pierantonio Convertino, chased the

RESULT HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (PA 4yo+) Distance: 2000m Turf: 1. Djet Taouy (Mr J.F. Bernard) David Michaux 2. Nashmi (Mr A. De Mieulle) Pierantoni Convertino 3. Shadiya (Mr. A.S. Newey) Shane Kelly 4. Nerbah (Mr. S.Al Hakmani) Steve Drowne.

Also ran: Djakbar Des Forges, Tawaazun, Lahoob, Ramades, Munya Farah, Azizi, Pacific Athbah, Nekhen Taouo.

Winner owned by Royal Cavalry Of Oman.

Distances: 1.25lenght, 0.75, 0.75. Time: 02:26:20s.

ZAYED CUP 2014 winner home while Shadyia, the mount of Shane Kelly, was third.

Brigadier Abdi Alshawarzi from the Royal Cavalry of Oman said: “It is a big day for the Royal Cavalry of Oman and I’m happy. I hope we will have more winners with ARO this season.”

ARO Racing Manager Amanda Smith said: “I am very pleased that the UK has attracted strong International entries for the inaugural UK running of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan Cup. This valuable race is a very welcome addition to the UK’s International Calendar.

The HH Sheikha Fatima

Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) has always been one of the most well supported races of the ARO calendar and this is true once again.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “While the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference has kept the nearly 350 delegates busy, the races have provided excitement to the fans in the UK.”

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06-06-2014, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Athlete Del Sol cruises to another victory Dutch trainer Karin van den Bos registers yet another Festival double in Stockholm

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iss Karin van den Bos stole the show in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival as the Dutch trainer celebrated with a double as thousands of Swedes marked their National Day at the Gardet in the Royal National City Park in Stockholm city.

In fact van den Bos also

scored a double in Stockholm in 2011 when Athlete Del Sol and Serouda Du Breuil won and it was a repeat of the feat again when the Carlos Lopez-ridden Athlete Del Sol won the Listed Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup. A field of nine horses made the line-up for the 7th round series. As promised after his victory at J채gersro, Gazel T again was challenging for one of the Scandinavian top races and again he

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ZAYED CUP 2014 was to meet Mad Makz and Labwah in the Listed race.

Another victory was not a foregone conclusion, however, as the two other solid Dutch performers Athlete Del Sol and Sartejano also made a bid to further Scandinavian success of which they had had plenty before.

With Mad Makz a late withdrawal, Gazel T abandoned his usual tactics and immediately went to the

front with the other two Dutch raiders in attendance.

Turning for home he was still there, but it was evident he was to race for a place as Athlete Del Sol under Carlos Lopez was cruising away from the field and won pulling up by 5½ lengths.

Sartejano under his spare rider Robyn Freeman-Key finished second half-alength in front of Gazel T with the same

distance to local 4-year-old Mahany de Piboul, who met with some interference in the final bend.

Van den Bos then followed it up with a magnificent double when Australian Robyn Freeman-Key on Alibaba Del Sol scored a thumping 9-length win in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR race. “This race meeting has

RESULT HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (PA 4yo+) Purse: Euro 63,435. Distance. 1500m Turf: 1. Athlete Del Sol (trained by Miss Karin van den Bos) ridden by Carlos Lopez 2. Sartejano (Mrs. D.A.K. Dorengerg) Jacob Johansen 3. Gazel t (Gerd T. Zoetelief) Andreas Hlefenbein.

4. Mahany de Piboul (Mrs Camilla Nilsson) Martin Reodriguez.

Also ran: Labwah, Yaqoot, Sheimah Oardabiyah, Ghallab, Mad Makz.

Winner owned by Landgoed Waterland Distances: 5length, 5.5, 5.0. Time: 1:44.00secs.

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ZAYED CUP 2014 been remarkable and has attracted the largest audience ever to watch a Purebred Arabian race in Sweden.

This success is testimonial to the huge interest that the of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has been attracting in all races, wherever they are held,” HE Sheikha Najla Al Qassimi , the UAE Am-

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bassador to Sweden, said.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) added: “Today’s race meeting was a perfect advertisement for Purebred Arabian racing.

With nearly 50,000 fans in attendance, the Festival’s two races were the showcase events of the afternoon amidst perfect weather conditions.”

Meanwhile, Mats Genberg, President of the Scandinavian Arabian Racing Association (SARA), said special permission had been obtained from the King of Sweden by the Swedish

Racing Association last year, to race in Gärdet on Swedish National Day. “Traditionally the citizens of Stockholm turn out in force to celebrate this day and an estimated 50,000 spectators watched the racing on the one-day course.

“Regarded as one of the main events in the capital, the press coverage reached

proportions hardly ever seen for racing in Sweden and with the added allure this year of two races for Arabian Purebreds under the generous directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, the response is even better this year as Arabian racing is the fastest growing part of Swedish racing,” he said.

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22-07-2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

Ameretto stays on course for European Triple Dr Paul-Jean Daverio’s star runner was second in 2012, a winner last year

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meretto was a big winner at the Duindigt racecourse in The Netherlands to stay in contention for the Euro Triple Bonus of € 30,000 in the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup series.

The Group 3 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup had attracted a strong field but Ameretto, second here in 2012 and a winner here last year, once again rose to the occasion under Italian jockey Mauro Manueddu.

Though champion UAE jockey Tadhg O’Shea, riding

Burnet, gave Ameretto a strong challenge on the home stretch, the son of top Arabian stallion Amer did well to prevail by a length and a half with Samima under JeanBaptiste Hamel in third place.

The winner clocked 2:05.50 for the 1900 metre turf contest worth € 35,000.

“Last year we won the € 30,000 bonus with Ameretto and this year he has finished second in the first leg in Berlin and now has won the second leg here. We will give him rest in July and then take him for the third and final leg in Warsaw, Poland to try and bag the bonus gain,” said

owner Dr Paul-Jean Daverio.

The Group 3 event was expected to be a clash between the horses that finished 1-2 here last year as well as a handful of other strong contenders.

Ameretto and Poulain Kossack won in that order here in Duindigt last year and both

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ZAYED CUP 2014 were multi-race winners in the Festival.

Nahee in the colours of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, from trainer Jean Pierre Totain’s yard was one of the favourites together with Qatar raider No Problem Al Maury, winner of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Ostend, Belgium, last

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year and is a globe-trotter with some creditable runs in the USA, Turkey, Qatar and France.

Poulain Kossack, the Dutch champion in 2009 and 2012, was another big name in the field together with Gazel T, third in Stockholm two weeks earlier.

HE Abdulla Hamdan Al Naqbi, the UAE Ambassador to The Netherlands, gave away the trophies along with Adnan Sultan Al

Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

“It is indeed a proud moment to see the Purebred Arabian races staged by the

HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival reach such a high level here in The Netherlands,” HE Al Naqbi said.

Ms Lara Sawaya added: “The field of runners in the two races is one of the best and you cannot ask for a more star-filled card in Purebred Arabian racing.

“This reflects the success of the Festival and we are happy that the efforts of His

Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood are paying off.”

Sammy V routs rivals to record 13-length win Six-year-old unleashes blazing run on one of the oldest dirt courses in the US

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05-07-2014, PLEASANTON, USA

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t was an exhilarating display of raw speed as 6-year-old Sammy V under Juan Sanchez, smashed the record for a 6-furlong race in the US and also registered one of the biggest margin of victories with a 13-length win in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Grade 3) in Pleasanton, California.

With the US celebrating its Independence Day with a series of fireworks display, it was Sammy V that continued with a blazing run at one of the oldest dirt courses in the US in Pleasanton.

After winning the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup last year, the six-yearold gray horse named for owner Sam Vasquez, was reunited with Juan Sanchez and it was a powerful run from pillar to post in 1:15:99 seconds, bettering his own mark of 1:17.54 seconds set last year and the new mark is the fastest in the US since 1976.

Ayers and By Golly Its Hot ran second and third but Sammy V’s run decimated the eight-horse field and winning jockey Sanchez

RESULT said: “I was riding him after a year and he is one of the best Purebred Arabians I have ever ridden. In fact it feels like you are racing on a Thoroughbred: He is super fast.”

HE Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, the UAE’s Consul General based in Los Angeles, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Suroor Al Sharqi, Vice President -

Relationship Management at Invest AD and Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), gave away the trophies to the

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, Grade 3, 1200m 1. Sammy V (Ken Danyluk) Juan E Sanchez; 2. Ayers (Helen Shelley) Hugo Herrera; 3. By Golly Its Hot (Helen Shelley) P. Flores; 4. La Jest A Flash (Dianna Skinner) B. Harvey.

Winning time: 1:15:99 seconds (Sammy V bettered his own mark of 1:17.54 seconds set in 2013 and the new mark is the fastest in the US since 1976) Winning owner: Sam A Vasquez Also ran: Lacy Vaz, Ta Line King, In X Hess, Limitless.

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ZAYED CUP 2014 winners of the two races.

The UAE envoy Al Saboosi hailed the success of the Festival and said: “This race series has now become synonymous with Purebred Arabian racing in the US and it augurs well for the strong relationship between the US and the UAE.” Ms Sawaya said: “The recordbreaking performance by Sammy V in front of record-breaking number

of spectators is a huge boost to the efforts of the Festival.”

The HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated

by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported

by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani Gen-

eral Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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18-08-2014 OSTEND, BELGIUM

Jadey rides a blinder aboard Athlete Del Sol Dutch rider’s effort gets the better of course and distance winner Poulain Kossack

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op Dutch lady jockey Miss Jadey Pietrasiewicz produced Athlete Del Sol from out of the blue to

win the 10th round of the Listed Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at the Hippodrome Wellington in Ostend, Belgium.

Pietrasiewicz and Athlete

De Sol launched their bids from gate one and air raced against the fences before the Dutch rider put her mount into top gear to overcome Poulain Kossack, ridden by

RESULT HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (PA 4yo+) Purse: Euro 35,000. Distance: 1,800m Turf 1. Athlete Del Sol (Miss Karin van den Bos) Miss Jadey Pietrasiewicz.

2. Poulain Kossack (Hubb Otermans) Andreas Helfenbein 3. Gazel T (Gerd T. Zoetelief) Gaetan Faucon.

4. Nain (D.A.K. Dorenberg) Deau Also ran: Senna O.A. Speed Kossack, Labwah, Bachi Bouzouk.

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ZAYED CUP 2014 Andreas Helfinbein, in the closing strides of the 1800metre contest to grab the major share of the €35,000 prize fund.

“I was over the moon,” said successful Dutch trainer Karin Van Den Bos. “Athlete Del Sol is a tough performer who requires tough handling and with Jadey in the saddle, the choice could have not been better.

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“I didn’t worry about his poor run when he finished out of the frame behind Vulcain du Clos over course and distance last time out. He was drawn wide and from stall 13 you need a miracle to improve in Ostend,” she said.

Eight top contenders faced the starter with many of them holding genuine claims including Gazel T,

the mount of Faucon Gaeta, Andreas Helfenbein’s Poulain Kossack and Bachi Bouzouk, ridden by Christophe Dehens .

Poulain Kossack, a course and distance winner, was the favourite having defeated the day’s opponents Speed Kossack and Bachi Bouzouk in the Qatar Near Wellington Cup. Earlier in the season, Poulain Kos-

sack had also claimed the Group 2 Qatar Cup at Longchamp.

However, Athlete Del Sol, was a good winner of two of his three appearances this season including the Wathba Stud Farm Copenhagen Cup at Klampenborg Racecourse in Denmark.

The son of Dormane had also won the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint

ZAYED CUP 2014 Mubarak Ladies World Championship in Hoppegarten in May and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Stockholm on June 6.

The UAE Ambassador to Belgium Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui and head of the UAE mission to the NATO, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Al Naqbi alongside the staff members, attended the race which attracted a big crowd of race goers who packed the beautiful venue from early afternoon.

The top diplomats thanked the wise leader-

ship of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the emirates for their strong support and backing of sports to keep the flag of the young nation flying all around the globe.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat

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ZAYED CUP 2014 Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emir-

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ates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates

airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al

Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and

Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

Ameretto shows class with a smart effort Winning jockey Manueddu hails horse as the greatest middle distance Purebred Arabian

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meretto showed himself to be one of the best Purebred Arabian horses when producing a big effort to win the 11th round of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, a Group 3 event held at the Sluzewiec Horse

Race Track, Warsaw, Poland.

“He did nothing wrong,” said the winning jockey Mario Manueddu .

“Ameretto is easy to handle and didn’t require any reminder in this company.

He is a top-class talent and holds good claims to being regarded the greatest middle distance Purebred

Arabian,” he added.

Early leader Ziko (P Krowicki) finished second and Tyl under A Turgaev was third.

Ameretto has won this race over the last two years and the moment he passed the finish line, owner Manuela Daverio-Scharfenberg was assured

ZAYED CUP 2014

24-08-2014, WARSAW, POLAND

of an additional bonus of €30 000 for taking first place in a mini cycle of three European Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup races.

The French-bred son of Amer finished second at the Hoppegarten track in Berlin last May and first at Duindigt a month later to claim

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ZAYED CUP 2014 the European Triple Crown bonus for the third time.

The winner covered the distance in 3.12.90 seconds (nearly 16 seconds below the track record set for this distance (2600m) by the Saudi contender Muqatil Al Khalediah in 2010.

“The pace was too slow,”

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said the German-based trainer Gunter Richter . “The going was soft and the jockey was not in a hurry since there was no real threat.

“Manueddu rode him patiently and didn’t need more than to shake the reins close to home to win handy.”

UAE Ambassador to

Poland Asim Mirza Al Rahama thanked the wise UAE leadership again, saying that many things have changed with the announcement of Warsaw as the venue of the 6th edition of the World Arabian Horse Race Conference 2015.

“We have been receiving

many calls regarding the plans for the conference and I think this is a real breakthrough to enhance the image of our nation,” he said.

“People in Poland have great passion for horse racing. Breeding is equally part of the country’s industries.

There are many Arab breed-

ers and owners who have established stud farms and stables in Poland and they are doing a very good business,” he added.

“We are lucky to receive all this support from the wise leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and

ZAYED CUP 2014 his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and their brothers Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates,” said Asim Mirza Al Rahma, UAE Ambassador to Poland.

Al Rahma also thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin

RESULT Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup – Nagroda Euopy (Group 3) (PA 4yo+) Distance: 2,600m Turf 1. Ameretto (Günter Richter) Mauro Manueddu 2. Ziko (Janusz Kozłowski) Piotr Krowicki 3. Tyl (Michał Romanowski) Anton Turgaev 4. Ussam de Carrere (Kamila Urbanczyk) Piotr Piatkowski Also ran: Wares, Afrah and Magoun Winner owned by Dr Paul-Jean Daverio

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ZAYED CUP 2014 Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, for their intellectual initiative to promote and preserve the culture and heritage of the UAE around the world.

“The Arabian horse is part

of our history and by propagating this noble creature, we are opening a wide open window for a more bright and prosperous future for our nation and the Arab world at large,” he said.

Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive

Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities IFAHR, said: “We

are truly Delighted to return to Warsaw in this particular time as it makes history in the festival.”

Wojciech Szpil, President of Totalizator Sportowy, thanked the organisers of the Festival saying that with

the United Arab Emirates Day which is one of the biggest events at the Służewiec Horse Race Track, thanks to the cooperation of our friends from the United Arab Emirates, the whole world learns about Polish races.

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ZAYED CUP 2014

20-09-2014, LOS ALAMITOS, USA

Valiant Boy oozes class in impressive victory With his 7-race winning streak, he looked every bit the superstar of Purebred Arabian racing

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aliant Boy SBFAR oozed class as he recorded an impressive victory in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Sheikh

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Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at Los Alamitos race track in Los Angeles.

A six-year-old by Darweesh out of Thumb Print, Valiant Boy continued his seven-race winning streak and looked every bit the superstar of

Purebred Arabian racing.

Bred by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in France, the 6-year-year old grey continued his dominance over RB Champagne Taste beating his rival for the third time in a row.

Coming into the race on the back of two Group 1 wins earlier this year, Valiant Boy SBFAR, being ridden by jockey Ramon Guce for the first time, took control of the 1600-metre race as the field raced towards the line.

ZAYED CUP 2014 The rest was easy as the unbeaten star scored from RB Champagne Taste with Ayers taking the third spot. Valiant Boy clocked 1:45.84seconds for the dirt contest.

It was his seventh win on the trot and brought his career record to 11 wins in 19 starts.

“Trainer Charles Lees told me to just let him settle down but Valiant Boy want-

ed to run from the quartermile pole itself. I had to hold him back and once we hit the bend I let him go and the race was all but over. He is the best Arabian horse I have ever ridden,” said the winning jockey Guce.

Liz Collard, representing the winning yard said: “We came here to support this race and the horse was in superb form. He showed a fine turn of foot and we hope he

continues his great form.”

HE Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, UAE Consul General based in Los Angeles along with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Al Hamad and Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Hamad attended the races and the prize distribution ceremony along with officials of the Arabian Racing Association of California.

“It is heartening to see an increase in the number of

RESULT Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Stakes, 1600 m: 1. Valiant Boy Sbfar (Charles Treece) Ramon Guce; 2. RB Champagne Taste (Scott Powell) Kelsi Purcell; 3. Ayers (Helen Shelley) Hugo Herrera; 4. RB Burn Baby Burn (Charles Treece) Gary Boag.

Winning time: 1:45.84; Winning distances: 4.75L, 2.75L, Winning owner: Guy Nievens

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ZAYED CUP 2014 races the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival holds in the US. Today’s race carried the name of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and hence is a symbol of pride and honour for us,” said HE Al Saboosi.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin

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Suroor Al Sharqi, Invest AD’s Vice President - Relationship Management, who also attended the race, said: “Our support for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is strong and will continue.

The Festival keeps moving to new venues and that also

helps us though our primary aim is to support the UAE’s heritage sport.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation

of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “With Arabian racing just having returned to Los Alamitos after a gap of seven years, fans here today witnessed a champion horse in action.

“While so many favourites failed to win today in the other races, the Ara-

bian horses ran to form and that is a huge boost for the Arabian racing as well as the fans.

“We are looking forward to returning to Los Alamitos when this track hosts the third race in the Triple Jewel Series - the Festival’s new series for 2015 for Purebred Arabian horses in the US. ”

Sylvine Al Maury scores an exciting victory

ZAYED CUP 2014

24-10-2014 TOULOUSE, FRANCE

Bernard saddles winner in the Festival’s concluding Zayed Cup race in Europe

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rench trainer Jean-Francois Bernard claimed the honour of saddling the winner of the concluding race in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Sheikh

Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup series in Europe when Sylvine Al Maury recorded an exciting win in Toulouse, France.

Owned by the Royal Stables of Oman, the Ioritz Mendizibal-ridden Sylvine Al Maury, battled courageously

to deny Meeyurlos Montenegro, the mount of Roberto-Car , by a short head in the closing strides of the Group 3 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup French Arabian Breeders Challenge Classic for three-year-old fillies.

Bernard, whose horses have been consistent performers in all the different race series organised by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, was spot on as the three-yearold Munjiz filly scored her first career

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ZAYED CUP 2014 win after two impressive second-placed runs in three starts earlier.

Meeyur finished in second place ahead of Samjida to complete a 2-3 finish for French trainer Philippe Sogorb.

A strong 11-horse field started the mile contest which was the penultimate race in the series before the seasonending finale in Abu Dhabi.

Unbeaten Al Fahda, the Qatari raider from Al Shaqab Stables, started as the favourite but failed to finish in the top four.

Other runners included Jean-Francois Bernardtrained Al Karama Monlau,

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a Dormane filly with a win under her belt, Etifaq, Petitelaika and Bahia Du Paon.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival spotlight left Europe after this race and headed to Abu Dhabi for the ‘One World, 6 Contents’ event where over 800 members of the Purebred Arabian racing fraternity assembled for the four-day extravaganza.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated

by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha

RESULT French Arabian Breeders Challenge Pouliches sponsored by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 3) (PA 3yo+) Purse: Euro 45,000. Distance: 1,600m Turf 1. Sylvine Al Maury (Jean-Francois Bernard) Ioritz Mendizabal 2. Meeyur (Peter Sogorb) Roberto-Carlos Montengro 3. Samjida (Peter Sogorb) Francois-Xavier Bertras 4. Al Fahda (T. Fourcy) Vincent Cheminaud Also ran: Badriya Thabeth, Mindza, Da’areen, Al Karama Monlau, Bahia du Paon, Etifaq, Petitelaika.

Winner owned by Royal Cavalry of Oman.

Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland,

Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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ZAYED CUP 2014

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

FOCUS ON LADY JOCKEYS

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race series The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies IFAHR Cup race series, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak,Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World, is a race series which is only open to lady jockeys. This series is one of the major success stories of the Festival.

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McCutcheon wins opener of Ladies World Championship

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17-01-2014, AL FLAIJ RACECOURSE, OMAN

Irish jockey strikes on her very first ride on a Purebred Arabian horse

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t was a perfect start to 2014 for Evanna McCutcheon but it came on the back of a Purebred Arabian horse which was the first-ever experience for the Irish jockey.

McCutcheon came to Oman to race in the 2014 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship at Al Flaij Racecourse, an event organised by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival.

Her fame prior to the Oman race was her association with Maarek, winner of the Qatar Prix De L’Abbaye De Longchamp (Group-1).

But McCutcheon seized the opportunity to run a well-judged race aboard Secret Treasour and win the opening race in the 2014 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship.

Racing on Omani trainer Mohammad Bin Salim Al

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP Ghenaimi’s Secret Treasour, the Irish lady prevailed in a tight finish from early leader Pipepoile, ridden by Swedish jockey Jhannah Stolt. Italy’s Giada Menato finished third aboard Sami Al Mels.

Run over a mile on the dirt track as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Racing Festival, the ladies’ race featured on the

Omani Derby Card, one of the major race days in the Sultanate’s calendar.

“Secret Treasour broke nicely and I followed the instructions of trainer Al Ghenaimi to keep him away from the horses and put him in the clear at the right time,” McCutcheon said after the victory.

“He was happy, relaxed and focused. He gave me a

great ride. This is my first experience on the back of an Arabian horse and I loved it,” said McCutcheon, who also booked her birth for the yearending finale in Abu Dhabi.

After a winning start in Oman as a jockey, McCutcheon set up base in Fethard, Tipperary as a trainer and took charge of the handling responsibilities of Maarek, graduating from the role of

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1600 m: 1.Secret Treasour (Trainer Mohammed Al Ghenaimi) Evanna McCutcheon 2. Pilepoile (A. Marzooqi) Jhannah Stolt 3. Sami Al Mels (Jaber Bin Said Al Maskari) Giada Menato 4. Krisschn SWA (Jaber Bin Said Al Maskari) Stefanie Hofer Winning Owner:Mahboob Bin Mohammed Hashmi Winning Time: 01:33:54 Also ran: Omayyade, Faria, Mudalal, Motsho Bello, Ak Hal, Kador N U, Djalkan

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP assistant to Maarek’s previous trainers David Nagle and Barry Lalor.

Meanwhile, the Oman race also saw the debut of 21-yearold UAE lady jockey Anoud Al Suwaidi on Scyphios.

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” said the UAE Ambassador to Oman Abdul Redha Abdullah Khouri. The UAE envoy, who gave away the awards, said: “Above all I would like to thank our brothers in Oman for the excellent organization of the event. Everything was perfect including the fine weather and the big number of spectators who packed this beautiful venue.

“I’m truly delighted to see a UAE lady taking part in this important championship, thanks to the bright vision of HH Sheikh Mansoor

Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to promote the Arabian horse worldwide and the great initiative of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, to support the UAE women,” he said.

The race was also attended

by Khalid Bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Under Secretary, Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

HE Noora Al Suwaidi, Secretary General, UAE General Women’s Union, Chairman of the UAE Women’s Sports Committee and Member of the UAE Olympic Committee, hailed the start of another year’s racing for lady jockeys.

“Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme

President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has always supported the development of women around the world in all fields.

“With today’s race in Oman, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival has realized this aim of HH Sheikha Fatima as this World Ladies Championship has now become very popular in the racing circuit,” Ms Al Suwaidi said.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, thanked all the leaders for their kind support and interest in making the Festival an international success.

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01-02-2014, CAULFIELD RACECOURSE, MELBOURNE

Deniel finishes ahead of rookie UAE lady jockey UK lady steals thunder Down Under with a fantastic effort on Conderosa Millenium Silver

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The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival was back in Australia after a year’s gap and in 2014 the venue was the famous Caulfield Racetrack in Melbourne.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) is one of the most popular race series organised by the Festival and this year the race day included some of Australia’s top Thoroughbred races like the $135,000 Group 3 Manfred Stakes, the $120,000 Listed Sportingbet Mornington Cup Prelude and the $120,000 Robert Taranto W.J. Adams Stakes among others.

The stands were packed and the eight lady jockeys

who lined up for the Euros 30,000 race included two professional lady jockeys.

It was Alyson Deniel from the United Kingdom who stole the thunder Down Under with a fantastic effort on Conderosa Millenium Silver but equally sharing the limelight was a 21-year-old Emirati lady jockey Anoud Al Suwaidi who was racing for only the second time in her career, having made her debut in Oman earlier in the year.

While Conderosa Millenium Silver under Deniel won the Australia round of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship race, the UAE’s amateur jockey was just two lengths behind in second place on board Coolinda Park Kazh.

French lady jockey

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1400m: 1. Conderosa Millenium Silver (Trainer Con Bouzianis), M Alyson Deniel 2. Coolinda Park Kazh (Kim Noble) Ms Anoud Al Suwaidi 3. Aqaba Pride of Erin (Ms Christine Willcox) B. De Granvilliers 4. Raazor Dajani ( Mr Peter Homes) Ms Ana Lee and Warrawee Naaziq ( Kim Noble) Ms Fatma Almanji Also ran: El Masri Jadeed, Keisha, Blakes Heaven Bombara

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP Blanche De Granvilliers came with a late run astride Aqaba Pride De Erin to take third place. The winner covered the 1200m (six furlongs) distance in 1:39:04 seconds.

It was almost a pillar-topost win for Deniel, who became the second lady to book a spot in the November 9 final in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s a special championship and the organisational effort was amazing. This is my first appearance in the competition and fortunately it’s a winning start. The

trainer told me before the race that Conderosa Millennium Silver is in great form and he will do all the work,” an elated Deniel said.

Commenting on the challenge posed by her young UAE rival, Deniel said she was astonished to see the Emirati girl chasing her home.

“I didn’t take it lightly and this was the only time I had to use the whip. The response of the horse was amazing,” Deniel added.

Anoud Al Suwaidi said: “The strong run has given

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP me more confidence and hopefully I can build on this success in my future attempts.”

HE Mubarak Al Nuaimi of the Abu Dhabi Tourist & Culture Authority said: “It’s a day to remember. We have been working very closely with the Festival to promote Abu Dhabi as a tourist and commerce hub and our effort is paying off, thanks to the directives of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy

Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in IFAHR said: “We are truly delighted to see this great start for the sixth edition of the Festival and I’m confident that our impressive Anoud Al Suwaidi can go one better in the next challenge.

“The ladies race was

absolutely superb. They have provided eight good horses.

This championship is very important and valuable for us because it carries the name of the Mother of the UAE Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood,” Ms Sawaya said.

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Prod’Homme romps home on White Turf Frenchwoman hogs limelight on ice-and-snow track with a superb win on Phraseur Kossack

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ne of the prime reasons why the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has become so popular is the fact that it offers participants an opportunity to experience some of the best circuits and conditions jockeys can ever dream of.

The 2014 Festival’s race series that provides a unique opportunity to lady jockeys –the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship- started in the desert nation of the Sultanate of Oman and then went all the way to the Southern Hemisphere to stage the second leg Down Under in Melbourne, Australia.

But this third race was run on the frozen lake in St. Moritz amidst a spectacular alpine setting in the depths of Switzerland in the beautiful canton of Graubünden.

The White Turf, a unique, exclusive, top-class event with exciting horse-racing, gourmet catering, lively music and inspiring art exhibitions, all taking place in winter sunshine on the frozen lake among the stunningly beautiful, snow-capped mountains of St Moritz makes this event a special experience.

And the line-up of the horses for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship hailed from the host country Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden and The Netherlands.

Though France was missing as a participating country, Frenchwoman Pauline Prod’Homme ensured her country hogged the when

she scored a fantastic win on Phraseur Kossack. Phraseur Kossack with Stephen Hellyn in the saddle had just a week earlier led for most of the race before being beaten by Alibaba Del Sol but this time around Pauline Prod’Homme ensured the job was complete and she became the third winner of this ladies championship for 2014.

From the start to the finish the 7-year-old Phraseur Kossack under Prod’Homme dominated the race for Purebred Arabian horses. Swedish entry Winston Rocket chased the winner home to finish two lengths back in second place under Lucy Alexander, as Nil Ashal, ridden by Fabienna De Geer, was four lengths behind in third

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

23-02-2014, ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

place.

“It’s my first ride on ice,” said Prod’Homme who, by virtue of this win, featured Abu Dhabi finale.

“Phraseur Kossack is a classy horse who ran a close second in the HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Listed Cup over course and distance last weekend. He started well and has always

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ness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and their brothers the Rulers of the Emirates have all ensured great support for sports in general and equestrian and horse racing sport in particular.

“I’m truly impressed with what I have seen today. This is a great success for the brilliant vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood,” he said.

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

surprised me. He was picking up nicely and responded keenly when I have asked him the question in the straight to emerge the easiest of winners on the line,” the Frenchwoman said.

Huub Otermans, the winner’s Dutch owner-trainer, said he was very happy. “I’ve had him with me for eight months. His career was punctuated by a few stops, not having raced at 3 years, but he won today –his 6th career win! For me, it’s really special. “ HE Ahmed Al Shamsi, Charge De Affairs of the UAE Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, attended the race and took part in the prize distribution.

“The wise leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His High-

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in IFAHR said: “It is interesting to note at this juncture that the Festival is growing in strength and more and more countries are taking part making it a global phenomenon.”

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RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1600m 1. Phraseur Kossack (Trainer Daniel Klomp) Ms. Pauline Prod’homme 2. Winston Rocket (Ms Camilla Nilsson) Ms Lucy Alexander 3. Nil Ashaal (Ms Franziska Aeschbacher) Ms fabienne de Geer 4. Zeta A ( A. Kolpondinou) Anna Van den Troost Winning owner: Mr Huub Otermans Also ran: Meduz , Benben’Ba, Rosso Antico, Rahy, Rosso Antico

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08-03-2014, SAM HOUSTON PARK, USA

Martin strikes on RB Burn Baby Burn American rallies to snatch win from Norway’s Storen in pouring rain and muddy conditions

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

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am Houston Race Park, Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, was the fourth stop for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race series.

It was an entertaining race meeting with the two pres-

tigious Arabian stakes - The $47,000 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup and $41,000 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) slated for the night.

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak race attracted a strong field of 10 fillies and the contest was over a distance of seven furlongs. The UAE was represented by lady

jockey Anoud Al Suwaidi who finished second in Melbourne while Oman’s Azhar Al Wardi completed the duo from the Gulf region.

American jockey Sandee Dee Martin made the most of home conditions to steer RB Burn Baby Burn to a superb win and become the fourth lady to qualify for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1600m 1. RB Burn Baby Burn (Jockey Sandee Martin) 2. MS Dixie (Silja Storen) 3. Zells Follies (Stephanie Dorning) 4. TTT Dark Diamond (Joanna Walton) Also Ran: DC Willeys Song, TA Dance With The Star, Little Bit, Lil Rich Girl, TM Maddamme, Br Little Red, Etres Chic Winning Owner: Rosebrook Farms LLC, Winning Time: 01:35:38

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Combos, from the University of Texas Health Science, Texas and other US Arabian horse racing officials presented the prizes and trophies to the winners.

“The success of the Festival’s races which also include the Wathba Stud Farm Cup and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Apprentice Championship have surely helped boost the Arabian horse racing here in the US,” Ms Lara Sawaya added.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

which was held in November 2014 in Abu Dhabi.

The determined Martin set the early pace on RB Burn Baby Burn but then seemed to slow a bit at the turn. Then on the home stretch Norway’s Silja Storen on MS Dixie gave the favourite a scare and took the lead but the gallant RB Burn Baby Burn rallied to regain the lead on the upper stretch and romped home amidst pouring rain and muddy conditions.

Storen guided MS Dixie to second place and Australia’s Stephanie Dorning on Zells Follies ran home to third place.

Trained by Jerenesto Torrez, the 4-year-old daughter of TH Richie owned by Rosebrook Farms LLC covered the seven furlongs over the sloppy track in 1:35.38 seconds.

“This is fantastic and I am happy that I did not let down those following RB Burn Baby Burn which was one of the favourites. It was a close fight towards the finish but she showed a lot of spirit in staving off MS Dixie’s challenge,” the winners said.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), Ali Moosa, Director of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Zayed Al Mansouri, representing Invest AD, Fatima Al Nuaimi, representing UAE Women’s General Union, Prof. Luis

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11-04-2014, CASABLANCA-ANFA, MOROCCO

Korean Lee tops in Moroccan contest 37-year-old pro becomes fifth lady to qualify for the HH Sheikha Fatima finale

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

A

n interesting race day unfolded at the CasablancaAnfa racecourse in Morocco as the next round of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship race was run here as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

While the venue itself was a historical one having been

built in 1912, the race meeting was studded with two Group 3 races for Arabian horses alongside the Festival’s races.

Morocco had another reason to be proud of as the first-ever lady jockey from the home country was part of the line-up for the Euros 30,000 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship race.

The 13-horse line-up also had jockeys from the UAE and Oman while two profes-

sionals were drawn to ride a pair of fancied horses.

Germany’s Tamara Hofer and Korea’s Lee Keum Joo were the two professional jockeys in the starting line-up and both of them were lucky to draw the top two horses.

While Hofer was to partner favourite Saqr II, Lee got the ride on an equally fancied Kanzaman.

It turned out to be a battle between the two pros and the 37-year-old Lee topped the

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1900m: 1. Kanzman (Jockey Lee Keum Joo ) 2. Saqr II (Tamara Hofer) 3. Azag Bouznika (Bouchra Marmoul) 4. Romh L’Atlas (Silja Storen) Winning time: 01:12:10 Also Ran: Shahbe BS, Zidane, Ahdab Bouznika, Mamouni, Rajastan, Bahar, Ounnass, Amine Mus, Nawal-BS

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pack to become the 5th winner of the 2014 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) series.

Riding the locally-bred Kanzaman, Lee finished almost a length ahead of German Hofer on favourite Saqr II. Lee had made her debut at Seoul in 2001 when she became only the second woman to gain a jockey license in Korea. She has had a stopstart career but returned to reasonably regular race-riding this year and is currently attached to the stable of trainer Lee Shin Young – who she qualified as a jockey with before the latter Lee went on to become Korea’s first female trainer. Lee Keum Joo now has 26 career wins.

“This is so satisfying and I am thrilled that I will now be going to Abu Dhabi for the finale. I thank HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak who has made this race series possible and given lady jockeys a huge boost,” the winning Korean said.

“The trainer of Kanzaman told me to take him ahead at the start of the homestretch and after that the horse proved strong in the finishing stages,” Lee said.

The UAE ambassador to Morocco Alsari Saeed Al Dhahri hailed the support to the sports sector in the UAE and said it underlines the keenness of the wise leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother His Highness Sheikh

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE VicePresident and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, coupled with the role played by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to promote sports in general and Arabian horse races in particular.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “It was truly amazing to have a Moroccan lady jockey for the first time in the line-up. Bouchra Narmoul flew the Moroccan flag high in the competition and this is a good sign that the championship is well on the track. The objective of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, is to see lady jockeys from the Arab world displaying their skills in all sports arenas.

“And bringing this highly prestigious race of the series to Morocco to be held on the International Day of Purebred Arabian Horse Racing is a new breakthrough to promote this noble creature and the Moroccan races as well”, Ms Sawaya added.

Norway’s Allers wins on Sheikh Mansoor’s Nahee

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

18-04-2014, TOULOUSE, FRANCE

Winner, a 4-year-old son of Bibi De Carrere, is trained by French handler Jean-Piere Totain

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has made France a regular stop for most of its flagship events including the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship race, since it is a leading nation when it comes to Purebred Arabian horses.

Eight lady jockeys lined up to not only win this Toulouse leg of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship series but also book a berth in the final showdown in Abu Dhabi in November 2014.

A large crowd had turned up at the Hippodrome de Toulouse for the mile’s contest with a prize fund of Euros 20,000 on offer.

In the end it was a rather comfortable win for Norwegian Victoria Allers on Nahee, a horse owned by none other than HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1600m 1. Nahee (JP Totain), Victoria Allers 2. Vulcain Des Vialettes (JL Dubord) Alexandra Bihari 3. Amaan (O. Watrigant) Eva-Maria Herresthal 4. Vedette de Lagrimodi (B. Deltheil) Gaelle Gernay Winning distance: 1:44:90 Also ran: Haydar Al Khalediah , Aurhein, Formi Al Maury, Jadeer

Presidential Affairs.

Nahee, a 4-year-old son of Bibi De Carrere and trained by top French handler Jean-Piere Totain, had won a month prior to this run in

Pau also in France and under Allers, came up with a solid run to win by more than two lengths from Vulcain des Vialettes under Bihari while in third was German

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP lady jockey E.M Herresth on Amaan.

Allers, who has won the Fegentri Ladies’ race in Parx, USA in 2011 and the Fegentri Ladies’ Arab race in Mannheim (Germany) in 2012 was elated after her win. “Nahee is a great horse and was always surprising me,” she said.

“Nahee was full of running when the starter said go, and did all the work when I asked the question in the straight. My effort was to make Nahee settle behind the leading pair before I shook the reins in the

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concluding two furlongs and Nahee picked up impressively,” the Norwegian amateur jockey said later.

The winner covered the mile’s distance in 1.44.35 seconds and prevailed by more than two lengths before being eased near post.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authority (IFAHR) said: “I don’t think things could

be bettered, and Toulouse is another great success for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which is growing bigger and bigger thanks to the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the generous patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE.” “We are truly obliged to the Mother of the UAE for her great initiative and support to the women of the UAE and the world at large,” she added.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and spon-

sored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

11-05-2014, BERLIN, GERMANY

Dutch delight for Pietrasiewicz, Otermans After conquering the frozen lake in St Moritz, Phraseur Kossack also wins Berlin race

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wo class Purebred Arabian horses were in the fray for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race at the Hoppegarten Racecourse in Berlin, Germany. The race was held as part of the HH

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. Berlin was the seventh stop for 2014 races. Two equally talented lady jockeys were drawn to ride the Arabians.

Phraseur Kossack, a winner in the third leg of this HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak

Ladies World Championship on the snow track on the frozen lake St Moritz was back bidding to win another big one. In Switzerland the winning jockey on Phraseur Kossack was French lady jockey Pauline Prod’Homme while here in Germany it was Dutch ace Jadey Pietrasie-

wicz, also a former winner in the Festival.

But making her debut from Japan was Mai Beppu, a 27-year-old with vast experience. With 479 wins under her belt, Beppu was drawn to partner Athlete Del Sol, another star performer in the Festival.

Apart from these two top contenders, there were 10 others in the fray for a slice of the Euros 30,000 prize money in the 1600-metre (mile) contest.

Pietrasiewicz almost made every post a winning one on board Phraseur Kosack to land the seventh round of the

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race in front of a large Sunday crowd.

“This is a race to remember,” said the 30-year-old home-care nurse.

“I knew the Japanese lady was the favourite and the one to beat with Athlete del Sol. But I was also confident that it would be my turn to book a spot in the grand finale of the competition in Abu Dhabi with a win here,” she added.

“I know the trainer Huub Otermans and he told me that Phraseur Kosack is in his best form and the soft underfoot condition following the rain

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would suit him. His instruction to me was to settle behind the early pace and put the horse on top gear at the home turn, and that was what happened. My mount showed his stamina and stayed on very strongly to lead by four lengths close home,” she added.

It was the second time that the Dutch jockey and trainer were winning partners - Pietrasiewic and Otermans had landed the HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup ‘Listed’ race at the same venue with Poulain Kossack in 2013.

HE Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi, UAE ambassador to Germany,

praised the strong support which is received by the sports sector in the UAE and said it underlined the keenness of the wise leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces coupled with the role which is played by HH Sheikh Mansoor

Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to promote sports in general and Arabian horse races in particular.

“We are also obliged to HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, for her brilliant initiative. The staging of the seventh round of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) in Berlin is of great essence for the women sports in the world in general and within the UAE and the Arab world in particular,” he said.

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1600m 1. Phraseur Kossack (Trainer Huub Ottermans) Jadey Petrasiewicz; 2. Senna OA (Jockey-S. Bruggemar) 3. Athlete del Sol (M Beppu) 4. Mirabelle del Sol (G. Fricano) Also ran: Lillij Ann, Vly Kossack

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authority (IFAHR) said: “Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we are delighted to return to this beautiful

venue which attracts a big crowd to its well-organised events. The races of the festival are growing bigger and bigger with every move. Last time, we attracted new lady jockeys from South Korea and Morocco for the first time and now we have riders from Japan and Tunisia while plans are underway to have a new lady jockey from India.�

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31-05-2014, NEWBURY, UNITED KINGDOM

Brazilian brilliance on Omani raider in Newbury Experienced Jeane Alves De Lemos churns out a classy display on Marif

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fter the curtains came down on the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s fifth World Arabian Horse Racing Conference which was held at the St James Theatre in London, UK, the action shifted to the racecourse in Newbury for the Festival’s two flagship

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races. The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) Premier Handicap over seven furlongs (1400 metres) brought together nine amateur and three professional lady riders as part of the World Series.

The race also featured last year’s winning horse, Altesse Kossack - though the reduction in trip was likely to go against her, she had drawn

the 2013 Ladies Fegentri Champion rider, Chiaki Iwanaga from Japan.

But the early limelight was stolen by Brazilian professional lady jockey Jeane Alves De Lemos as her country was making a debut in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship and she was starting with 450 winners under her belt including two Grade 1 wins.

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1400m: 1. Marif (Trainer S. Al Hakmani), Jeane Alves 2. Sophia ( Ms B Deutrom) Page Fuller 3. Suhaim ( Ms B Deutrom) M Bouchra 4. Syrah Gria (Mr Adam Newey) Winning Owner: Royal Cavalry Oman Winning time: 1:39.45 Winning distances: 1.25L, 7L, NK Also Ran: Man of Dreams, Radical, Hetaf, Kiraa, Vigile Du Loup, Altesse Kossack, L.B. Armanil,Sharaf

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Jeane Alves was drawn on Omani raider Marif while Germany’s Miss Larissa Biess on Syrah Gris, Holland’s Tjarda Humphreij on Vigile Du Loup, Oman’s Azher Al Wardi on Kiraa, Korea’s Jonghyun Park on LB Armani, Ireland’s Miss Aine O’Conner on Man Of Dreams, Great Britain’s Page Fuller on Sophia, Camille Peltier on Sharaf, Morocco’s M. Bouchra on Suhaim, Slovakia’s M Kucharikova on Radical and Sweden’s H. Martensson on Hetaf were the other runners in the contest.

As the race unfolded, the field was evenly spread across the track, but by halfway, Marif, one of two runners for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, was already drawing clear under top Brazilian rider Jeane Alves De Lemos.

Their nearest challenger was previous course winner Sophia, ridden by British amateur Page Fuller.

Marif, a winner over further in Oman, was making his UK debut and he and Sophia treated the crowd to a thrilling finish as they drew clear of the field. Marif prevailed by just over a length at the finish to the delight of the Brazilian supporters.

Sophia was seven lengths clear of her stablemate Suhaim, also trained by Beverly Deutrom, and ridden by Moroccan, Marmoul Bouchra, with Syrah Gris a neck back in fourth for the German, Lara Beiss.

“It’s a national pride for me to fly my country’s flag

in this most prestigious championship in which lady jockeys from all over the world compete. I hope to repeat it in the final in Abu Dhabi when I make my first trip to the Middle East in November,” said the jubilant Latin American lady after winning her 451 race in 2501 starts.

“I stuck to the instructions of the trainer Salem Al Hakamani who told me to hold my mount early on before making a forward move to hit the front in the concluding stages. Luckily, Marif has picked up nicely and held on courageously

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP when he was attacked by Sophia in the hands of the British jockey Page Fuller who tried to run him down close home,” she said.

“This is my first success on the back of an Arabian horse. I have finished second and third on two occasions back home in Brazil,” she added.

ARO Racing Manager Amanda Smith said: “The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) has always been one of the most well supported races of the ARO calendar and this is true once again.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “This is the strongest field in the championship and I’m truly happy for the Brazilian jockey who has travelled all this way to show the magic of the Samba girls. It’s once again a great ride by the Moroccan lady Marmoul Bouchra to take third place in this competitive race.”

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Australian adds spice to Swedish party

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

06-06-2014, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Robyn Freeman-Key wins battle of all-professional lady jockeys on the exciting Alibaba Del Sol

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tt was a huge party as the Swedes marked their National Day and the centre of action was at the Gardet in the Royal National City Park in Stockholm city.

In just a couple of years the Swedish National Day meeting at interim course G채rdet has become highly popular with the people of Stockholm and on this historic day the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival chose to stage its two premier races for Purebred Arabian horses.

The stage was set for the lady jockeys to perform on a beautiful summer afternoon with over 15,000 fans soaking in the atmosphere in true celebratory spirits in the recreational area in the middle of the city.

Amidst the Swedish celebrations was the Dutch

trainer Miss Karin van den Bos who notched up her second double triumph in Stockholm saddling the winners of both the H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Listed) race as well as the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR race.

For the first time it was an all-professional lady jockeys who had lined up for the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR race which was to be run over 2750 metres.

The Dutch raiders seemed to have the advantage and the winner of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Listed Cup on ice at St. Moritz -Alibaba del Sol- was best in at the weights. Compatriot Mirabella del Sol was coming in with the reputation of a stayer and the 2750 metres was to suit him.

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Leading the home challenge was Al Janoob and the smart filly Neira Royal.

But it was Robyn FreemanKey, the lady jockey from Down Under who stole the thunder with a magnificent 9-length win on Alibaba Del Sol. Al Janoob under English lady jockey Rachael Kneller and Canadian debutant Janine Ellen Smith on Neira Royal came second and third respectively in the 9-horse field.

A jubilant van den Bos hailed Alibaba Del Sol, the 9-year-old having also won on the frozen ‘White Turf’ ice track in St Moritz in Switzerland earlier in 2014. “Alibaba

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Del Sol at nine still wants to run, wants to win. It has been tough for my horses, travelling for over three days to come here but they were just superb and we enjoyed racing in front of this record crowd,” van den Bos said.

“This is the first time I have ever ridden an Arabian horse and it was such a pleasing experience with the win making it a memorable series debut,” said the 33-year-old Freeman-Key, who notched her 401st winner.

“I am super excited to having clinched a berth in the Abu Dhabi finale and I am looking forward to that race,”

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP said the Australian, who has also raced and won in Macau and South Africa.

HE Sheikha Najla Al Qassimi, the UAE Ambassador to Sweden attended the races and gave away the trophies to the winners.

“This race meeting has been remarkable and has attracted the largest audience ever to watch a Purebred Arabian race here in Sweden.

This success is testimonial to the huge interest that the HH

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has been attracting in all races, wherever they are held,” HE Sheikha Najla Al Qassimi said.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing

Authorities (IFAHR) said, “Today’s race meeting was a perfect advertisement for Purebred Arabian racing.”

“With the participation of the Canadian lady jockey Janine Ellen Smith, the number of countries that have taken part in our ground-breaking H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR race series for lady jockeys has now reached 54. This truly reflects the success of the

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 2750m: 1) Alibaba Del Sol (Miss Karin van den Bos) Robyn Freeman-Key 2) Al Janoob (Maria Hagman-Ericksson) Rachael Kneller; 3) Neira Royal (Asa Borger) Janine Ellen Smith; 4) Maaloof (Mona Spedman) Georgia Lamberti.

Winning owner: Landgoed Waterland.

Winning time: 3:23.1 Winning distances: 9L, 1L, Hd Also ran: Mirabelle del Sol, Blyte, Meduz, RM Eliott, RM Aluminium

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP series as well as the Festival,” Ms Sawaya added.

Mats Genberg, President of the Scandinavian Arabian Racing Association (SARA), said a special permission had been obtained from the King of Sweden by the Swedish Racing Association in 2013, to race in Gärdet on the Swedish National Day. “Traditionally the citizens of Stockholm turn out in force to celebrate this day and thousands of spectators watched the racing on the

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one-day course. Looked at as one of the absolute main events of the capital, the press coverage reached proportions hardly ever seen for racing in Sweden.”

“With two races for Arabian Purebreds under the generous directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival being successfully staged here, it confirms the fact that Arabian racing is the fastest growing part of Swedish racing,” he said.

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22-06-2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

Belgian teenager steals the limelight

Anna van den Troost graces winner’s circle after a brilliant effort aboard Udjess de Bozouls

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t was in Duindigt that the international presence of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival was first established in 2009 and now The Netherlands hosts almost all the different races that fall under the Festival’s umbrella.

In the same footsteps, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak IFAHR Ladies World Championship’s 10th round for the year 2014 made a stop at the Duindigt racecourse.

While the lady jockeys were all excited and keen to win and book a berth in the championship finale in Abu Dhabi, the Duindigt racecourse was abuzz with talk of a third success for Miss Karin van den Bos’ Alibaba Del Sol. The veteran star from van den Bos’ yard started with a win on the ‘White Turf ’ – the ice track on the frozen St Moritz Lake in Switzerland earlier in 2014 and Alibaba Del Sol again visited the winner’s enclosure with a thumping win in Stockholm just a fortnight ago.

Hungary’s Alexandra Jan was the lucky one to be drawn to ride the favouritenAlibaba Del Sol in the

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2150-metre turf contest.

Another star performer, Sartejano, started under Sweden’s Nathalie Johnsson.

But much to the surprise of a packed crowd it was young teenager Anna van den Troost from Belgium who ended up in the winner’s circle after a brilliant effort on Udjess de Bozouls.

However the Belgian Van den Troost had to wait for the Steward’s decision after second-placed American

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 2150m 1. Udjess de Bozouls (trainer Mr Jean-Pierre Totain) Anna van den Troost 2. Paramour (Mr Gerd. T. Zoeteelief) Ms. N Turner 3. Sartejano (Mrs. D.A.K. Dorenberg) Nathalie Johnsson 4. Munya Farrah ( Ms Gillian M. Duffield) Olga Laznovska

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

RESULT

Winning Owner: Mr Marcel Mezy Also ran: Vent de Faust, Alibaba Del Sol, Shrek OA, Rendal DA, Magua D.A. Kentauer Kossack

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP jockey Natalie Turner on Paramour T had filed an objection for interference. The result stood and Van den Troost was delighted after a superb run on Udjess de Bozouls with the debutant American Turner chasing her home on Paramour T. The two professionals showed the remaining amateur lady jockeys how it is done as fancied horses Alibaba Del Sol and Sartejano were left behind by the duo.

Anna van den Troost became the 10th lady jockey to clinch her berth in the Abu Dhabi finale.

Udjess de Bozouls finished a length and a half ahead of Paramour T while in third place was Sartejano under Nathalie Johnsson with the winner taking 2:25:2 seconds to cover the distance.

“It was a close contest and my horse proved equal to the task. The trainer asked me to keep him in front and Udjess

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de Bozouls did the rest. I am excited to be taking part in the finale and I have heard so much about it,” said Van den Troost.

HE Abdulla Hamdan Al

Naqbi, the UAE Ambassador to The Netherlands, gave away the trophies along with Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the

International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

“It is indeed a proud moment to see the Purebred Arabian races staged by the

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival reach such a high level in The Netherlands,” HE Al Naqbi said.

Ms Sawaya said: “The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak IFAHR Ladies World Championship race was very competitive and full of quality and the large number of fans who turned out was thrilled with the exciting races.

“We are happy that the ef-

forts of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood are paying off, handsomely” Ms Sawaya said.

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05-07-2014, PLEASANTON, USA

Ms Dixie obliges under Italian Menato Two-time Darley Award winner battles past My Vaz Is Hot at the top of the stretch

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

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ne of the unique features of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is that a lot of thought goes into scheduling its events on the interna-

tional stage. In Stockholm the Festival’s races coincided with Sweden’s National Day celebrations while here again in the US, the Americans were in a celebratory mood over a long week-end that marked their July 4 National Day. And it was a perfect stage

for the Purebred Arabian horses to show off their racing skills and one of the two races was the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race, a six-furlong contest for a total prize purse of US$ 40,800.

With three races left in the globe-trotting series, the

lady jockeys had just three slots left for the championship finale and the stage was set for an exciting contest.

After finishing second to Sammy V in Arapahoe Park in her recent run, trainer Scott Powell pinned his hope on Ms Dixi, expecting the 6-year-old grey mare to

win the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR Stakes.

Ms Dixie, a two-time Darley Award winner started as the one to beat under Italian Giada Menato, with One Hot Chick under Catherine Burr from Switzerland and

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP Vas Djets under German lady jockey Larissa Biess as close contenders.

On a warm afternoon and in front of a huge holiday crowd, Italian jockey Giada Menato steered Ms Dixie to an impressive three-length win.

Menato on Ms Dixie battled My Vaz Is Hot at the top of the stretch and pulled away to finish first past the post.

“This is only the second time I am riding a Purebred Arabian but the trainer told me she will win and just asked me to keep her in front. The start was not very good but on the home stretch she showed her class and now I am so

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RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1600m: 1. Ms Dixie (Scott Powell) Giada Menato; 2. My Vaz Is Hot (Ken Danyluk) Eilidh Grant: 3. One Hot Chick (Hellen Shelley) Catherine Burr; 4. Vaz Djets On (Abey Boring) Larissa Bless: Winning Owner: Quarter Moon Ranch Winning time: 01:18:79 Also ran: Ta Dance With the Star, Cant Touch Maxzeen, Indigena, Kentucky Bay, Virebe, My Hemi Magnum.

excited that I will be part of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR final race in Abu Dhabi on November 9,” the 23-year-old Milan-born Menato said.

HE Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, the UAE’s Consul General based in Los Angeles, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Suroor Al Sharqi, Invest AD’s Vice President - Relationship Management, Ms Lara Sawaya,

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Au-

thorities (IFAHR) gave away the trophies to the winners.

The UAE envoy Al Saboosi hailed the success of the Festival and said, “This race series has now become synonymous with Purebred Arabian racing in the US

and it augurs well for the strong relationship between the US and the UAE.” Ms Sawaya said, “The performance by Ms Dixie in front of record-breaking number of spectators is a huge boost to the efforts of

the Festival.”

“We will now concentrate on our preparation for the new series that will be part of the Festival – the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR).

We will be staging five races open only to Apprentice jockeys, starting with the first in Sacramento in the US on July 19 and culminating in the final one in Abu Dhabi on November 9, 2014,” she announced.

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18-07-2014, OSTEND, BELGIUM

Spain’s Bautista makes winning debut Talented lady rider eclipses her star rivals to score a magnificent win on Sheimah Qardabiyah

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stend in Belgium was the next stop for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race.

The Hippodrome Wellington was the venue for the 1000-metre sprint with a prize fund of Euros 30,000 on offer and 11 horses were in the fray for the 12th round of the Ladies Championship Series.

Hungary’s Silvia Bakos on Victor and Belgian Emilia Hived Pedersen on Bima A. D were the two professional jockeys in the starting line-up.

Phraseur Kossack, partnered by the Swedish amateur jockey Alice Elmerskog, wore the favourite’s tag after winning the third round of the this HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship on the White Turf at St. Moritz in February.

French contender Sartejano under leading Omani lady jockey Fatma Al Manji was another strong contender.

Others included Austrian Carolin Stummer on Magua A. D., Justine Mercier from

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP France on Vizir De Faust, Michelle Blumenauer on Nabukko, Rachel Leyshon from Great Britain on Attila De Rouaisse, Italian Alice De Bortoli on Cobra, Cathrine Fortune from Norway aboard Parma T. and Spain being represented by Lucia Gelbert Bautista on Sheimah Qardabiyah.

It was a chance meeting in Spain with Mrs. Susana Santesson, Secretary General of Fegentri that helped Lucia Gelbert Bautista get the ride though Spain was not an IFAHR member.

And the Spanish jockey seized the opportunity with both hands as she eclipsed her star rivals to score a

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magnificent win on Sheimah Qardabiyah.

The four-year-old Frenchbred Dahess filly broke nicely to lead and held on courageously when attacked by hot favourite Phraseur Kossack closer to home and post a memorable win.

“It’s a pleasure to become the first Spanish jockey to win in this world’s ladies premier ride,” said a jubilant 23-year-old who is a remedial teacher.

“The trainer Mrs. Pia Holom told me that though her filly was not among the top three front runners for the trophy, she was still hopeful that she could go very close,” the winning jockey added.

“I was here accidently,” she said. “I met by chance with Mrs. Susana Santesson, Secretary General of Fegentri in Spain and from there I was nominated for the race though my country is not an active IFAHR member,” she said.

“But to book a dream spot in the grand finale in the capital of the Arabian races in Abu Dhabi on debut is a great achievement,” she said.

The UAE Ambassador to Belgium Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui and head of the UAE mission to the NATO, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Al Naqbi, along with their staff members attended the race.

The diplomats thanked the wise leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother His Highness

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR, 1000m: 1. Sheimah Qardabiyah (Trainer Ms Pia Holom) Lucia Bautista 2. Praseur Kossack ( Daniel C. Klomp) Ms Alice Elmerskog 3. Victor (Mr. N. Minner) Szilvia Bakos 4. Parma T (Mr Gerd T. Zoetelief) Cathrine Fortune Winning Owner: Waleed Ben Zeid Winning distances:1L, 2.50L, Nk Winning time: 1:07.95 Also Ran: Sartejano, Vizir de Faust, Nabukko, Attila de Rouaisse, Magua D.A., Cobra, Bima

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the emirates for their strong support and backing to sports to keep the flag of the young nation flying high all around the globe.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies

Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Racing Authorities (IFAHR) announced: “Under the directives and vision of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, to widen the scope of our activities, we are excited to welcome onboard several leading professional lady jockeys from many countries to attend the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR.�

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24-07-2014, WARSAW, POLAND

India’s Rupa Singh dazzles in the saddle Accomplished rider makes winning debut for her country with a smashing performance on Nicolas

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

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t was the 13th race of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship and the last chance for the lady jockeys to earn a berth in the final of this premier series organised by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The Służewiec Horse Race Track in Poland was packed with a large Sunday

crowd that cheered as top Indian lady jockey Rupa Singh, onboard Nicolas, came up with a searing run in the final 200 metres to win in style.

On way to victory she smashed a strong field of ten runners to make it a winning debut for her country.

The confident Indian said she was a little bit worried before the race. “It’s my first race outside the Indian soil on the back of an Arabian

horse without my whip,” she noted.

“My horse didn’t break well and I had to settle him down. The trainer had requested me to race from the outside and keep the horse away from the pack. Luckily, Nicolas was galloping nicely.

At this stage I realised that the race was working for me,” she said.

“And although the Swedish lady Lina Bogren hit the

front in the straight and took Benefis to a clear-cut lead in the last two furlongs, I was confident that my horse will never let me down and that was what happened,” she said.

Nicolas covered the 1600 metres distance in 1.56.60 seconds to prevail by two lengths and a half on the line while the French girl Ingrid Grard astride Sariah Al Khalediah was five lengths

behind in third place.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Racing Authority (IFAHR), was over the moon after the exciting performance by the Indian lady.

“There are not many lady

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LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP riders in the Indian Subcontinent so we were faced with a difficult mission. HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan wanted us to explore this region. Rupa was the only lady jockey and fortunately we succeeded in adding India to our list to become the 56th nation in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival,” she said.

“We are delighted to see her winning on debut to become the 13th girl in the 16-runner field of the grand finale of the premier world ladies championship at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

I expect many Indian fans to pack the venue to cheer Rupa on that day,” she said.

“Hats off to Rupa who

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showed her skill in such a short time and that too where jockeys were forbidden to use a whip,” said Andrezej Wojtowicz, the trainer of the winning horse, Nicolas. Altogether 10 women jockeys from various countries were invited to participate and the 32-yearold showed her talent and class to win in tricky rainy conditions.

What had helped Rupa to win this championship was her light weight, as she is only 48kg, and her tremendous experience over the years,” added Wojtowicz, a renowned Polish jockey of past years and now a successful trainer.

“A young lady of her talent can create wonders with her dedication anywhere,”

LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship, 1600 meters: 1. Nicolas (Trainer – Andrzej Wójtowicz) Rupa Narpat Singh 2. Benefis (Kazimierz Rogowski) Lina Bogren 3. Sariah Alkhalediah (Małgorzata Łojek) Ingrid Grard 4. Ya Sabah (Maciej Malinowski) Joanna Wyrzyk Winning Owner: Andrzej Wójtowicz Winning Time: 1:56.60 Winning Distances: 2½L, 5L, 1¼L Also ran: Groton, Naifa Al Khalediah, Prince Kalipo, Esteem, Gotfryd and Karla Al Khalediah

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ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS

HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) race series The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship IFAHR race series, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, is aimed to boost opportunities for Apprentice jockeys in the world of flat racing and aid them in their aspirations to become professionals.

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Sanna, Sammy V in sizzling display Superlative run by America’s top Purebred Arabian under Italian jockey

APPRENTICE CHAMPIONSHIP

19-07-2014, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

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t was yet another superlative run by America’s top Purebred Arabian Sammy V, with Italian jockey Gianluca Sanna on board, to emerge winner in the opening leg of the first-ever HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockey Championship race in Sacramento.

The 2008 colt by Burning Sand out of Heaven Kan Wait and trained by Ken Danyluk posted his ninth win in 14 starts to remain unbeaten in 2014.

The race in Sacramento marked the beginning of a new series by the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Ten apprentice jockeys from around the world lined up for the six-furlong contest on dirt tracks and it was Limitless who shot into an early lead. However, Sammy V was also off to a quick start and he increased his lead to 10 lengths before the 1/4 pole. Once on the home turn, there was just no stopping Sammy V who came up with a record timing of 1:17:40.

Helen Shelley’s Ayers under Gamma Tutty from Britain finished ahead of In X Hess with Ireland’s Laura Barry on board while American rider Laura Carson finished in fourth place on Limitless.

Winning owner Vasquez later said: “This was a great win. We are heading in the right direction here with the support by the HH Sheikh Mansoor group.

If this does not motivate Arabian owners to breed and race, I don’t know what will.”

HE Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, the UAE’s Consul General

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APPRENTICE CHAMPIONSHIP based in Los Angeles, along with Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairwoman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) gave away the trophies.

“It is simply amazing to see how this HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has been gaining in stature

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every year. The future of Purebred Arabian racing is in capable hands,” observed HE Al Saboosi.

Ms Sawaya said: “The inaugural race of the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series has got off to a fantastic start here in Sacramento with the favourite Sammy V recording another majestic victory.”

“To make it more competitive we have now announced a bonus of 30,000 euros to be shared by the top five

winners in the five-race series.

“We will also stage a Triple Jewel (Triple Crown) in 2015 to boost the Festival’s presence in the US. This Triple Jewel will offer a total of US$ 150,000 and will comprise of races in Houston, Texas (Amethyst), Pleasanton, California (Emerald Green), and Los Alamitos, California (Diamond). Horses will gain points based on their finish in each of the three races and the one with most points will collect the bonus,” Ms Sawaya added.

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR), 1600 metres: 1. Sammy V (Trainer-K Danyluk) Gianluca Sanna 2. Ayers (Hellen Shelley) Gamma Tutty 3. In X Hess (O Villata) Laura Barry 4. Limitless (Hellen Shelley) Laura Carlsson.

Winning owner: Sam Vasquez Winning time: 1:17.40 Also ran: My Vas Is HoT, La Jest A Flash, By Golly Its Hot, My Kaliber, Ta Dance With The Star, Canttouchmaxzeen.

French jockey Siaffa wins on Karar French Apprentice jockey Gianni Siaffa posts first win in 22 starts

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full field of 10 horses fought it out for in the mile-and-aquarter contest at Newbury for the new series conducted as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival for H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series, which aims at developing the careers of apprentice jockeys. For most of the jockeys, this was their first experience of riding abroad.

Beverley Deutrom’s Karar was named the victor, following a technicality clause, which saw jockey Gianni Siaffa come up with his maiden success. Katwalk and Laura Carson were half a length back in second, with Jack Gilligan pushing out Noble Athelete for third, just ahead of Donovan Dillon and Yakshi.

Shuwaiman Al Kebir and Fanny Olsson led into the first turn, just ahead of Karar on the rail, with Senor Dublcheck and Wikkara close behind. Turning into the home straight, there was little change, though the runners started to spread across the track. With half a mile to run, Senor Dublecheck began to fade, leaving it to stablemate

Katwalk, who surged ahead of the pack, just as Gelliwen moved smoothly through to challenge under Robbie Fitzpatrick.

It was Gelliwen who found more for pressure and the Jenny Lees-trained mare pulled clear to win. However, due to an unlucky technicality, the partnership had to be demoted and Karar was declared the winner.

The UAE’s top apprentice Ahmed Al Subose on Amyzing Zayin and Oman’s Yahya Al Hamdani on Wikkara finished 7th and 8th respectively.

Karar under Siaffa took 2 mins 28.36 seconds in the 10-furlong (2,000 metres) race for horses rated 40-65 in the Premier Handicap event.

It was Siaffa’s first win in 22 starts for the French jockey who got an Apprentice licence earlier this year and also the first win for the UAE-bred Dahess horse Karar owned by Sheikh Nasseer Mohammed Nasser Al Hasher.

Speaking after the race, Gianni praised his horse for staying its course in the long straight and was naturally looking forward to riding in the series final in Abu Dhabi in November. Trainer Beverly Deutrom commended the series and the opportunities it can offer young riders to progress.

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03-08-2014, NEWBURY, UK

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APPRENTICE CHAMPIONSHIP H.E. Noora Al Suwaidi, Secretary General, UAE General Women’s Union and Chairperson of the UAE Women’s Sports Committee said: “It is a great honour to stage the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series race in Newbury, which is an important racing venue

for Arabian horses in the United Kingdom. With two Apprentice jockeys from the UAE and Oman taking part, this series will give them the exposure and experience in flat racing.”

“Siaffa will now join the winner of the opening race, Italian Gianluca Sanna in the November 9 final race of the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak

Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series to be held on November 9 in Abu Dhabi,” said Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairwoman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR), 2000 metres: 1. Karar (Trainer Ms B Deutrom) Gianni Siaffa; 2. Katwalk (Claire Taylor) Laura Carson; 3. Noble Athlete (Mrs D Thomas) Jack Gillian; 4. Yakshi (Doreen Townsend) Donovan Dillon.

Winning owner: Sheikh Nasseer Mohammed Naser Al Hasher) Winning time: 02:28:36 Winning distances: 0.75L, 2.25L, 1.25L Also ran: Shuwaiman Al Kebir, Vindetta, Amyzing Zayin, Wikkara, Senor Deblcheck, Gelliwen

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UAE’s Al Subose comes out all guns blazing This is my first ever race in France and to win is a great feeling, the winning jockey said

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AE apprentice jockey Ahmed Al Subose came up with a scintillating show to clinch top honours in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) race at the Tarbes race course in France.

Al Subose’s Tarbes success came close on the heels of his third-place finish in a race at York the day before.

The 24-year-old UAE jockey was in fine form on the Jean-Francois Bernardtrained AJS Rudainah in the third leg of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series.

Al Subose came out all guns blazing on the home stretch of the 1,500-metre turf contest to overtake race leader and favourite Jenny Powell from Britain on Syrianah. The UAE jockey powered AJS Rudainah to a quarter-of-a-length victory in a time of 1:39.30. Claire Marie Murray from Britain on Burkan Al Khalediah finished third, while the winner’s stablemate, AJS Mohanad, ridden by Hungarian Barbara Szentes came

in fourth.

Al Subose later said: “This is my first ever race in France and to win is a great feeling. AJS Rudainah ran a good race and once I asked her for an [extra] effort, she cruised home in great style,” Al Subose said.

Commenting on the race series, Al Subose further

said: “This HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) race series is really a great experience – the trainers are different, the courses are different, the horses are different and the jockeys are different – from the regular racing. It is a great opportunity for

upcoming jockeys to learn and carry home the experience. I am now waiting for the finale in Abu Dhabi on November 9.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairwoman of Ladies

APPRENTICE CHAMPIONSHIP

12-10-2014, TARBES, FRANCE

Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR said: “This is a superb win for the UAE’s Ahmed Al Subose in this third race of the series. He has now made it to the final on November 9 by merit.”

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RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR), 1500 metres: 1. AJS Rudainah (Trainer Jean Francois Bernard) Ahmed Al Subose; 2. Syrianah (P.Sogorb) Jenny Powell; 3. Burkhan Al Khalediah (Jean Francois Bernard) Claire Murray; 4. AJS Mohanad (Jean Francois Bernard) Barbara Szentes Winning owner: Al Shaqab Racing Also ran: Ainhoa Madjanis, Forgehill Cartier, Thaaniya, Bibishena; Haydar Al Khalediah, Vulcain des Vialettes, Vedette de Lagrimodi

Winning trainer JeanFrancois Bernard was all-praise for his filly AJS Rudainah’s performance. “She is a bit lazy and does not have lot of speed. I asked Ahmed to wait and give her some time before she gets into action. He did just that and she was breezing home on the stretch. This is a good win for the Al Shaqab Racing.”

Mr Abdulla Ahmed Al Marzooqi, Revenue Operations Section Manager, Abu

Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, was present at the race and distributed the prizes. “I congratulate the UAE knight Ahmed Al Subose who has done the UAE proud with this excellent win. This is a great race series that reflects the UAE’s focus on the heritage sport like purebred Arabian racing in the UAE and the world over.”

Veronique Briat, Manager of the French Arabian racing

body AFAC hailed the support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival to Arabian racing in France. “We have

over 80 races every season but this series which is only for Apprentice jockeys is a unique event and encourages upcoming jockeys including lady jockeys. The fans

enjoyed the racing today and we hope we will stage more races of this popular Festival here in Tarbes and in other racecourses in France,” she said.

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Bautista completes a 1-2 for the Dutch trainer Spaniard on Hurra finishes ahead of Nabukko to complete 1-2 for Diana Dorenburg

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ighteen-year-old Jaime Gelabert Bautista showed fine form on favourite Hurra to make the cut for the November 9 final of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series in Abu Dhabi.

His elder sister Lucia will also be contesting in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship finale after having won the Belgian leg of the competition earlier this year.

Bautista won the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) race at the Duindigt racecourse in the Netherlands on Sunday, October 19. This race was the fourth and final in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) series and eight apprentice jockeys, including the UAE’s Saeed Al Mazrouei, lined up in Duindigt.

Bautista on Hurra, from trainer Diana Dorenburg’s yard, finished ahead of Nabukko under Irish Apprentice Josh Doyle to complete a 1-2 for the Dutch trainer. Al Mazrouei on Derham came up with a late

APPRENTICE CHAMPIONSHIP

19-10-2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

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APPRENTICE CHAMPIONSHIP run and finished third while American Laura Carson on Robbie The First came in fourth.

Hurra won by half a length from Nabukko in a winning time of 2:16.60 in the 1,900-metre contest run on turf. The race had a price tag of 20,000 euros.

“The trainer told me to keep her in mid pack and the race went well for me. Hurra had a lot of speed and I did not have to do much once he changed gears,” said the young Bautista.

“I do not know much English so with my sister Lucia also coming to Abu Dhabi I will be more confident and we will go all out to keep our country’s flag flying high,” he said.

Earlier, Jamie’s sister Lucia had made a winning debut in the 30,000 euros HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak

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Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race held in Belgium on August 18.

With the twin success of Bautista and Lucia, Spain will have double representation in two World Championship finals in Abu Dhabi though the country is yet to become a member of IFAHR and this aptly reflects the global suc-

cess of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

H.E. Abdalla Hamdan Alnaqbi, UAE Ambassador to The Netherlands, Mrs Alhan M. Ahmed Al Attar, Treasury Section Head at the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Mr Wieger Joost de Ruiter, IFAHR Treasurer and Chairman of the Dutch Arabian Racing Committee and Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairwoman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairwoman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR, along with other officials, gave away the trophies to the winners.

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR), 1900 metres: 1. Hurra (Trainer Diana Dorenburg) Jamie Bautista; 2. Nabukko (D. Dorenburg) James Doyle; 3. Derham ( (CJM Wouters) Saeed Al Mazroui; 4. Robbie The First (CJM Wouters) Laura Carson Winning owner: Al Nujaifi Racing Also ran: Jimmy de Cedres, Fareedha, Munya Farah, Astarte da Bonorva

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H.E. Alnaqbi said: “The brilliant initiative of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, to promote this noble creature is highly appreciated and valued by all Arabian horse breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and race-goers around the globe.

Mrs Alhan M. Ahmed Al Attar added: “It is a great spectacle to watch the Purebred Arabian horses in action in Europe. Arabian racing is part of the UAE’s heritage and to witness the promotion of our culture here is indeed a proud moment.”

WATHBA CUP

STRONG FOUNDATION

Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only series, Abu Dhabi The Wathba Stud Farm Cup is an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to help nurture the UAE’s local breeders and owners of Purebred Arabian horses. This series keeps out the big players and gives the Private Owners a chance to compete against themselves and also to encourage owning and breeding of more Purebred Arabian race horses in the UAE.

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NOVEMBER 10, 2013, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Mooser starts season on a winning note French duo of trainer Lemartinel and jockey Avranche off to a great start

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t was the start of yet another season for the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s most popular race series at the grass-roots level – the Wathba Stud Farm Cup. In Abu Dhabi the Wathba Stud Farm Cup is open to Purebred Arabian horses owned by Private Stables and small owners and has been very popular among the UAE breeders and owners.

The French trainer-jockey pair of Eric Lemartinel and Gerard Avranche have always been consistent in the Wathba Stud Farm Cup and they opened the 2013-14 season on a winning note with Mooser.

The 9-year-old son of Bibi De Carrere was kept at the rails for most of the 7-furlong race by Avranche and with about two furlongs to go hit the lead. Then in the final furlong, despite a late challenge from Girl Power under Xavier Ziani, Mooser held on to win by a length.

Lemartinel’s Af Dhahan under Tadhg O’Shea ran into third place with the winner taking 1:33.54 to complete the 1400-metre distance.

“Mooser has shown that even at nine he can be a

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strong contender and we are looking at a good season for him,” said the French handler.

However that was the last of the five wins for Al Yaqoub Arabian’s owned horse for after that he ran another 11 times to finish with a career record of 5-6-5 after 44 runs .

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Com-

mittee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “For the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival the Wathba Stud Farm Cup is very important and that is why we stage around 15 races here and about another 40 to 50 around the globe. The future of Purebred Arabian racing depends on the success of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup race series,” she said.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only - The Racecourse Newbury, 1400 meters: 1.Mooser (Trainer Eric Lemartinel) Gerald Avranche 2. Girl Power (Jameel Salman) Xavier Ziani 3. Af Dhahan (Eric Lemartinel) Tadhg O’Shea 4. Najem S’Heel (Saifaldeen.Deeb) Wayne Smith Winning Owner: Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda Winning time: 01:33:54 Winning distance: 1 length, 1.5L,1.5L Also ran: Al, Shbas, Ubu Al Mels, Al Waqqad, Desert Rose, Ben Seddiq, Af Tharb, Mohd Areeb, Udine Du Pouv, Mawared El Medam, Unique De La Gare, Wald Johnny

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WATHBA CUP

NOVEMBER 17, 2013, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

O’Shea scores an easy win on Af Rahia

Impressive run by three-year-old daughter of Martin Al Maury for trainer Hadhrami

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adhg O’Shea, the champion jockey of the UAE’s domestic circuit was in superb form on AF Rahia as the pair hacked down a strong field of 15 runners in the 1400m Purebred Arabians UAE-Bred Fillies Maiden Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

The impressive threeyear-old daughter of Martin Al Maury was put on top speed right from the moment she has left the machines and kicked away from the pack to lead by seven lengths on the line.

It was also a double delight for the Emarati trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami who completed a double for him and leading UAE breeder and owner Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda after Royston Ffrench rode AF Al Hazer to a thrilling victory in the second race.

“She’s a big baby,” Al Hadhrami said later.

“O’Shea gave her a perfect ride and the filly did everything right from start to finish,” he added.

Al Hadhrami said it’s still pre-mature to say what will be her next target though she may return to the track again next month. “We have to talk to the boss and the

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only - Sam Houston Park, 1400 meters 1. Af Rahia (Trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami) Tadhq O’Shea 2. Shua’A Al Gharbia (Saifaldin Deeb) Adrie Vries 3. Az Aldahma (Helal Al Alawi), Richard Mullen 4. Sns Nujood (Saifaldin Deeb) Wayne Smith Winning owner: Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda Winning time: 01:35:03 Winning distance: 9.50 length, 2l, 5.25l Also ran: Soussa, Dal’Ouna, Hilalat Al Beda’A, Ar Mzoon, Ajajah, Rose Paris Rose, El Nafouth, Monayat Al Beda’A

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WATHBA CUP apparent option would be the UAE-Bred fillies Classic at the same venue in December,” he predicted.

The race was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of

Presidential Affairs as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in

association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Fegentri with Emirates airlines as the official carrier and sponsored by Tourism

Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Invest AD, Arabtec Holding PJSC, Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies

Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Wathba Stud Farm, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, and Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah.

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WATHBA CUP

NOVEMBER 24, 2013, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

AF Muwall’Aa clinches win with late run Success for the UAE’s Purebred Arabian breeder and owner Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda

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t was the third meeting of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s most popular race series at the grass-roots level – the Wathba Stud Farm Cup. And once again it was the French combination of Eric Lemartinel and Gerard Avranche who stole the limelight in this race.

AF Muwall’Aa came with a late run under Avranche to collar Joyous Dream, the mount of James Doyle, closer home to earn a back-to-back win in the 2200m Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only PA Conditions at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday.

Trained by the Abu Dhabibased Eric Lemartinel on behalf of leading Purebred Arabian breeder and owner Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, the four-year-old son of Martin Al Maury appeared from nowhere to do the better work on the shadow of the post to deprive the Jebel Ali-based trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam

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RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only - Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, 2200 meters:

his first Purebred Arabian win of the season.

Lemartinel and Avranche had earlier claimed the first running of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only on the opening day of the new season at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on November 10, with Mooser.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said: “We are expecting an exciting season with plenty of new horses showing up.

The Arabian horse races take centre stage in the agenda of the venue and will continue to be so.”

The race was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Fegentri with Emirates

1. Af Muwall’Aa, (Trainer Eric Lemartinel) Gerald Avranche 2. Joyous Dream (D. Selvaratnam) James Doyle 3. Hk Ahlawiya (Eric Lemartinel) Jesus Rosales Eric Lemartinel 4. Kalid’Or (Ibrahim Al Hadhrami) Royston Ffrench Winning Owner: Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda Winning time: 02:39:48 Winning distance: Nk, 2.75L, Nk Also ran: Tresor Du Clos, Ubu Al Mels,Vainqueur Du Clos

airlines as the official carrier and sponsored by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Invest AD, Arabtec Holding PJSC, Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha

Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Wathba Stud Farm, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, and Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah.

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WATHBA CUP

DECEMBER 8, 2013, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Najem S’Heel registers first win on turf The Saifaldin Deeb-trained 5-year-old son of Big Easy produced a dramatic late surge

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ajem S’Heel came with a late run under Wayne Smith to land the season’s fourth running of the 1000m Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, the fifth race on the card at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday night.

Trained by Saifaldin Deeb at Al Falah Stables in Sharjah on behalf of its owner Faisal Sameer Al Mahmoud, the five-year-old son of Big Easy produced a dramatic late surge to snatch the verdict in a tight finish.

In fact with about 300 metres to go it was Tm-AcDc under Royston French which hit the lead but within the final 100 metres Smith brought Najem S’Heel to win by a neck.

A delighted Lebanese trainer commented: “Najem S’Heel always impresses me in training. He’s working nicely and after his last win in Sharjah we have decided to shift his operations to the turf track in Abu Dhabi and he relished the ground. This was his first win on turf and represented good indication for his future plan.”

The exciting victory came just 30 minutes after the jockey and the winner’s

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RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, Abu Dhabi, 1000 meters 1. Najem S’Heel (Trainer Saifaldin Deeb) Wayne Smith 2. Tm Ac-Dc (Omar Daraj) Royston Ffrench 3. Girl Power (Jameel Salman) Xavier Ziani 4. Af Shbas (Heal Al Alawi) Dane O’Neill Winning Owner: Faisal Sameer Al Mahmoud Al Ali Winning time: 01:05:65 Winning distance: Nk, Nk, 2L Also ran: Al Arous, Af Asefah, Shadan, Mooser, Bader, Af Tharb, Gabas Noor, Wald Johnny

trainer have been denied with Sahib Du Clos in the feature- the Purebred Arabians National Day Cup Gr-1 race.

Areem, owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presi-

dential Affairs, retained his Purebred Arabians National Day Cup Gr-1 title which he has won last year. The home-bred six-year-old son of Mahabb has once again underlined his status as the best Purebred Arabian miler

in the country by winning the National Day Cup for the second year in a row.

Sahib Du Clos chased the winner home under Wayne Smith and Rabbah De Carrere, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, was a further two lengths behind in third.

Majed Al Jahouri, the winning trainer, said he had

given no riding instructions to Ahmed Ajtebi. “He knows the horse very well and didn’t think it was necessary to tell Ahmed how to ride the horse,” he said. “I got a bit worried when I saw him getting a bit tired toward the end, but still he did the job well. I am sure he will run a better race next time.”

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WATHBA CUP

DECEMBER 15, 2013, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Bentley steers Safir Bainuna to Wathba victory Solo Restoreto under Noel Garbutt came up with a late run to finish behind the winner

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arry Bentley gave UAE trainer Ahmed Mohammed Al Mehairbi as he steered Safir Bainuna home in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, a Purebred Arabians Conditions race which was contested over a mile at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

Solo Restoreto came with a late run to finish second under Noel Garbutt and behind them came the mount of Patrick Dobbs, Al Raahi, to take third.

“He’s a nice four-year-old well-bred colt by Elios De Carrere,” said a delighted owner and trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi later. “This is my first win of the season. We are all obliged to HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan for introducing the Wathba Stud races for private owners only.

It’s a brilliant initiative that has paid dividends in encouraging and motivating small owners

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RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, Abu Dhabi, 1600 meters 1. Safir Bainuna (A. Al Mehairbi) Harry Bentley 2. Solo Restoreto (Eric Lemartinel) Noel Garbutt 3. Al Raahi (S. Deeb) Patrick Dobbs 4. Af Qamoos (Lemartinel) R. French.

Winning Owner: Ahmed Mohammed Al Mehairbi Winning time: 01:49:73 Winning distance: 2.25L, 3.25L Also ran: Borkan Al Zobair, Tha’Er, Shadan, Ubu Al Mels and Tresor De Faust

and breeders,” he added.

The same opinion was echoed by Bentley who praised the hard work of Al Mehairbi.

“Safir Bainuna was picking up nicely and he showed great speed when asked him to improve in the home turn. I think Al Mehairbi has done a great job to prepare the horse. This colt is full of speed and will be useful even over a longer distance,” he said.

Safir Bainuna covered the mile’s distance in 1:49:73 seconds before being eased close home to prevail by more than two lengths and walk away with the major share of the

Dh50.000 prize-money that has been provided for the top five finishers.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club alongside Sheikh Hamdan Suroor Al Sherqi and Manal Al Menhali, representing Invest AD crowned the winners after the end of the race.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

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WATHBA CUP

DECEMBER 22, 2013, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

No stopping Solo Restoreto this time The five-year-old son of Big Easy got up in the concluding stages to deny Dere’A Al Jazeera

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eing narrowly denied by Safir Bainuna seven days ago, Solo Restoreto was able to bounce back and go one better to land the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup. Apprentice Noel Garbutt produced a scintillating late run on the Eric Lemartineltrained Solo Restoreto to win the 1200m Wathba Stud Farm Cup for the private owners and stables, the fifth race on the card at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday.

The five-year-old son of former champion Big Easy got up in the concluding stag-

es to deny the mount of Dane O’Neil Dere’A Al Jazeera in shadow of the post.

“He’s a very smart well-bred horse. He has been a little bit slow at the start, but he picked up nicely with the progress of the race. There’s more to come from Solo Restoreto in the very near future,” the winning jockey Garbutt said.

Lemartinel has won this title twice before this season through Mooser and AF Muall’Aa and make three out of six running of the competition.

The French handler said “We are all obliged to the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

This great initiative by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only - Liverpool John Moores University , 1600 meters: 1. Solo Restoreto (Trainer Eric Lemartinel) Noel Garbutt 2. Dere’A Al Jazeera (Saifaldin Deeb) Dane O’Neil 3. Al Sataah (Ibrahim Al Hadrami) Saeed Al Mazooei 4. Desert Rose ( Mohd. Ramadan) Harry Bentley Winning Owner: Hamdan M. Kadfoor Abdullah Al Mehairi Winning Time:01;20:35 Winning distance: Nk, 1l, Shd Also ran; al Asefah, Wadi Al Sail,Latifa Princess, Af Asasi, Af Tharb, Mawared El Medam, Mh Lazzaz,Az Laheeb, Waid Jhnny, Al Hasba

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WATHBA CUP Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs has positively contributed for the enriching of the Arabian breeding and racing industries in the UAE as well as the preservation and promotion of this noble creature around the globe.”

Manal Al Menhali, representing Invest AD said: “The contribution of the Invest AD in sponsoring the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is a national duty and great honour for us. The festival is looking after the Arabian horse races which is part of our heritage and culture which ensures the continuity of the history of this nation among the new generations.”

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WATHBA CUP

JANUARY 5, 2014, WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Safir Bainuna records second win Bentley scores again for UAE trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi who also owns the winning horse

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t was a big Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club racecourse and along with the featured Listed Arabian Triple Crown R1, the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup was also held.

The Ernst Oertel-trained Nymphea Du Paon was the brave winner under James Doyle, providing the Champion Trainer with consecutive victories in the Listed contest.

On the sidelines jockey Harry Bentley hogged the limelight winning the Wathba Stud Farm Cup and completed a double after he had earlier in the evening tasted success on the Majed Al Jahouri -trained Duzar.

Bentley steered Safir Bainuna to a reasonably comfortable success in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup 1600m conditions race for trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi who also owns his winner.

Bentley won a similar race on the horse three

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weeks ago and said: “We were very hopeful of a big run because he did it well the last time and the horse we beat has won since.

“He is a decent enough performer in his grade and it is always nice to ride winners for the smaller yards as well as the major ones,” Bentley said.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organized

by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Fegentri with Arabtec Holding PJSC main Sponsor and Emirates airlines as the official carrier and

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only Sponsored By Liverpool John Moores University, 1600m 1. Safir Bainuna(Trainer Ahmed Mohammed Al Mehairbi), Harry Bentley 2. Girl Power (Jameel Salman) Xavier Ziani 3. Af Asefah (Eric Lemaartinel), Gerald Avranche 4. Tim Ac-Dc (Omar Daraj) William Twiston-Davies Winning Owner; Ahmed Mohd. Al Mehairbi Winning Time: 01:47:94 Winning distance: 0.75l,3.75l, 3.25l Also Ran: Desert Rose, Al Raahi, Joyous Dream, Af Hasba, Shadan, Solo Restoreto, Barak, Bader, Karid’Or,Safina Ghantoot

WATHBA CUP sponsored by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Invest AD, Al Rashid Investment, Areej Al Ameerat, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah and Racing Post.

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WATHBA CUP

JANUARY 19, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Girl Power ends Bainuna’s winning run Under Xavier Ziani the winner makes virtually all to reverse places with favourite Safir Bainuna

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irl Power, ridden by Xavier Ziani, made virtually all to reverse places with earlier conqueror and hot favourite Safir Bainuna in the 1600m HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, the fifth event on the six-racecard at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

A week ago Safir Bainuna finished a little less than a length in front of Girl Power and in this race Bentley did all he could as he chased home the winner but was denied a third success in this race series.

The race is held as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival to support small breeders and owners worldwide.

“Last time out she finished second to Safir Bainuna in the same race over course and distance. I think she deserves to win. She has a good speed and didn’t need any assist,” Ziani said later.

Trainer Jamil Salman commented: “I think it’s great to see the mare bouncing back so quickly and reversing places with Safir

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Bainuna. Ziani gave Girl Power a great ride and the jockey and his mount have lived up to the challenge.”

Salman also thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for providing the private stables

with a chance to compete against each other in a separate race. “This is a great support for small breeders and owners and a strong boost for the Arabian horse industry within the UAE and abroad,” he added.

Ms Lara Sawaya, director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor

bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing (IFAHR) reiterated the determination of the Festival to continue its support to the Arabian horse races in all

equine disciplines.

“It’s the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to be wherever the Arabian horse is in action around the globe and lend a hand,” she said.

WATHBA CUP RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only Sponsored By Liverpool John Moores University, 1400m 1. Girl Power (Jameel Salman) Xavier Ziani 2. Safir Bainuna (Ahmed Mohd. Al Mehairbi) Harry Bentley 3. Najem S’Heel (Saifaldin Deeb)Tadhg o’Shea 4. Tm Ac-Dc (Omar Daraj) Richard Mullen Winning Owner: Saaed Hadher Abdullah Al Mazrouei Winning Time: 01:33:56 Winning distance: 0.50l,Nk, 2l Also ran: Af Rahia, Talmoud, Dere’AAl Jazeera, Af sasi, Rania Del Ma, Ubu Al Mels, Wadi al Sail, Borkan Al Zobair, Al Arous, Mh Al Wadii

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JANUARY 26, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Najem S’Heel makes most of good draw Trainer Deeb says winner was narrowly beaten last time out because of the wide draw

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ajem S’Heel, ridden

by Tadhg O’Shea, made virtually all to win the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

The six-year-old son of former champion Big Easy is trained by Saifaldin Deep on behalf of its owner Faisal Sameer Al Mahmoud.

“He was narrowly beaten last time out because of the wide draw, but this time he was well drawn and launched his campaign from stall nine to win easily. He’s a speedy horse and there’s more to come from him,” Deeb said.

“Najem S’Heel has won this race before over 1000 metres early in the season,

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and it’s something great to see him wining again over the extended distance.

“We are all obliged to the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for his unlimited support and encouragement of small owners and breeders to boost the Arabian horse in the UAE and elsewhere,” he added.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, 1200m: 1. Najem S’Heel (Trainer Saifaldin Deeb) Tadhg O’Shea 2. Al Asefah (Eric Lemartinel), Gerald Avranche 3. Tm Ac-Dc (Omar Daraj) Richard Mullen 4. Solo Restereto (Eric Lemaartinel), Noel Garbutt Winning Owner: Faisal Sameer Al Mahmoud Al Ali Winning Time; 01:17:81 Winning distance: 2.25l,Neck, 3.75lL Also Ran: Af Shbas, Af Asasi, Dere’A Al Jazeeera, Al Arous, Ns Shamikh, Gabas Noor, Udine du Pouy,Wald Johnny, Alkar, Bint Milan

Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and

Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored

by Invest AD, Tourism

Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post

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WATHBA CUP

FEBRUARY 2, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Day Breaker leaves Chase Me behind in superb win Apprentice jockey Saeed Al Mazroui teams up with trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi to register success

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t was the 10th meeting of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s most popular race series at the grass-roots level – the Wathba Stud Farm Cup and it came on a day when there was more success for Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs including a dead-heat by two of his horses.

In the Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only run over 1600 metres, apprentice jockey Saeed Al Mazroui teamed up with trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi to register success for the UAE on Day Breaker.

The local apprentice jockey Al Mazroui, who was a winner at Meydan on Saturday on Mutual Force, won again in Abu Dhabi on Day Breaker.

Finishing second, 1.5 lengths behind, was Chase Me, ridden by Manuel Chaves, while third place

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was bagged by Harry Bentley on MH Areeb.

The feature event at Abu Dhabi Racecourse— the Group 3 Al Ruwais Purebred Arabian race — ended in a dead-heat between Rakha and Sha’Red. James Doyle on Sha’Red caught Rakha, ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, at the line to split the winning prize and give trainer Yousuf Al Beloushi his first winner. Thakif under Harry Bentley finished third half a length behind in the 1,000m event.

All three horses are

owned by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

“Sha’Red is our best sprinter and it was nice to get one on the board,” said Al Beloushi. “He is only four and arrived with some decent form. He ran a very good first race for me but I think he’s done for this season. Hopefully he’ll be back next season.”

Rakha’s trainer Majid Al Jahouri felt that Rakha’s showing was exceptional as he was only keen on giving

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, 1600m 1. Day Breaker (Trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi) Saeed Al Mazrooei 2. Chase Me (Ibhrahim Al Hadhrami) Manuel Chaves 3. Mh Areeb (Elise Jeanne) Harry Bentley 4. Najem S’Heel, (Saifaldin Deeb), Tadhg O’shea Winning owner: Saif Asheer al Sulaiman Al Mazrouei Winning Time: 01:45:22 Winning distance: 1.50l, 0.75l, 2l Also ran: Kao Kat Mhf, Borkan Al Zobair, Af Rahia, barak, Af Asasi, Desert Rose, Af Qamoos, Live Rich, Talmoud, Tha’Er, Mh Validor, Safina Ghantoot

her a run. “It was a good win as she was not ready,” said Al Jahouri. “I just wanted to give her a gal-

lop. However, she proved her worth. We expected big runs from both Rakha and Thakif.

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WATHBA CUP

FEBRUARY 16, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Brown drives home charged up Tm Ac-Dc The 5-year-old son of Jindel made every stride a winning one for UAE trainer Omer Daraj

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m Ac-Dc, ridden by Thomas Brown, got up very strongly in the concluding stages to win the 1400m Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only in a great style at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

The five-year-old son of Jindel made every stride a winning one and was hard ridden when it mattered with two furlongs remaining to delight his connections. Trained

by Omer Daraj at Al Nakheel Stables, TM AC.DC responded keenly when the Irishman said go to reverse places with Day Breaker.

“It’s truly something good to see him in such a strong finish,” said a delighted trainer later. “Thomas Brown is a brilliant jockey and I was confident that he would deliver,” the Al Nakheel Stables’ handler added.

Daraj thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for his brilliant initiative because he felt the series made everyone a winner.

Meanwhile, it was a double delight night for the stables of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the fea-

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RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, 1600m 1. Tm Ac-Dc (Trainer Omar Daraj) Thomas Brown 2. Day Breaker (Ahmed al Mehairbi) Harry Bentley 3. Wadi Al Sail (Omar Daraj) Richard Mullen 4. Solo Restoreto (Eric Lemartinel) Noel Garbutt Winning owner: Mohammed. Ayesh Winning Time: 01:30:15 Winning distance: 1.25L, 1.25L,1.25L Also ran: Af Al Almaa, Najem S’Heel, Girl Power, Af Dhaham, Mooser, Af Shbas, Kao Kat Mhf, Alkar, Af Asasi,M Areeb, Udine Du Pouy, Pery

ture race of the night, the HH The President Cup Group-1 for Purebred Arabians. Rabbah De Carrere led a 1-2 finish in the distinguished silks of

the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Raaziq, ridden by Silvestre De Souza taking second to the delight of the UAE trainer Majid Al

Jahouri.

The race was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated

by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Fegentri

with Emirates airlines as the official carrier and sponsored

by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Invest AD, Arabtec Holding PJSC, Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Wathba Stud Farm, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, and Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah.

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WATHBA CUP

FEBRUARY 23, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Simbar Du Loup leads 1-2 for Lemartinel Jockey Noel Garbutt seals another good win for UAE breeder-owner Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah

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t was another visit to the winner’s enclosure for French handler Eric Lemartinel in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s– the Wathba Stud Farm Cup. The only difference being that his country man and the stable’s number one jockey Gerald Avranche could not accompany him having been beaten to second place.

Apprentice jockey Noel Garbutt brought Simbar Du Loup home in the 2200m Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only Purebred Arabians Handicap to seal a good win for owner Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah.

Eric Lemartinel completed a double when the Frenchman teamed up with apprentice jockey Noel Garbutt to bring Simbar Du Loup home in the 2200m Purebred Arabians Handicap Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only.

Having finished close fourth to Ragdan last time out, the six-year-old son of former champion Akbar was put on top gear to smash a field of 11 runners and prevails by three and a half lengths be-

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fore being eased close post.

Garbutt on Simbar Du Loup and was chased home by stable companion Ibn Battuta Monlau, the mount of Avranche.

Lemartinel said: “We had three in the race and thought they all had a chance. You can never expect a 1-2 but it is always nice when it happens.”

The race was held under the directives of

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, 2200m 1. Simbar Du Loup (Trainer Eric Lemartinel) Noel Garbutt 2. Ibn Battuta Monlau (Eric Lemartinel) Gerald Avranche 3. Live Rich (Jameel Salman) Tadhg O’Shea 4. Maghazi (Beverley Deutrom) Xavier Siani Winning Owner:Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda Winning Time: 02:29:48 Winning Distance: 3.50l, 1.50l, 0.75l Also ran: Borkhan Al Zobair, Al Waqaad, Nawfal Al Reef, Chase Me, Tarf Alseba, Jap Al Sakab

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and Fegentri with Emirates airlines as the official carrier and sponsored by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Invest AD, Arabtec Holding PJSC, Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Wathba Stud Farm, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, and Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah.

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WATHBA CUP

MARCH 2, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Asefah gives Lemartinel another win

Winning horse under Noel Garbutt came from nowhere to win by over a length from Najem S’Heel

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t was the 12th meeting of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s most popular race series at the grass-roots level – the Wathba Stud Farm Cup and this time it was a contest over five furlongs (1000 metres).

Saifaldin Deeb’s Najem S’Heel, Jameel Salman’s Girl Power, Omar Daraj’s Tm Ac-Dc and Ahmed Al Me-

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hairbi’s Safir Bainuna and Day Breaker were all part of the strong field and each one of them were previous winners in this race series which is open to horses from Private Owners only.

Again it was that ace handler, Frenchman Eric Lemartinel who produced another winner from his yard, this time it was Af Asefah, owned by Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah, another consistent performer

in the Festival’s races.

AF Asefah under Noel Garbutt came from nowhere to win by over a length from Najem S’Heel under Patrick Cosgrave while pushed to third and fourth places were Girl Power under Tadhg O’Shea and Tm Ac-Dc under Martin Harley.

The winner completed the trip in 01:01:85.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed

Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “We are delighted every time a new horse comes out and wins this race. HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs has always instructed us to ensure the focus

continues to stay on the local breeders at the grass root level.”

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society

WATHBA CUP RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, 1000m 1. Af Asefah, (Trainer Eric Lemartinel) Noel Garbutt 2. Najem S’Heel (Saifaldin Deeb) Patrick Cosgrave 3. Girl Power (Jameel Salman) Tadhg O’Shea 4. Tm Ac-Dc (Omar Daraj), Martin Harley Winning Owner: Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda Winning Time: 01:01:85 Winning Distance: 1.25l, 0.75l, 0.75l Also ran: Safir Bainuna, Day Breaker, Af Hasba, Mawared El Medam, Al Rahia, Bh One, Udine Du Pouy, Al Waqqad

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WATHBA CUP

MARCH 9, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, ABU DHABI

Wadi Al Sail cruises home in penultimate race of series Brown records second success of the campaign and provides trainer Daraj season’s third winner

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he penultimate meeting of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup have UAE trainer Omar Daraj Mohammed his third winner of the season.

In the 1400-metre contest, Wadi Al Sail posted in what was a rather comfortable win under Apprentice jockey Thomas Brown in the race that is open only to Private Owners in the UAE. Brown recorded his second success of the campaign and provided trainer Mohammed his third winner of the season.

Daraj commented after the eye-catching performance of Wadi Al Sail: ““He’s a promising tough performer who was able to bounce back in nine days after his defeat last time out.

I think there’s more to come from him and the season is not yet over for him.”

Apprentice, Thomas Brown added “We were

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a bit slowly away but he travelled well throughout the race. He took me to the front probably a bit earlier than I wanted but he ran on well enough and seems to be improving.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing

Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “After 14 meetings here at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club race course we are now all set for the 15th and final one next week. This season’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup

series here in the UAE has thrown up some very classy winners and we have seen some new faces at the winner’s podium.”

“The whole focus of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is to enhance the status of the Purebred Arabian

horse racing and that is only possible if we succeed at the grassroots level,” she said.

“We have to thank HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs for his wise leadership and innovative initiatives,” Ms Sawaya said.

WATHBA CUP RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, 1400m 1. Wadi Al Sail, (Trainer Omar Daraj) Thomas Brown 2. Barak (Saleha Al Ghurair) Tahg O’Shea 3. Az Laheeb (Saleha Al Ghurair) Jose Santiago 4. Af Dhaham ( Eric Lemartinel) Noel Garbutt Winning owner: Yousef bin Ghilan Winning time: 01:30:75 Winning distance: 2.50l, Nk, 0.75 l Also ran: Mawared El Medam, Maghazi, Ain Jaloot, Vernet, Mh Areeb, Wald Johnny, Latifa Princess, Sns Nujood, Memati Bash

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MARCH 16, 2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP ABU DHABI

UAE’s Al Mazrooei scores on Day Breaker The Al Mehairbi-trained winner brings curtain down on Abu Dhabi’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup series

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ll those connected with the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival were in a joyous mood as they celebrated a day when historic success was achieved by horses owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

But first the Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup race and this week it was the UAE’s Apprentice jockey Saeed Al Mazrooei who extended a winning streak.

Al Mazrooei continued his good weekend, after victories at Al Ain on Friday and Sharjah on Saturday, when making all on the Ahmed Al Mehairbitrained Day Breaker to claim the Wathba Stud Farm Cup for Private Owners only, a 1600m conditions race.

“It has been a great three days and a good season. I won on this horse in February and he has fought hard today to win this,” the UAE jockey said after winning from a line-up that con-

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sisted of all the winners of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series this season.

The horses of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime

Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs made history after scooping the seven Group-1 titles of the Arabian races of the season.

Trainer Majed Al Jahou-

ri saddled Musharab under Harry Bentley to retain the crown of the 2200m Emirates Championship, the highlight of Abu Dhabi’s final meeting of the season.

Sheikh Mansoor and Al Jahouri have won the UAE season’s first seven Group 1 races for Purebred Arabians with just the Dubai World Cup night’s Kahayla

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Classic remaining on Saturday March 29.

Ms Lara Sawaya, director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the top three finishers in the UAE Arabian Derby, Emirates Championship and the Abu Dhabi TB Championship, including representatives for the owners, besides trainers and jockeys are invited for the World Arabian Horse Conference London 2014 from June 27 to 30, 2014. The owners’ title holder of the Wathba Stud Cup for the second year Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda besides the most winning trainer and owner are also invited to attend the conference.”

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Championship For Private Owners Only, 1600m 1. Day Breaker, (Trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi) Saeed Al Mazrooei 2. Safir Bainuna (Ahmed Al Mehairbi) Royston Ffrench 3. Girl Power (Jameel Salman) Tadhg O’Shea 4. Najem S’Heel (Saifaldin Deeb) Wayne Smith Winning Owner: Saif Asheer Ali Sulaiman Al Mazrouei Winning Time: 01:43:00 Winning Distance: 2.25l,1l.SH Also ran: Wadi Al Sail, Live Rich, Tm Ac-Dc, Af Dhaham, Mooser, solo Restoreto, Al Raahi

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GRASSROOTS

Wathba Stud Farm Cup (International) Series The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup series of races emerged as one of the most popular in The Netherlands, the US, Poland, Switzerland, Belgium and France. This race series is open only to small and private owners and has helped revive interest in owning and breeding Arabian racehorses.

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Hellyn strikes on Senna OA

WATHBA CUP

23-9-2014 WATHBA STUD FARM CUP, GHLIN, BELGIUM

Drop in class helped the Daniel Klomp-trained 6-year-old Senna OA score over 1500-metres

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erum, et facimpo reperuSenna OA emerged victorious in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup in Ghlin in Belgium.

The Daniel Klomp-trained 6-year-old had finished 5th to Athlete del Sol in the Festival’s Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup last month but the drop in class helped Senna OA score over 1500-metres here in Ghlin.

Ridden by Stephen Hellyn, Senna OA finished ahead of N Minner’s Victor with Madjy running in third in the 10-horse field.

Mrs Nelly Philippot, Chairwoman of the Arabian Horse Racing Club of Belgium thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister for Presidential Affairs for bringing quality Arabian racing to Belgium.

“Last month the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup was a huge success and HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) races were a big hit here while the Wathba Stud Farm Cup race gives more oppor-

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WATHBA CUP tunities to the Arabian racing connections here,” she said.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by

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Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

Zabeel strikes first in French Wathba Cup

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AUGUST 10, 2014, AURILLAC, FRANCE

Five-year-old chestnut gelding snatches a classy win for owner trainer Pierre Hoyeau

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fter the two premier races of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival were held in Toulouse, the action then shifted to the race series aimed at promoting Purebred Arabian horses at the grassroots level.

The Prix Danbik -Wathba Stud Farm Cup in Aurillac was the first of the three races

in this series to be staged in France. Aurillac, which lies in the beautiful Auvergne region, is the oldest French racecourse still in activity and the first races were run in 1821. It has two race meetings every year, one in July and one in August. This year, the August meeting proved to be very popular and saw a record breaking attendance of 3,000 people.

Zabeel, a 5-year-old chestnut gelding, did very

RESULT Danbik-Wathba Stud Farm Cup, Euros 15,000, 2000M: 1. Zabeel (Pierre Hoyeau) Soufiane Saadi; 2. Madora de Brugere (Eric Dell’ova) Elliot Canal 3. Attila des Vialettes (Bertrant de Watrigant) Dimitri Ibouth 4. Vulcain des Viallettes (J.L Dubord) Jordan Agostini Winning owner: Pierre Hoyeau Also ran: Vedette de Lagrimodi, AJS Mohanad, Le Clovis, Joykan du Cayrou

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WATHBA CUP well to snatch a classy win for owner-trainer Pierre Hoyeau, in the eight-horse field in the 2000-metre race.

Ridden by Soufiane Saadi, the son of Akbar won by a length in front of the Eric Dell’Ova-trained Madora de Brugere under Elliot Canal.

Supplemented for the race by her trainer Eric Dell’Ova, it

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was the first run for Madora de Brugere, the half-sister to Dahor de Brugère.

Attila des Vialettes under Dimitri Ibouth from Bertrant de Watrigant’s yard ran into third place.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC

as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s

Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

Melodie du Soleil leads 1-2 for Fourcy

WATHBA CUP

SEPTEMBER 8, 2014, BEAUMONTE DE LOMAGNE, FRANCE

Winning trainer rides Thaaniya to second-place finish in the 2,300-metre race

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has a strong presence in France as all the races in the four series’ are held here.

The Wathba Stud Farm Cup race series, which kicked off this season in Aurillac, made its next stop in Beaumonte de Lomagne.

The 2300-metre contest attracted a strong field of young runners vying for €15,000 prize fund.

It was an exciting day for four-year-old filly Melodie du Soleil, born at the Normandy base of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, as she scored her debut win.

Ridden by M. Foulan, Melodie du Soleil led a 1-2 finish for trainer Thomas Fourcy with Thaaniya under Fourcy himself finishing second.

Attila des Vialettes was ridden to a third place finish by Dimitri Ibouth like they had finished in the Prix Danbik - Wathba Stud Farm Cup earlier in August.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing

Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company

(TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup, 15,000 Euros, Turf, 2300 metres: 1. Melodie du Soleil (T. Fourcy) M. Foulon ; 2. Thaaniya (T. Fourcy) Thomas Fourcy : 3. Attila des Vialettes (J.L Dubord) Dimitri Ibouth ; 4. Al Ammarad (Jean-Francois Bernard) Jean-Baptiste Hamel ; Winning owner : Mrs L. Deymonaz Also ran : Tadmur, Le Clovis, Akaba de L’Ardus, Thameena, Vedette de Lagrimodi, Modjatt Athbah

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rench trainer Jean-Francois Bernard, one of the most consistent performers in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, signed of the three-

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race Wathba Stud Farm Cup series in France with a win on September 26, 2014.

Bernard saddled Al Amarrad to a superb win in the Prix Nedjari-Wathba Stud Farm Cup race in Bordeaux to score yet another triumph in the HH Sheikh Mansoor

Festival series.

Al Ammarad by Majd Al Arab finally lost his maiden tag after six attempts. Al Amarrad was fourth to Melodie des Soleil in the previous Wathba Stud Farm Cup race held in Beaumont Lomagne earlier in the month. That

run was over a distance of 2300 metres and present race’s distance of 1900 metres seemed to have worked out for Al Amarrad and helped him score his first win in six starts.

Zembra (FR) finished second for owner, breeder and

trainer Pierre Hoyeau while Italian horse Rosso Antico ran into third place.

This was the third and last race of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series which is one of the more popular events by the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global

Speed Kossack starts with two back-to-back wins

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13-4-2014 & 14-5-2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

Pietrasiewicz rides both winners for trainer Daniel Klomp, owner Huub Otermans

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ike in the year 2013, it was Speed Kossack which kickstarted the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s 2014 on a winning note.

The 7-year-old son of Nougatin in fact had a good year winning three races and finishing second thrice in the nine races in 2014.

Speed Kossack’s wins came in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup races held on April 13 and May 14, 2014, at Duindugt, The Netherlands.

Raymond Chang had steered Speed Kossack to victory in the opening race of the Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup in 2013.

Jadey Pietrasiewicz was on board in 2014 when Speed Kossack won the first race for trainer Klomp over a distance of 2000 metres.

Speed Kossack got the better of Valentin under van Eck while the Diana Dorenburgtrained Nekhen Taoui ran

RESULTS 13-4-2014 Wathba Stud Farm Cup 1 for 4-year-olds who have not won more than 15,000 euros, 2000m

14-5-2014 Wathba Stud Farm Cup 2 for 4 years (+) Pure Arabians who have earned more than 15,000 euros since 01.01.2013, 2150m

1. Speed Kossack (Trainer Daniel C Klomp) Jadey Pietrasiewicz 1. Valentin (C.J.M Wolters) R.N.J Van Eck 3. Nekhen Taoui (D.A.K. Dorenberg) Deau 4. Shaker (Sandrine V. Tarrou)

1. Speed Kossack (Trainer Daniel C. Kolmp) Jadey Pietrasiewicz 2. Madjy (Regine Weissmeier) 3. Vly Kossack (Bianca van de Harst) Angeline Batist 4. Shaker (Sandrine V. Tarrou) Troost

Winning owner: Huub Otermans Also ran: Yoav, Vizir de Faust.

Winning owner: Huub Otermans Also ran: Hurra, Myrtille de Jura, Jimmy de Cedres, Toeris.

into third place.

In the second race held a month later over an extended distance of 2150 metres, Pietrasiewicz was again spot on with Speed Kossack

to win race two of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup. Madjy and Vly Kossack

took the next two spots in the 8-horse field which had some good runners including Hurra.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the

official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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Belgian Clijmans steers Hurra to a smart win

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JULY 20, 2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

Festival’s highly successful van den Bos denied first place

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elgian jockey Koen Clijmans struck on Hurra to give trainer Dorenburg a classy win in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud farm Cup series in Duindigt, The Netherlands.

Hurra, sixth to Speed Kossack in the second Wathba Stud Farm Cup race held here on May 14 over 2150 meters, looked spot-on for this race run over 1800 meters.

Clijman on Hurra denied the Festival’s highly successful trainer Miss Karin van den Bos whose Sia under Anna van den Troost finished second while Derham under Cindy Klinkenberg ran into third place.

The race was the third of the five races of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup scheduled to be held in The Netherlands by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Margaret de Ruiter, a top Dutch owner of Purebred Arabian horses, gave away the trophies to the winners.

“We are thankful to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup 3 for qualification 4 years (+), For Pure bred Arabian who did not earn more than Euro 6,000 since 1-12013, 1800m 1. Hurra (Trainer D.A.K. Doernberg) Koen Klijmans 2. Sia (Karin R. van den Bos) Anna Van Den Troost 3. Derham (C.J.M. Wolters) C.J.M. Klinkenberg 4. Yoav (A.A. Braz) Bianca Willemstijn Winning owner: Al Nujaifi Racing Ltd Also ran: Fareedha, Bima D.A., A

Minister of Presidential Affairs for this Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series which helps the small owners to continue with Purebred Arabian horse racing,” Mrs de Ruiter said.

“For us in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series is very important and this is the third race here in The Neth-

erlands. Apart from here we also stage the Wathba Stud farm Cup races this year in Abu Dhabi, Belgium, France, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the US,” said Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International

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WATHBA CUP Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR).

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and

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coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and

Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National

Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi

International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

WATHBA CUP

AUGUST 24, 2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

Pietrasiewicz on Sia notches third win in Wathba Cup Four-year-old daughter of Akbar from Saka wins for trainer Karin van den Bos

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op French filly Sia, ridden

by Miss Jadev Pietrasiewicz, landed the fourth running of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup at the Duindigt Racecourse over 1900m in Holland. Trained by Miss Karin R. van den Bos, the four-year-old daughter of Akbar from Saka claimed her second success of the season in four starts, having finished fourth and fifth otherwise.

The race is held under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and carried a total purse of €5000 in prizemoney.

Robbie Junior, ridden by P. Gibson for trainer Mr. CJM Wolters, came second and behind them came stable-mate Derham in the hands of Mrs. CJM Klinkenberg to ensure a 2-3 finish for the same trainer.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat

Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC),

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup 4 for 3 years (+) Pure-bred Arabians who did not earn more than Euro 20,000, 1900m 1. Sia (Trainer Karin R. van den Bos) Jadey Pietrasiewicz 2. Robbie Junior (C.J.M. Wolters) P. Gibson 3. Derham (C.J.M. Wolters) C.J.M. Kilnkerberg 4. Toeris (Kim Augenbroe) Gaetan Faucon Winning owner: Ecurie de Syrah Also ran: Al Qatari, Amirador

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2014, DUINDIGT, THE NETHERLANDS

Myrtille de Jura captures final race of Dutch series Fesival’s curtain comes down with 5th and final leg in Duindigt

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Curtains came down on the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s events in The Netherlands with the 5th and final leg of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series which was held in Duindigt race course.

Myrtille de Jura was ably ridden by Robin Weber to win the Wathba Stud Farm Cup with Robbie The First under Patrick Gibson and Ainhoa Djass under Fabian Weissmeier in second and third place finishes respectively.

The Netherlands has been one of the countries where the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has been staging its events ever since the start in 2009. In 2014, the country played host to the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR and also held five races in the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series.

“We are very grateful to

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the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival for the support to Purebred Arabian racing e in The Netherlands,” said Wieger Joost de Ruiter, Chairman of the Dutch Arabian Racing Committee.

“The efforts of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has certainly helped Purebred Arabian racing in Europe through the Festival and I thank him for this support,” de Ruiter added.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development

& Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies

Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

WATHBA CUP

TWO WATHBA STUD FARM CUP RACES IN POLAND

Esponna bags Sopot leg; Wameria tops Warsaw

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Poland has a rich history of Arabian horses and has been an integral part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival since the start. Apart from staging the Festival’s two premier races – the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race series and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR), the Festival also staged two Wathba Stud Farm Cup races in Poland in 2014.

The first was held in Sopot on July 20 and was run over a distance of 2000 metres. A total of nine runners started and Esponna from trainer Maciej Jodłowski’s yard was steered to s superb win by jockey Szczepan Mazur.

In a close contest, Esponna under Mazur got the better of the Dorota Kałubatrained Sirego which was the mount of Andrzej Mazurkiewicz with just a head separating the two.

The second race was held 20 days later at the

Poland is an important stop for the Festival and in 2015 will host the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference RESULT 20-07-2014, Sopot/Poland Wathba Stud Farm Cup, 2000 meters:

10-08-2014, Warsaw/Słuzewiec, Poland Wathba Stud Farm Cup, 2000 meters:

1. Esponna (Trainer – Maciej Jodłowski) Szczepan Mazur 2. Sirego (Dorota Kałuba) Andrzej Mazurkiewicz 3. Wasilew (Sergiusz Zawgorodny) Ireneusz Wójcik 4. Manga (Maciej Malinowski) Stefano Mura

1. Wameria (Trainer – Dorota Kałuba) Siergiej Wasiutow 2. Erydana (Małgorzata Łojek) Piotr Krowicki 3. Eunory (Małgorzata Łojek) Błazej Giedyk 4. Irish (Kazimierz Rogowski) Liliya Reznikova-Wróblewska

Winning owner: Monika Metza-Jodłowska & UNI-RES Sp. z o.o.

Winning time: 2:21.20 Winning distances: head, 1½L, neck Also ran: Etnum Psyche, Cafuso, Metropolitan, Ganima and Wierzbin (disqualified)

Winning owner: Lutetia Arabians S.A.R.L. Winning time: 2:19.50 Winning distances: 5L, 16L, ½L Also ran: Ekaso, Wolbrom and Balblair

Służewiec race course in Warsaw, the venue of the Festival’s big races. Kaluba, who had to rest content with a second place in Sopot, got into the winner’s enclosure when Wameria under Siergiej Wasiutow scored a comfortable 5-length win from Erydana under Piotr Krowicki.

Eunory under Błażej Giedyk and Irish under Liliya Reznikova-Wróblewska took the third and fourth spot in this 10-furlong race.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH

Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities IFAHR said “Under the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Poland will host the sixth edition of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference 2015. We are

expecting a large number of breeders, trainers, jockeys, veterinaries, observers and other experts involved in the Arabian racing industry to debate for a better future of this noble creature in this country which is passionate over Arabian horses.”

“The Conference will run over seven days from May 25th to 31st and culminates with the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Ladies World Championship, the only and most prestigious

event of its kind on earth.

It’s a race for ladies and not an amateur challenge. It’s open for professional lady jockeys as well,” she said.

Mr. Feliks Klimczak, President of Polish Jockey Club said, “We are happy with the two Wathba Stud Farm Cup races increasing the Festival’s presence here in Poland. We are looking forward to the WAHRC in 2015 and hope to pull out all stops to make it a memorable event for the Purebred Arabian fraternity.”

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File picture from a Festival’s race in Sluzewiec race course in Warsaw which played host to a Wathba Stud Farm Cup race in 2014.

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WATHBA CUP

13-05-2014, JAGERSRO, SWEDEN

Gazel T blazes to easy win Having won over the last two seasons, Gazel T reiterated his love for both course and distance

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azel T, the Dutch-bred 6-year-old son of Prince D’Orient, had won this race under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival in 2012 and 2013 and was looking to make it three-ina-row.

It was obvious that Gazel T, owned and trained by Gerd Zoetelief, loved both the course and the distance for the Wathba Stud Farm Cup (Group 3) at the Jagersro course.

The ‘Flying Dutchman’ cantered down as joint favourite with the local hope Labwah and he was not about to disappoint his followers.

Adopting his usual tactics of lying a bit behind the pace and working his way up to lie handy entering the rather short straight, Gazel T under Jacob Johansen, once again put his blistering finishing speed to good use inside the last 100 meters. At the line he had a long length to spare over the fast developing Swede Mad Makz with Rraqi bred filly Labwah in third place while ever reliable Al

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup (Group 3) 1730 m: 1) Gazel T (Gerd T Zoetelief) Jacob Johansen; 2) Mad Makz (Yasmine Nillson) Fanny Olsson; 3) Labwah (Pia Hoiom) Pers-Anders Graberg 4) Al Janoob (Maria Sandh) Ninni Westerlund Also ran: Neira Royal, Dratzan, Maggia, El Quattro.

Winning owner: Gerd T Zoetelief Distances: 1.25L, Neck, 7L Time: 1:59.1

Janoob took fourth some lengths in arrears.

Owner/breeder cum trainer Zoetelief was all smiles in the winner’s enclosure and promised to be back for more of the prestigious races that the Scandinavian Arabian Racing Association is so grateful to HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan for sponsoring.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Yas Channel, Omeir Travels and Racing Post.

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WATHBA CUP

25-09-2014, JAGERSRO, SWEDEN

Mad Makz wins Group 3 event Festival-supported race was the last of the three Group 3 races to be held in Scandinavia

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup on September 29, 2014 was the last of the three Group 3 races to be held in Scandinavia.

In Sweden’s Jagersro, it was Mad Makz that ended the big race on a winning note over 1200-metres on a dirt track and under floodlights.

Ridden by Martin Rodrigues, the 6-year-old son of Makzan beat last year’s winner of this Group 3 event Al Asad (ridden by PersAnders Graberg) by two lengths. The strong line-up also included two favourites of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival series in Gazel T and Sartejano but Mad Makz was too good to win in a time of 1:21.4.

The win proved that Mad Makz is no mean sprinter and secondly that Gazel T wants further, having tried to win this race twice and finishing third on both occasions.

Mad Makz had opened the season by winning over the

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same course and distance in April beating Labwah by a short head. Since then he had run over longer distances without winning, but returning to the minimum distance the locally bred chestnut scorched home by two lengths from Al Asad followed by Gazel T and Sartejano, who also would have preferred further.

Being her favourite in the

stables of owner/breeder Genberg & Co, young Mimmi Jarl bought Mad Makz last year and she and her friend Yasmine Nilsson have since had a lot of fun with winner and were over the moon to receive the Wathba Stud Farm Cup for the race.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Sprint Cup (Group 3), Dirt, 1200 m: 1. Mad Makz (Ms Yasmine Nilsson) Martin Rodriguez; 2. Al Asad (Diana Dorenburg) Per-Anders Graberg; 3. Gazel T (Gerd Zoetelief) Jacob Johansen 4. Sartejano (Diana Dorenburg) Rafael De Oloveira Winning owner: Yasmine Nilsson, Jarl Mimmi Also ran: Al Janoob, Sheimah Qardabiyah, Big Ben, RM Eliott.

Winning Distances: 2L, Neck, 0.50L

WATHBA CUP Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emir-

ates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates

airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al

Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and

Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi

by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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WATHBA CUP

21-09-2014, AVENCHES, SWITZERLAND

Placais steers Nil Ashal to third win Placais made it three out of three in 2014 on the 5-year-old grey bred in Switzerland

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he Aeschbachers combined to lead Nil Ashal under jockey Olivier Placais to superb win in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup race held in Avenches in Switzerland on Saturday.

Nil Ashal, owned by Urs Aeschbacher and trained

by Franziska Aeschbacher, was attempting a third win in three months against arch rival Sayf. And in a close finish Placais made it three out of three for this year on the 5-year-old grey bred in Switzerland.

Nil Ashal had beaten Sayf in July and August and once again it was a close contest but Placais steered the 2012 Swiss National Champion to score over the Lena Mattesridden Sayf.

Sayf ’s trainer Mrs Anika Daunheimer had to remain content with the second and third place as her other runner Atoum Re finished behind Sayf.

Nil Ashal took 2:13.38 for the 1800 metre distance.

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Commenting on the Avenches race, Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “This was

one of our busiest weekends for the Festival as we had races in Los Alamitos in Los Angeles, Samorin in Slovakia and Avenches in Switzerland.”

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup, Euros 10,000, 1800 m: 1. Nil Ashal (Mrs Franziska Aeschbacher) Olivier Placais; 2. Sayf (Mrs Anika Daunheimer) L.M Nattes; 3. Atoum ‘Re (Mrs Anika Daunheimer) Berit Weber; 4. Falak von Suedbaden (Mrs Anika Daunheimer) Yvonne Donze Winning owner: Mr. Urs Aeschbacher Also ran: Nil Kamla and BC Nihal

WATHBA CUP coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

(ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Racing Post.

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WATHBA CUP

08-06-2014 RACE 1, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Sheikh Hamdan’s Jabal Gay wins opener

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he Wathba Stud Farm Cup series, held under the umbrella of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, was worked off over a few race meetings in Hereford.

A total of seven races were held in the first meeting on June 6, 2014.

The first race of the day was the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Arabtec Maiden Stakes. This was a sevenfurlong maiden with nine runners, of which HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and The Royal Cavalry of Oman each had three runners.

HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Jabal Gay was an unexpected winner at the Wathba Stud Farm Arabtec Maiden Stakes.

One of HH Sheikh Hamdan’s UK debutant’s Mawatheeq unshipped Maddie Bishop-Peck on the way to post and delayed proceedings slightly until caught. However, he had not unduly exerted himself so was allowed to take part once reunited with his raider at the start. The Omani juvenile Munafis

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08-06-2014 RACE 2, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Cosmic Girl zooms to top place

C RESULT Arabtec Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3-year-old and upwards, 1400 metres: 1. Jabal Aly (Trainer Gill Duffield) P. Collington 2. Al Dafiq (S. Al Hakmani) D. Turner 3. Naseej (S. Al Hakmani) Muanis Al Siyabi 4. Jumeira Palm (Gill Duffield) S. Harrison Winning owner: HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Winning time: 01:43:06 Winning length: 0.05L, 3L, 2.5L Also ran: Raya C., Munafis, Mawaatheq, Hamdaany Zaid Almaha, Vindetta

and Jumeria Palm took them along in the early stages with the British-bred newcomer Vindetta soon struggling to keep up. The very smart Omani bred Al Dafiq took over the lead with HH Sheikh Hamdan’s first string Jabal Aly making eye-catching progress around the outside to tuck in behind the leaders. Al

Dafiq looked the likely winner from quite a way out but Jabal Aly gave him a real run for his money up the home straight to win by half a length. The first two home looked likely to be real improvers. The filly Naseej was third ahead of Jumeira Palm and Raya C.

osmic Girl ridden brilliantly by Stef Gandola hitched the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup- Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, a very competitive 0-50 in which the betting was very close.

Cosmic Girl faced stiff challenge from contenders Lamy and Nivisna who were at a good pace ahead of the well-backed Martine’s Girl and Yaqeen who soon looked to be struggling and were pushed along constantly by David

Turner. Senor Dublcheck made steady progress around the outside as they entered the home bend and the front four pulled clear.

However coming into the home straight Stef Gandola took advantage of a big gap on the inside and joined Nivisna and Lamy up front. Lamy soon dropped back and was passed by Martine’s Girl who stayed on well for third which left Nivisna in front under Anna Wallace but they had to settle for 2nd again as Cosmic Girl for Trainer Selena Farnese was just too strong and won by nearly a length. Barely anything separated the first six.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1400m 1. Cosmic Girl (Selena Farnese) Stef Gandola 2. Nivisna (B. Wallace) A. Wallace 3. Martine’s Girl (Christopher Bull) Jordan Williams 4. Lamy (M.P. Cooper) M. Johnson Winning owner: Selena Farnese/Peter Caston Winning time: 01:44:20 Winning length: 0.75L, 1.5L, .5L Also ran: Amyzing Zayin, Senor Dublcheck, Crown of Salona, Yaqeen, Top Trip

WATHBA CUP

08-06-2014 RACE 4, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Dutch horse Poloniz triumphs

H 08-06-2014 RACE 3, HEREFORD RACECOURSE

Tatweer calls the shots

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ne-mile-six furlongs was the trip for the 0-90 HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Hose Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup IFAHR Handicap Stakes.

Although it only attracted three runners all of them were very nicely bred runners owned by ARO champion HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finace. All the three were stepping up in trip for this race.

Top weight Aljawaaher went off favourite under Phil Collington and he led

his stable companions in Indian file during the early stages of the race and past the winning post on the first circuit. The order remained unchanged until Tatweer took over from Aljawaaher in the last half mile, with Alfareed getting closer as the trio ran downhill towards the home bend. In the home straight it was not the expected order with the maiden Tatweer leading from Alfareed.

Although keen in the early stages, Tatweer went on to win comfortably with the favourite only managing to bring up the rear.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - IFAHR Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 2800m: 1. Tatweer (Trainer Gill Duffield) S. Harrison 2. Alfareed (Gill Duffield) M. Johnson 3. Aljawaaher (Gill Duffield) P. Collington Winning owner: HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Winning time: 03:38:40 Winning length: 3L, 9L

H Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Hose Flat Racing Festival’s The Wathba Stud Farm Cup General Youth and Sports Authority Restricted Maiden Stakes, the fourth race, had some interesting runners.

Alcea Rosea a filly who had just come out of a Listed run at the Curragh and two nice colts bred by Margreet De Ruiter-Floor stood out in the preliminaries.

First to jump off and take the lead was Martin Smith on Alcea Rosea who was closely followed by Pinjarra, a 15-year -old mare who came late into racing and was having only her second

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - General Youth and Sports Authority Restricted Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3-year- old & upwards, 1600m

1. Poloniz (Trainer Gill Duffield) P.Collington 2. Darifa (Gill Duffield) M. Johnson 3. Alcea Rosea (J.H. Wilson) M. Smith 4. Pinjarra (Jenny Lees) Tina Henriksson Winning owner: M. J. De Ruiter-Floor Winning time: 01:49:03 Winning length: 0.75L, 1.5L, 12L Also ran: Spirited Game, Orel

run. Spirited Game soon took over the second spot from the veteran and made encouraging headway until hanging badly to the left, taking the wide outside of the home turn which effectively put paid to her chances. The two Dutch horses Poloniz and Darifa raced together for

much of the time and, after passing Pinjarra, challenged Alcea Rosea on the run in.

Poloniz proved the stronger, getting up ahead of the very fast finishing Darifa who certainly improved for the run. Long-time leader Alcea Rosea finished in third with Pinjarra in fourth.

08-06-2014 RACE 7, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Experience the key for Noble Athlete

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he day ended with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Supporting Arabian Racing at Hereford Handicap Stakes, a handicap race for horses rated 0-60.

There were just five runners for this one-mile contest with the Delyth Thomas trained Noble Athlete going off as the well-backed favourite. Local trainer Jenny Lees’ Shuwaiman Al Kebir took them along until the halfway point with the three-year-old Ekleel making headway round the turn

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup – Supporting Arabian Racing at Hereford Handicap Stakes, 3-year-old and upwards, 1600m: 1. Noble Athlete (Trainer D. Thomas) S.A. Walker; 2. Ekleel (S. Al Haqmani) Muanis Al Siyabi 3. Des’Brie (A.S. Newey) P. Collington 4. Shuwaiman Al Kebir (Jenny Lees) Tina Henrikson Wining owner: D. Thomas Winning time: 01:49:50 Winning length: 0.75L, 10L, 1.5L Also ran: Wikkara

under Muanis Al Siyabi.

The juvenile then went four lengths clear as they approached the straight but it was the experienced legs of Noble Athlete that wore down the youngster in the final furlong to win

by nearly a length under Simon Walker. Des’Brie finished one paced in third ahead of long-time leader Shuwaiman Al Kebir and Wikkara who had an uncharacteristically lackluster run.

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WATHBA CUP

08-06-2014 RACE 6, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Ornate fights till the finish

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08-06-2014 RACE 5, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Whisper posts sound victory

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he next contest at Hereford was the competitive Wathba Stud Farm Cup under the umbrella of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Hose Flat Racing Festival. Several consistent horses were in this race including Zayin Zachilles and Whisper who were first and fourth respectively at Taunton on their 2014 seasonal debuts.

Jamaahir set the early pace under novice jockey George Blackwell with the rest of the field content to sit in behind.

Gelliwen and Kamikaze didn’t look like they appreciated the cut in the ground but it didn’t seem to bother Whisper. Jockey Page Fuller had

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RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - AD Sports Council Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1800m

1. Whisper (Trainer A.S. Newey) Page Fuller 2. Jamaahir (D. Thomas) George C. Blackwell 3. Zayin Zachilles (P.J. Hammersley) S. Harrison 4. Kamikaze (A.S. Newey) P. Collington Winning owner: The Almost All Partnership Wining time: 02:09:41 Winning length: 1L, 2L, 1.5L Also ran: Al Shahiq, Gelliwen

her settled next to the Omani juvenile Al Shahiq but, at the half way stage, was sitting very still compared to David Turner who was working away on the four-year-old. Whisper continued to sit in behind the leader until the home bend when she made steady

progress around the outside of Jamaahir with Zayin Zachilles doing the same on the inside.

The three horses battled up the home straight with Whisper prevailing. Jamaahir and George Blackwell stayed on well for second ahead of Zayin Zachilles.

race for the higher rated horses was next, in the form of the mile-long Wathba Stud Farm Cup TDIC Conditions Stakes as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. Trainer Gill Duffield had four of the five runners with The Royal Cavalry of Oman’s representative Ornate being the fifth to run under David Turner. Aqwaal made a good start under Steve Harrison with Ornate close in behind but previous Dubai Day Group 2 winner Manark took it up easily down the back straight and looked the winner until Ornate fought back in the home straight to win going away. Owner/Breeder Lesley Hartley’s popular sprinter El Adjban was second – an excellent result for him over a distance longer than ideal. Manark ran a good race after a long break from the track to finish in third, the first of the trio owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - TDIC Conditions Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1600m 1.Ornate (Trainer S. Al Hakmani) D. Turner 2. El Adjban (Gill Duffield) M. Johnson 3. Manark (Gill Duffield) P. Collington 4. Essalda (Gill Duffield) M. Bishop-Peck Winning owner: Royal Cavalry of Oman Winning time: 01:47:70 Winning length: 2.5L, Srt hd, 13L Also ran: Aqwaal

Favourite Salaama tastes debut win

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he first race of the day, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup Invest AD Maiden Stakes, saw some very nicely bred horses including the favourite Salaama, a filly by Mahabb who was having her debut run for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance.

Attila De Rouaisse took them along under Matt Stanley with Jumeira Palm close behind and the rest

WATHBA CUP

05-07-2014 RACE 1, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Invest AD Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3-year-olds & upwards, 1400m 1. Saalama (Trainer Gill Duffield) P. Collington 2. Jumeira Palm (Gill Duffield) M. Johnson 3. Naseej (S. Al Hakmani) D. Turner 4. Oriental Myth (Gill Duffield) S. Harrison Winning owner: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Winning time: 01:35:14 Winning length: 1.5, 1L, 8L, 4L Also ran: Attila De Rouaisse, Winscott Red Zsar, Callymay

of the field spread out.

Callymay struggled to keep up and Winscott Red Zsar was never in touch.

Coming into the straight it was Jumeria Palm who led the way with stable mate Salaama and The

Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Naseej ready to challenge.

Salaama looked a really nice filly and took the race easily in the end from her stable mate Jumeira Palm and Naseej had to settle for another third.

05-07-2014 RACE 2, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Wikkara grabs top place in longest race

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he furthest race of the day was contested by four runners. HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup Equestrian Club Handicap Stakes 0-60 Handicap looked very competitive and there was not much between them all in the bet-

ting. The old boy Roches Du Cayrou took them along in single file for the first complete circuit of the track, with Wikkara ahead of Amyzing Zayin and Yakshi bringing up the rear. They remained in this order until Wikkara under Phil Collington challenged Roches Du Carou on the inside of the home turn. However the

veteran did not give up easily and made Wikkara work but he couldn’t get back in front, he ran a gallant race under George Blackwell to finish second. Amyzing Zayin finished half a length away in third. Yakshi could not emulate her Huntingdon success in the same grade but she was not far away in fourth

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Equestrian Club Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3+ years old & up, 3200m 1. Wikkara (Trainer A.S. Newey) Phil Collington 2. Roches Du Cayrou (D. Thomas) George C. Blackwell 3. Amyzing Zayin (P.J. Hammersley) S. Harrison 4. Yakshi (Doreen Townsend) S.D. Gondola Winning owner: L.A. Cross Winning time: 04:04:86 Winning length: 1.5L, 0.5L, 5L

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WATHBA CUP

05-07-2014 RACE 3, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Dublcheck wins by five lengths

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race for the higher rated horses was next, in the form of the mile-long Wathba Stud Farm Cup TDIC Conditions Stakes as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. Trainer Gill Duffield had four of the five runners with The Royal Cavalry of Oman’s representative Ornate being the fifth to run under David Turner. Aqwaal made a good start under Steve Harrison with Ornate close in behind but previous Dubai Day Group 2 winner Manark took it up easily down the back straight and looked the winner until Ornate fought back in the home straight to win going away. Owner/Breeder Lesley Hartley’s popular sprinter El Adjban was second – an excellent result for him over a distance longer than ideal. Manark ran a good race after a long break from the track to finish in third, the first of the trio owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Dr Nader Saab Switzerland Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3+ years old & upwards, 1400m 1. Senor Dublcheck (Trainer Claire Taylor) Rob G. Woollard 2. Top Trip (Jenny Peyton) Stef .D. Gandola 3. Nivisna (B. Wallace) Simon A. Walker 4. Suchaking (A.S. Newey) P. Collington Winning owner: Claire Taylor Winning time: 01:37:77 Winning length: 5L, 2L, 5L Also ran: Djazira, Lamy, Hamdaany Zaid Almaha, Orel

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05-07-2014 RACE 4, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Dubai Day winner Aljawaaher brings cheers

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he fourth race on the card, the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Al Rashid Investment Handicap Stakes, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Fat Racing Festival, was the highest rated handicap a 0-105 over one mile and one furlong with some nicely bred horses contesting. Previous Dubai Day winner Aljawaaher, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Matoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Ministeer of Finance and Matthew Johnson jumped off in front to lead the way with the others settling in behind. Tatweer didn’t seem

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Al Rashid Investment Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3+ years old & upwards, 1800m

Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Al Rashid Investment Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3+ years old & upwards, 1800m 1. Aljawaaher (Trainer Gill Duffield) Mathew Johnson 2. Marif (S. Al Hakmani) Shakir Al Balushi 3. Tatweer (Gill Duffield) P. Collington 4. Hidalgo (P.J. Hammersley) S. Harrison Winning owner: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Winning time: 02:02:98 vWinning length: 1.75L, NK, 20L

to do himself any favours as he pulled for the first 4 furlongs.

He then went to challenge going round the home bend and nearly headed Aljawaaher but the big

grey horse strode on to win with Marif running on well to steal second place under Shakir Al Balushi.

05-07-2014 RACE 5, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

A well-deserved win for Alcea Rosea

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he Wathba Stud Farm Cup AD National Exhibition Centre Maiden Stakes, held as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Horse Racing Festival, was a restricted Maiden open to owners with fewer than 5 horses in training in the UK. There were a few interesting runners in this race: Alcea Rosea ran in Listed company first time out, Enygma is a very well bred French filly for the Peter Hammersley team and Spirited Game had been running well in good company too. Alcea Rosea took them along in the early stages from Shuwaiman Al Kebir and Karar, with Winscott Red Eagle outpaced at the back of the field. Shuwaiman Al Kebir gave up the chase as they were

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - AD National Exhibition Centre Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1800m

1. Alcea Rosea (Trainer John Wilson) Martin. Smith 2. Enygma (P.J. Hammersley) Steve Harrison 3. Spirited Game (S. Blackwell) George C. Blackwell 4. Karar (B. Deutrom) M. Stanley Winning owner: John H. Wilson Winning time: 02:08:03 Winning length: 0.5L, 3.5L, 5L, 3.5L Also ran: Shuwaiman Al Kebir, Winscott Red Eagle

coming down hill towards the home turn as Karar was asked to go on. However, he didn’t handle the bend very well and went wide.

Spirited Game also went wider than anticipated and lost a bit of ground, leaving only Enygma

to challenge the front runner.

However she couldn’t get to Alcea Rosea and it was a well-deserved win for her Owner/Trainer John Wilson and jockey Martin Smith.

Enygma ran into a close second under Steve Harrison.

WATHBA CUP 05-07-2014 RACE 6, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Luck smiles again at Altesse Kossack

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here were lots to choose from in the next race, the Wathba Stud Farm Cup ADIHEX Handicap Stakes with 13 runners for the 0-80, mile and a half contest.

The race was part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

Maazin went off favourite for owner HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Trainer Gill Duffield. They all got off to a good start in

front of the grandstands with The Royal Cavalry’s A’thareef & Delyth Thomas’ Kiraa up front. The field was content to let A’thareef set the pace, with Man of Dreams heading up the chasing group and Whisper and Zayin Zachilles close behind. Most of the remaining runners were still in a reasonably close group with just Altesse Kossack becoming slightly detached at the back of the pack yet travelling comfortably. As the field approached the final bend, A’thareef was chal-

lenged and passed by Man Of Dreams and Zayin Zachilles. A’thareef quickly faded after losing the lead turning for home but Altesse Kossack had come with a great run on the inside under Stef Gandola to pass the improving Zayin Zachilles, Maazin and Man of Dreams to win by nearly two lengths. Zayin Zachilles finished a game second with Suhaim running on really well for third whereas pre-race favourite Maazin could only manage fourth.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - ADIHEX Handicap Stakes for Purebred Arabians, 3+ years old & upwards, 2400m

1. Altesse Kossack (Trainer P.J. Hammersley) Stef D. Gandola 2. Zayin Zachilles (P.J. Hammersley) S. Harrison 3. Suhaim (B. Deutrom) M. Stanley 4. Maazin (Gill Duffield) P. Collington Winning owner: R. Gould Winning length: 1.75L, Hd, 2L, 3L Winning time: 02:57:20 Also ran: Man of Dreams, Mawaatheeq, Whisper, A’thareef, Gelliwen, Vindetta, Kiraa, Noble Athlete, L.B. Arman

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WATHBA CUP

07-09-2014, RACE 1, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Rewarding day for trainer Gill Duffield

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he first race on the card for the His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival was the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Racing Post Maiden Stakes. Four runners went to post including two Gill Duffield representatives who headed the market. Maazin was sent off favourite after finishing fourth in a 0-80 contest on his previous start.

Mawaatheeq lead down the back setting a good pace. Then he and Maazin soon pulled clear of LB Farrah and Djazira, nei-

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Racing Post Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3 year old & upwards, 1800m 1. Maazin (Trainer Gill Duffield) P. Collington 2. Mawaatheeq (Gill Duffield) M. Johnson 3. LB Farrah (Teresa Gavin) T. Gavin 4. Djazira (Stephen Gregory) Stephen Gregory Winning owner: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Winning time: 02:06:24 Winning length: Nk, 30L, 1.5L

ther of whom could make an impression on the Duffield duo, both of which are owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance. They ran in

Indian file until the home straight when Maazin and Mawaatheeq treated the crowd to an exciting finish, with Maazin just getting his head in front on the line.

07-09-2014, RACE 2, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Kermit The Frog Leaps Back to Victory

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ace two, the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Emirates Arabian Horse Society Handicap, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Racing Festival, saw the seasonal debut of Kermit the Frog who had been off the track since 2012. He has since changed

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yards and runs in the silks of Mr Javier Cervera and is trained by Peter Hammersley. Running his final race before retirement, The ARO Kids Club horse, Notid was also in the line-up for trainer Isabel Silk. The front running Yaqeen took them along for the two mile trip under David Turner. By the time the field reached

the hill on the far side of the track, the back markers Orel and Eau Jember had already tailed off but the majority of the field was still closely packed. Yaqeen did all the hard work in front until the final bend when Bonham came past to take it up. Stef Gandola found a gap on the rail but it closed just before she could take

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Racing Post Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 3200m 1. Kermit The Frog (Trainer Peter Hammersley) Stef Gandola 2. Bonham (D. Thomas) S.A. Walker 3. Yaqeen (L. Brooker) David Turner 4. Flory’s Folly (Stephen Gregory) Stephen Gregory Winning owner: Javier Cervera Winning time: 04:00:42 Winning length: 6L, 2L, 2.5L Also ran: Callymay, Notid, Lile D’Amour.

advantage. However, she was not deterred and took Kermit The Frog around

the outside to come past both Yaqeen and Bonham to take the win.

Armanii staves off tough contenders

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ots of horses were in with a chance for the 0-70 Wathba Stud Farm Cup Alawani Enterprises Handicap, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

LB Armanii went off favourite and there were plenty of previous winners to pick from if you were having a bet. Noble Athlete did a great job of leading them round for Delyth Thomas under George Blackwell with Whisper and Gelliwen content to sit in his slipstream. Karar looked to have a perfect position on the rail behind the leading trio as they made their way along the back straight but he found the pace a bit testing and dropped back through the field. The pack had started to bunch up approaching the home bend and Gelliwen kicked for home, forcing early leader Noble Athlete and Zayin Zachilles to increase the pace to try and stay with her. Noble Athlete couldn’t stay in touch but Zayin Zachilles pressed her all the way home.

However neither could get close to the flying finish of LB Armanii, a gelding by Sambist, who swept past the field effortlessly to win by two and a half lengths providing a quick fire double for Peter Hammersley and Stef Gandola. Zayin Zachilles ran on well to take second and Novice rider Bradley Paris-Croft drove Gelliwen into a well-deserved third.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Alawani Enterprises Handicap for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 2400m 1. LB Armanii (Trainer P.J. Hammersley) Stef Gandola 2. Zayin Zachilles (P.J. Hammersley) S. Harrison 3. Gelliwen (Jenny Lees) Bradley Paris-Crofts 4. Noble Athlete (D. Thomas) George C. Blackwell Winning owner: The Artesian Well Winning time: 02:56:09 Winning length: 2.5L, 1L, 5L Also ran: Kiraa, Whisper, Karar, Katwalk

07-09-2014, RACE 4, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

All cheers for Aqwaal

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he Wathba Stud Farm Cup Abu Dhabi Falconers Club Handicap, which was run as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, followed for horses rated 0-90 over seven furlongs. It was an interesting race with Suhaim winning on Dubai Day and Syrah Gris barely being out of the money all season. In fact there was not much between all the runners in the betting. Suhaim & Aqwaal went off joint favourites; Ambrose was a non-runner which left four to

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup - Abu Dhabi Falconers Club Handicap for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1400m

WATHBA CUP

07-09-2014, RACE 3, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

1. Aqwaal (Trainer Gill Duffield) P. Collington 2. Alcea Rosea (J.H. Wilson) M. Smith 3. Syrah Gris (A.S. Newey) Bradley Paris-Crofts 4. Suhaim (B. Deutrom) M. Stanley Winning owner: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Winning time: 01:36:12 Winning length: 1.5L, 0.5L, 7L

go to post. Alcea Rosea led at a good pace with the sometimes disappointing Aqwaal sitting in behind. Suhaim was always struggling and never made it out of fourth place. Only three

lengths covered the first three on the line with Aqwaal finally getting his head in front to get the better of Alcea Rosea in second and the consistent Syrah Gris in third.

07-09-2014, RACE 5, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

Amazing win for Amyzing

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few maidens contested the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Emirates Airline Handicap. Amyzing Zayin, Vindetta and Shuwaiman Al Kebir were all looking for a win here.

The race was part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

Yakshi & Senor Dublecheck went off joint favourites over the seven furlong trip and Raihan jumped off in front but was soon to be overtaken by the roused along Amyzing Zayin. Top Trip chased but to no avail as Amyzing Zayin slipped the field and none of the others runners could get to her. Having consistently been

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup – Emirates Airline Handicap, for Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1400m

1. Amyzing Zayin (Trainer P.J. hammersley) S. Harrison 2. Top Trip (Jenny Peyton) A Wallace 3. Shuwaiman Al Kebir (Jenny Lees) Bradley Paris-Crofts 4. Yakshi (Doreen Townsend) S.D. Gandola Winning owner: Zayin Arabian Stud Winning time: 01:40:35 Winning length: 7L, 1L, 0.75L Also ran: Senor Dublcheck, Vindetta, Raihan, Wikkara

placed in most of her previous races but yet to win, it was nice for Owner/Breeder Paul Simmons to see her finally shed her Maiden tag. Top Trip stayed on for second under Anna Wallace

and Shuwaiman Al Kebir ran a good race over what looked like his trip to get third for the improving novice jockey Bradley Paris-Crofts.

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WATHBA CUP 07-09-2014, RACE 6, HEREFORD RACECOURSE, UK

RESULT

Impressive show by Enygma

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he Wathba Stud Farm Cup AD Media Company Maiden Stakes, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, saw the 1/3 favourite Enygma try and lose her

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maiden tag against four runners. She set off well with Attila De Rouaisse giving chase under Matt Stanley with Hamdaany Zaid Almaha and Northashkorima well behind them. The field soon spread out and Enygma was kept up to her

work by jockey Steve Harrison to win by nearly three lengths and the game Attila De Rouaisse never giving in finished second. This gave Steve Harrison a double and Peter Hammersley an impressive four wins with one runner remaining.

Wathba Stud Farm Cup - AD Media Company Maiden Stakes for Maiden Purebred Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1400m

1. Enygma (Trainer Peter Hammersley) Steve Harrison 2. Attila De Rouaisse (B. Deutrom) M. Stanley 3. Hamdaani Zaid Almaha (Jenny Lees) S.A. Walker 4. Northashkorima (Christopher Bull) George C. Blackwell Winning owner: Javier Cervera Winning time: 01:37:32 Winning length: 2.5L, Dist, 5L

WATHBA CUP

20-09-2014, NEWBURY RACECOURSE, UK

Its Kamikaze all the way

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he final UK Wathba Stud Farm Cup of 2014 was a Premier Handicap held at Newbury Racecourse. The race, part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Horse Racing Festival, carried an additional £1,000 premium for the Breeder of the first horse bred by a British breeder with fewer than five active broodmares. The mile 0-90 handicap attracted eight runners with Gill Duffield trained horses making up 50% of the field. Her first string Jumeria Palm, ridden by Ted Durcan, was very slowly into stride as Kamikaze, ridden by Page Fuller and Noble Athlete, ridden by ARO graduate Jordan

Swarbrick made the early running.

Ambrose looked to be travelling well in behind the leaders. This is not always guaranteed as he can be a very tricky horse if not in the mood for racing!

Essalda was very keen at the rear of the field in the early stages but settled when allowed to make up a bit of ground through the field. Noble Athlete did not maintain his position at the head of affairs for long and soon dropped back through the field with Jumeira Palm who never looked comfortable and didn’t travel well on the soft going.

Tatweer came through to challenge Kamikaze for the lead, with Syrah Gris looking

comfortable in third ahead of Essalda. However, as much as he tried, Tatweer couldn’t get on terms with Kamikaze who just stretched away from the pack in the closing stages to win by two and a half lengths, having made every yard of the running.

This gave him and jockey Page Fuller their second Premier Handicap success at Newbury this season. Trainer Adam Newey part owns the horse as half of The Almost All Partnership. He also collected the breeder’s premium.

Trophies for the Owner, Trainer and Jockey were presented by Nabeel Al Zarouni from Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

RESULT UK Wathba Stud Farm Cup 1. Kamikaze (Trainer A.S. Newey) Page Fuller 2. Tatweer (Gillian Duffield) Dane O’Neill 3. Jabal Aly (Gillian Duffield) M. Johnson 4. Syrah Gris (A.S. Newey) J.F. McDonald Winning owner: The Almost All Partnership Winning time: 01:55:23 Winning length: 2.5L, 4.5L. 0.5L Also ran: Ambrose, Essalda, Noble Athlete, Jumeira Palm

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WATHBA CUP

25-05-2014, COLORADO, USA

Etres Chic bags first Wathba race held at Arapahoe Park Purcell gave 5-year-old bay mare a calculated ride to get up and in the final strides of 6-furlong race

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup series made a debut in Colorado, USA on May 25, 2014.

Etres Chic won her first race at Arapahoe Park and also the first Wathba Stud Farm Cup for Arabians held at the Aurora, Colorado racecourse.

Jockey Kelsi Purcell gave the 5-year-old bay mare owned by Caraway Teutsch and trained by Mark Kulow a calculated ride to get up in the final strides of the 6-furlong race. The daughter of sire Djet Set De Falgas out of dam Peptons Fawor defeated Doc Holidday by a half-length in a final time of 1:21.75. Djets Tigress, who set the early pace, was a further head back in third place.

“It was a close race, and she was able to get the lead just in time when it counted,” Purcell said.

On the same day that Arapahoe Park marked 30 years to the day that it opened on May 25, 1984, the racetrack hosted its first race as part

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of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The Wathba Stud Farm Cup, which is one of the series in the racing festival, visited nine countries around the world.

“Having the series at Arapahoe Park is a great endorsement of the quality of the Arabian racing we have here in Colorado,” Purcell

said. “There have been a lot of good Arabians here over the years, and it’s nice to see that the quality of Arabian racing continues to grow.”

The victory was Etres Chic’s first since her debut score at Sam Houston on February 10, 2013, and her first in five starts at Arapahoe Park. She now has two wins in 16 lifetime races. (Text by Jonathan Horowitz).

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Races Arapahoe Park – Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1200m: 1. Etres Chic (Trainer Mark1.Kulow) Etres Chic Kelsi(Trainer Purcell:Mark Kulow) Kelsi Purcell: 2. Doc Holidday (Scott Powell) Lopez;(Scott Powell) Karlo Lopez; 2. DocKarlo Holidday 3. Djets Tigress (Kenny Massey) Luark; 3. DjetsMiket Tigress (Kenny Massey) Miket Luark; 4. Zells Bells (Mark Kulow) Aguilar.

4.Daniel Zells Bells (Mark Kulow) Daniel Aguilar.

Winning owner: Caraway Teutsch Winning Winning owner: time: Caraway 1:21:75 Teutsch Winning time: 1:21:75 Also ran: Dartyn Kriss Swa, Chere Also ran: Bebe, Dartyn RV Roulette, Kriss Swa, Ta Barn ChereDance, Bebe, RV Roulette, Ta Barn Dance, Djets Son, Sunddance Kidd Djets Son, Sunddance Kidd

WATHBA CUP

04-07-2014, COLORADO, USA

Zvezda captures second Wathba Cup race at Arapahoe Park 5-year-old chestnut mare led from gate-to-wire to win the 6-furlong maiden for fillies and mares

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It was a momentous week for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival in the US. Even as the Americans were celebrating their National Day on July 4, the Festival was making its presence felt with two big races in Pleasanton in California while in Colorado it was the Wathba Stud Farm Cup at Arapahoe Park It was a dominating display by Zvezda in winning the Wathba Stud Farm Cup at Arapahoe Park. In fact Arapahoe Park-based horses also swept the day’s other stakes races of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin

Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival at Oak Tree at Pleasanton in Northern California. Sammy V dominated the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup by 13 lengths.

Ms Dixie cruised to a threelength win in the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR Stakes.

Back here in Colorado, the second of three Wathba Stud Farm Cup races in 2014 was held at Arapahoe Park. Zvezda led from gateto-wire to win the 6-furlong maiden for fillies and mares by two lengths in 1:20.60.

Travis Wales rode the 5-year-old chestnut mare sired by Rd Five Star out

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Races Arapahoe Park – Arabians, 3 years old & upwards fillies & mares, 1200m: 1. Zvezda (Trainer Elizabeth Brand) Travis Wales; 2. Breezell LZP (Scott Powell) Miket Luark; 3. Rodaban (Crystal Jack) Kelsi Purcell; 4. Petite Phrase (Kenny Massey) Michael Dennis Collins.

Winning owner: J. Laura Lemko Winning time: 1:20:60 Also ran: Summer Reign, Semele, TA Timeless Dancer, Otylia Swa, Zells Brooke

of the dam Zolataya. The Colorado-bred is trained

by Elizabeth Brand and owned by breeder Laura Lemco.

The Scott Powell-trained Breezell LZP under Miket Luark finished second while Kelsi Purcell, who rode the winner in the

opening Wathba Stud Farm Cup race here on May 25, had to settle for third on the Crystal Jack-trained Rodaban.

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WATHBA CUP

10-08-2014, COLORADO, USA

Breezell Lzp makes final Wathba race a one-horse affair The 6-year-old chestnut mare ridden by Karlo Lopez powered clear for a 19 1/4-length victory

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t was the last of the three races in the Wathba Stud Farm Cup to be run here in Colorado. The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s series aimed at promoting Arabian racing at the grassroots level had made its debut with the first race here on May 25 and then the second was held on July 4, 2014.

It was Breezell Lzp that rounded off the three-race campaign here in Wathba Stud Farm Cup at Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colorado with a huge win.

The Scott Powell-trained Breezell Lzp took the lead at the top of the stretch, and then made it a onehorse race. The 6-year-old chestnut mare ridden by Karlo Lopez powered clear for a 19 1/4-length victory in the 6-furlong race in 1:20.70.

Owned by the Quarter Moon Ranch of Lori Long, Breezell Lzp had finished second in the Wathba Stud Farm Cup at Arapahoe Park on July 5. She left no doubt in the final race

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as she collected her first career victory in her fifth lifetime start following three seconds and a third to begin her career this year.

“I’ve always thought she was a pretty good horse,” Powell said. “We’ve had to be patient and build her up. She hasn’t even shown us what she can do yet.

She’s just starting to step

up.”

Wptr Jose Cuervo took second in the field of 10 for jockey Travis Wales and trainer Elizabeth Brand.

Dormanes Fantasy Cs was a further head back in third ridden by Kelly Bridges.

The $10,800 purse for the Wathba Stud Farm Cup included a $5,000 sponsorship from the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Races Arapahoe Park – Arabians, 3 years old & upwards fillies & mares, 1200m: 1. Breezell (Trainer Scott Powell) Karlo Lopez; 2. WPTR Jose Cuervo (Elizabeth Brand) Travis Wales; 3. Dormanes Fantasy CS (Neila Koch) Kelly Bridges; 4. Zells Brooke (Bryan Braithwaite) B. Adrian Ramos.

Winning owner: Quarter Moon Ranch LLC Winning time: 1:20:70 Also ran: Semele, TM Alynn Rene, PF Flashflood, Summer Reign CS, Petite Fraise, Criminetly Dude

WATHBA CUP Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

This is the first year that Arapahoe Park has hosted the Wathba Stud Farm Cup, a global series that takes place in nine countries around the world.

Etres Chic won Arapahoe’s first race in the series on May 25, and Zvezda captured the second on July 5.

“I think Arabian racing could be huge here,” Powell said. “This has been a big opportunity for Arapahoe Park to team up with the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. I hope Arapahoe Park can host more races in the festival in the future.”

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WATHBA CUP

16-08-2014, FERNDALE, CALIFORNIA, USA

Ms Dennie MHF hits target at Humbolt Fair

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fter staging three Wathba Stud Farm Cup races at the Arapahoe Park in Colorado, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival moved to California where another three races were held in the year 2014.

The first at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale, California on August 16 attracted record attendance and it was reported that the race was carded as the third on a record-setting day as attendance reached the ultimate of 6,277 bringing along a 27% increase in on-track handle. The previous attendance record was 4,265 for the same day.

The Osman Villalta-

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trained Ms Dennie MHF under Joe Crispin, the leading jockey at the Humboldt County Fair, made no mistake with a comfortable victory in the 7-furlong contest.

Nivours Romance from Abel Borg’s yard under Cesar Salcedo finished six lengths behind with Little Miss Fanci under Dionicio Navarro and

Hellen Shelley’s Twice Rich in third and fourth places.

The owners Nicola ForbesRobinson and Jim Schleimer, who had brought MS Dennie MHF from Delaware, recorded their second win in five outings at the fairs. MS Dennie MHF finished second once and third twice making an impressive campaign on the fairs circuit.

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Races Ferndale - Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1400m 1. Ms Dennie MHF (Trainer Osman Villalta) Joe Crispin 2. Nivours Romance (Abel Borg) Cesar Salcedo 3. Little Miss Fanci (Osman Villalta) Dionicio Navarro 4. Twice Rich (Helen Shelley) Barrington Harvey Winning owner: Forbes-Robinson, Nihola and Schleimer, Jim Winning time: 1:40:05 Also ran: Up N Running, Aimee Oakley

One Hot Chick is the Stockton star

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alifornia’s second race in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup series was held in Stockton and was held on September 20.

Ms Dennie MHF, the winner of the Ferndale leg of this race series, was one of the nine starters for this 6-furlong. Hellen Shelley, who had

saddled the fourth placed runner to Ms Dennie MHF, decided to saddle her star One Hot Chick.

The Burning Sands mare had delighted her owner Warren Shelley and trainer Helen with a classy display in the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship in Pleasanton, California on July 6.

After that win under Dutch lady jockey Leonie Vethaak, One Hot Chick was definitely the horse to beat as the drop in class was evident in this Wathba Stud Farm Cup race.

Under Pablo Flores, One Hot Chick proved too hot to hyandle for her rivals and the Toad Moak-bred mare was home, finishing ahead of the Abel Borg-trained My Kaliber with Scott Powell’s Djets Son in third place.

WATHBA CUP

20-09-2014, STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA, USA

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Races Stockton – Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1200m: 1. One Hot Chick (Trainer Helen Shelley) Pablo Flores; 2. My Kaliber (Abel Borg) Hugo Herrera; 3. Djets Son (Scott Powell) Dionicio Navarro; 4. Limitless (Helen Shelley) Brayan Pena.

Winning owner: Warren Shelley Winning time: 1:20:21 Also ran: Ms Dennie MHF, Aimee Oakley PW, Sammies Moment, Vaz Djets on, C Louise.

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WATHBA CUP

04-10-2014, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, US

By Golly Its Hot signs off with a victory

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he curtain came down on the series of events organized in the United States by the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival with the Wathba Stud Farm Cup race in Fresno, California on October 4, 2014.

The Festival, which aims to promote Purebred Arabian racing around the globe, has had a solid presence in the US and all its races – the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR), HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR),

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RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Cup Races Fresno – Arabians, 3 years old & upwards, 1200m: 1. By Golly Its Hot (Trainer- Helen Shelley) Pedro Flores; 2. TM Maddamee (Ken Danyluk) Hugo Herrera; 3. In X Hess (Osman Villalta) Joe Crispin; 4. La Jest A Flash (Diana Skinner) Marcial Ramirez.

Winning owner: Katherine Barbeau Winning time: 1:19:19 Also ran: Indigena, Limitless, Dartyn Kriss Swa

theHH Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak Oscar Darley Awards and the Wathba Stud

Farm Cup race series- have been staged here.

In the 6-furlong Wathba

Stud Farm Cup Fresno race, Hellen Shelley scored with

By Golly Its Hot, the win being her second in the series after One Hot Chick’s win in Stockton.

The Helen-trained By Golly Its Hot was given a super ride by Pedro Flores to finish ahead of Ken

Danyluk’s TM Maddamee ridden by Hugo Herrera. In X Hess from Osman Villalta yard took third place under Joe Crispin in the seven horse field.

By Golly Its Hot, owned by Katherine Barbeau and bred

by Sam Vasquez completed the 6-furlong race in 1:19:19.

WATHBA CUP

20-09-2014, SAMORIN, SLOVAKIA

German horse S Maran wins Festival’s debut race Eight-year-old German-bred horse under Michal Abik emerged as first ever Wathba winner in Slovakia

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ne of the hallmarks of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is the fact that ever since it was launched in 2009 with four races, the Festival has always been looking to push the goalposts further by making stops in new countries.

In 2014 both Germany and Slovakia joined the growing group of nations that have been chosen to host the races and events under the umbrella of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

The Festival’s most popular race series that aims to pro-

mote Arabian racing at the grassroots level made its debut in Slovakia with a strong six horse field contesting the 2000-metre contest held in Samorin on September 20, 2014.

For the record it was eight-year-old German-bred S Maran under Michal Abik that emerged as the first ever winner of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup race Abik steered S Maran ahead of British raider Adding under amateur jockey Carolin Stummer while Takiro Ibn Mirokan under Jaroslav Linek finished third.

Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi attended the race and gave away the trophies to the winning connections. “It is a

good start and the Arabian racing fraternity here in Slovakia expressed happiness over the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global

Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Wathba Stud Farm Cup staging a race here in Samorin,” Al Nuaimi said.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Ex-

ecutive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies

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WATHBA CUP Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “Slovakia, like Denmark earlier in the year, has joined other countries like the US, UK, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Abu Dhabi in staging the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series in 2014. This is another step forward in helping boost the growth of Arabian horse racing around the globe.”

The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global

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Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR and Emirates Arabian Horse Society, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with Arabtec Holding PJSC as the Official Partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & In-

vestment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Rashid Investment, Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2014, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Yas Channel and Racing Post.

Athlete Del Sol provides trainer a third Festival victory in 2014

WATHBA CUP

29-06-2014, KLAMPENBORG, DENMARK Revival of Arabian racing in Denmark which in the past was a leader in Scandinavia

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he year 2014 marked a revival of Purebred Arabian racing in Denmark, which was the leading Arabian racing country in Scandinavia in the past.

Thus it was great news that the Scandinavian Arabian Racing Association, with the generous help of their sponsors, re-established Arabian racing at the main racecourse in Klampenborg just outside Copenhagen.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival sponsored the biggest race of the season for Purebred Arabians- the Wathba Stud Farm Copenhagen Cup run over 1800 metres on June 29, 2014.

Three weeks earlier Dutch raider Athlete Del Sol had sauntered home in Stockholm on a warm summer’s day to win the Festival’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Stockholm, but now it was raining and the turf became softer by the minute.

But there was no stopping the star runner trained by Miss Karin van den Bos as he scored yet another win.

Despite a heavy downpour, Athlete Del Sol under

Carlos Lopez came from the outside on the righthanded track to score over Labwah under Per-Anders Graberg. W Catch Cash under Anna Pilroth was a ‘surprise’ third while the relatively untested Niraan under Fabienne De Geer finished fourth. Mad Makz, front runner for most of the race under jockey Fanny Olsson finished fifth.

“I am thrilled with Athlete Del Sol’s third win

in the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival this year.

The Dormane son won the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship race in Hoppegarten in May and on June 6th Athlete Del Sol won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Stockholm. Now the 7-year-old has added the Wathba Stud Farm Cup,

RESULT Wathba Stud Farm Copenhagen Cup, Turf, 1800 m: 1) Athlete Del Sol (Karin van den Bos) Carlos Lopez; 2) Labwah (Pia Hoiom) Per-Anders Graberg; 3) W Catchcash (Bodil Blomqvist) Anna Pilroth; 4) Al Janoob (Maria Hagman-Ericksson) Ninni Westerlund.

Also ran: Mad Makz, Maggia, Mahany de Piboul, Niraan, Pentagon, Rugosza Winning owner: Landgoed Waterland; Winning time: 2:2.8 Distances: 0.50L, 4L, 5L

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WATHBA CUP his third Festival win in three countries,” said a jubilant trainer Miss Karin van den Bos. Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahy-

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an Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing at the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said, “The Danish fans got a taste

of some top class Purebred Arabians contesting in this Wathba Stud farm Cup race and the favourites Athlete Del Sol and Labwah finished 1-2. We thank His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed

Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s

Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the World for their support.”

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‘ONE WORLD, 6 CONTINENTS’

Unique draw kick-starts extravaganza

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he HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival year-ending ‘One World, 6 Continents’ extravaganza got off to a soft opening on November 4, 2014 with a unique draw for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Championship finals of both the Ladies and Apprentices race series.

For the first time ever, two live Arabian horses made their majestic presence felt inside the Eastern Mangroves Anantara Ballroom where renowned race commentator and TV presenter Derek Thompson and Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR two races.

HE Arif Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Sheikh Hamdan bin Suroor Al Sharqi from Invest AD, Mansour Al Mansouri from Emirates Falconers Club, Ahmed Al Fahim representing TDIC and Fatma Al Nuaimi, Mariam Al Memari and Shamma Al Kutbi from the General Women’s Union also attended the impressive draw ceremony along with the lady jockeys and Apprentice jockeys.

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‘One World, 6 Continents’ fiesta continues

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fter the spectacular draw for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Championships of both Ladies and Apprentices races, which also saw two live horses inside the hall, Abu Dhabi-the ‘World Capital of Purebred Arabian Racing’ – rolled out the red carpet for over 800 guests which included Racing officials, lady, amateur, apprentice and professional jockeys, trainers, owners, endurance riders, media persons and other members of the Purebred Arabian racing fraternity from 56 countries!

The guests started off with a visit to another heritage aspect of the UAE - Camel Racing- at the Al Wathba Camel racetrack. Another unique press conference in the evening was followed by a gala dinner party.

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VISIONARY

HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival adds colour to Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival Spotlight on Arabian racing legends in the UAE bred by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan

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he Purebred Arabian Horse Racing fraternity, assembled in Abu Dhabi for the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s ‘One World, 6 Continents’ events, got a sneak peek of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, ahead of the start of the 20-day festival.

Along with this announcement of the muchawaited Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR, made further announcements at a press conference and later at the Gala Welcoming Dinner held in the middle of the desert in Al Wathba region.

Ms Sawaya said: “The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Fes-

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tival at the Al Wathba Camel Racetrack is a feast of cultural and entertainment activities that includes camel races, horse parades,

falconry competitions, camel milking competition, a heritage village, folklore performances, a traditional souk, Emirati handicrafts

exhibition, a fun park for kids, an innovative ladies tent, and an exhibition of classic cars.”

“There are exhibits too

from the General Women‘s Union and the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care.

The Festival later un-

ACTIVITIES leashed a major fireworks display and a concert with top Emirati and Arab performers on the opening night.

“We are all inspired by our father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” Ms Sawaya added during a brief visit to the ad hoc heritage village, the venue of the festival.

“Arabian horse races in the UAE date back to a hundred years when Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa brought Rabdan to ink the intro of a fascinating story through

which we are sailing right now,” she said while briefing the audience of the Arabian racing legends in the UAE which were bred

by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“All-time great Alanudd and Maha set the best example of the quality of breeding that has characterized the industry by that time. They are the grandmothers of the stallions that dominate the breeding world at the stud farms of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs in France and elsewhere,” she said.

“Now, HH Sheikh Mansoor is carrying on with the vision and initiative of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan that has paved the way for the successful effort that has been staged to promote this noble creature around the globe,” Ms Sawaya said.

“Inspired by the brilliant initiative of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan initiated the Festival which has developed from its humble beginnings with four races in 2009 into a major global umbrella with 90 races that has brought the whole world under one roof. And because of this we are here under the slogan of ‘One World, 6 Continents in Abu Dhabi The Capital of Arabian Racing’ thanks to the foresighted vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” she said.

“And apart from the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship and the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Championship, the festival has introduced the Triple Crown in Europe and Triple Jewel in America to support the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup series that carries the name of the father of the nation,” she added.

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9-11-2014, ABU DHABI, UAE

Kaplan wins World Championship final Oertel saddles 1-2-3 for owner UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

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he final of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR) Series went right down to the wire in Abu Dhabi as apprentice jockeys Vahdettin Kaplan from Turkey on Munzade and Frenchman Gianni Siaffa on Najm Alemarat went neck-and-neck all the way in the 2,200-metre contest and crossed the

finish line together.

Munzade was ultimately adjudged the winner by a short head. Forgehill Cezanne, under Emma Sayer, finished third to complete a fantastic 1-2-3 for UAE champion trainer Ernst Oertel and for owner UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It was a fitting finale to the series held in the name of Her Highness Sheikha

Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Mother of the UAE. Speaking to mediapersons at the end of the race, an overjoyed Oertel said: “We knew coming into the race we had three good chances, but was not sure which was

RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockeys (IFAHR) Prestige Purebred Arabians. 2200m (a 11f), Purse: Dh150.000: 1. Munzade (Ernst Oertel) Vahdettin Kaplan.

2. Najm Alemarat (Ernst Oertel) Gianni Siaffa.

3. Forgehill Cezanne (Ernst Oertel) Emma Sayer.

Winning Owner: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Winning Distances: SHD, 1L Winning Time: 2.33.33 Also ran: Venom, Ghalib, Big Dagon, Kareem W’Rsan, Merzal, Ibn Battuta Monlau, Af Al Almaa, Takaamul, Lahaaq, Theoretically

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ACTIVITIES our best hope. To get the first three is great.”

The race was attended

by HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Chairman of the General Youth & Sports Welfare Authority and other top officials from the UAE and the Arabian racing fraternity.

Also present was Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global

Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairwoman of International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairwoman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairwoman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR. Ms Lara Sawaya said, “We thank His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and

Minister of Presidential Affairs and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood for the success of this new series. Next year it will be a bigger series aimed to improve the quality of racing of young jockeys aspiring to become professionals.”

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09-11-2014, ABU DHABI, UAE

UAE’s top Arabian handler wins Zayed Cup with Thakif Fourth consecutive win for Thakif with regular partner Harry Bentley

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mirati trainer Majed Al Jahouri, who has made a name for himself in the UAE by sweeping all the major Purebred Arabian prizes, triumphed in the 2014 HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al

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Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s finale – the Group 3 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

With a packed crowd cheering at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club

Thakif stormed to a popular victory in the 1600-meter contest for winning owner HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

It was a fourth consecutive win

for Thakif in the UAE and his regular partner Harry Bentley. For Al Jahouri, the win crowed a phenomenal year as his horses had won all the Group 1 races for Purebred Arabian horses in the UAE. The large crowd, which included

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ACTIVITIES a lot of VIP guests and over 800 visitors from the Arabian racing fraternity, cheered as the yellow and green colours of HH Sheikh Mansoor graced the winning post.

Ten may have gone to post but the race was all about the winner Thakif and stable companion Shateh, on who apprentice Saeed Al Mazrooei rode a confident race to take second. | 314

As the field swung for home, Bentley still held Thakif on a tight rein with Al Mazrooei hard at work on Shateh. Behind, the other eight jockeys were all in trouble as Bentley eased his mount to the lead halfway up the straight and won comfortably, with Shateh holding on for second.

“This horse has a lot of speed and a bit of class,” said Bentley. “Shateh went pretty hard up front which has

suited me as my horse has won over this trip so stamina was not a worry,” the winning jockey said.

“I was always travelling supremely well and it was a good win. Whenever you ride one for this yard you know you are on a good horse.”

Trainer Majid Al Jahouri commented: “Saeed Al Mazrouei set a fast pace which suited Thakif and Harry Bentley gave him everything to stride home comfortably.”

RESULT Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 3) (PA 4yo+) Purse: Dh 420,000. Distance: 1,600m Turf.

1. Thakif (M Al Jahouri) Harry Bentley 2. Shateh (M Al Jahouri) Saeed Al Mazrouei 3. Shayel Aldhabi (Ernst Oertel) Tadhg O’Shea 4. Marzooq (M Al Jahouri) Dane O’Neill Also ran: Af Al Hazer, Okba, Albar Lotois, Af Lafeh, Richlore, Vulkain D’Albret.

Winner owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Winning time: 01:43.82s.

Winning distances: 1.25length, 3.25L, 1.50.

ACTIVITIES The race was attended

by HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Chairman of the General Youth& Sports Welfare

Authority and other top officials from Abu Dhabi and the Arabian racing fraternity Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian

Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian

Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys & Racing in IFAHR said, “It was a great race and a great finish.

It was a popular win for HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed

Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the person who is responsible for all the recent developments and progress in Purebred Arabian racing.�

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09-11-2014, ABU DHABI, UAE

Pietrasiewicz crowned Ladies World Champion Scores on UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Molahen El Alhan

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ight from the time the lady jockeys lined up for the first race of 2014 in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies’ World Championship (IFAHR) in Oman on January 17, their sole aim was to try and win and qualify for the championship finale in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, which is now better known in the racing world as the Arabian racing Capital.

In a midst of a week full of activities the draw for the November 9 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies’ World Championship (IFAHR) finale was held in a colourful ceremony.

Barring two, all the other winners of the various rounds of the 2014 were in the fray, including a few professional lady jockeys.

However when the draw was made, the UAE’s champion trainer Ernst Oertel was a happy man as one of his better runners Molahen El Alhan had drawn the experienced Dutch rider Jadey Pietrasiewicz.

Both in 2012 and in 2013 Oertel finished second best in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies’ World Championship (IFAHR) finale with Swift and Fryvolous respectively. Swift was running again as were two others from the South African handler’s yard.

Pietrasiewicz, who has been a consistent performer in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse

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ACTIVITIES RESULT HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) Prestige Purebred Arabians. 1600m (a 8f) Purse: Dh200.000: 1. Molahen Al Elhan (Trainer Ernst Oertel) Jadey Pietrasiewicz ; 2. Laamma (Majid Al Jahouri) Lee Keum Joo; 3. Bigg N Rich (Eric Lemartinel) Anna van den Troost; 4. Naseem Al Reef (Eric Lemartinel) Marmoul Bouchra Winner owned by HH the President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Winning Distances: 1.75L, 3L, 3.25L Winning Time: 1.47.77 Also ran: Swvft, Haajeb, Mandragore Al Maury, Wycked, Mh Areeb, Ragdan, Burj Khalifa, Raked, Barq Al Reef.

Flat Racing Festival, had qualified for the final in 2011 but finished 10th on Jawass.

The Dutch jockey and the South African trainer partnered on a horse owned by none other than the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Molahen El Alhan almost made it a start to finish affair in the 1600-metre Prestige race which carried a prize find of DH

200,000. And Molahen El Alhan first had to keep at bay Majid Al Jahouritrained Lammaa as the latter also tried to make all the running.

Eric Lemartinel’s Bigg N Rich was also a fancied one under Belgian professional Anna van den Roost and made a bid to challenge Pietrasiewicz’ mount.

But the 4-year-old son of Al Nasr, with two consecutive wins on dirt and turf in the UAE, held on to

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final. Korean Lee on Lammaa finished second, Bigg N Rich under van den Troost was third while in fourth a fifth place were the Moroccan and Indian lady jockeys.

Oertel, who had sent out a 1-2-3 in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice (IFAHR) World Championship finale earlier in the evening, said: “It has been a great evening.

We knew this horse had a massive chance as he is improving all the time. You need luck in these races with the draw and we enjoyed a lot – both with gate two and one of the best

jockeys in the race.

“I have followed the instructions of the trainer and Molahen Al Elhan has never let me down,” said the winning jockey.

“I decided not to think

ACTIVITIES much about my previous performance here in the big race. I was just happy to come again to Abu Dhabi, thanks to HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Festival and this win make it so special,” Pietrasiewicz said.

The race was attended

by HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin

Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Chairman of the General Youth & Sports Welfare Authority and other top officials from the UAE and the Arabian racing fraternity.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed

Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairman of Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and Chairman of Apprentice Jockeys &

Racing in IFAHR said, “Thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood

and Childhood, Mother of the UAE, these lady jockeys from all over the globe have got this opportunity to race in the series.

“We are encouraged by the success of all the race series held under the umbrella of the Festival and they will grow in both quality and quantity.”

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The 2014 His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival ended in a dazzling night of celebration at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A gala dinner, which was attended by dignitaries, officials, sponsors and members of the media, celebrated the success of the Festival which offered opportunities to lovers of Purebred Arabian horses around the world during the year.

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Gala Dinner “From its humble beginnings six years ago, the His Highness Sheikh Man­ soor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival has grown to become one of the premier platforms not only for owners of Arabian horses in the UAE but the entire world, to showcase their stars,” said Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairman of Ladies and Apprentice Racing Committee in the IFAHR.

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M. Satya Narayan The author’s dual background as a sports writer and racing aficionado is reflected in this all-encompassing fourth edition of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Year Book.

Satya has over 30 years’ experience in newspaper journalism, with many of these years having been devoted to equine sport during his extended tenure with the Gulf News in the UAE. In addition he has frequently contributed reports, information and statistics to the FEI and IFAHR websites.

To this day he remains very active in journalism and in the publication of specialized coffee-table books on Arabian racing.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Morhaf Al Assaf (Images)

IFHRA (Source)

Bharathi Hanumiah

William G Vassar

TCA Abu Dhabi (Source)

Samawi Neon Advertising

Conex Exhibition

Blue N White (Production)

I-Productions

www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com (Source)

IFAHR (Source)

Professional Printing, Publishing & Distribution