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everyone has a story
O L U T I O N Purebred Arabians from all the world to Abu Dhabi Julie Krone flies higher than a hawk Ameretto, the jailed horse
made in Italy n. 1 - february 2017
One World, 6 Continents
January 20, Alrahba, Oman February 26, St Moritz, Switzerland March 04, Sam Houston Park,Texas 17, Rashid Equestrian Club, Bahrain April 20, Toulouse Hippodrome, France
May 06, Marrakech, Morocco
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04, Capanelle, Race Course, Italy 06, Stockholm, Sweden 25, Duindight, The Netherlands July, 08, Pleasanton , CA
August
14 Ostend, Belgium 20, Sluzeiwic, Poland September 01 Sandown Park, UK 23, Caulfield, Australia
Nov 12, Finals, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
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One week in Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival final act
20 Riding is better than flying Julie Krone, the record woman 26 Blue-eyed stories Tree girls and their life with horses 34 The jailed horse Ameretto’s judiciary case 42
Meydan Race Day at San Rossore International Crossroad The saudi horse Muntaser al Khalediah dominates the Meydan Cup
45 Moutai from China with fury A new sponsor makes its entrance in the world of Purebred Arabians 46 Karin the Boss Karin van den Boss, the unconventional trainer 56 Sa Sartiglia So much more than just a Carnival 62 Horses on the red carpet Portfolio - Michele Ardu
Arabians evolution is born
Enrico Querci Editor in Chief
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he debut in society took place in Abu Dhabi in November, during the days of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, the patron of this magazine that wishes to tell stories of men and horses in the world of Purebred Arabians. It was a great honor for Luca Giannangeli, the publisher, and for me, to have a so important sponsor and we have worked hard to present a product that stands out compared to other industry publications. The feedback has been positive and we will try to improve, issue after issue. In this first release of 2017 we have decided to tell what happened in Abu Dhabi during the week of the 7 to 13 of November and we did it through the stories of some characters that we met there. Some are old friends, the others we have known them in these days. The promotion of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival also has three special Ambassadors: one of these is an international character-class known by all the lovers of this sport. Now she hung the saddle to the nail, but when in her days she rode in the races, producing some amazing skills!! We have told you something else about her. Yes, because she is a woman. Her name is Julie Krone, the woman of records. It is said that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. It is also said that appearances are deceptive. What did we discover looking through the blue eyes of three girls that ride in a race? Certainly something that we would have never imagined, because as you can read on our first cover page “Everyone has a story” and the important thing is knowing how to gather them. You will find out even more things.
Karin Van Den Boss will talk about the energy that the sea gives her and her horses with which she also uses holistic therapies. Have you ever heard the story about a horse that ends up in a court room? Then it is time you read about the story of Ameretto! There will also be a reference to the world of Purebred Arabians in Italy, the home of another cultural treasures: the Sartiglia of Oristano. To tell good stories we also need good pictures. For this reason, we asked an Italian photographer, that lives and works in London for the fashion industry, Michele Ardu, to begin a cooperation with us. Michele comes from Sardinia (he was born in Oristano!), land of horses and riders, but only recently he has rediscovered his roots from this point of view. So from the catwalks of the London Fashion Week, he began to take photos of horses on his island. And so his love was born, or we can rather say reborn. His photos are pure emotion, and in October/ November 2016, the M.Art Gallery sponsored his solo exhibition “IN RE QUIETA” about horses in our society as effect of the magical relationship between Man and Horse. Many are the awards and honors won by Michele from IPA, SIPA, MIFA that represent important results for all photographers, and many are his own holdings in group and individual exhibitions in Milan, London, and Moscow. Inside the portfolio dedicated to him you will find some of his most significant shots. Enjoy reading!
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Quarterly printed and digital magazine distributed all over the world during the most important equestrian events, races and international fairs. Available online for free or downloadable from issue service.com; free APP for Ios and Android running on smartphones and tablets. Publishing Company Cultural Association Sport Endurance EVO Via A. Fucens, 22 - 67100 L’Aquila, Italy VAT: IT0162840665 Tel: +393287373031 E-mail: arabiansevo@gmail.com
Publisher Luca Giannangeli Editor in Chief Enrico Querci enricoquerci.1@gmail.com Translation Elena Vanni Artwork Vincenzo Brancadoro brancadoro@gmail.com Printed by Dedalo litostampa srl - Bari
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Advertising E-mail: arabiansevo@gmail.com Contributions Elena Vanni, Satya Narayan, Michele Ardu, Enrico Querci Thanks to SNAI group for giving permission to use the photo of Leonardo’s horse sculpture, San Siro Racecourse, Milan Photographers Michele Ardu Benoit Photos Annie Damhof Enzo De Nardin Don Krone Ultrapix.co.uk HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival Press Office Enrico Querci Disclaimer The information on this magazine is intended to provide users with resources and information which they may find useful and of interest. We take all reasonable steps to keep this information current and accurate, but errors can occur. The information on this magazine is therefore provided as is with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or timeliness. The contents are the responsability of the parties furnishing materials and do not necessarily constitute a statement of the fact. Accuracy of information is subject to information known to us at printing deadline. We apologize for any errors which are sometimes unavoidable. Arabians evolution is not responsible beyond retraction of error.
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By Enrico Querci Photos by Michele Ardu
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year’s work summed up in one week... from the 7th to the 13th of November around 800 people have reached Abu Dhabi to attend a series of events that culminated with the richest world race for Purebred Arabians: 1.2 million Euros awaited at the finish line of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Crown Jewel. One week in Abu Dhabi 5
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t was a week full of surprises that included the victory of the winner of the super race. But let’s proceed in an orderly fashion. After the draw (that determined the combinations of horse-apprentice jockey and horse-lady rider of the two final races of the circuits supported by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak) and the press conference introducing the week to come, the guests’ attention moved to the two days ‘Conference for Education and Training’ that was held at the National Archives of Abu Dhabi.
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One week in Abu Dhabi 7
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he themes debated in the various panels and in the final workshop were very interesting, although in the future they shouldn’t be confused with those that are the basis of the ‘World Arabian Horse Racing Conference’. Great substance international personalities stepped on stage but Julie Krone was the real star performer (no offense for the others!) On Saturday the large group was
divided, apprentice jockeys and lady riders had outstanding teachers at their disposal in order to discuss the main topics of their profession: the practice of horse-simulator, physical training, communication and media relations. The rest of the guests attended the 120-km Al Wathba Challenge Endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director, HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival
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The competition was ennobled by the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Memorable themed evenings have been organized for all the guests, while the gala dinner was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi... a fabulous night. To spend an afternoon or just an evening at a racecourse, for those who love this sport, is always an opportunity to have fun and to meet with old and new friends. 8 arabians
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from left Julie Krone, Richard Mullen, Chantal Sutherland and Xavier Ziani at the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival: three Ambassadors and a special guest
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ach track has its own atmosphere and everyone has their own story, that special story that led him there in that exact moment. The race day in Abu Dhabi, the first one of the 2016 - 2017 racing season as well as the final act of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival. Their stories perfectly link to those of the horse athletes who represent their passion, their love and their main interest. It was not easy for us to choose some characters in order to tell you about this special night, in Abu Dhabi. We hope to have succeeded.
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he race day began before sunset. In this part of the world it gets dark very soon, something that definitely surprises when you reach this latitude for the first time. The first race was won by Af Mukhifah (PA) ridden by Richard Mullen who is a top jockey in the UAE and Ambassador of the Sheikh Mansoor Festival togheter with Julie Krone and Xavier Ziani. Richard and his family moved to Dubai many years ago, not a simple choice but determined by the necessity to see his children grow.
A new life for Richard Derek Thompson interviews Richard Mullen with Pat Buckley, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Racing Manager & Technical Adviser, on their right
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he eldest of my four sons is now 15 but for the first 8 years of her life I have practically never seen her - says the jockey - in England the life of a jockey is very hard: you leave the house at dawn and often go back late at night, after a whole day at the racetrack that is sometimes very far from home. Without mentioning that there are often afternoon and evening meetings... I missed her childhood.” Life quality is totally different now. “Without doubt, life rhythms are peopleoriented – continues Richard – living in Dubai is a bit like living inside a bubble, you are privileged and even kids can cultivate passions which elsewhere would be impossible to do. My son loves to play golf and he practices it with passion and dedication. However, to stay grounded, it takes just a few simple things that you must always share with your family. For example, in our free time we leave Dubai and spend the day in Al Ain, while in the summer we spend a couple of months in England.”
Richard Mullen
Italians are everywhere
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ife and work in the Emirates can be very attractive for jockeys from all over the world, you could guess why just by looking at the Abu Dhabi race programme. In the second race, for example, in the starters’ list there is also a young Italian jockey, Antonio Fresu with a Purebred Arabian that was bred in Italy, although you can’t tell it by its name. “In Italy he was called Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) but the new owner named him Ain Alshasood – explains Antonio – this is something very common here.” 12 arabians
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Antonio Fresu
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ntonio began his partnership with Erwan Charpy early in November and started off on the right foot, winning the first race of the Emirates racing season at Jebel Ali, just for his boss. “I’m happy to have satisfied the expectations of those who gave me this great opportunity – says the Italian jockey – after attending the San Rossore Racing School in 2010, I had my apprenticeship in Italy and a couple of years ago I decided to move to Newmarket. It was tough and when people started to known me because of my riding and, most of all, for my
victories, an accident occurred while I was working one morning. I had to stop for several months. When I began riding again, it was like starting from scratch. So I decided to go back to Italy and look elsewhere for a winter professional experience. Mr. Charpy got in touch with me and... here I am!” Antonio’s smile anticipates his words. His character, his professionalism and skills are leaving a good impression around here, he also achieved his first victory in a Listed Race at Meydan... a dream come true!
Antonio Fresu with Ain Alshasood One week in Abu Dhabi 13
Lyle Hewitson
From South Africa with fury!
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he ex Quadrifoglio had no luck in this race and the victory went to Ibn Al Zobair Harmany with the young South African apprentice jockey Lyle Hewitson. In this case it was a very extemporized binomial! “I was invited to run the final of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak (IFHRA) Apprentice Jockey Championship – explains the nineteen year old apprentice jockey from South Africa – but, unfortunately the horses available for the final were not as many as the number of apprentice jockeys invited... I was left on foot. After all I have been given a great opportunity and I’d say it went well! “ Lyle is an emerging young rider who keeps collecting victories in his country. This was the first time he rode abroad 14 arabians
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and on a Purebred Arabian but he didn’t seem to have any difficulties. Lyle seems to have correctly understood the main character differences in Thoroughbreds . “I felt that they are more temperamental so you have to immediately get along with them in order for them to give you their best otherwise, they will be stubborn and not try - explains Lyle - they take a hard driving ride without using the whip so much. They are definitely slower and less aggressive than Thoroughbreds, however I definitely enjoyed the new experience!” Lyle was unable to run the international race for apprentice jockeys which was later won by Dylan Dunn who highlighted the quality of the young Australians considering that last year’s race was won by Ben Thompson.
Pia Gram
P like passion and Pia
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n this race day, the final acts which are the most important ones, were preceded by a ceremony that involved jockeys, apprentice jockeys and lady riders from all over the world. Flags, silks, music within the world of horseracing and Purebred Arabians met in Abu Dhabi for this celebration, a real explosion of beauty and youth despite the proper exceptions that prove the rule! She didn’t run the final of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship but she ran one of the qualifying races... without luck. Yet her presence is a symbol of the strength of passion for this sport. Her name is Pia Gram and she is Danish although part of this interview was carried out in Italian. “I lived in Italy for a year, in 1986 –
Pia tells us - I used to live and work in Taormina, a beautiful Sicilian town.” Pia works in the computer and the mobile phone industry, but horses are part of her life and she has no intention to give them and competition up. “I ran my first race in 1980, winning a total of 38 races. I think I am the oldest amateur rider in this challenge for ladies. I am 55 years old and I am still going to run races next year.” Pia also saw the race from the stands, greeting the victory of the British rider Catherine Walton on Rb Dixie Burining. One week in Abu Dhabi 15
RB Burns the Track
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he most important and awaited race of the night was the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, the richest race in the world for Purebred Arabians with a prize money of 1.2 million Euros. There were some of the strongest PA in the world, starting from Al Mourtajez, continuing with Kalino, the former winner of this race, ending with AF Mathmoon, the winner of the Dubai Kahayla Classic, besides some strong females and the always fearsome Americans. The race had an entirely surprising result, with the victory of the outsider RB Burn, back in action after a five-month stop and running for the first time on the Abu Dhabi track. RB Burns was moved from France to Eric Lemartinel’s stable. After studying the races that the horse had run in France, the trainer decided to shorten the distance (“Over longer distances the horse was pulling hard”) and put the blinkers on (“He was looking left and right. He concentrated on his job tonight “) and even to his own surprise, RB Burn defeated everybody and has become one of the world’s top horses among PA. He will now have to prove that he is really strong and that this victory was not the result of favorable circumstances only. RB Burn confirmed his great value by conquering second podium position at the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 Presented By Longines Conquest Classic (Group 1 1.600 m) dominated by AF Mathmoon. The two of them will definitely face each another again but that’s another story, to be held in Meydan, on March 25, 2107.
All the Abu Dhabi night in one video One week in Abu Dhabi 17
2017 Madjani
Tidjani x Salama, by Sibawaih Winner of 3 Kahayla Classic (Gr.1 PA) Horse of the Year in the UAE in 2005, 2006, 2007 Sire of Group winners HANDASSA (Gr.1 PA), RB FRYNCH BROAD (Gr.2) and winners BON BAISER DE FAUST, RB MADJYK MAN, ALAZEEZ, NIRAAN, MADGICALL, RB MOOSE, MERLOT MHF, AL ZAHIR, MADJANTHIS, FOAAD… Standing at Haras de Saint Faust (France) €1,500 (+VAT) - natural cover (live foal) €2,000 (+VAT) - frozen semen
No Risk Al Maury
Kesberoy x Nectarine Al Maury, by Baroud III Winner of 6 Group 1 PA & 3 Group 2 PA races Sire of Stakes winners in his first crop : AICHA DE MONLAU (Prix Razzia III, Gr.3 PA), RISK DE RIOLAT (Prix Mansour Dahbi, Listed PA) and BARNAMAJ, DAISY DES VIALETTES, GASCOGNE, DALSIMATA COLE, NAISHAAN, RISKY RED, RB HOT RISK… Standing at Haras de Saint Faust (France) €1,500 (+VAT) - natural cover (live foal) €2,000 (+VAT) - frozen semen
Contact: Marion Lachat Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1842 755913 Fax: +44 (0)1842 755189 www.shadwellarabian.co.uk arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk www.facebook.com/ShadwellArabian
Al Jakbar
Al Sakbe x Essaada, by Hosni Group 1 winner in France 85% individual winner/runner strike rate Sire of Group winners JAMAAYIL (French Arabian Breeders Challenge Sprint, Gr.2 PA) and AGHSAAN (ARO Cup, Gr.3 PA) and winners AL MURJAAN, FIRDOS, AL KABEER, ZAAHY Standing at Shadwell Stud (England) £500 (+VAT) – natural cover (1st Jan. SLF) €800 (+VAT) – frozen semen
Al Saoudi
Nuits St Georges x Fatzica, by Fatzour Winner of 4 Group 1 races Out of the same dam line as AL MOURTAJEZ, AL MOUTAWAKILA and AL MOUHANNAD Sire of VETLANA DE FAUST, NAJLAA, AWZAAN, AL CHAHIRA, VULKAIN D’ALBRET, DJOULDIA DE FAUST, VOYOU DE FAUST, EMIRAATY, ARIS DE CARRERE, KAREEM KB, BARNAAMAJ, VENT DE FAUST, MARIF, WINNER DE FAUST Standing at Haras de Saint Faust (France) €500 (+VAT) – natural cover (live foal)
Our International Partners Race Street Management, Inc. Haras de Saint Faust
Sharjah Equine Hospital Società Agricola di Besnate
California, USA racestreetinc@aol.com www.RaceStreet.com
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Laroin, France contact@haras-saintfaust.com www.haras-saintfaust.com
Mornago, Varese, Italy besnate@sab.it www.sab.it
RIDING IS BETTER THAN
FLYING Julie Krone the record woman
By Enrico Querci Photos by Michele Ardu
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hen a journalist knows he has to meet and interview someone important, he has to be prepared in order to face this task at its best. Therefore, if this personality is a sports 20  arabians
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myth, the journalist will read up on his career, his records or his most important challenges. The author of this article had the chance to speak with a horse racing legend: Julie Krone.
Julie is an American jockey who will always be remembered in the history of horse racing after winning the Belmont Stakes in 1993 with Colonial Affair. She became the first female jockey to win a
Triple Crown race. This important result and other successes inducted her into the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, she was the first female jockey ever to receive such an honour. Riding is better than flying 21
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efinitely a lot of interesting material for an interview ... but it’s one thing to idealize someone and another to meet her, shake her hand and manage to get an interview from her in just a couple of minutes, after listening to her speech about racing professional formation on the conference stage of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival week in Abu Dhabi. Julie Krone is a force of nature, everything about her body expresses energy, she’s an entertainer and she easily attracts her audience’s attention. All the information regarding Julie’s career and results are reachable on the internet, but this interview is something different... “I was born in the countryside, in Michigan – says Julie – although in my family they were all horse people, they have never had anything to do with horse racing. Consider that we had a Purebred Arabian... a sign of destiny!”
Julie on Halfbridled - Photo by Benoit Photos
1993 Belmont Stakes It’s no coincidence that Julie was in Abu Dhabi, she was nominated Ambassador of the Festival, like Richard Mullen and Xavier Ziani. There’s no connection with the world of horse racing but we like to believe that Eros, the Greek god of love, shoot his arrow and inflamed Julie’s heart. In this specific case, the archer was a jockey. “When I witnessed Steve Cauthen’s victory of the Triple Crown with 22 arabians
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Affirmed, I said to myself: I want to be a jockey. It was back in 1978, I was only 16 years old and had a great determination”. That’s how it went. The following year Julie moved to Churchill Downs and in 1980 she obtained the Apprentice Jockey’s licence. On the 12th of February 1981, Julie Krone officially made her debut in the world of horse racing. Many books tell her story, she herself wrote two books for kids and one for adults “Riding for my life”. Julie is undoubtedly a brave, intelligent and active woman, the first question refers to her special way of being: what’s the perfect balance between heart, mind and
energy in order to make a good jockey? Julie’s answer is quick and spontaneous: “Energy is the most important factor – Julie replies without hesitation but suddenly corrects herself – if you don’t think about what you are doing and you don’t feel what you are trying to do, nothing really makes sense. Heart, mind and energy make a team and always work together. I believe that everyone, once in a lifetime, has to unplug, get away from it all in order to rediscover himself. When I was a jockey I used to meditate three times a day and dedicated my free time to other activities. I had to stop thinking too much and relax in order to recharge my batteries and guarantee enough energy to my job”. Riding is better than flying 23
Julie flies higher than a hawk: she tells the story to Arabian evolution
Fast - photo by Don Krone
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k, but she still doesn’t quote the third element... the heart. It’s by no means a forgetfulness... Julie immediately mentions it. “Oh well...the heart always stands by your side. Mind and energy can sometimes become your enemies, especially when you can’t control them, but the heart will never betray you. He is the leader and he will always have an advantage over the other two. When I began to be afraid of racing, my mind kept telling me that what I was doing was dangerous. My energy was decreasing and my heart ordered me to stop. In 1999, I stopped...my energy came back, fear had disappeared and my heart kept longing for only one thing: to win riding a horse! So, after a 3 year stop I started racing again”.
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Horse racing is a wonderful sport because it connects two living creatures. How do the three elements (heart, mind and energy) fuse in a horse? “If you have a horse with a big heart... well...it definitely becomes the leader for him too! You know... you can work on his behaviour and if you are able to
blend the heart and mind of a horse, the energy flows and connects to the jockey’s...when this happens you can experience a wonderful feeling and you can’t help but win!”. Being a jockey entails a great deal of risk. Was it important to pay attention to details in your success?
“Well, this is the basics of my profession. If you pay attention to details, that 10 minute lapse that starts from when you hop on your horse in the parade ring, leads you towards the starting gates and then on to the finish line...turns this into the best job on earth. One day I was heading towards the gates in Hialeah Park in Florida, the beautiful flamingo racetrack that was closed years ago. As usual we were accompanied by a lead pony, suddenly, I raised my eyes to the sky and saw an amazing hawk flying right above us. So I pointed it out to the rider of the pony and told him: Can you see that poor hawk? It can only fly but I’m riding a horse and I’m about to run with him. A few minutes later we won that race”. Julie is right, riding a horse you can fly higher than a hawk. Riding is better than flying 25
Three girls and their life with horses Photos by Michele Ardu
The final section of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) was held on a beautiful night, in Abu Dhabi, on November 13. The 15 winners of the qualifying races that took place in many countries of the world in 2016, faced each
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other in this race for Purebred Arabians, over a distance of 1.600 m. We decided to speak about three lady - riders of this race who share a passion for horses but also something else... and that’s how we have come up with three very special stories.
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Blue eyes... Alice Mills’ English and tender eyes
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ever judge by appearances: this is something to keep in mind when it comes to Alice. Her angelic looks actually hide quite the contrary. She’s from Somerset and began riding when she was a child. Alice followed quite a unique path to her horse racing career... we could
say “a bit against the grain”. As it often happens in the British Isles, pony racing leads to Point - to - Point which represents the entrance gate to official racing. “I won 28 Point – to – Point races and then started riding in racecourses as amateur in National Hunt races. Why? Because I love risk and I definitely don’t get bored running and jumping with a horse! But this wasn’t enough so I started with Flat Racing and was thrilled about speed. In June 2015, I turned my life around and became professional jockey”. This already gives us an idea of Alice Mills... who definitely doesn’t love inactivity. “I thought it would be interesting to broaden my horizons, so I packed my bags and left for the States where I began to co-operate with Jack Fisher, 10 time National Hunt Champion Trainer. The Jump Racing season in the States ends at the beginning of winter, just in time to go back to England where it had just begun. That’s how I manage to mount all year round!”. Purebred Arabians have become part of her active life too. “Purebred Arabians are very different from Thoroughbreds, they need to build a relation-ship with their rider, when this happens their performance considerably improves”. Blue-eyed stories 27
Alice Mills
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uring the HH Sheikha Fatima race circuit, Alice Mills won in Bahrain with the 5 year old Kuheilan Al Adiyat. To this day, Alice won 14 Flat and 13 National hunt races. These results have made her professional life very special and active but left her with no free time to dedicate to something else...maybe a quiet hobby. Well in this case too Alice’s appearances are deceptive, she could be compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide... she takes off her silks and puts on another helmet...a padded helmet. She then replaces the lightweight gloves used for keeping a good grip on the reins with a pair of boxing gloves! “Yes... I’m an amateur boxer, I’m fond of boxing because it helps me keep fit. My next match will be in February 2017. After all, my dad was a parachuting champion...I couldn’t but be like this!”
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Blue Austrian eyes... Manuela Slamanig’s sweet eyes
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he’s a vet, she studied at the University of Vienna and never gave up her passion: horse riding. When she was off from university, she used to spend her time in Pisa riding horses in the morning, at the training center of the San Rossore Racecourse. Over the years, after graduating, she continued carrying on her profession and her passion. As far as her profession is concerned she attended many internships around Europe (Italy,
France, Ireland, England) and acquired work experience. Her passion led her to race as Amateur around the world thanks to circuits organised by the FEGENTRI in Thoroughbred races and by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for Purebred Arabians. This year, thanks to her victory in Pleasenton – California on RB Madymoiselle, Manuela achieved a place in the Abu Dhabi Finals. Blue-eyed stories 29
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he has been carrying on these two activities for years but suddenly something instilled into her mind. Decisions that will probably change her life soon. “I love what I studied and I luckily had the chance to make professional practice in some of the most important clinics in Europe, learning from high level vets. I like riding in a race, I enjoy it, but after all that wandering, I decided to stop in Newmarket where I took a new path. I spent some time as assistant pupil in Ed Dunlop’s stable. Suddenly, I had a flash of inspiration!
I have been mounting for many stables in different nations for years, but it is one thing to ride a horse and another to cooperate in building an athlete. This new experience thrilled me. After spending some time in Dunlop’s stable I had an externship in Rossdales’ clinic (Newmarket) considered a top experience for a vet. However, I realised that I missed that stable’s atmosphere so I began working as assistant yard manager at Roger Varian’s...if everything goes as it should I will get a trainer’s license”. So, dear Manuela, we’re sure it will definitely be the beginning of another beautiful adventure.
Manuela Slamanig
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Blue eyes from Norway... Silja Storen’s crystal eyes
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ctually, this apparently cold gaze, hides the soul of a girl that managed to establish a very romantic relationship with her horses. “In Oslo I own three horses and I really love what we do and share together. I like to train them, take care of them and run with them. The strongest emotion I feel, is when I make it accross the finish line first. It’s not easy to take care of three horses so I have to alternate my work at the stable with my company’s business, we produce false eyelashes”. She herself wears them to enhance her eyes.
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One World, One World, 6 Continents 6 Continents
HH Sheikha HH Fatima Sheikha BintFatima MubarakBint Mubarak Apprentice Apprentice World Championship World Championship (IFHRA) (IFHRA)
Jan 20,Jan Alrahba, 20,Oman Alrahba, Oman Marrakech, Morocco Morocco May 06, May 06, Marrakech, Capanelle, Italy Italy June 04, June 04, Capanelle, July, Hoppegarten, July, Hoppegarten, Germany Germany 30, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey July 30,July Istanbul, Aug 05, Copenhagen, Denmark Aug 05, Copenhagen, Denmark Aug 20, Sluzeiwic, Poland Aug 20, Sluzeiwic, Poland 30, Tataristan Kazan Aug 30,Aug Tataristan Kazan Sandown Park, UK Park, UK Sep 01, Sandown Sep 01, Jersey,New USA Jersey, USA Sep Sep 04, Mammouth 04, Mammouth Park, NewPark, Tiaret , Algeria Tiaret , Algeria Oct 14,Oct 14, Oct 15,Oct Tarbes, 15,France Tarbes, France
NovNov 12, Finals, 12, Finals, Abu Dhabi Abu Equestrian Dhabi Equestrian Club Club coordinated bycoordinated by
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Associate Partner
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his year Silja represented Norway at the Longines FEGENTRI World Championship Lady-Riders and at the race circuit of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. She won in Duindigt, in the Netherlands, and thanks to the great success achieved with L’Eau du Tigre, she participated in the Finals that were held in Abu Dhabi. “What an amazing horse L’Eau du Tigre. Got a super race on the inside, going third. When I got an opening on the inside I told her to go and she cruised home. I had to look back several times to ensure I was safe. Loveliest ride! I’m really lucky to have the chance to participate in such important competitions. These kind of experiences make me grow in my profession and I get to know a lot of people, I have friends all over the world”. Silja’s suitcase is always ready, one week after the race in Abu Dhabi she flew to Italy, in Pisa, to participate in the semi-final of the FEGENTRI Championship while, at the end of December, she flew to Mauritius for the finals of this same race circuit. A horse, a suitcase and her long lashes: this is Silja, the girl with icy eyes but a warm heart.
Abu Dhabi Racing results 13 Nov. 2016 Silja Storen with the trophy
Blue-eyed stories 33
THE JAILED HORSE
Photos by Enrico Querci
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t all dates back to 1991 when Paul Daverio was invited by an architect friend to visit a property located in the south of France, a possible future purchase. Beautiful Purebred Arabians were galloping in the paddocks of the farm whose owner was a breeder of endurance and show horses. A 2 year old colt caught his attention, and the seeds of this amazing horse were planted within him. After a couple of weeks that horse had become a real obsession for Paul. 34  arabians
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Ameretto’s judiciary case
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called the owner and told him that I wasn’t interested in buying his property but I wanted his horse instead – says Paul Daverio he replied that the horse was not for sale so I responded that every horse has a price. At that point, he named a staggering price and I surprised him by accepting right away. So I brought Jaroslav back home. He stayed with me for 15 years, I rode him for pleasure and shared with him nice walks. He died from a heart attack while he was covering a brood mare.”
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The younger (and darker!) jailed Ameretto with Manuela Daverio
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n 1992 the Swiss Arab Horse Racing Club was founded and Paul Daverio enrolls from the very beginning giving a precious contribution to the birth of PA races in Switzerland. That’s how Paul’s passion for Arabians begins and in 2009 he ends up having more than 70 horses: brood mares, foals and horses in training. That same year he meets Manuela Scharfenberg, a journalist from Germany that dealt with politics in her country. “I knew nothing of race horses and their world. I was amazed by the number of
horses owned by Paul, distributed all over Europe. The first year I just followed him without saying a word, I just observed him and began to learn. Slowly, those beautiful horses started to run in my blood and began giving me that sort of adrenalin that only politics used to give me. Gradually, we started reducing the number of horses but optimized it... less mass but more class is our motto, although 30 horses aren’t a small number we are eagerly awaiting the next foals!” Ameretto, the jailed horse 37
mass «Less but more M class!»
anuela and Paul witnessed the extraordinary life of Ameretto, one of the strongest Purebred Arabians of the recent years. Amer’s son’s story is indeed a very special one... it also includes a brief experience in jail! “That’s right – Paul Daverio recalled – we trained the horse in France where he was born in 2006. His mother is Win Taouy, the daughter of Edwina, whom our stud takes its name from: Edwina Stud. Win Taouy is also the mother of Djet Taouy, Nekhen Taoui and Ramiz Al Aziz that is now training in Germany: all winners on the track. We decided to train Ameretto in Sardinia, a great land of horses. We chose Caterina Muroni’s stable. From the very beginning of his career he proved to be a prime example, achieving 38 arabians
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Paul and Manuela Daverio
one success after the other, first in Chilivani and then in Grosseto, although there has been a few months wait between the first win in Sardinia and the others.” Ameretto begins his career in Chilivani on the 5th of June 2009, where he wins quickly and easily. This stunning debut causes envy among some Sardinian rival breeders who arouse an unpredictable reaction from local judicial authorities that create a further mess. In fact, when Ameretto was born he was bay but, as it often happens, as he grew up he became greyer and greyer. Furthermore, there’s some sort of confusion regarding his microchip and registration numbers. As a result, Mr. Daverio and his closest collaborators are accused of theft. Some Italian Equestrian authorities are
Ameretto wins for the fourth time in Warsaw
also involved in this judiciary case for having given Ameretto authorization to run. This condemnation led to passport seizure and Ameretto’s imprisonment! Obviously, the horse didn’t go to jail but he was moved to the Stallion Center in Ozieri where he lived in a sort of cell but, luckily, the horse could spend some time in the open air. Ameretto’s imprisonment lasted one month until a very qualified vet, Professor Paolo Muzzetto, proved to the court that the change of coat color is something natural that usually occurs in a Purebred Arabian. Ameretto starts training and in October he wins again in Grosseto. The unbeatable Ameretto concludes his 2009 with other two victories in Grosseto. Nothing changes in 2010, because this wonderful horse keeps winning, achieving another victory in
April, always in Tuscany. At this point, Ameretto is attacked again. His father is Amer, a stallion with a peculiar story regarding his origins and Stud Book registration, problems that have been solved over time. Although Amer was already present on the French Stud Book, Ameretto’s passport is seized again. The horse was free and could follow his training sessions but without a passport he couldn’t compete. “At this stage I got really mad – says Daverio – I managed to get a copy of Ameretto’s passport from the French Racing authorities and brought him away from Italy. It was not him to be seized but his passport! Ameretto was moved to Germany where he was trained by Gunter Richter. I then achieved an export certificate from ANICA and was able to admire Ameretto’s races around the rest of Europe.” Ameretto, the jailed horse 39
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Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Tor Sluzevic
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his judiciary case is not over yet but we’re probably close to having the final sentence from the court. “All the people accused have been exculpated – confirms Daverio – I’m the only accused left, the only responsible for this theft! Every 6 months a consultation takes place in court and I hope that this trial will soon come to an end in order for me to get the prizes Ameretto won around Italy.” Ameretto’s career is exemplar and Edwina Stud’s representative was able to conquer for four years the European Triple Crown and its final stage, the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 3) in Warsaw. His jockey has been Mauro Manueddu from the very beginning; a jockey from Sardinia much esteemed by the Daverios who have selected him to ride Ameretto. A French horse, a German trainer and an Italian jockey: it looks like the beginning of a joke, in fact, there is something funny about this weird combination: “Richter doesn’t speak a word of Italian and Mauro doesn’t speak German, nevertheless, at the parade ring, trainer and jockey wonderfully communicate and no translation is needed. They just look at each other and perfectly understand what they mean!” Today, while waiting for the final sentence that will permanently exonerate Paul Daverio, Ameretto started a new path... the path of a stallion in France at Haras de Thouars. “We already have two beautiful sons of Ameretto – concludes Manuela – Octopus and Aquila Nera, both names have a meaning. Just like an octopus we wish this horse to have 8 legs to run faster and like an eagle we hope the other one flies high and far”. Ameretto, the jailed horse 41
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oscana Endurance Lifestyle, the event that has been organizing national and international endurance competitions in San Rossore for two years, had the honor of bonding the park and the Racecourse through endurance riding that recognizes this location as its natural home. Thanks to this event, Toscana Endurance
RACE DAY AT
Lifestyle, also had the merit of gathering many sponsors, the most prestigious of which is Dubai’s Meydan Group. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan have personally experienced the main events organized in San Rossore in 2015 and 2016, appreciating the beautiful location and
SAN ROSSORE
I N T E R N AT I O N A L C R O S S R OA D
THE SAUDI HORSE MUNTASER AL KHALEDIAH DOMINATES THE MEYDAN CUP
The winning teams
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the overall organization that has seen the collaboration of the Ente Parco Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, the Alfea (the company that manages the racecourse and its training center) and Endurance Lifestyle of Gianluca Laliscia. One of the consequences expected by the Racecourse was that Meydan Group could also support a racecourse Event, and this occurred in December with the first “Meydan Race Day at San Rossore”. The event also included two races for Purebred Arabians, one of which was a Listed Race, the very first one in the history of this Racecourse.
The presence of a so prestigious sponsor (that is a guarantee for those who do not know the place too) and the promotion of PA races had an unexpected but definitely very positive outcome. There were in fact 11 horses from four European nations, representing the most prestigious stables and trainers at continental level. The afternoon began in the name of Purebred Arabians: three year old horses were engaged in a condition race over a 2.000 meter distance dominated by Saarah, the only guest competing. For the first time she brought the colors of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Pisa.
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Watch the video
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he filly ridden by Luca Maniezzi (a jockey who has an excellent score in PA races) was followed by an excited Elisabeth Bernard who commented: “Saarah is still an inexperienced filly, today she ran her third race in her career. She proves to be a bit lazy in the first stages of the race. I asked Luca not to stay too much behind, he did so and in home stretch proceeded in the best way. She is an elegant daughter of Quazar and she could really be a good horse”. The most beautiful race of the day was the Meydan Cup, a Listed for 4-year-olds over a 1,750 meter distance. There were 13 horses at the start, and unusually, just three Italians. The rest were all foreign: 2 Swiss (Nil Ashal and Nil Aziz), 2 Swedish (Toutatix and Pamills Lipse), 1 English (Muntaser al Khalediah) and 5 French (Al Mahdod, Ajs Rudainah, Amjad al Aziz, El Majd and Argonaute). The Italians were Tintu di Gallura (winner of Moutai Cup), Monnalisa and Tessiu de Iloi, all three of them had to face a very difficult task. The two favorites were were owned by of Al Shaqab Racing (Al Mahdod and Ajs Rudainah), trained by Elisabeth Bernard. Al Mahdod took the lead at the top of the final stretch but in the end he was challenged from the outside by Amjad al 44 arabians
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Aziz and from the inside by Muntaser al Khalediah. The latter in the final meters clearly clearly won in the hands of Adam Beschizza and cutting the line just in front of Amjad al Aziz and Al Mahdod. The result stands after a Stewart’s inquiry, for the joy of trainer Philip Collington. “Muntaser al Khalediah was bred in Saudi Arabia – says Abdul Moniem Al Shaigy, the Athbah Stud manager – where, however, he has never taken part in official PA races because they aren’t organized in our country. He is a son of Tiwaiq, he is recognized by the WAHO but he cannot run in many European nations. Until today he had participated in two races on the all-weather tracks in Belgium and won them both but against low-level opponents. Today he ran for the first time on the grass and against winners of group 2 and 3 races in Europe... and he won again!” The first edition of the Meydan Race Day at San Rossore passes this international exam with flying colors and can be archived. “The organization matched the expectations – confirms Mr Al Shaigy – and this place is really special. I’m sure that next year we will come back with a higher number of horses too... perhaps with some good news for the organizers!”
Moutai from China
with fury
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ince 2014 the San Rossore Racecourse began hosting races for Purebred Arabians. Never before, one of these horses had trod the historic Pisan racetrack that hosts Thoroughbred races since 1854. The important thing is to properly understand the changes that are taking place in the world of horse racing and try to keep up with the times. The PA also offers the possibility to get in touch with potential new sponsors. The work that has been carried out over these past years brought to its first results by the end of 2016. In November, the Moutai, a brand of a precious Chinese liquor, has sponsored a very unique race in San Rossore. Moutai wished this race to be disputed over a 3.500 meter distance, in order to promote it as a PA race over the longest distance in the world. This has certainly contributed to focusing the attention on this race and on its sponsor. Although technically speaking, many possible starters didn’t participate, feeling that the distance was too demanding. The
Watch the video
A new sponsor makes its entrance in the world of Purebred Arabians guest from Switzerland Nil Ashal (by now one of the family in San Rossore!) placed fourth in the race won by Tintu di Gallura that reached the finish line before Quadro Chia and Monnalisa. Tintu di Gallura (Ulumu) is owned by the Scuderia Clodia, trained by Massimiliano Narduzzi and ridden by Domenico Migheli. Gianluca Scalfi of the Twoeights Italy, distributor of the Moutai brand in Italy commented on the event: “It was a great experience that gave visibility to the Moutai brand in the Italian industry of Purebred Arabians. San Rossore’s welcoming atmosphere was great and I really think we’ll be back next year. I am personally very happy because I am a small breeder of these magnificent horses”. In the same afternoon, Triade (Caligola) property of Mr. Pietro Cossu won the condition race for 3-year-olds defeating Urc di Gallura and the newcomer Djaiza du Bienn, proving to be one of the strongest of his generation. The trainer is Salvatore Muroni Jr and the jockey is Salvatore Sulas. Moutai, from China with fury 45
KARIN THE BOSS
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THE •
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TRAINER By Enrico Querci Photos by Annie Damhof, Michele Ardu and Enzo De Nardin
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he’s Dutch and trains Purebred Arabians only, she’s dynamic and she often travels in search of the best opportunities for her horses. Her name is Karin van de Boss. The day our conversation took place was a very special one, it was her birthday and she was in a good mood to tell us something about herself and her job. Karin is quite unordinary speaking of training methods, and the way she works has no limits, involveing different territories that, once explored, end up fusing with her world.
The « sea and the beach»
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arin loves the sea and the beach, this is where she carries on the most important part of her work with horses. The sea gives energy and strength to horses and to the people who work with them. You can tell what she actually means just by walking next to her on the shore. Karin’s expression becomes sweeter, she looks more relaxed, then, she lies on the beach to receive its energy. “My stable is now on Landgoed Waterland in Velsen-Zuid close to the beach in Holland. To train on the beach brings several benefits to the horses and to the people working with them- explains Karin – training is on a straight course, you can select the depth of the ground you’re working on by galloping nearer or further from the sea, taking into consideration the weight of the lad on board the horse. Training horses on the beach improves their breathing.”
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The beach is not only suitable for trotting and galloping, but it is a great place for after-work activity too. “Yes it’s true declares Karin – after a training session, horses jump into the water. It is very relaxing for them...I mean for horses and riders. In just a twenty minute lapse, sea water starts having an effect on tendons. The sea and the beach have a good effect on my Purebred Arabians’ training!” A type of work that doesn’t want to be stressful in fact, after a tough training session at the beach, Karin’s horses relax the following days and spend their time in the open air in paddocks, especially in spring and in the summertime. Karin’s technique includes a lot of dressage training although it might seem a bit strange for horses that have to run fast on a racetrack. “It is indeed a perfect training to foster muscle flexibility in horses. Before and after a training session and the races I also include stretching to facilitate my athletes’ correct vertebral alignment.
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Samima and Cristian De Muro
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ut this is not all... Karin also loves to look about and get the best from experiences that belong to other worlds. “I believe I’m an unconventional trainer, it is no presumption, it’s just that I’m open minded. If I look back in time and analyze myself in these last 15 years, I now see a professional that today works in a totally different way. Of course, experience helps a lot, but I often look into other sports to try to understand different training techniques. I compare myself to other coaches and adopt training methods picked from other sports.” Suddenly in 2007 Karin gets sick. Her body doesn’t react anymore, it almost doesn’t move, left with no trace of energy. A friend of hers takes her to an holistic clinic where Karin is miraculously cured. At this point of her life she begins to be interested in this new kind of therapy. Karin is attracted by this method that seems to cure he who doesn’t separate body, mind and spirit, considering them part of a whole that fosters the self-healing power owned by everyone. Karin starts to study this topic, she attends several courses and learns to employ some essential oils that this therapy makes use of, she also becomes experienced in manipulation. Karin, the boss 53
Samima at San Siro
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s a result, Karin starts adopting this method with her horses. “I have maximum respect for vets, we absolutely need their collaboration – points out the trainer- but most of the time we tend to cure the pain without worrying about its cause. Holistic therapies regenerate horses and they can gallop without feeling pain. This is also important for their competitive longevity because... for example, if you don’t take care of their backs, over time, the horse will assume an incorrect posture that will cause pain and he won’t be able to push
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forward as he used to before.” One of Karin van den Boss’s greatest satisfactions was helping an American horse win a race in Santa Anita, in spring 2016. “I had never seen this horse before but I felt he had a back problem and knew that by solving it, he would have run out of the starting gates with more power. I would like to thank the trainer Lynn Ashby for trusting me, I believe I have managed to help her out because her Tess is Awesome was an outsider, a 42/1 and ... he won! I treated RB Burn for a couple of times too when he was still in
SAMIMA CLEANS OUT SAN SIRO
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France and gave Lemartinel some advices on how to face certain aspects regarding horses.” If you wish your horses to be trained by an unconventional trainer, now you know who to turn to.
Watch the video
arin van den Boss reaches the peak of her career in 2016 when she wins with Lightining Bolt (he gets his name in honor of Usain Bolt that in 2012, when the horse was born, won the Olympic Games) a Group 1 race at Doncaster, The President Of The UAE Cup, in September. Another important result was achieved with her first Italian victory. It was at San Siro, the racetrack in Milan, one of the most highly selective racetracks in the world that in 2015 had already opened the doors to races for Purebred Arabians. The very first race, sponsored by Al Khalediah Stable, was won by Lares de Pine (Taleb Bin Dhaher - Elisabeth Bernard - Luca Maniezzi). In 2016 the third Listed Race for PA in Italy was won by Samima. The daughter of Dahhess conquered the Milano Jockey Club Stakes over the 1.800 m warding off Lahoob’s attack towards the end while, further back, Al Nashmi on Athlete del Sol (another horse trained by Karin) was third. Samima was ridden by the Italian champion Cristian Demuro, running for the Royal Cavalry of Oman. “Samima is a filly who loves training and she loves racing even more. She has lots of energy in her body, her dam Oleya often gives this stamp to her babies. She was in perfect shape in Milan and the deep track was more than welcome for her. Demuro did what I told him to do and he rode her smartly. She ended her career in Toulouse in the Breeders Cup, with a third place and now she is in the Stud of the Cavalry of Oman for breeding this year.” Karin, the boss 55
ITALIAN TREASURE
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ach year, on the last Sunday before Lent and on Shrove Tuesday, the small and sleepy town of Oristano, located on the western coast of Sardinia, becomes a pulsing heart of energy, colors, music and traditions of horsemanship. A flood of emotions and 120 knights 56  arabians
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just a Carnival
wearing the traditional Sardinian and Spanish costumes, celebrate the Sartiglia, a propitiatory and good fortune rite of Medieval origins, astride their beautiful embellished horses. For more than 500 years the magical Sartiglia takes place in the flower-strewn, sanded and historical
Text and photos by Michele Ardu
streets of Oristano. The event was probably brought along by the Spanish during their domination and the name “Sartiglia” more likely derives from “Sottilla” (= ring race). But Oristano’s magical atmosphere turned the ring into a metal star, that today
still hangs from a green ribbon in front of the city’s cathedral to symbolize the fight against fate for a better tomorrow. The most skilled knights, selected by Su Componidori, Chief horseman, try to pierce the star with a sword, galloping one at a time in front of the cathedral and before thousands of people from Sardinia and from all over the world. Every star that is properly pierced gives to the people of Oristano dream, luck, prosperity, wealth or health. Italian Treasure ˜ Sa Sartiglia 57
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he greater the number of pierced stars, the better the life, fertility, and work for farmers and artisans. It’s no coincidence that, Sa Sartiglia is organized by the farmers Gremio on Sunday and by the Capenters Gremio on Tuesday, two ancient Guilds, corporations of arts, trade and crafts.
Speaking of Sartiglia we cannot but mention its undisputed protagonist: Su Componidori. Every year, this character is played by a different person. It is selected by the president of the organizing Gremio. Su Componidori is an iconic figure, adored like a sort of demigod who lives in Oristano all year round. He lives in the heart, memories and dreams of all the local people and comes to life for just two days in order to lead the Sartiglia and bless the city. Su Componidori is dressed up by the expert hands of the “massaieddas” (young girls wearing the ancient traditional costume of Oristano) according to an evocative ritual, the dressing ceremony is intimate and thrilling. The ceremony takes place on a table, a sort of stage called Sa Mesitta. Sa Mesitta is where the man selected by the Gremio will become Componidori.
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n this table he will hop on his horse and that’s where he’ll come back after leading the entire event without ever touching the ground. A mask is sewn onto bands around his face, he will refrain 58 arabians
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from eating and drinking but, most of all, he will not be allowed to touch the ground for any reason until his role as leader of Sa Sartiglia is over, in order to prevent pestilence and famine. Italian Treasure ˜ Sa Sartiglia 59
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e who wears the leader’s clothes of Oristano’s immortal knight is no longer a human being, he’s more than a man, more than a king for Oristano ... he’s almost a God now, he’s simply Su Componidori. The extraordinary undressing ritual will begin once he returns to Sa Mesitta, only then, Su Componidori will regain his human appearance and identity. The leader dictates the intervals of the celebrations, select the best knights among 120 riders who will pay homage to the city trying to pierce the star in front of the cathedral, but most of all who has the hard task to bless the people of Oristano during the benediction of Sa Remada. While galloping at full speed, lying on the back of his horse with his head almost touching its tail, Su Componidori will bless the excited audience with his scepter of fresh violets. He holds the reins with only one hand guided only by his horse. Looking at the sky he will beg for help asking for a fertile spring with beautiful colors, perfumes and a blossoming nature. Besides the piercing of the star and Sa Ramada, the audience excitedly awaits the phase called Pariglie, when the horsemen perform breathtaking equestrian acrobatics. The show in Oristano is for
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free, you can watch it just by standing on the side of the road where it takes place, Via Duomo for the Sartiglia and Via Mazzini for the Pariglie, book your ticket for a seat on the stands located along the parade route (ticket costs are reasonable). You mustn’t miss the dressing and undressing ritual of Su Componidori,
although it is very difficult to attend it because there are only few seats available intended for the closest people to the Gremio or to the Chief horseman. The dressing ritual of the other knights, that takes place at the stable, is just as beautiful and unique, it’s a continuous celebration in the morning and at night after the Sartiglia. If you happen to know a knight or someone involved in
the Sartiglia, it will be much easier to attend the celebration and get access to the stables. The people from Sardinia are very friendly and Sartiglia’s traditional and cultural atmosphere fused to the love for horses will definitely leave visitors gobsmacked. I’m sure that if you live this experience with passion you will never forget the Sartiglia.
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HORSES on the red carpet From London fashion week to his native Oristano, the town of Sa Sartiglia
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ichele Ardu is a London based independent photographer, born and raised in Sardinia, the land of horses. After finishing his studies in Biomedical Engineering, Michele moved to UK to pursue his artistic career. Since he started, Michele collaborated with main brands and published his work on many main publications. Among the others: Heineken, San Miguel, Canon Europe, GoPro, Toni&Guy, La Repubblica, La Stampa, TimeOutUk, Yahoo!Uk, OnStage, Gruppo Mondadori, PhotoVogue by Vogue Italia and National Geographic.
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ichele’s work has been shortlisted and awarded with Special Mentions, 3rd and 1st prizes at important international photography contests, such as IPA 2015 (Int’l Photography Awards 2015), MIFA 2016 (Moscow Foto Awards 2016), SIPA 2016 (Siena Photography Awards 2016), IPA 2016
(Int’l Photography Awards 2016), 159’ Print Exhibition by Royal Photographic Society.
www.micheleardu.com info@micheleardu.com
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Michele’s work has also been exhibited in different galleries around Europe, in Oristano and Milan (Italy), in London (UK) and Moscow (Russia).
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One World, 6 Continents
February 12, St Moritz, Switzerland March 04, Sam Houston Park,Texas April 20,Toulouse Hippodrome,France May 06, Marrakech, Morocco June 04, Capanelle, Rome, Italy 06, Stockholm, Sweden 23, Duindight, The Netherlands
July 08, Pleasanton, CA August 14, Ostend, Belgium 20, Sluzeiwic, Poland September 02, Sandown Park, UK 04, Mammouth Park USA October 26, Toulouse Hippodrom,France
Nov 12, Finals, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club coordinated by
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