The Arabian Racehorse - Spring 2019

Spring Issue !"#$

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

ARO - New Season Stud Focus Part 2

DEBORAH BURT Hon SEA

'Power' - Bronze Edition of 9 Award Winning Sculptor in Bronze Commissions Welcome www.equinecreativemedia.com Tel: 00 44 (0) 7782349047 Email: equinecreativemedia@gmail.com THE ARABIAN RACEH

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T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE Spring Issue - 2019

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DIAR News

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ARO 2019 Championships

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Arabian Racing Organisation - New Season

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Royal Cavalry of Oman - ARO sponsor focus

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Genny Haynes Interview

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Stud Focus Part 2 Shadwell's Leading Sires

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Feeding for recovery

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The Final Furlong

Front cover: Madjani with his son Handassa behind at Shadwell Stud

Produced by equine creative media 2 Rose Cottage, Naunton, Cheltenham, Glos, GL54 3AF

equinecreativemedia@gmail.com 00 44 7782 349 047 www ww ww.equinecreativemedia.com

Unless otherwise stated, all features, reports and photographs are by Debbie Burt (copyright) All rights reserved. Print copies may be ordered. Photographs may be viewed and purchased at ww www ww. w.equinecr c eativemedia cr i .smug ia u mug ug u .com ug THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN RACES 2019 The now established Dubai International Arabian Races programme returns to Europe in 2019.

The series visits several countries in Europe and sponsors preparation races to encourage Arabian racehorses to get ready for the flagship event in the UK at the end of July.

In 2019, DIAR will sponsor 17 races in Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and France, as well as the United Kingdom. This list includes six stakes races and eight international races.

Mirza Al Sayegh, spokesperson for the DIAR programme commented: “In previous years, we have been delighted to welcome many international runners at Newbury in July, for our final race day, and we are grateful to all the connections of those horses who have made the journey.

“The eight Arabian races were incredibly competitive and we witnessed high quality racing. It was a great day for the sport.

Olivier Peslier, one of the best French jockeys, rode the winners of the four Group races! Furthermore, two winners earned a DIAR bonus: they had finished placed in a preparation race earlier in the year and won one of the Bonus races at Newbury.

“This race programme can only be achieved thanks to our team and partners, including the racing authorities from Italy, Sweden, France, the Netherlands and the UK. We are very grateful for their support and help in promoting our race programme and our showpiece at Newbury, which is now established as one of the best and most prestigious days of Arabian racing anywhere in the world.”

Al Sayegh added: “In 2019, this event will be held on Sunday 28th July and will feature a total of five Group and International level races, including three Gr.1 PA races.

“We are delighted to announce the renewal of the travel allowances for international runners competing in the races at Newbury on 28th July and the renewal of the DIAR bonus prize fund for 2019.”

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Kanaan (FR) winner of the 2019 Premio DIAR Listed PA stakes in Rome With the DIAR prep-series already underway at Capannelle in Rome in April, the series is about to gather momentum in earnest this month, with nine contests taking place across three countries, all building up to the Arabian Racing Organisation's seasonal highlight. This week sees the first of the UK prep races, held at Newbury and Chepstow, before heading to Bro Park in Sweden for three races including the DIAR Stockholm Arabian Cup Gr3PA. Then it will be back to Newbury and then on to Duindigt, in Holland where the programme includes two LIsted PA races. July opens with three races at La Teste including the Shadwell Criterium des Pouliches Gr2PA and the Shadwell Criterium de Sud-Ouest des Pur-Sang Arabes Gr2PA. Afterwhich there are two more races at Newbury before the main event at the end of July.

Intended participants are reminded that the early closing date for the four PA Group races at DIAR is rapidly approaching on Tuesday June 18.

Following the Equine Flu outbreak in the UK in February, the British Horseracing Authority still has revised health requirements in place until further notice.

For more information on DIAR 2019, it's history and entry forms for 2019 please visit : www.diaraces.com www.aroracing.co.uk THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Win VIP Hospitality for two at DIAR 2019!

Correctly answer three questions about the DIAR series to win an exclusive VIP Hospitality experience at DIAR 2019 at Newbury racecourse on July 28th 2019 1. Who is the ARO and DIAR Patron?

2. How many countries will host DIAR sponsored races in 2019?

3. Which jockey won all four Group races at DIAR Newbury in 2018?

Three pairs of tickets for DIAR VIP hospitality, including an escorted trip to the start and paddock are available.

Answers by email including your full name and daytime contact phone number to info@aroracing.co.uk Closing date Friday 12th July 2019 Winners selected by draw and will be contacted on Monday 15th July 2019.

Entrants must be over 18. Terms and conditions apply and are available from THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE the ARO Office.

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ARO Championships 2019 With the first full fixture of the ARO season behind us the championships are still in their very early stages, however Delyth Thomas has made an exceptional start, with three winners athough of course ARO and DIAR Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, leads the way and has the weight of numbers on his side.

The trainers title is always a close run affair, and with dual champion James Owen having a great weekend, he is well clear of 2018 winner Phil Collington, with Thomas in a very respectable second place.

The jockeys' championship has a different complexion this year with more races being open to professional jockeys. Straight into the lead is 2017 Champion David Turner, whilst ex-ARO amateur Charlie Price is yet to complete a full year with a professional licence but is currently ahead of retained Sheikh Hamdan second jockey Dane O'Neill.

Owners Owner

1st

2nd

3rd

HH Sheikh H bin R Al Maktoum

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6

6

Mrs Delyth Thomas

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1

0

Dilmun Racing

1

2

0

PJH Racing

1

1

0

James Owen Racing Club

1

0

1

Trainers Trainer

1st

2nd

3rd

Mr James Owen

6

3

6

Mrs Delyth Thomas

3

1

0

Mr Peter Hammersley

2

3

1

Mr Philip Collington

1

4

2

Ms B Deutrom

1

0

0

Jockeys Jockey

1st

2nd

3rd

Mr David Turner

3

3

0

Charlie Price*

2

1

1

Dane O'Neill*

2

0

0

Miss Antonia Peck

1

2

2

Mr Alex Chadwick

1

1

2

Horse

1st

2nd

3rd

Paramer Angel (GB)

2

0

0

Abiyah Athbah (GB)

1

2

0

Stonehenge (GB)

1

1

0

Jadaayil (FR)

1

0

1

Tijaary (FR)

1

0

1

*professional

Horses

Paramer Angel (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

A R A B I A N R A C I N G O R G A N I S A T I O N

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) runs a programme of full Arabian racedays supported by single Arabian races on thoroughbred fixtures from the spring through to autumn.

Owners and breeders may prove their bloodlines through competition and experience the prestige of racing at some of the world's best racecourses including Doncaster, Goodwood and Newbury.

Go to www.aroracing.co.uk for more information on the 2019 UK Arabian racing season

+44 (0) 1635 524 445

info@aroracing.co.uk

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ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION NEW SEASON The 2019 UK Arabian racing season has a greater emphasis on single races on thoroughbred cards as opposed to full fixtures of all Arabian races. The initial races have been maidens and novice contests setting the stage for a competitive summer season of racing.

Paramer Angel (GB) and Charlie Price confirm superiority over Abiyah Athbah (GB) and David Turner in the Shadwell Arabians Novice Stakes at Chepstow The first two races were maidens over a mile and seven furlongs at Chepstow and Lingfield, followed by a novice conditions also over a mile at Chepstow, all sponsored by Shadwell Arabian Stallions. The new stars have readily proven themselves to be Paramer Angel and Abiyah Athbah, who dominated both Chepstow contests.

debut in a maiden at Chelmsford in 2016, the form of which turned out well, with six of the nine horses who finished ahead of him going on to win. The first two home that day Alazeez and Saleemah, have gone on to be multiple winners rated over 90. Originally trianed by Bill Smith for his breeder, Mrs Zelda Angel, after a year off he was sold to Delyth Thomas.

Paramer Angel came to racing late having been held up with a number of minor training issues.

The eight-year-old son of Parador made his

That he has scored a double over a mile should come as no surprise as his dam, the smart Angel Picamer, was undoubtedly best at that distance.

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10 A winner of nine races from 6 to 10 furlongs for Smith and Angel, the daughter of Amer won four premier handicaps at that trip, and seemed suited by any surface winning on the Turf and the All Weather. Her dam Picea HT (by the Polish bred Pyrrus) was a winner for those connections too, also over the mile on the All Weather.

Former ARO Champion Novice Jockey, Charlie Price has turned professional over the winter, but had ridden Paramer Angel on all his starts for Thomas last season. The progression to embrace more single races on thoroughbred cards that are open to professional jockeys as well as amateurs, has allowed Price to continue the partnership, a situation which clearly suits all parties.

Price was interviewed by Robert Cooper for UK satellite tv channel Sky Sports Racing before the race in which he praised the oppportunities Arabian racing has given him and believes that riding Arabians has helped his position and balance, allowing him to be more compact in his style of riding. Attached to thorughbred National Hunt Trainer Tim Vaughan, he had recently ridden a double over hurdles.

Price was delighted with his winner saying: "He pulled a bit too hard today, I didn't want to be out in front too soon, but that's how it fell for us.

He handles the undulations of the track here

Charlie Price and Sky Sports Racing presenter Robert Cooper well and it gives him a chance to take a breather too. I'm very happy with the horse and how's he's progressing, hopefully there will be more to come for him."

Thomas herself feels that the delayed start to his career has been a benefit saying: "He's improving all the time and he's just a lovely horse to have around." The South Wales based handler has six horses in training this season, but for now, Paramer Angel will have a short break, having run two races in quick succession.

With the Thomas team in such good form, it was no surprise to see Kiraa (Akbar) win at Brighton last week, despite being in the veteran stage, she used used her experince to her advantage against younger rivals.

Charlie Price and Delyth Thomas in the paddock at Chepstow THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Abiyah Athbah (GB) at Chepstow Twice runner-up to Paramer Angel has been Abiyah Athbah trained by Peter Hammersley for Dilmun Racing, a partnership headed by Herefordshire owner-breeder Jenny Lees. The five-year-old mare is one of a handful of progeny by the multiple champion racehorse Jaafer ASF to race in the UK. His best son to date has been the dual Group 1 PA winner, Rajeh, who also runs in his sire's Al Shahania Stud colours. Rajeh was second in the UK Arabian Derby at Doncaster, with another Jaafer sired colt, Goumoh in fifth, a race in which Abiyah Athbah was sixth, a fair performance on only her second career start, racing against the leading colts in Europe of 2018.

This season she looks a different proposition, having strengthened up considerabley over the winter; it would be worth remembering that Jaafer himself did not win a Group 1 PA race

until the last days of his five-year-old season, when winning the Qatar National Day Trophy at the end of December 2008.

Her dam, Burning Fancy was also top class, winning 13 times in the US, UK and France. By Burning Sand, her seven Stateside wins were from 6 furlongs to a mile, whilst in Europe she won over the minimum when taking the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr3PA) and as far as 1m1f at conditions level.

Despite her two narrow margin defeats by Paramer Angel, Hammersley is full of optimism for her chances in this coming UK ARO season as he feels she has plenty of options open to her. She came out of her most recent Chepstow race well and bravely lost the maiden tag in The Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden Stakes at Wolverhampton on June 9th facing appalling conditions as a freak hailstorm swept the course during the race.

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Stonehenge (GB) and Daivd Turner with Zephyrella Zayin (GB) and Mike Palmer Making their seasonal debuts for the yard at Brighton were Hammersley's own homebred colt Stonehenge and Paul Simmons's homebred filly Zephyrella Zayin. Both had similar profiles being by Madjani and raced twice last season, though Hammersely felt the filly benefitted most as she had not been back in training for as long as his own colt, who put up an excellent performance to finish second.

That race was supported by the Heritage Arabian Racing Club, as was the Darling Doraa handicap stakes at Wolverhampton in which Stonehenge was a ready winner on Sunday.

Also brave in defeat was Hau Kola (by Madjani) for owner-breeder John Elliot, in the the Hope Farm Premier Handicap in association with The Arabian Racehorse, run over 2m at Doncaster.

The colt has been well travelled winning for Phil Collington in their debut seasons, before transferring to Christoper Bull and then on his retirement, to Yucel Mehmet. Making his first start for Hammersley, who also initially trained his half-brother Jaldi Karo, Hau Kola has been gradually stepped up in trip and was only beaten less than half a length behind Al Kaaser and Al Faaris. He gets another chance at Chepstow on Friday in the DIAR stayers prep.

Hau Kola (GB) and Sue Wileman

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Bin Al Reeh (GB) and Mike Palmer A colt who showed plenty of promise last year was HH Sheikha Maryam Al Maktoum's Bin Al Reeh (Al Reeh Janoob). Racing Manager Jenny Lees hopes he has matured mentally over the winter, and based on 2018 form he looks capable of winning this season, though lost all chance at the start at Wolverhampton on Sunday and will have to wait his turn to shine.

Long-term supporter, owner-breeder Paul Simmons also has two five-year-old colts debuting for Hammersley this season in Zayin Zyperion (No Risk Al Maury) and Zayin Indian Warpaint (Madjani). Out of CS Comete (Bengali D'Albret), Zayin Zyperion is a half-brother to Zayin Zephyrella and also to stable stalwart and multiple winner Zayin Zachilles (Kaolino). Zayin Zachilles has his first foals on the ground this year, and though still in training with Simmons will have a much reduced campaign. Zayin Indian Warpaint is out of Baryyh (Djelfor) making him a half-brother to his Grop 3 PA placed stablemate, Zayin Angkor Centurion (Dahess). Zayin Zachilles looked unfortunate to finish third on his reappearance and returns to Hammersleys care for the remainder of 2019.

Also debuting in 2019 is the three year-old AlTabari, by Tabarak he was bred by Julie Kelway, owner of his dam Altesse Kossack. He is will be aimed at the DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA).

Zayin Indian Warpaint (GB) and David Turner with Zayin Zyperion (GB) and Mike Palmer

Al Tabari (GB) and Sue Wileman

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14 The Lingfield maiden was a formality for ARO patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Al Azeeza, on her UK debut for James Owen.

Formerly trained in France for His Highness by Francois Rohaut, she showed the benefit of having an early season outing at Mont-deMarsan at the end of March over 1m2f under her belt. Pulling clear for an eight length victory under a hands and heels ride from Dane O'Neill she certainly looked impressive, though the others in behind her were still green and she had made the most of her experience. However she certainly confirmed Owen's assertion that she'd been showing plenty of speed at home.

By Munjiz, a known source of precocity, she is out of Ouassila Thabet, a Hatta International Stakes winner and now heads to Newbury for the DIAR Za'abeel prep.

This was not the first win of the year for Owen, who got off the mark with another well-bred filly in Farhaa. A full-sister UK Derby second Najlaa (Al Saoudi x Maizaine), she had shown plenty of promise in her debut season, beaten less than a length first time out, she was a ready winner of her maiden next time.

Owen, who has won with her half-brother Munbaher (Madjani) and half-sister Rafeef (No Risk Al Maury), had considered the DIAR races at Capanelle in Rome, however felt that the travelling involved was too big a journey for a

Al Azeeza (FR) twice-raced four-year-old filly, so early in the year and instead took her to Mons Ghlin in Belgium for an Emirates Breeders Programme race over 1500m on the All Weather. Ridden by another ARO Champion Novice turned professional in Ellie Mackenzie, she was always handy racing at the head of affairs in company with stablemate and reliable yardstick Emiraaty (Al Saoudi). Though receiving plenty of weight and drifting off the final bend to the stands rail at the finish, she looked a convincing winner, with Emiraaty keeping on well for third place.

Farhaa confirmed that form, and that she is a filly of promise when winning the Arabian Racehorse Newsletter (0-95) Handicap at Wolverhampton on Sunday and will most likely reappear in one of the 1m2f DIAR prep races at Newbury.

Rafeef (FR) and Antonia Peck with Farhaa (GB) and Joanna Mason on Warren Hill THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Emiraaty (FR) Owen also took Rafeef and Jadaayil (No Risk Al Maury) to Waregem for another Emirates Breeders Programme contest, this time over 1600m. Though they finished fourth and sixth respectively to Suman DA, the experience appears to have brought Jadaayil on, as she finished a respectable third to Paramer Angel at Chepstow, with Rafeef just behind (giving weight to the second and third). The form of that race looks good as Jadaayil held off the

challenge of Al Kashaaf at Wolverhampton, whilst Rafeef was a close second to Farhaa later in the day.

Emiraaty now makes his UK seasonal appearance at Chepstow in the DIAR Stayers prep on Friday - a race in which he was a brave second last year to Medhaaf Athbah - however the forecast underfoot conditions may well go against this top of the ground horse.

Jadaayil (FR) and Antonia Peck win at Wolvehampton.

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16 Owen is pleased with the continued support for his James Owen Racing Club, the first multiple horse syndication of it's kind in UK Arabian Racing. The Club began last year with Dolfina D'Ibos, Crack and My Boy Sam, though due to injury Dolfina D'Ibos, the 2017 Champion Arabian, was quickly replaced on the track by Karlos Du Cayrou and put in foal. She has recently produced a strong filly by Al Tair. With over 30 shares in the Club sold this season, becoming part of the breeding side of racing adds another dimension of interest to the Club's membership and with shares still available it is an important way in to the sport at the lower level.

Arwen Forta (AE)

However flying the flag for them last year was My Boy Sam (by Sambist), bred by his parents Jenny and Herbie Owen. He made his seasonal reappearance at Brighton, alongside another of the Owen's homebred's Conquer (by Concord), who races in their colours. Wins by these two geldings, along with the now retired Insignia, helped Owen's parents win the leading small breeder award year.

The Club's other horses are Tijaary (by Al Saoudi), who was third to Paramer Angel at Chepstow at the start of the month making his debut for the Club and the unraced Arwen Forta. Tijaary had previously raced for HH Sheikh Hamdan, when trained by Owen and is a new aquisition, whilst Arwen Forta is a four-yearold No Risk Al Maury filly that has been leased from Forta Stud for 2019.

Tijaary (FR)

Second lot for James Owen on Racecourse Side, Newmarket Heath, from left to right: Al Faaris (GB), My Boy Sam (GB), Emiraaty (FR), Farhaa (GB), (Net D'Ecosse, thoroughbred) and just seen Al Azeeza (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

ARWEN FORTA

MY BOY SAM

James Owen Racing Club is the first of it's kind in Arabian racing giving members the chance to be involved in three horses at the fraction of the cost.

For more details contact James (07880 700559) or Jenny (07739 791545) ARWEN FORTA - MY BOY SAM - TIJAARY TH I Aw N eRn Ar Ca Ec H iOnRg SE www . jEa AmR eA sB o .com

TIJAARY

18 Owen was delighted by Tijaary's win at Wolverhampton saying:"Tijaary was fantastic, it's a lovely result for the club, there are quite a few members here today too. It’s good to have a nice horse for them. I know he’s been knocking on the door for a while, but he’s quite nicely handicapped if he can progress from here. The second looks a nice horse, I think we just beat him on experience."

Another new recruit to the Owen team at home has been Alex Chadwick, who made his first public outing on Arabians a winning one on Tijaary and was also placed twice on Naishann for Owen and Johara Bint Shuwaiman for Nikki Malcolm.

Some of the James Owen Racing Club

Owen continued saying: "Alex rides well; he’s been with me eight months now and has been riding in point-to-points for me over the winter.

He was a conditional, but has come back to being an amateur and will stay an amateur. He’s really got going this last couple of months and he’s learning to ride these Arabians well now, he rides them at home and gave Naishaan a fantastic ride this afternoon, she’s not an easy ride."

Also having her first ever ride was Hayley Lewis on Arwen Forta, who was fifth to Abiyah Athbah, which was no disgrace for a filly making her debut in an appalling hailstorm.

Alex Chadwick

Tijaary (GB) gets off the mark ahead of Izenterisky (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Mawarid (GB) and Isaac Buncle win the Wathba Stallions handicap Another of the Owen team to debut at the weekend was 18 year old Isaac Buncle, who partnered HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Mawarid to victory in the Wathba Stallions (0-60) Handicap Stakes run over a mile at Chelmsford City racecourse on Saturday.

"It's fantastic that the Sheikh Mansoor Festival gives young jockeys like Isaac the opportunity to ride in these events so that they can gain more experience of racing."

Mawarid is only four and after two runs last year is clearly still very green as he hung across the track in the closing stages, however it was enough to keep the pair ahead of their eight rivals, including a strong challenge from Kayclaire from the in-form Delyth Thomas yard in second.

Isaac Buncle

Buncle, who joined Owen in February said: "It's great, to only have been working there for four months and to get an opportunity like this, it's amazing. I'd like to thank Shadwell, James and the team and the Sheikh Mansoor Festival for making this possible. Riding Arabians is a little bit different to thoroughbreds, I think it makes you a better rider."

Owen commented: "I told Isaac three weeks ago he could ride this horse, and he's ridden him everyday, he's been at the gym, he works so hard. They've got to be fit to ride and we pay for them to go to the gym, so if they don't go, they won't get the rides - it can be the difference between winning or losing a race."

Isaac Buncle and Jame Owen receive the Wathba Stallions Cup trophies at Chelmsford City

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Al Kaaser (FR) and Laura Pike Owen was hoping for a repeat win at Doncaster in the premier handicap over 2 miles having won the race in 2018 with Al Faaris (Madjani) and he wasn't disappointed with Al Kaaser (Munjiz), and Al Faaris filling the fist two places.

Al Kaaser is a half-brother to Emiraaty who was fifth in the race in 2016 and was stepping up in trip this season having been gelded over the winter.

"He was fantastic, though we were not entirely sure he would stay the two miles, but he switched off and travelled well and learnt a lot." said Owen.

"It was only his second run on grass and against seasoned handicappers too. I'd like to try him in one of the 1m2f DIAR prep races at Newbury to see where we are with him and to get another run on grass, but he will most likely run in the handicap over 1m4f at DIAR on July 28, unless he really shone in the prep over shorter."

Jaahez, who like Al Azeeza, had come from Francois Rohaut, and had already run twice in France this season, lacked pace on his UK debut over a mile behind Paramer Angel. He is out of Ziva, who in addition to dual Group 1PA winner, Handassa, has produced two winners of the premier stayers handicap at DIAR in Elraawy and Azizi, both by Monsieur Al Maury. He faced stiff competition at Wolverhampton in Abiyah Athbah, but had already been placed at that trip on the AW in France, so his second placing confimed that form.

Owen has set his sights on regaining the ARO Trainers Championship this season, having finished runner-up last year after two previous consecutive titles. Full of praise for the efforts of his staff, who gained the yard the overall Best Turned Out Award sponsored by Racing Welfare last season, he feels has a great team in place and with a few new tweaks to his training methods, hopes for his best season yet.

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21 Though just having had one winner in the UK so far for his principal patron HH Sheikh Hamdan, five-time ARO Champion Jockey and 2018 Champion Trainer Phil Collington has been busy abroad in 2019 with horses from Athbah Stud. Having taken runners to Saudi Arabia in 2018, this year he was back again for the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz International Arabian Horse Festival, a five-day event which includes racing and horse shows, in preparation for the which, Collington raced his horses in the domestic meetings, successful twice with Mehdaaf Athbah (by Amer) over 1m1f and once with Shomoos Athbah (by Burning Sand) over 7f. Meeting sponsors included The President of the UAE Cup and Shadwell Stud.

There was an additional international race at the festival this year, the Al Khalediah Cup, in which both Mith'haf Athbah (by Amer) and Shomoos Athbah competed. In what was an incident packed race, Shomoos Athbah and Olivier Peslier were lucky to emerge with just a few brusied and scratches as they were brought down on the bend. Mith'haf Athbah was fortunate to be racing wide and avoided the

trouble to finish fourth. In the main race, the rebranded Prince Sultan World Cup, with a prize fund of $1.5 million dollars, was won again by Tallab Al Khalediah, with Qatar Arabian World Cup winner, Fazza Al Kahlediah in second, however he had to work hard to repel the challenge of Mehdaaf Athbah who finished third by a length, a result which delighted Collington who considered it the colt's best performance alongside his second to Al Mourtajez in the 2016 Qatar Arabian World Cup. He expects to have a busy European campaign with his older Athbah horses, in what is likely to be Mith’haf Athbah’s last season of racing. He commented: “Mithaf has proven he’s best up to a mile. I’d love to take him back to Toulouse for another Breeders Sprint, I think the Prince would be more amenable, now we think that he doesn’t like the Saudi surface. The form of that race two years ago was good, the second, Barnamaj was Group 1 PA winner in Dubai afterwards.”

He makes his UK seasonal debut at Newbury over 6f in the Za'abeel prep on Thursday.

Mith'haf Athbah (FR) and Andrea Atzeni go to post at Longchamp THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Jamrah Athbah (GB) and David Judd

Back in the UK Collington is now focussed on the UK Season. He hopes to run Shomoos Athbah in the Hatta International at DIAR, feeling that the soft ground put her at a disadvantage last year and he would like to see her show her true colours, having already won a DIAR prep race at the track.

DIAR handicap winners, Saleemah (by Madjani) and Taqdeeraat (by Mahaab), though both fillies have shown a preference for easier ground than the UK has seen so far this year after an unusually dry winter, with Saleemah taking advantage of the likley soft ground, she heads to Chepstow on Friday.

By Burning Sand, Shomoos Athbah is the first foal of Djanet Monlau (Dormane), winner of the Prix Razzia III (Gr3PA) and runner-up to Kiss De Ghazal in the Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA) at Longchamp in 2011. Her three-year-old full sister, Jamrah Athbah is also now in training with Collington in Newmarket. Collington feels she has a more amenable temperament that her older sister and expects her to race in maidens early in the season with the juvenile Group 3PA race at DIAR as her main target.

He is also looking forward to running his 2018 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Saleemah (GB)

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Jinaan (GB) Amongst an exciting selection of young untried and unexposed horses for HH Sheikh Hamdan are the three-year-old Mustafeed (Munjiz x Kaarine) and his year-older half-brother Raaqy (No Risk Al Maury). Raaqy was green and outpaced on his debut when second to Al Azeeza over 7 furlongs at Lingfield, but will have learnt plenty from the experience. There is also Jinaan, a three-year-old full sister to Saleemah and a half-sister to Anfaas, who opened her account for 2019 at Wolverhampton.

Thamaraat (Munjiz), fared the best of Collington's runners at Doncaster, finishing a close fourth ahead of stablemate Al Monther (Monsieur Al Maury). Thamaraat made little impression in the 2018 running of the race, but as the season wore on she looked more progressive, winning twice, first at 1m2f and then on her final start over 1m4f, so appears to be continuing that form as the first four home were less than a length apart. She also lines up iat Chepstow on Friday for the stayers prep over 1m4f along with Al Monther, though Saleemah woudl be the clear stable pick on form.

The Collington string head out to exercise on Racecourse Side of Newmarket Heath

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THE ROYAL CAVALRY OF OMAN Dubai International Arabian Races 2018 winners:

NAFEES | Azadi x Vivamaria Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA)

TAHIRWAH | Amer x Kerim

AL CHAMMY | Nizam x Al Ryme

DIAR International Stakes (Gr2PA)

Jebel Ali Za'abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA)

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The Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO sponsor focus The Royal Cavalry of Oman continue their steady rise as a force to be reckoned with in Arabian racing around the world. Leading the way for domestic Omani owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys who have made their presence felt in the Middle East in recent seasons.

Nafees (GB) and Olivier Peslier win the 2018 Dubai International Stakes Whilst 2017 could be considered a breakthrough year for the Royal Cavalry of Oman's breeding and racing programme with the French and UK Derby wins of Nafees, plus the victory of Riyam in the EEF International Stakes at DIAR, it was in 2018 that they solidified their position.

(Gr3PA) for juveniles. In addition, Al Chammy, a full brother to the Royal Cavalry's supermare, Al Mouhannad, won the race she had made her own, the Jebel Ali Za'abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA). It was a significant treble success on the international stage.

Nafees added to his Group 1PA haul with a resolute win in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, whilst earlier in the card on Europe's most prestigious day of Arabian racing, another homebred colt, Tahirwah, follwed in Riyam's hoofprints by winning the DIAR International Stakes

The Royal Cavalry have been an integral part of UK Arabian racing for well over ten years, both as sponsors and competitors, with a significant number of their runners foaled at their UK base in Wargrave, not far from the ARO and DIAR hub at Newbury.

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Their annual Sultanate of Oman raceday, which has toured the UK in recent years brings an insight into tradional Omani hospitality - their welcome tent, coffee and dates are alway popular with visitors and competitors alike.

racetrack at Nizwa was built with great efficiency in the month prior to racing on 3rd December, with the racing surface brought in and running rail erected, as well as temporary stands for locals, invited guests and media.

Having visited Salisbury, Nottingham, Windsor,Chelmsford and Chepstow, in 2019 they will return to Wolverhampton for a full card on Sunday August 18th.

Captain Salim Al Hakmani, himself a former jockey, trainer and winner of His Majesty's Cup, is now in charge of racing overseas was proud to explain the progress of Arabian horse racing in Oman, noting that their were only two overseas jockeys taking part this time (Poland’s Szczepan Mazur and Brazil’s Maikon De Souza), the rest had come through the Cavalry's own training ranks.

The notion of touring, of bringing racing to the people, has been adopted at home too, with the their own raceday in Oman now being held outside of the His Majesty's stables in Muscat. In December, at Nizwa, Oman's oldest city and formerly the capital, two hours from Muscat, five races took place, including their most prestigious trophy, His Majesty's Cup. The initiative will continue as the meeting will be held in a different location in Oman every year. The

This years’ meeting included a race for the citizens’ top horses from the current domestic season, the Samail Castle Race for four-year-olds and upwards, run over 1600m.

Maisoor (GB) and Anais Al Siyabi win His Majesty's Cup in Oman in December 2018 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: riding display between races at Nizwa, Oman Below: runners head to the parade ring for the Samail Castle Race, led by UK Arabian Derby winner Mahess Du Soleil (GB)

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The ten runners included names that will be familiar to many around the world such as 2015 UK Arabian Derby winner Mahess Du Soleil, and Umm Qarn bred horses such as Rasheed and Al Shahania’s Al Mahdod, whilst the race was won by Khozan, originally bred and raced by Al Shaqab in France.

The Omani trainers have done well with horses from the top stables, which have been sidelined, either by minor injury or by just being short of top class, and they have enabled them to be competitive internationally. Horses such as Chaddad, an Al Shahania bred Group 1 PA winner at three, who later raced in the colours of Aaisha bint Yousuf Mohammed Al Balushi to be second in the 2017 Dubai Kahayla Classic.

Jean-Pierre Deroubaix has been instrumental in the development of the Royal Cavalry’s breeding and racing interests, and also for the private owners. It was he who explained that in order to open

up the domestic races that were previously reserved for the Sultan of Oman, where horses from the Royal Cavalry would race against those of the police and the firefighters, they would need to give the private sector the opportunity to race.

This opportunity has been embraced by a number of private owner-breeders including Khalid M Zaman, who has had great success both domestically and in France. A native of Oman's capital city Muscat, he works as the Managing Director of the Al Zaman Group of companies, the business established by his father 25 years ago. This winter he has had seven Arabians in training and three thoroughbreds, split between several local trainers, with the intention of encouraging and supporting them, to create competition between them.

Interviewed for The Fench Purebred Arabian earlier this year Zaman said:“We would love to compete in the UK, France and UAE. Our aim is to have our breeding race abroad, this is why we are building a strong foundation with our broodmares.”

Akmal (FR) sold at the Arqana PA Sale in October and was the subsequent winner of the Oman Derby for Khaild M Zaman THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Above: Laheeb(GB) winning the Adam Castle Stakes in Oman in December Below: Hizaam (FR) (by Amer) who finished second to Maisoor in His Majesty's Cup in Oman in December also comes to the UK for 2019

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Ibra Lady (FR) (by Munjiz) winning the Bahla Fort Stakes from Hadiyah (FR) at Nizwah in Oman in December. Both fillies will be campaigned in the UK in 2019.

It is clear that through their active support the Royal Cavalry are encouraging a new generation of owner-breeders in Oman.

Now that their own season is over, the focus turns to Europe. In the UK 15 horses have arrived from Oman, an even split between maidens and raced horses. The most exciting of which is the return of DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA) winner, Tahirwah (by Amer). Fourth in that race was Hadiyah (by Majd Al Arab) who has since been Listed placed in Abu Dhabi over a mile.

Laheeb (by Munjiz) who was placed in all four of his UK starts last year, went on to win over a mile in Oman, though has been

unplaced in three handicaps since, returns along with his unraced three-year-old brother, Al Mutazaz. Another unraced three-year-old to note is Iftikhar (by AF Albahar), who is a half-brother to their 2017 DIAR International Stakes winner, Riyam.

Training takes place at their base in Wargrave which has a small oval training track, horse walker, turn out paddocks and a more recent addition of one of the first water horse walkers in the UK. For fast work they will box horses to Lingfield or Kempton, or go to the Jockey Club Estates run facility at Lambourn, where they can also use an equine swimming pool to compliment their training programme.

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Above: Tahirwah (FR) leads at exercise at Wargrave in 2018 Below: Another UK debutant is Gaimah (FR) (by Burning Sand who was fifth to Ibra Lady in Oman in December over 1200m on her racecourse debut

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Above and below: Maisoor (GB) winning His Majesty's Cup from Hizaam (FR)

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In order to develop their own programme they understood right from the beginning that they needed to learn from other countries experiences. Former trainer and now head of overseas horses, Salim Al Hakmani and their current trainer Said Al Badi came to the UK in the 1990's to develop their jockey skills from both thoroughbred and Arabian trainers such as John Jenkins and the Kellaways.

However it is not just horsemanship that is part of their training as Mohammed Al Hashmi has undergone work placement in the ARO Office in 2016, and hopes to visit again this summer where he will gain insight into various UK racing organisations systems through ARO, including working with the International Racing Bureau in Newmarket, the British Horseracing Authority in London and the Jockey Club Estates.

The Royal Cavalry of Oman have been a gracious and valued supporter of Arabian racing in the UK and their return each year is always welcomed warmly.

Mohammed Al Hashmi Their first UK sponsored race takes place at Bath on Saturday 15 June, followed by Windsor on Monday 17 June.

Maisoor (GB) with Brigadier Abdulrazak Al Sharwarzi and Salim Al Hakmani THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

DEBBIE BURT EQUINE CREATIVE MEDIA ARO Official Photographer HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Photographer - 2017 Darley Awards To view and purchase photos from the 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 ARO seasons please visit www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Genny Haynes Interview Long-term Arabian racing supporter, former IFHAR Vice Chairperson and current ARO Commercial and Financial Director talks to The Arabian Raehorse

AR: Please tell us something of your background with horses?

GH: As a daughter of a blacksmith, I was never not going to get the ‘horse’ bug from a very early age - especially as in those day's the horses came to the forge at home to be shod, not the other way

around.

I didn’t realise quite what an influence my grandfather had on me with regard to racing, as a ‘small’ gambling man, those memories of jockey’s names, horses and racecourses became a part of everyday talk at both ends of the day.

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AR: How did you become involved in racing?

GH: It was not until later in life when I switched from work in an office (that paid well!!), to follow the dream of working in racing, starting at a small private thoroughbred stud in Sussex and somehow managed to end up with a four-year-old Flat race bred filly for a £1, and so the journey began.

Later on I worked with, and for, trainers such as Luke Dace, Simon Dow and Geoff Lewis, all of which gave me an incredible insight into riding, training, losing, winning, driving, mucking out (lots of...), which all added to my passion for racing.

AR: When did Arabian racing take over?

GH:That first thoroughbred filly (Twiggy), was the reason I became involved in Arabians. Due to injury Twiggy went on loan to be covered by an Arabian stallion due to an advert in Horse & Hound asking for thoroughbred mares.

Following several discussions with the owners of the Arabian stud and racing in

general, I was tasked with the job to follow up on Arabian racing as they thought they might like to try with their stallion.

Therefore, instead of returning home with an empty trailer once Twiggy was dropped off, one Arabian stallion was on board!!

The first outing was at Wolverhampton, with Simon Walker on board – last!! Both my husband Peter and I looked at one another and said, if we are going to do this sport we have to buy ones that are competitive!!

Maximillion and Obayan were bought from Liz Harrington in 2001 and the training career (if you can call it that), was up and running.

With Peter’s children growing up fast and two of them wanting to be jockeys, Arabian racing seemed to be the ideal training ground before they went point to pointing.

With Peter’s job (BHA Starter), we are unable to be involved in thoroughbred horses under rules, so this was the ideal programme to get them started with us still involved. Harry subsequently went on to be a professional jockey and his first winner was on Maximillion, which of course I keep reminding him to this day.

Peter, Harry and Genny Haynes with Maximillion (GB) after winning at Wolverhampton in 2005 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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AR: How did your involvement with the Arabian Racing Organisation come about?

GH: Back in 2001, both ARO and Arab Horse Society (AHS) were running side by side for one year. Anne Unwin (one of the founders of Arabian racing in the UK in 1978) who I was training for with her homebred ‘Egypt’ was an incredible, sometimes formidable, special Lady, who I admired immensely and was to be my mentor in everything Arabian.

people would be approached to loan ARO the money so that racing could go ahead, which thanks to HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and several like-minded others, funds were raised and the season was a success. This had to be the turning point for Arabian racing, as it was obvious that is was not sustainable in its current format.

However, this was a particularly difficult time, lack of sponsors and racecourse hire increasing (nothing changes all these years on), there needed to be a re-think on how the sport was operating and I was asked to join the ARO Board later that year.

I knew this was going to be a challenge but my mentor had taught me everything to do with Arabians and racing - the negatives, the positives, the versatility of the breed, management, finances, race planning, you name it Anne could advise on it. I felt she was handing over the reins of something she believed in and I certainly was too scared to let her down!

ARO is not about Genny Haynes, but it is a team of like-minded people who have invested their time, passion, energy, money and belief into the sport and the breed.

Decisions that are made are not just because ARO feels like it, they are made to try to keep this sport ‘alive’ but like everything this comes at a price and many do not like change.

With Eygpt at Huntingdon Anne encouraged me to get more involved and to sit on every committee possible, including the then Jockey Club, where both the AHS and ARO had regular meetings.

The Jockey Club has been involved in Arabian racing from 1978, where they granted permission for the very first match race to be staged, so being governed and supported by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), is not something new.

Still training in 2007, when in April I received a phone call from the ARO office informing me that they needed assistance as funds were running low to begin racing for that season. It was agreed that certain

Moving towards professional status, is something that was put forward as early as 2004 as ARO knew then it was going to be a necessity to survive, with pressure from sponsors and decline in breeders and horse population all of which had to be taken into account.

It is easy to forget and lose sight of the vision of HH Sheikh Hamdan all those years ago, and no one has invested or believed in Arabian racing in the UK quite like His Highness, of which every single one of us needs to recognise and to be thankful. To be accepted into the horseracing industry, with no discrimination about our breed and respect for our racing is something I am sure we all agree on.

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AR: What do you feel ARO has achieved in the last ten years?

GH: It has been an uphill struggle, some decisions I and ARO have made have not always been the right decisions, and I guess I am like ‘marmite’ either you like me or you hate me, either way I am here to do a job to the best of my ability and in the interest of keeping this sport going.

eight years, four of which I was ViceChairman. In my opinion IFAHR has a challenging time ahead, with many countries now as members with different aims, rules and regulations it needs to stand strong in its principles and decision making to unite this amazing sport for future years.

Easy to criticise when looking from afar but when you put the whole jigsaw together it is funds that decide what ARO can and can’t do. Without the constant effort to move forward, to establish a betting product and subsequent media rights, levy board monies (like point to pointing), our sport is not stable, nor is the prizemoney. I think people forget that ARO is self-funding, no other financial support apart from sponsorship, entries, declarations, registrations, so to bring racing out year after year is a constant strain on our resources but I am proud, despite the ups and downs that we have continued to do so for the past 20 years since ARO began.

Over the years the prizemoney has increased, the standard of racing is higher so are the riders and what I am most proud of is the people ARO has helped along the way with regard to their future careers in the horseracing industry.

The likes of Di Clark (BHA Judge), Sulekha Varma (Hamilton Clerk of the Course), Peter Sporne (BHA Stipe), Michael Roberts (BHA Judge), Ryan Colley (BHA Starter/EWIO) to name but a few. In addition the jockeys who have ridden and have gone on to be professionals – Tom Scudamore, Tom Marquand (although Pony racing like to claim him too!), Harry Haynes, Rhys Flint, Zac Baker, Ellie Mckenzie, Tom Garner – the list is endless. This gives me immense pleasure to know they started with ARO and we were able to give them a ‘leg up’, although there is a downside as it also means that ARO is always recruiting to replace their staff………

In 2008 I became more involved with the International Federation of Arabian Horseracing Authorities, I was elected to the Executive Board a position I upheld for

Ryan Colley under instruction as Assistant Starter to Peter Haynes at Chelmsford City in 2016

Being involved in the international Arabian racing, brought new ideas, new people, (new friends), new sponsorship to the UK and again without the constant support of the Royal Cavalry of Oman, HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, HARC, President’s Cup, Forta Stud and of course ARO’s patron HH Sheikh Hamdan, over the past ten years this support has certainly made our racing stronger and more competitive.

Those that ask what has ARO achieved, my answer is simple – Arabian racing has extended its life in the UK so far by 12 years as believe me looking back, 2007 was certainly not a good place to see beyond.

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AR: Why did you leave ARO?

utilise surplus funds to cover the shortfall, in 2019 this is not a possibility.

GH: It was a difficult decision and not one taken lightly at the end of 2017. Partly due to the passing of my mother and prioritising what was important at that time, grief (as I am sure we all have experienced) has an interesting way of looking at life and evaluating what you have done and what to do next. Someone said to me at the time, ‘you grow up when you lose both parents’ and that statement to me was so true.

Action has had to be taken with regard to the 2019 race programme and had to take a new format to reflect on the decline in horse population and lack of sponsorship, which in turn creates a ‘chicken & egg’ scenario. Lack of opportunities means less registrations, more opportunities (races) no money – simple calculation. So, 2019 will only be staging 49 races instead of 73, not ideal but a necessity if Arabian Racing wants to continue.

I felt I had exhausted all my ideas, contacts, strategy to continue to take Arabian racing further forward – not that I fell out of love with the Arabian or the sport but for me at that time and in the interest of the sport it needed a new path, new look and I felt I had nothing else to bring to the table.

Hopefully by scaling back this early in the season, we can re-build moving forward.

This is dependant on registrations, commitment from not only our sponsors but participants, it is a wake up call and people have to realise ARO/Arabian racing is run as a business, so lack of support at this crucial time, won’t punish ARO it will only assist in the demise of Arabian racing in the UK. One of the keys to being a successful business in any sphere is the ability to adapt to change.

However, taking that time out and not going racing only looking from afar, the passion was still there so when asked to reconsider and re-join the ARO Board in October 2018, the answer was a simple ‘yes’.

AR: What challenges does the sport face in 2019?

GH: The outbreak of Equine Influenza in February in the UK and the subsequent protocols in place is going to be the biggest challenge. All our Arabians when races are scheduled at thoroughbred fixtures are going to have to meet the BHA protocol, of nasal swabs. This is costly and is already having an effect on ARO’s registrations to date. ARO have applied for subsidy but unfortunately not successful. Doesn’t only affect our Arabians, the Pony racers and Hunter Chasers are feeling the strain too. ARO is working extremely hard with the BHA to make sure we follow all protocols and that I am glad to say the ARO/BHA working relationship is stronger now than ever before.

Sponsorship is also another challenge, where in the past ARO has been able to

I cannot stress enough how we all need to pull together, prizemoney on offer is still good, support from faithful sponsors, racing at incredible venues and an international day at Newbury (DIAR) that is still the envy of the Arabian racing world.

AR: What are you thoughts on the future of Arabian racing?

GH: Why wouldn’t you want it to continue, its unique, it offers so many opportunities for countries, people to join together, enjoy and compete. It might have changed over the years, and many people keep going back over the same ground of how good it used to be – be realistic nothing stays the same, move with it not against it.

Look at the breed – the Arabian has been around for centuries, it is a survivor, it is versatile, it is loyal, it is tough, it is intelligent (sometimes too intelligent) why would you not want to embrace both the breed and the racing?

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Shadwell's Leading Sires Stud Focus It has been a remarkable 18 months for Shadwell Arabian Stallions, firstly with the rise of their champion racehorse No Risk Al Maury as a successful Group 1 producer, followed by the arrival at stud in Europe of leading UAE sire AF Al Buraq, who has since sired a Dubai Kahayla Classic winner. At the turn of the year they announced the retirement to stud of their own Dubai Kahayla Classic winner, Manark and the sad news this spring of the loss of Madjani, just as his best son Handassa was heralding the arrival of his first crop of foals, whilst last month Al Saoudi became the sire of Morocco's leading racehorse and now has an exciting UK filly to represent him.

No Risk Al Maury (FR)

NO RISK AL MAURY (2002)

By Kesberoy, he sired his first Group winner on 12th July 2016 at La Teste de Buch, when the three-year-old filly Aicha De Monlau won the Prix Razzia III, (Gr3 PA) over 1800m, for owner and part-breeder Mrs Bourdette. She was trained by Elisabeth Bernard who commented: “I fell in love with this filly when she came to us

in training and I ride her in the morning. "I was very pleased with her first run at Toulouse in difficult ground. The next race in Chantilly did not go well but the filly was not affected by it. She was back at work and I felt certain that she would be able to win this Group race.” Adding: “I am delighted to train the first Group winner for No Risk Al Maury who I believe will be an exceptional stallion.”

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From that same first crop, though taking longer to mature, was HH Sheikh Hamdan’s own Barnamaj. Out of Tashreefat, a very fast filly who has produced multiple Group1PA winner Muraaqib (to Mahaab), he was only stakes placed at three, though he had won over 2000m earlier in the year. Facing very testing conditions he was runner up to Lwsail in the Za’abeel International (Gr1PA) over 1200m at Newbury on DIAR at four, but it was not until he arrived in Dubai that he really began to flourish at the highest level. Racing over a mile in Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge (Gr1PA), on his first Dirt start, he lost by a neck to US Horse of the Year, Paddys Day (Burning Sand). He swiftly gained revenge in Round 2, stepped up to 2200m, staying on well. He didn’t have the pace of the winner dropped back to 2000m in the Dubai Kahayla Classic, but was not disgraced, beaten just over two lengths in third behind Tallab Al Kahlediah.

Picking up the mantle on Turf in Europe last summer was Al Shamoos. Bred and initially raced by Dr Al Nujaifi, she is a product of his Iraqi – French bloodlines, from his exceptional broodmare Hamiya, who had

produced Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA) winner Muneera (Dormane) the previous year. A winner of the Prix Burkeguy – Wathba Stallions Cup (LRPA), she was only narrowly beaten by Belqees in the Prix Nevadour. Bought by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, she was an impressive winner of the Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA), ridden like her sister by Christophe Soumillion. Still in the care of her trainer Charles Gourdain, she travelled to Abu Dhabi to contest the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Gr1PA).

Facing stiff international competition, she led from 500m out, staying on well and despite a late challenge from the shock Qatar Arabian World Cup winner, Fazza Al Khalediah, was always in command and was a comfortable length clear at the finish.

Gourdain said of Al Shamoos: “She is only a little filly, but she has a big heart. She is not an easy, but she is brilliant in the morning.

Fortunately, she is maturing well and that's what makes good horses. We knew she had the quality, but it she has exceeds our expectations.”

Al Shamoos (FR) winning at Longchamp in October THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Retiring to stud in 2012, with the then, highest international rating of 128, No Risk Al Maury was the leading Arabian racehorse in Europe and the Middle East. Trained by Gill Duffield throughout his career, he won 17 races including six Group 1 PA races, from four to nine years of age, and scored a notable triumph by being the first horse to win at the newly opened Meydan Racecourse.

Bred in France by Renée Laure Koch at the Haras Du Maury, out of Nectarine Al Maury, No Risk Al Maury is the full-brother of the Group winners Nouba Al Maury (Hatta International Stakes, Gr1PA), Nevadour Al Maury (Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes, Gr1PA) and Nacree Al Maury (Prix Damas, Gr3PA). His second dam is Nevadour, a remarkable broodmare whose descendants are amongst the elite of Arabian racehorses and sires such as Dahess, Bibi De Carrere, Kaolino, Kandar Du Falgas, Nivour De Cardonne, Rubis De Carrere, Nez d’Or, Noreen, Sivit Al Maury and Sylvine Al Maury.

Of her most successful produced Koch commented: “As a foal he was well made

with a beautiful neckline, with good legs and a lot of strength in his back. Like most of his family was not very large and looked a lot like his grandmother, Nevadour.

“It was a good breeding, with a very good temperament that he took from his sire Kesberoy. His dam, Nectarine Al Maury took after her sire Baroud III, having his blood and energy she had been beaten a short head in the President of the UAE Cup proof that size is not always a sign of quality and this she passed on to No Risk Al Maury.”

Concluding she said: “He was sold to Shadwell in the Toulouse sales in June of 2005, as a breeder I am always very glad when the Al Maury horses are bought for HH Hamdan Al Maktoum because I know they will always have the best care in training. Gill Duffield knew best, giving him time to finish his growth and run mostly on his favourite distance of 1600M.” No Risk Al Maury stands at Haras de Saint Faust in France and is available for natural cover and artificial insemination with frozen semen.

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MADJANI (2000 - 2019) Madjani, who passed this spring will be remembered as one of the very best Arabian racehorses, described by his trainer Gill Duffield as: “An outstanding Arabian horse with temperament and ability to match. At exercise he had so much presence, he totally filled your eye, you simply just had to look at him. He gave his all in his races and it was an honour and privilege to train him.”

The son of Tidjani was bred in France from a very successful family with Tunisian roots that has produced Al Jakbar, Tornador, Nour Thabet and Al Sakba.

Madjani made a winning debut on the track at three years in France, for his ownerbreeder Pierre Hoyeau. He then joined champion trainer Gill Duffield’s stables in the UAE and raced in the colours of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gaining 13 victories and three second places from 17 starts.

The only colt to win the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) three times, he also won the HH The President Cup (Gr.1 PA) in Abu Dhabi in consecutive years, as well as the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (Gr1PA) twice.

He was crowned Horse of the Year in the UAE in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and retired to stud in France, at Haras de Saint Faust, at the end of 2008.

During his ten years at stud, he has sired winners worldwide in France, Morocco, the UK, UAE, USA, Sweden, Qatar, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Turkey, including Group winners Handassa (Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3, Gr.1 PA, twice), Al Zahir (HH The President Cup, Gr.1 PA, twice), RB Frynch Broad (Gr.2) and stakes performers Madjikman, Citronnier De Ghazal, Bon Baiser De Faust, Alazeez, Merlot MHF, RB Madjyk Man, Niraan, RB Moose, Madgicall, among many other winners. He has been the leading sire in the UK for the past two seasons and with plenty of runners to represent his this year, his dominance is sure to continue.

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Richard Lancaster, director of Shadwell, commented: “Madjani was a great racehorse and stands alongside the very best Arabians to run in the colours of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum.

To win three Kahayla Classics in such competitive times was truly exceptional.

He was a lovely character with a great temperament. I am sure his memory will live on through the stock he leaves behind.”

Handassa (above), Madjani’s best son at stud, who had been standing in the UK, now relocates to France, replacing his sire at the Haras de Saint Faust, whilst Handassa's full brother Taajer, stood his first season in Italy last year. Handassa’s first foals are already on the ground and it is hoped that he will continue the legacy of his most respected sire who will be missed by all.

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AL SAOUDI (2000) The son of Nuits St Georges stood his first UK full season at Shadwell's own stud at Thetford in Norfolk last year, having stood for ten seasons in France and could well be set for his best ever year in 2019.

His son Adi De Saint Lon has dominated the racing scene in Morocco this season winning three Listed PA races. The sixyear-old colt was bred in France by Xavier and Michel Poydenot out of the Djel Bon mare Aqaba, and is a half-brother to multiple winner Autaz (Jaman) who was also exported to Morocco.

Closer to home both Tijaary and Farhaa completed a double for their sire at Wolverhampton on Sunday.

Farhaa is a full-sister to Najlaa, the narrow margin 2014 UK Derby second (far side image below)

Farhaa , a winner and placed in her two starts at three, has made an excellent start to her four-year-old campaign and she has been described by her trainer James Owen as 'very professional', He feels she could be the best horse in his yard.

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He is a half-brother to Al Ryme (Kesberoy) dam of Za'abeel International winners Al Mouhannad and Al Chammy, and a halfbrother to Azadi (Darike), sire of UK and French Derby winner, Nafees.

On the racecourse Al Saoudi was a four-time Group 1PA winner, first in France and then in the UAE on turf and dirt for HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. He started his racing career in France with Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé and won his first Group 1 at 4 years, the Prix du Président des Emirats Arabes Unis – Challenge Derby, in Deauville over 2000m for his owner and part breeder Faiz Al Elweet, before being bought for His Highness. After that victory he joined Doug Watson at his Red Stables in Dubai, where he won three further Group 1PA races.

To date, the closest multiple champion UAE trainer Watson has come to Kahayla Classic glory was with Al Saoudi. As Watson recalls: “Al Saoudi was the best Arabian I’ve ever been

around, I’m surprised more people don’t use him [as a sire]. He came out here late, he should have come in October-November, but he finally arrived in January and we had to run him 15 days before the World Cup, just to get a start in him and he won over 1400m. For the Kahayla, Richard [Hills] picked him and Willie Supple was on Madjani. Willie went up the inside, got the run on us and he was just that bit flat and got beat [second by 1.5 lengths].

We were gutted.

“He came back the next year, won the first leg of the Maktoum Challenge, picked up an injury, won the second leg and it just didn’t go well after that.

“Al Saoudi was the best, we had Bopp Moon, Nivour De Cardonne, Nirwan, Jehol De Cardonne, Falina Des Fabries, Al Sakbe and there’s not even a comparison, he was the best. I just wish more people would use him.

He was unbelievable, beautiful too. Just the stride on him, he moved so well.”

Al Saoudi is available for natural cover and representa excellent value at £500 (1st January SLF).

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AF AL BURAQ (2003) That the leading UAE Sire on winners for the last two seasons had no Group 1 PA flag bearer may have been a concern, however AF Al Buraq (Amer), who joined the Shadwell Arabian stallions European roster two seasons ago, firmly put that to bed with the win in Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan by AF Maher.

Just a few weeks later AF Maher defied statistics with a scintillating victory in the UAE's most important race of all, the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA), rounding off another fine UAE season for his sire. Prior to that another son, AF Al Sajanjle, had won the Mazrat Al Ruwayah (Gr2PA), also at Meydan, over a mile.

Both horses run in the colours of AF Al Buraq's breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Naboodah, who thanks in no small measure to the success of AF Al Buraq's progeny, became the UAE's champion owner for the third time, in addition

to thier trainer Ernst Oertel, and jockey Tadhg O'Shea, all filling the same leading spot in their corresponding championships.

Shadwell Stud’s director Richard Lancaster commented: “AF Al Buraq has joined our stallion roster recently and it is his second year standing at stud in France. He has produced consistent, brave and tough horses that have performed incredibly well in the UAE. “We are looking forward to see his first crop of foals born in Europe and we are hoping that they will show the same ability on European racecourses as their elders do in the UAE.” AF Al Buraq is a full brother to AF Albahar, sire of multiple Group1 PA winner AF Mathmoon as well as Group 1 PA winners, Alsaker (French Derby) and Bint Jakkarta (Al Rayyan Cup).

He stands at the Haras de Saint Faust in France for !3,000, natural cover only.

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Feeding for Recovery Emma Short, Bsc (Hons)

Any equine illness or injury must not only be treated but generally involves changes to a horse’s routine and diet too. These can be almost as stressful as the problem itself so need to be handled in a way that minimises the risk of secondary setbacks and maximises the chances of a speedy recovery. Correct nutrition may be considered vital for optimum performance but its role in supporting healing, and a subsequent return to work or competition, should not be underestimated.

Vital Fibre Even quite minor injuries can mean a horse is confined to his stable for a couple of days so it’s important that he has access to plenty of fibre to promote normal gut function and help relieve boredom. Of

the micro-organisms in the horse’s hind gut, some are involved in fibre digestion whilst some have an important role in helping the horse to resist disease and recover from infections, particularly of the digestive tract. Plenty of fibre is therefore important both as a source of nutrients and for helping to keep the horse healthy.

With no access to pasture and a reduction in concentrate feed, the horse’s overall nutrient intake can drop significantly. A balancer, such as Baileys Lo-Cal or Performance Balancer, is ideal in these circumstances as it provides all the vitamins, minerals and quality protein the horse requires, for maintenance and allimportant repair, but without the energy that could cause behavioural and digestive upsets.

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Boredom may also become a problem during prolonged box rest so it can be worth introducing both stable toys and alternative forage sources to keep the horse’s mind active and satisfy his need to chew. These can include alfalfa chaffs, like Baileys Alfalfa Blend, soaked Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet, which can be given in large trugs or buckets, separate from the hard feed ration, to encourage natural foraging behaviour. High fibre cubes or Baileys Fibre Plus Nuggets, which are also ideal and can be scattered on the floor or fed in boredom balls.

Changing The Horse’s Diet Abrupt dietary changes are best avoided but it may be necessary to drastically reduce a fit horse’s concentrate ration if his workload is suddenly reduced or stopped. The horse’s gut bacteria take time to adjust to a new feed and any sudden changes can disrupt their populations which could result in loose droppings, colic or even laminitis.

When changing a diet quickly, a “digestive enhancer”, such as a pre or probiotic, can help the bacteria adapt to the new diet, thus reducing the risk of upsets occurring.

Baileys Digest Plus prebiotic acts as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria so that they can thrive at the expense of pathogenic species.

or Cubes, over 4 to 5 days after the previous diet has been reduced. The aim should be to maintain a fully balanced diet, supplying quality protein, vitamins and minerals, while calorie levels can be adjusted to suit. Any reduction in the volume of concentrates should be accompanied by an increase in the forage provided.

For horses needing extra condition, Baileys Cooked Cereal Meal is highly digestible and ideal for horses recovering from surgery, especially to the digestive tract. It can be made into a soft, appetising mash but does need to be fed alongside a vitamin and mineral supplement or balancer as it is not a fully balanced compound feed.

Alternatively, where carbohydrates are best avoided, for example in cases of laminitis or azoturia, oil is an excellent source of non-heating calories. Baileys Outshine is a unique extruded supplement which contains 26% oil, alongside key supporting nutrients which aid its efficient utilisation. It offers an easyto-use alternative to straight oil which can prove unpalatable when fed in significant quantities.

The length of time the horse will be on box rest and his current feeding regime will determine how significantly his diet needs to be altered. For short term box rest, concentrates should be reduced by about two thirds and “top dressed” with Lo-Cal or Performance Balancer, to maintain protein and micro-nutrient levels.

If the horse on long term box rest requires concentrates to maintain condition, a gradual change can be made to a lower energy feed, like Baileys Racing Light Mix THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Feeding to Heal Correct nutrition can actually aid healing by providing the nutrients required for tissue development; amino acids, for example, are the building blocks of protein and are components of all body cells. Some “essential” amino acids must be supplied by the horse’s diet, as his body cannot manufacture them, and these are particularly important for soft tissue repair eg. muscle and tendon.

With the exception of alfalfa, forages tend not to contain sufficient quality protein to supply essential amino acids, so feeding a balancer should ensure the horse doesn’t go short. Baileys Alfalfa Blend is a combination of alfalfa, soft green oat straw and clover so can be fed to replace some of the forage ration and will supply quality protein as well as fibre.

Vitamins are essential for body functions and minerals are also integral in cell and tissue structure and vital for the healing process. An easy option for the healing horse at grass, or even the box or barn resting horse, is to supply these as a molassed broad spectrum lick which allows free choice access. So cutting down the feed for a convalescing horse need not mean cutting down on nutrients; reducing calorie intake in response to reduced workload is essential but the maintenance of other nutrients is equally important in order to support successful healing.

For information and advice contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Summer Issue !"#$

DIAR 2019 REVIEW All the results and comment from the entire DIAR series and the UK seasons' highlight at Newbury.

Plus a look ahead to the forthcoming UAE season with Champion Owner and Trainer, Kahlid Khalifa Al Nabooda and Ernst Oertel.

And a report from the Malek Stud in Tunisia.

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The Final Furlong History repeating?

Pictured is Avez De Pine under Andrea Fele winning the Premio Shadwell Arabian Stallions Conditions Stakes for three-year-olds as part of DIAR at Capannelle in Rome on April 28.

Avez De Pine is owned and bred by Razza de Pine Stud based in Northern Italy, and is a son of AF Albahar. Razza De Pine's owner, Mattia

Cadrobbi is passionate about breeding racehorses and has been since childhood. He hopes that the Endo Botti trained colt will run in the DIAR International Stakes Gr3PA, and emulate Urge Di Gallura, the first Italian trained winner to do the double in 2016, also for Botti. He came close to DIAR success last year with the filly Eiman Du Loup who won in Rome and was subsequently third in the Hatta International Gr1PA.

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