The Arabian Racehorse Summer 2019

Summer Issue !"#$

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

DIAR 2019 Series UK Group Races

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 Summer Issue - 2019

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News

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Dubai Arabian International Races 2019

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Qatar International Stakes - Goodwood

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HH Sheikh Zayed Cup - Windsor

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Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes - Newbury

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President of the UAE Cup - UK Arabian Derby - Doncaster

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Stud Focus - Malek Stud

Front cover: Gazwan and Olivier Peslier wins a second Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr 1 PA) at DIAR 2019

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Stable Focus - Olivier Trigodet

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Feeding For Healing

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Equine MediRecord

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The Final Furlong - Jiyush

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

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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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DEB MIHALOFF - AJC TENT OF HONOUR 2019 The Arabian Jockey Club honors outstanding horses with induction into the Arabian Jockey Club Hall of Fame and outstanding individuals into the Arabian Jockey Club Tent of Honor. Only 25 individuals have been inducted into the prestigious Tent of Honor. That number now climbs to 26 with the induction of long-time breeder, owner, and passionate Arabian racing supporter, Deborah Mihaloff of Cre Run Farm on Saturday evening, August 31, 2019.

Deborah, along with her husband, Alan Kirshner, rank number one overall in the categories of Leading Breeder by Earnings (nearly $3.5 million as of June 2019) and Leading Owner by Earnings (over $2.8 million as of June 2019) over the course of their active 40-year breeding career. These figures surpass that of notable historic programs such as Darley Stud and Magness

Racing Ventures and do not reflect additional figures associated with their part ownership in the legends DA Adios and Flaming Tron Ku. But most of all, Deborah is appreciated in the Arabian racing community for her bright smile, endless class, honesty and integrity, and overwhelming generosity.

Deborah Mihaloff receiving a HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Award from Sami Al Boenain

Deborah Mihaloff with Tron Ku Tu (US) (Flaming Tron Ku+/ x MHF Dalsinay) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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GAZWAN SET TO RETIRE TO STUD AFTER QATAR ARABIAN WORLD CUP Al Shahania Stud announced that their globe-trotting multi-million dollar PA Group 1 winner will be retiring to stud for the 2020 season. His final appearance will be in the Qatar Arabian World Cup to be run at ParisLongchamp on Sunday 6 October.

Trained throughout his career by Julian Smart, Gazwan increased his total of PA Group 1 wins to seven following a second win in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes at DIAR Newbury in July.

The announcement circulated on social media in September stated that he wil cover a limited book in his first season, for approved black type producing mares only.

This is in contrast to their last PA Group 1 winner to retire to stud in Assy, to whom they iniitally offered free nominations.

By Amer, Gazwan is a full brother to useful PA Group placed perfomer and now sire in the USA, Rathowan and has a pedigree packed with PA Group 1 success. Their dam, Arc De Ciel is by Djendel, both are winners of the HH The Amir Sword, a race that Gazwan has won twoce. She is a halfsister to trainer Smart's first Qatar Arabian World Cup winner Areej, and to the multiple Group 1PA winner Asra Min Albarq, both are by Amer. www.alshahaniastud.com

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SAUDI CUP TO INCLUDE ARABIAN RACE The world’s richest horse race – the US$20m Saudi Cup – will have a glittering support card with two more exciting races, one of which will be for Arabians, which was announced on Monday 30th September, bringing the total prize fund to US$29.2 million. And, at a special event in Riyadh, HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, told some 300 racing professionals and media, how each and every race would be contended by horses trained in the Kingdom as well as by the world’s best.

The Arabian race added to the card run at the state-of-the-art King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on February 29th, 2020, is an international race for Arabian horses to be contested over 2000m (10f) on dirt, worth US $1,900,000, for four-year-olds and up.

HRH Prince Bandar revealed that at least two places in each of the seven international races – including the US$20m Saudi Cup itself and the three races on the new turf course at King Abdulaziz Racetrack – would be reserved for Saudi-trained horses.

‘Our Saudi Cup day is providing all of us here in the racing community of Saudi Arabia with wonderful new opportunities,’ said HRH Prince Bandar.

‘For the first time, Saudi jockeys, trainers and owners will be able to pit their talents and their horses against some of the best in the sport.

The chance to compete against the world’s finest is the chance to learn from the best.

‘The Saudi Cup is about creating an iconic moment in the global racing calendar, but also – at its heart – it is about growing our sport in the Kingdom for the Kingdom.’

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia also disclosed details of the autumn race schedule and new rules regarding race day medication, bringing the Kingdom into line with other racing nations, including Britain, France, Ireland and Dubai.

HRH Prince Bandar is looking forward to the racing community reaching out to potential new fans. ‘Our people have raced their horses across the dunes for many centuries,’ he said.

‘Today, that passion is a mature sport with 50 years of organisation behind us. The Saudi Cup will help us demonstrate our sport to our fellow Saudis, and it is our hope that this marvellous day of sport will excite new generations with the thrill of racing.’

Entry details for the Saudi Cup and the seven races on the undercard At King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Saturday February 29th, 2020 All races close at midday on Tuesday January 7th, 2020 and are free to enter.

Once entered, horses will be invited and no fees will be payable.

All races will be limited to 14 starters. Lasix and Bute will not be allowed.

Shipment of invited horses will be arranged and paid for by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, which will also pay for stables, fodder, veterinary fees and farrier, and arrange and pay for flights and accommodation of connections.

AN INTERNATIONAL RACE FOR ARABIANS 2000m (10f) on dirt Total race value: $1,900,000 $1,140,000 to the winning horse. The second to receive $380,000, the third $190,000, the fourth $95,000, the fifth $57,000 the sixth $38,000.

For four-year-olds and up.

Weights: 57kg Fillies allowed 2kg www.thesaudicup.com

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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 Go to www.aroracing.co.uk on the 2019 Arabian racing season for UK further information +44 (0) 1635 524 445

info@aroracing.co.uk

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Dubai International Arabian Races 2019 The continuing success of the Dubai InternationaI Arabian Races prep series across Europe resulted in an increase in international runners at the Arabian Racing Organisation's seasonal highlight DIAR 2019 held at Newbury on 28th July.

The concept of a day of international Arabian racing initiated by ARO and DIAR patron HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum continues to gain momentum with the conclusion of another highly successful DIAR season, which resulted in both a very enjoyable days racing and the opportunity to witness some of the best Arabian racehorses in training.

ARO and the DIAR committee were delighted with the increase in international runners and by the crowd of 7,400 who were present to witness the eight-race card.

The 153 entries received produced 71 runners, of which 24 were international contenders, whilst the declarations also included seven DIAR prep race winners and nine horses who were placed in the prep races across Europe.

Also a new addition for the fixture was the inaugural DIAR Leading Trainer Award sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds. Trainers received points down to sixth place in each race with the winner, James Owen receiving a cheque for ÂŁ1000 presented by Baileys representative Mark Buchan.

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Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director, commented: “The success of DIAR and the prep race series was evident in the number of entries received and in particular, the significant increase in international horses declared. It confirms that the appetite for international Arabian racing at the highest level continues to expand and which we at ARO are pleased to encourage as it is part of HH Sheikh Hamdan’s vision for the day.

“The day never fails to produce competitive racing of the highest quality, and to see Gazwan, one of the best Arabians in the world, regain his title in the feature race was a highlight, as he began his stellar career racing under ARO rules as a threeyear-old at this very track. It was also pleasing to welcome new trainers, both international and domestic to the DIAR winners enclosure in Frederic Sanchez, Peter Deckers, James Owen and Anthony Holdsworth and hope that they will all be back again in 2020.”

Concluding she said: “We thank HH Sheikh Hamdan, the DIAR committee, Shadwell Stud, all our sponsors, Newbury racecourse, Sportsguide and Equine Creative Media for their ongoing commitment to DIAR. We also thank the owners, trainers, jockeys and officials for making the day such a success and we look forward to their support for the 2020 fixture.”

Richard Lancaster, James O'Donnell and HH Sheikh Hamdan in the paddock

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Capannelle, Italy 28 April The new season began for Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) at Capannelle racecourse on the outskirts of Rome in Italy on Sunday April 28. The ninerace mixed card of Purebred Arabian and thoroughbred races included the fourth running of the Premio Dubai International Arabian Races 2019 (Listed PA) as well as the Italian 1000 and 2000 Guineas (Gr3) for thoroughbreds.

DIAR have been sponsoring domestic Arabian racing in Italy for a number of years, where the appetite for the sport has been growing over the last decade. DIAR supported the Italian Arabian racing and breeding governing body ANICA (Associazione Nationale Italiana Cavallo Arabo) and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture when they applied for membership of IFAHR (International Federation of Arabian Horse Haring) which was granted in October 2015.

Following this historic step forward for Arabian racing in Italy, DIAR were also honoured to be able to sponsor the first international IFAHR authorised pattern race in the country: the Premio Dubai International Arabian Races 2016 (Listed PA) run over 1900m for four-year-olds and upwards. The race was run in May 2016 and won by the Royal Cavalry of Oman's Vulcain Du Clos.

Mirza Al Sayegh, Chairman of Shadwell commented on the day: "We were delighted to be back in Rome this year and the day is now firmly established in the DIAR calendar, a point emphasised by the number and quality of runners coming from all over Europe. “The prep series are staged to encourage participation at the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury in July and it was fantastic to hear the connections of both Bayan and Avez De Pine state they plan to run their horses at the meeting this year.�

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Kanaan (FR) and Sylvain Ruis The feature race, the 2000m Premio Dubai International Arabian Races 2019 (Listed PA), was won impressively by Kanaan ridden by Sylvain Ruis, for trainer Didier Guillemin. This was the third consecutive win and the second at Listed level, for the the four-year-old son of Saraab, who is a half-brother to the Group 1 winning fillies, Joudh and Mabrooka. Six and a half lengths behind in second was Mashhur Al Khalediah and a further one and a quarter lengths in third was Salam Al Khalediah.

Thierry Delegue, racing manager for owner-breeders YAS Horse Management, was delighted with the colt's performance saying: "I think he will go to the Derby in Chantilly now. We wanted to see how much he had improved over the winter and we are very happy, his turn of foot was very, very impressive, particularly against older horses.

"He may go to Dubai Day, though we may keep to races for four-year-old for now, so the UK Arabian Derby at Doncaster may also be an option, later in the year."

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Kanaan (FR)

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Bayan (FR) and Sylvain Ruis keep Jadeeda (FR) at bay

This was the second win for YAS Horseracing Management as their fouryear-old filly Bayan had won the opening contest, the Premio Taajer - UAE Embassy Conditions Stakes, another 2000m contest for four year olds an upwards, though confined to fillies and mares. Bayan led the field from start to finish and though was strongly pressed by Jadeeda in the closing stages, the pair finished clear of Manou Taouy in third.

Bayan was also ridden by Ruis, but is trained by Frederic Sanchez. Afterwards Delegue commented: "With this filly we hope to go to Newbury, she is a good filly who was second in a Group 1 last year.

Sylvain Ruis with Theirry Delegue and Mirza Al Sayegh

"The DIAR Series is perfect. We came to Italy with two horses and will go next at La Teste, where we hope to run two or three horses and then go on to Newbury."

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Avez De Pine (IT) and Andrea Fele

The Premio Shadwell Arabian Stallions Conditions Stakes was run over 1500m and was confined to three-year-olds. This was a second win in the race for Razza de Pine, whose Avez De Pine won by one and three quarter lengths from Dagui Lotois, just ahead of Amour in third.

Mattia Cadrobbi was pleased with his homebred colt commenting: "We are based in the North of Italy, near Germany, we hope to take this colt to Newbury for the DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA) in July."

Trained by Italy's foremost Arabian trainer, Endo Botti, Avez De Pine is an attractive son of AF Albahar, out of Razza Di Gallura, from the family of previous DIAR International Stakes winner, Urge Di Gallura, who Botti also trained. Razza Di Gallura is by Dormane out of a sister to Group 1 PA winner and sire, Zefiro De Nulvi, so is a direct descendent of Fantasia, dam of Akbar, who ended his final years at the Razza De Pine.

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the Arabian horse."

Stockholm, Sweden 16 June The Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) prep series moved on to Sweden, to Bro Park racecourse on the outskirts of Stockholm on Sunday June 16. The tenrace mixed card of Purebred Arabian and thoroughbred races included the DIAR Stockholm Arabian Cup (Gr3PA), which has been under the DIAR banner since 2016, as well as the Swedish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, and the Stockholm Stora Pris (Gr3) for thoroughbreds.

Representing the UAE Embassy was Mohammed bin Jasim bin Khalfan, who also presented the prizes in the first race, the UAE Embassy Trophy. He was delighted with the day saying:"I came last year and we can see how popular the day is becoming with the people of Stockholm.

The DIAR series is an important way for them to see and appreciate the qualities of

Arabian Marketing and Nominations Coordinator, Marion Lachat, who was representing Shadwell and the DIAR Committee said:"The team at Bro Park and at Svensk Galopp have done a fantastic job over the last four years since we began sponsoring in Sweden in raising the profile of Arabian racing here. The quality of the horses competing has improved and we saw some very competitive finishes this afternoon."

She continued:"We are delighted to be associated with one of the biggest racedays in Sweden and we are looking forward to welcoming the horses and their connections to Newbury on July 28 for DIAR."

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The feature race, was the 1800m DIAR Stockholm Arabian Cup (Gr3PA), which produced a terrific finish with barely a length covering the three horses at the line. Ayman ridden by Fedrik Janetzky prevailed by half a length from long-time leader Salam Al Kalediah, with Jaldi Karo just a short head away in third.

Both Ayman and Jaldi Karo are trained Maria Hagman-Eriksson who was overjoyed with her two horses said:"It's unbelievable, I'm so happy. Of course I would like to come to Newbury with Ayman. He's a really nice horse, I got him when he just turned four last season and he won five races for me. This is his second win this year, the entries for Newbury close on Tuesday so I will look to see what will suit him best."

Ayman is from the second crop of General and is the most successful offspring to date of his dam Basilic D’Ellios. She is out of a half-sister to Ballade Folle so is from the family of multiple Group 1 PA winner and sire Dahore De Brugere, UK PA Derby winner Mahess Du Soleil and recent Group 3 PA winner Amyr du Soleil.

From left to right: Jaldi Karo (GB), Ayman (FR) and Salam Al Khalediah (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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The meeting opened with the UAE Embassy Trophy Stakes, a handicap run over 1200m for four-year-olds an upwards.

This was won in impressive style by the four-year-old colt Assuan, ridden by Elione Chaves, who finished well clear of Poloniz and Afja'an.

Trained by Camilla Nilsson for Abdulla Al Mansoori, she had only taken over training the colt in December and felt she was still finding out more about him. However she felt that the competition at DIAR would be strong and may come to soon in the colt's career.

Mohammed bin Jasim bin Khalfan with Camilla Nilsson

She said: "He is a tough horse and he's brave. He is progressing well, the first race he ran for me was over 2100m and the trip was too far but over 12 to 1600m like today, that suits him well. I will look at the race conditions for DIAR at Newbury now, we may find a race for him there, we'll see."

Assuan is by Dahess out of the twice placed mare Anguilla and is the mares first known winner.

Assuan (FR) and Ernesto Chavez THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Cleopathre (FR) and Andreas Tapia Dalbark snatch success

The DIAR International Fillies & Mares Conditions Stakes was run over 1600m for three-year-olds and upwards. The crowds cheered another close finish with Cleopathre just winning by a head in a photo, from Anood Al Kahlediah.

Ridden by Andreas Tapia Dalbark for owner-trainer Annalie Kristina Eriksson, this is the second win for the five-year-old mare.

Eriksson is a very dedicated handler as she explained:"I train three hours North from here, but come to Bro Park to do all their fast work. I only have two horses in training, this one and Eastway who ran in the Stockholm Cup. I will definitely look at the DIAR races and hopefully I will bring her to Newbury in July."

A daughter of Nizam, Cleopathre is out of the Dormane mare, Zenhobie. A granddaughter of Cherifa, she is a full sister to Redjila, dam of Group 1 PA winner Aba’ath.

Right: Annalie Kristina Eriksson with Marion Lachat

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Richard Lancaster interviewed in the paddock before racing La Teste de Buch, France 2 July The Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) prep series arrived in France, to La Teste racecourse in the Gironde region on Tuesday 2nd July. The nine-race mixed card included three Purebred Arabian races as well as four Flat races and two jump races for thoroughbreds.

The feature race for the Arabians was the Shadwell - Criterium des Pouliches (Gr2PA), supported by the Shadwell Coupe du SudOuest des Pur-Sang Arabes (Gr3PA), both over 1900m, as well as the Shadwell - Prix Bengali D'Albret for three-year-olds over 1400m.

Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster was delighted with the competitive nature

of the racing saying:"We are very pleased to be back at La Teste, all the staff at the racecourse have made a tremendous effort to ensure this day is a success and every year it exceeds our expectations."

Continuing he said:"The quality of the races this year was outstanding and we were delighted to see such a large number of runners declared with every race producing a close finish."

Shadwell Arabian Marketing and Nominations Co-ordinator, Marion Lachat said:"We would like to thank the French owners and breeders for their support of the races here at La Teste and it was also a great pleasure to meet some of the breeders who have supported our stallions this year."

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Aksinya (FR), Al Ryma Monlau (FR) and Jaazmah Athbah (FR) The Shadwell - Criterium des Pouliches (Gr2PA), for fillies and mares was won by Al Ryma Monlau ridden by Julien Auge for trainer Olivier Trigodet and owner-breeder Robert Bourdette, from Aksinya and Jaazmah Athbah in a very close finish. The four-year-old daughter of Runner was a winner of the three-year-old race here last year on her debut and also on her seasonal debut this year when she won the Prix Nefta (Gr2PA) at Toulouse.

This is the fillies' second win at this level and Bourdette is keen for her to progress in Group company. How she comes out of the race will determine her next target and whilst he would consider the Hatta International, he may wait for the Prix Nevadour (Gr3PA) back at this track in August, with the ultimate aim being Longchamp in October.

Al Ryma Monlau is the first produce for her sire Runner and for her dam, Bidaya. Both were foaled in the UAE, Runner is by Tahar De Candelon, whilst Bidaya is by Nez D’Or and is from a Tunisian damline.

Richard Lancaster presenting the trophy to Robert Bourdette

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Ebraz (GB) and Pierre Charles Boudout

This was followed by the Shadwell Coupe du Sud-Ouest des Pur-Sang Arabes (Gr3PA), for four year olds and upwards which produced another tight finish requiring a photo to announce Ebraz as the winner.

This was also a second victory in this race for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani colt, who won in 2017. Ridden on this occasion by Pierre-Charles Boudot, the six-year-old overcame a poor start and had to come around the field in the home straight, taking the lead within the last 200m. He just held on from last year's winner, Taymour with Melabi half a length behind in third.

His trainer Julian Smart was delighted for his horse saying:"That was very close, it just shows what a good horse he is. As soon as he got to the front, he was pulling himself up. It's lovely to come here and win it again with the same horse. For me it just goes to show that the more time you can give these Arabians the longer their careers can be."

Richard Lancaster presenting the trophy to Julian Smart

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Najaih (FR) and Ioritz Mendizabal The first Arabian race on the card was the Shadwell - Prix Bengali D'Albret for three-year-olds, which was well supported with 14 runners, including Min'ha, a No Risk Al Maury half-sister to Assy, and Amir Al Zaman, a Hilal Al Zaman half-brother to Al Shamoos and Muneera.

The race was won by Najaih for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, ridden by Ioritz Mendizabal and trained by Frederic Sanchez. Hilal Al Cham and Mansoura Al Cham filled the places.

Speaking on behalf of her husband, Mrs Sanchez said that they would now consider taking the filly to Newbury to run in the DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA) for threeyear-olds. Which is a race the Royal Cavalry won last season with Tahirwah and the season before with Riyam.

This was the filly's fourth start of her career and she gives her sire , the Royal Cavalry of Oman's Group 1 PA winner Josco Du Cayrou his first success of his stallion career.

Richard Lancaster presenting the trophies to Ioritz Mendizabal and Stephanie Sanchez

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Chepstow and Newbury, UK The UK season began for Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) at Newbury racecourse in Berkshire on Thursday 13 June. The first of five UK prep races, the DIAR 2019 Sprint Stakes was a conditions event over 6f.

Newbury also hosted three further prep races, two over 1m2f for four year olds and up, plus one confined to three year olds over 7f.

The DIAR (0-105) Premier Handicap over 1m4f had to be rescheduled following heavy overnight rain causing waterlogging at Chepstow.

ARO Commercial and Finance Director, Genny Haynes commented:"The DIAR prep series has once again proved to be a great success across Europe, beginning in Italy in April and continuing in Sweden, France and of course the UK, it has been a very welcome initiative by HH Sheikh Hamdan and the DIAR committee for the sport."

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The DIAR 2019 Sprint Stakes was won by Kao Kat MHF ridden by Sean Levey for Beverley Deutrom and her Pharitz Arabians.

She was also responsible for the second, Storm Troupour, ridden by amateur jockey, David Turner. Mith'haf Athbah and Tadhg O'Shea were third for Athbah Racing KSA, trained by Phil Collington.

Though now 10 years old, Kao Kat MHF showed he still retains plenty of ability, as he is a previous course winner of the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr2PA) over 5f in 2016, and was also second that year to Radames in the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za'abeel Stakes (Gr1PA). He is also a former DIAR winner too, as he won the NAIP (0-75) Handicap, traditionally the last race on the DIAR card in 2015.

He's very game and and I'm really pleased with the race he ran today. He may go to Belgium on Sunday, we'll see how he is."

Deutrom's success reflects the truly international flavour of DIAR, as she trains in the UK, though frequently spends winters with a small team in Dubai. Both her horses are American bred, but are by French stallions, who stood in the USA under the Shadwell Arabian Stallions banner in Kaolino and Nivour De Cardonne.

Deutrom was naturally very proud of both her horses saying: "I've always known that Kao Kat was a good horse. He had a splint last year, which held him back on the firm ground, so we've just had to wait with him.

Kao Kat MHF (US) and Sean Levey THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Rafeef (FR) and Ellie Mackenzie The Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) Prep Series continued in the UK with the rescheduled DIAR (0-105) Premier Handicap over 1m4f at Chepstow on Monday June 24.

Rafeef was a ready winner, ridden by Ellie Mackenzie and trained by James Owen for her owner-breeder, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The pair finished clear of the proven stayer Saleemah, also for His Highness, with Hau Kola for John Elliot in third.This was a first win for Rafeef this season having been a neck second to her half-sister Farhaa over a mile on Wolverhampton's Tapeta surface earlier in the month.

Owen was pleased with his fillies' performance saying: "We took her to

Belgium for her first run this year and she had a nightmare trip, slipping on the bend and got going far too late. The we ran her here and I was so disappointed with her, but the form of that race has worked out quite well and I think a mile on decent ground was probably a bit too quick for her.

"We put the visor on her at Wolverhampton as she was running to help Farhaa really, as there were not many entries in that race and she ran really well for Antonia Peck.

That was a conditions race so she didn't go up in the weights, making her well handicapped here, though I do think that the step up in trip and easier ground helped too."

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The series resumed the following day at Newbury racecourse, home of DIAR, with the DIAR 2019 International Stakes which was won by Al Kaaser ridden by Mark Dwyer, who was also trained by James Owen for his owner-breeder, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Finishing well from off the pace was his other runner Farhaa, to be second, whilst Hizaam was third for the Royal Cavalry of Oman. This was a second win of for the five-year-old son of Munjiz who clearly appears to have benefitted from being gelded over the winter, as he is unbeaten in two starts this year, having won over 2 miles at Doncaster at the start of the month.

" I've always thought he had a bit of class and he looked straight forward tonight.

Martin was delighted with him, they didn't go very fast, but he was in the right position throughout the race and he kept galloping on well, even after they past the post. I'm pleased that he has shown he can win over this trip against good horses and he has more options for DIAR now."

Speaking after the race Owen commented:"Al Kaaser, I loved him last year, but he just got beat a couple of times he got stuck in the mud here on DIAR - and was a bit colty. At Doncaster I thought he would win easily, but he only just won and I felt he looked a bit laboured, even with the cheekpieces, so we worked him in a visor and he worked really well.

Al Kaaser (FR) and Martin Dwyer THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Almuataz (GB) and Ellie Mackenzie The DIAR 2019 Juvenile Stakes was won

by Almuataz ridden by Ellie Mackenzie for his owner-breeders, the Royal Cavalry of Oman. They won by a head from long-time leader Mustafeed, who was also the only runner with previous racecourse experience, with Jamrah Athbah finishing third - the same position as her sister Shomoos Athbah, in 2017.

Almuataz was ridden by former ARO Champion Novice Jockey, Ellie Mackenzie who turned professional at the end of the 2018 ARO season. She has had considerable luck with the Royal Cavalry's juveniles, having won this race with Ensiab last year, and the DIAR International Stakes (then a Group 2 PA) two years ago with Riyam.

Trainer Said Al Badi was unable to be present, however Captain Salim Al Hakmani, who manages the Royal Cavalry's racehorse overseas commented:"We started this horse in January and have brought him along slowly, with the aim of running in this race. Our horses arrived at Wargrave Manor in May, mostly young ones - we brought eight three-year-olds as the UK is a great place to get them started.

We have many friends here and we are very happy to be in England and run the horses with ARO."

She commented :"I was really pleased with him, he was quite green, but he should come on leaps and bounds for that. I'm really looking forward to riding him in the future. The race didn't quite go to plan as I had intended to be up there on the pace, be we didn't get the jump I wanted and I had to stoke him up a bit to get him into a position to challenge. He should stay further than this I think and he's done it well in the end."

Almuataz is a full brother to Laheeb, a winner of five races from 6f to 1m2f in Oman, he was also second in the UAE Embassy in London International Stakes, the conditions race at DIAR last year.

Mackenzie had been part of the colt's preparation saying:"I have been riding out there this spring, it's a fantastic place at Wargrave and I love going in. I've been very lucky with my rides under rules since turning professional, long may it continue."

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Mehdaaf Athbah (GB) and Tadhg O'Shea The final race of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) Prep Series was run at Newbury on July 11th and was won by Mehdaaf Athbah trained by Phil Collington for Athbah Stud KSA, ridden by Tadhg O’Shea. The DIAR 2019 International Stakes was the second of two DIAR prep races to be held over the same 1m2f (2000m) course as the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA), the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA) and the UAE Embassy in London International Stakes.

"He's pricked his ears and waited on them, but thankfully he had enough in reserve.

He's going to improve as that was his first run in Europe."

O'Shea who had previously won on Mehdaaaf Athbah at Chepstow and Mons [Belgium] said:"He's a lovely big horse. I had to play my cards little bit early as Martin Dwyer on Awzaan made his move on my outside and I wanted to keep it simple, as it's obviously a prep race for him for HH Sheikh Hamdan's big day here at the end of the month.

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Emirates Premier Handicap Stakes 1m (50-90) 4yo+ AL AZEEZA (FR) (4 f Munjiz x Ouassila Thabet (Akbar)) Owner & Breeder: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Trainer: James Owen Jockey: Jim Crowley

The first race of DIAR, the Emirates Premier Handicap was notable for trainer James Owen, not just as it provided his first DIAR success with Al Azeeza, but he also trained the placed horses, Naishaan and Farhaa.

Naishaan under Tadhg O’Shea had set the pace, however she was unable to repel the challenge of her stablemate Al Azeeza, who took up the race in the final furlong drawing easily clear by three lengths in the hands of Jim Crowley. Farhaa had every chance, but she lacked the pace of the

winner and finished a neck behind Naishaan in third, ridden by Bryony Frost.

Owen was delighted with the result, saying: “At last! We had three nice fillies in the race, all three were clear of the rest. The four-year-olds, Al Azeeza and Farhaa will both improve for a step up in trip now.

Naishaan, obviously she’s got loads of ability and it was great to see her back to form, running well. I’m really pleased with all of them.”

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The race is usually won by an improving younger horse, so it was no surprise to see Al Azeeza step up on her previous efforts.

She had begun her career in France, trained by Francois Rohaut for HH Sheikh Hamdan, where from five starts she had been placed over 1900m in the Prix Nez D’Or. She was an easy winner on her UK debut in May and though unsuited by the very soft ground in her next outing dropped back to six furlongs in the DIAR Sprint Stakes, the return to a mile and quicker ground made all the difference.

year to subsequent Kahayla Classic winner, MIzzna. Al Azeeza is her fifth produce and the best to date.

Al Azeeza was bred in France by His Higness and is a daughter of Munjiz. Her dam Ouassila Thabet (Akbar) won the 2007 Hatta International Stakes (Gr 1PA) over 1m2f, having been second the previous

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UAE Embassy in London International Stakes 1m2f 3yo+ KAIR AL CHAM (FR) (4 c Dahess x Al Ryma (Akbar)) Breeder: Hassan Mousli, Nadia Mousali, Faiz Al Elweet Owner: Al Shaqab Racing Trainer: Thomas Fourcy Jockey: Jean-Bernard Eyquem

It was Owen’s team of Emiraaty and Al Kaaser who set the tempo in the next race, but they were no match for the overseas challengers who dominated the finish. Kair Al Cham ridden by Jean-Bernard Eyquem, raced handily in the early stages and when asked, quickened clear impressively, leaving more than four lengths between him and his nearest challenger Saleh at the line. Saleh didn’t have the clearest of runs early on and though was no match for the winner, the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s colt was well clear of Afja’an in third.

This was a second DIAR win for Thomas Fourcy, having won the 2017 Za’abeel with Lwsail in the same colours of Al Shaqab Racing. Prior to the race Fourcy had said: “Kair Al Cham is good and he is progressing every time he runs, but he is not a champion, he’s a level below, so he is in his grade here.”

Afterwards Fourcy was pleased with the colt saying: “I’m very happy with the way the race went, he found it very easy today.”

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Kair Al Cham is by the multiple Group winner and three-time Za’abeel International Stakes winner Dahess, out of Al Ryma, an Akbar half-sister to the stallions Al Saoudi (Nuits St Georges) and Azadi (Darike). Al Ryma is also a half-sister to Arwa (Nuits St Georges) dam of Al Mourtajez (Dahess) and Al Moutawakila (Al Sakbe), as well as Al Ryme (Kesberoy) dam of fellow Za'abeel International winners Al Mouhannad and Al Chammy, who are both

by Nizam.

Kair Al Cham has since gone on to win again over 2000m , this time gaining a first pattern victory in the President of the UAE Cup (Gr3PA) at Duindigt on 8 September, ridden by Jerome Cabre.

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DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA) 7f 3yo METHGAL (FR) (3 c TM Fred Texas x Theeba (Amer)) Owner & Breeder: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trainer: Julian Smart Jockey: Olivier Peslier

There was another impressive winner in the first of the four PA Group races of the afternoon, when Methgal showed an impressive turn of foot to draw clear of the field in the DIAR International Stakes.

Having experienced some traffic problems early on, the three-year-old son of rising stallion star TM Fred Texas won by six lengths in the hands of Olivier Peslier, for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani.

This was a second win in the race for trainer Julian Smart who had last been successful

with Aden in the same colours back in 2016. After the race he commented: “I was kicking myself for running Methgal at Chantilly as under prepared as he was, but I didn’t see it. Even after 20 years of training these horses they are still a challenge, but that is the beauty of it. " “We all thought he was good, which is why I ran him first time out in a Group race at Chantilly. I did the same with Ebraz and with Shabih Al Reeh.

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"This was 7f straight, rising ground all the time, just like at home where we train in France, it’s exactly the same. I figured we’d take a chance, as after the way he galloped last week on the grass with Ebraz and Gazwan, he could not be as bad as he was at Chantilly, so I am absolutely elated for the little horse.”

good sire and his mother Theeba is a full sister to Ebraz.”

Methgal has since been fifth behind Amyr Du Soleil in the French Arabian Breeder's Challenge (Gr2PA) over 2000m and will reoppose on Friday in Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains at Saint-Cloud.

Considering the colt’s next assignment he said: “Sheikh Mohammed already has an incredibly smart three-year-old colt in France [Amyr Du Soleil], so he may not want to run them together. Methgal has won this really well and he should improve again. It was pretty much hands and heels from Olivier, but he ran away from a good field, I think. He’s reversed the form with Freddy PY, though how good that was I’m not sure.

"After Chantilly it was definitely a bit of a gamble to come here. But he ran like the horse, I thought we might have seen at Chantilly. Fred Texas is proving to be a very

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Jebel Ali Racecourse Za'abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA) 6f 4yo+ CONCHITA DA (BE) (4 f AF Albahar x Schiva DA (Amer)) Breeder: Johan Verstrephen Owner & Trainer: Peter Deckers Jockey: Anna Van Den Troost

The Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes (Gr1PA) sprint was also dominated by the overseas runners. It produced a notable win for Conchita DA, as she became the first Belgian Group 1 PA winner for her owner-trainer Peter Deckers and her jockey, Anna Van Den Troost. She was also a first Group 1 PA winner for her breeder Johan Verstrepen, who also owned, bred and trained the third, El Zarka DA who is a full brother to the winner. The Swedish runner, Macallan was second.

DIAR Sprint prep winner Kao Kat MHF had led the field down the centre of the track, however despite good course form, having won there over a furlong less in the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr2PA) in 2016, he faded to last in the final two furlongs. This left MIth’haf Athbah in front however Conchita DA was far too strong and ran on well to finish two and a half lengths clear of Macallan.

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Both Van den Troost and Deckers were elated, with Deckers saying: “This is my first Group 1 runner and winner too. She was always good, we hoped for a place, but this is something very special.�

It was also a triumph for Verstrepen, who bred the winner and third from his Amer mare Schiva DA, both horses are by AF Albahar, who is also by Amer.

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Shadwell Arabain Stallions Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA) 1m2f 4yo+ BAYAN (FR) (4 f Munjiz x Mowafaka (Tidjani)) Breeder: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Owner: YAS Horseracing Management Trainer: Frederic Sanchez Jockey: Ioritz Medizabal

There was an emphatic win for Bayan in the Hatta International Stakes ridden by regular partner Ioritz Mendizabal. The YAS Horse Racing Management filly made all, collecting a DIAR bonus for her connections, having won the Italian DIAR prep race in Rome in April. R’ezala and Vivabaina filled the places, with Al Shamoos disappointing when placed under pressure and was eased down in fourth.

Delegue commented: “We are very happy.

Because she is a filly, we wait with her. Last year she was second in the fillies’ Group 1 at Saint-Cloud and this year we try to find something easier. The race in Italy was perfect and then she won a Group 2 in France, so this was our target today. She is really courageous, because it is a good stamina test at Newbury. We will wait now for the fillies’ race at Longchamp, she needs a rest now.”

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This was a first DIAR win with his first DIAR runner for trainer Frederic Sanchez who was delighted with his filly commenting: “The horses are in good form, but we were worried about Al Shamoos. The jockey rode a perfect race, waiting for the perfect moment to go, as she only has one pace.

She has won a Group 1 now, which is very good for her as she won a Group 2 last time. She has quality, but it is not easy to win these big races.”

A homebred for HH Sheikh Mansoor, like last year's Hatta winner Joudh, Bayan is by Munjiz and is the fourth foal of Mowafaka, who is an unraced Tidjani daughter of Amidou Douzaia (Cheri Bibi), whose six wins included the 1993 Prix Dragon.

Mowafaka is also a sister to Dahwa, dam of this year’s dual Derby winner Hayyan, who is also trained by Sanchez from his base in Pau.

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Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA) 1m2f 4yo+ GAZWAN (GB) (8 h Amer x Arc De Ciel (Djendel) Owner & Breeder: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trainer: Julian Smart Jockey: Olivier Peslier

In the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes HH Sheikh Mohammed’s eight-year-old stallion Gazwan joined the select band of dual winners of the race with an impressive performance of the highest quality. Having made his debut at the Newbury track as a three-year-old in 2014 he won this race for the first time the following year beating Djet Taouy.

Ridden for the first time by Olivier Peslier there was never any doubt of his superiority. Racing well within himself in midfield, he chased his former stablemate Shabih Alreej who was there to set the pace for Melabi, and readily quickened clear

when asked, under a hands and heels ride.

Finishing six lengths behind in second was Melabi, with Mehdaaf Athbah a further five lengths adrift in third.

Trainer Julian Smart was full of praise for his seven-time PA Group 1 winner, commenting: “Gazwan, he’s a superstar, what more do you want me to say. He’s a living legend. Gary Capewell asked me ‘what was the best horse I have trained’ and that was a really difficult to answer as I’ve trained some very good ones. He’s run with the best and beaten the best. He’s eight years old and he’s still going.

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He continued: “It’s taken a lot of work, we’ve got a new crew in France this summer and they’ve all come from thoroughbreds, so trying to get them to understand the pace of the training, it’s been very difficult, but it’s all come together now and they’ll be much better for it going forward.

looks fitter now at eight than he has done for a long time. I won’t run in the Dragon just to run, only if I think he needs it and then on to Longchamp for the World Cup.” However on Thursday 3 October it was announced that Gazwan had run his last race and was to be retired to stud.

“He’s eight years old and we only figured out two winters ago, when he didn’t have any sort of prep before the Amir Sword, and he won it. He’s had no prep race before this race and he’s won it emphatically. He’s not a horse that needs a lot of racing, when you train these big horses, you’ve got to give them downtime, somewhere in their programme, so he’s going to have a bit of down time now. He was in such good shape before he ran here, I was really happy with the way he was training, the way he looked and I think he

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Dubai Developments Premier Handicap Stakes 1m4f (0-105) 4yo+ THAMARAAT (FR) (5 m Munjiz x Aljazwa (Dormane)) Owner & Breeder: HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Trainer: Philip Collington Jockey: Tadhg O'Shea

There was a second consecutive win for trainer Phil Collington in what has become known as the ‘stayers race’ the Dubai Developments Premier Handicap. His 2018 winner Saleemah did not get the testing underfoot conditions that saw her triumph last year’s driving rain and on this occasion had to settle for fifth on the much quicker ground. However it was the improver, Thamaraat, under an enterprising frontrunning ride from UAE Champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea that stole the show.

He soon took up the running and stayed on

well for a four length win over the solid yardstick Hau Kola, who just kept Jadaayil at bay in third by a head.

Collington commented: “Thamaraat built on her win at Bath, which was pleasing, where we used slightly different tactics and head gear, so then we kept it similar for today. She got the fast ground which she’s shown that she likes and she backed it up.

It was really nice winner and a really good ride from Tadhg. Hopefully she can build on that again.”

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Thamaraat was the third winner on the day for the stallion Munjiz, after Al Azeeza and Bayan's wins. She is out of the Dormane mare Aljawza, who possed plenty of stamina herself, winning three times from

1m3f to 1m5f and was ridden in all those wins by Collington during his years as His Higness's retained amateur jockey.

Thamaraat is her sixth foal and her third winning produce to date.

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Emirates NBD Handicap Stakes 7f (40-75) 4yo+ POPSSTAR (GB) (8 m Dahess x Popidol Kossack (Marwan)) Breeder: Whitley Meadows Arabains Owner: Jill Irwin Trainer: Anthony Holdsworth Jockey: Martin Dwyer

The final race was a triumph for the small domestic owner-breeder. Poppstar, an eight-year old mare trained by Anthony Holdsworth for Jill Irwin of Whitley Meadows Arabians triumphed under a well-timed ride by Martin Dwyer. The pair just held off Marwarid by three quarters of a length, with Kork MHF a further three lengths off in third.

saying: “I can’t believe it, we’ve had a lot of bad luck one way or another, but the horse has been going a lot better, she’s now eight, the very first foal I bred. I had several others after that, but I decided we’d have another go with her this year and look at what has happened. I never thought we could win, with the calibre of the horses in that race today being really high. I was amazed to see her finishing like that.

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Popsstar was a second winner for Dahess at DIAR 2019 and is out of the Dutch mare Popidol Kossack (Marwan).

She had shown good form in her first season of racing, placing second on her debut over 1m2f, before winning her maiden dropped back to 6f. However she had a few setbacks which has meant her career had not progressed as expected, so her win at DIAR was a fitting reward fro the connections patience.

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Baileys Horse Feeds DIAR Leading Trainer 2019

Baileys Horse Feeds sponsored the inaugural DIAR leading Trainer Award for the trainer amassing the most points at DIAR 2019. Given the superb season James Owen has been having it was no surprise to see the Newmarket handler finish the day at the head of the leader board.

The points system operated throughout the day as follows: • • • • • •

Owen was presented with a cheque for £1,000 by Mark Buchan, Baileys Export Manager.

Baileys Horse Feeds have previously supported UK Arabian racing through sponsorship of Best Turned Out Awards and the leading trainer initiative was welcomed by ARO Commercial and Finance Director, Genny Haynes.

10 points to the winning trainer of each race 5 points to the second 4 points to the third 3 points to the fourth 2 points to the fifth 1 point to the sixth 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

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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Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) 1m 4yo+ EBRAZ (GB) (6 h Amer x Massamarie (Tidjani) Owner & Breeder: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trainer: Julian Smart Jockey: Maxime Guyon

Ebraz (GB) and Maxime Guyon

It was third time lucky for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Ebraz in the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) run at Goodwood on 31 July. This was the six-year-olds third appearance in the race and, having been runner-up for the past two years, he made amends with a thrilling two-and-three-quarter length win from the 2017 winner Tayf. Lightning Bolt, third last year, filled the same spot again.

The Qatar International Stakes is run as part of the Qatar Goodwood Festival and is now in its’ fifth year. The prize fund for the race is £400,000, with £200,000 to the winner, making it the most valuable race in the UK Arabian racing calendar, attracting 23 horses at the first entry stage. Of the eight

horses to declare, seven were PA Group winners and five were multiple Group 1 PA winners, including the first four home in 2018.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “Thanks to the high quality of the entries, this race always produces a spectacle that is the equal of any of the top thoroughbred races run at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. We were delighted with the runners this year, to have the so many of the world’s leading Arabians re-opposing in this race underlines the importance of its’ presence in our calendar. It also showcases our sport during an international week of racing which is a huge boost to its’ profile.”

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Above: Ebraz (GB) and Maxime Guyon go to post Below: Ebraz wins from Tayf (FR), Lightning Bolt (FR), Rodess Du Loup (FR) and Muraaqib (FR)

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Haynes continued. “It is an honour for ARO to stage international Arabian racing at this level for the fifth consecutive year. We thank Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, the Duke of Richmond and all the team at Goodwood and Fontwell racecourses for continuing to make this race a success.”

Trainer Julian Smart was delighted with his horses’ performance saying: "Obviously every Arabian trainer wants to win the big races and now I can cross this off my list. " It was a completely different Ebraz today.

He jumped from the stalls, sluggish. He's a horse that usually travels extremely well in

his races, on the bridle and I was wathcing Maxime's body language, he was niggling at him quite early so I was extremely worried. I thought for a moment we wouldn't be in the top three. Once Max got him into a bit of trouble, you could see Ebraz changed, all of a sudden he wanted to fight. Once he got him through the gap, he accelerated.

"Ebraz is a horse that travels in his race, on the bridle and once he gets to the front, he's done enough and he stops. Whereas today, he did nothing early on, fought his way through and accelerated away. Now that's a different Ebraz. As always with Arabians, they can be so unpredictable."

Ebraz (GB) and Maxime Guyon THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Smart continued: “This particular race is huge and we have won it now. The Qatar Goodwood Festival is a very prestigious meeting and to have an Arabian race here is very important as it gives us a wider audience. The prime objective for him, as for Gazwan who won on Sunday, is the Qatar World Cup, whether they'll race again beforehand, I think it's highly unlikely."

winners and now stallions, Mared Al Sahra and Mu'azzaz, he is also brother to Theeba, dam of his connections latest rising star in Methgal.

Winning jockey Maxime Guyon commented: “We have had a good race finally. The horse loves to battle so I preferred to come between horses. He can stop in front, but he showed a good turn of foot today.”

This was a fourth Group 1 PA win for Ebraz to add to his two HH The Amir Sword's (2017, 2019) and a never to be forgotten six length victory in the 2017 Prix Dragon at Chantilly. A full brother to the Group 1PA

Maxime Guyon and Julian Smart

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HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) 1m 4yo+ HAJRES (TN) (5 h Nizam x Tohfet Ennadhirine (Vent Dredy) Breeder: Haras Ahmed Essaid Owner: Emadadein Alhtoushi Trainer: Elilzabeth Bernard Jockey: Jean-Bernard Eyquem

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) enjoyed a busy two days hosting the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival at Royal Windsor racecourse on Sunday 11th and Monday 12th August. The culmination of the Festival’s races in the UK, the highlight was a win for Hajres in the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA), becoming the first Tunisian-bred winner of a Group 1

PA race in the UK. The following day Helen Böhler riding Kamikaze won the UK stage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR). The two-day mixed meeting had begun with UK stage of HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Pony Championship race, run as part of the Charles Owen Series, which was won by Megan Bevan.

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The prestigious HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) had attracted eight runners including the 2017 winner Mith’haf Athbah and four other Group winners from the UK, Sweden and France. The mile contest was the first Group 1 race ever to be held at Royal Windsor racecourse, who have previously hosted the ARO Cup (Gr3PA) and whose top race for thoroughbreds is the Winter Hill Stakes (Group 3).

The steady early pace was set by stable companions Storm Troupour and Kao Kat MHF, though entering the final furlong Storm Troupour’s run was fading and the Phil Collington trained pair of Mith’Haf Athbah and Mehdaaf Athbah were in a line with Macallan, with a fast finishing Hajres coming down the centre of the course. It was Hajres and Jean-Bernard Eyquem who proved the dominant force, pulling clear of

Mehdaaf Athbah and Swedish challenger Macallan, to win by three quarters of a length, with 2017 winner Mith’haf Athbah in fourth.

After the race Eyquem said: “We started well, but I did not want to be going too quickly too early. When the pace picked up, I felt I was getting there too soon, so I waited behind horses, until we got to the last furlong and then we go. I love this horse, he is good.”

Elizabeth Bernard who trains Hajres for Emadadein Althoushi from her base at La Teste in France commented: “I am so happy, this is the only horse I have for his owner, who is from Libya. Hajres was born and bred in Tunisia and he has won a Group 3 PA in France, a Group 3 PA in Morocco and now a Group 1 PA in England.

It is a wonderful achievement.”

Ebraz (GB) and Maxime Guyon THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Though Hajres races in the colours of Alhtoushi, his breeder Mohamed Essaied retains a few shares in the horse. Hajres became the first Tunisian bred to win a PA Group race in France when he won the Prix Dormane (Gr3PA) at La Teste in April and now holds the same unique place in UK Arabian racing history.

successful it should be noted that Tunisian breeders cite too much inbreeding as major problem in the soundness of their horses and as a result, outcrossing has become popular. Hajres, a son of Nizam, has proved this point, as has Issarab, the 2019 Grand Prix du Président de la République winner, who is by Kandar Du Falgas (see the Malek Stud feature).

The Haras Ahmed Essaied was founded in the 1940’s though the families’ association with horses goes back a decade earlier. In 1962 it relocated to Sidi Thabit and is renown in Tunisia with their bloodlines reaching around the globe, homebreds include Salama, the dam of Madjani. They now have 60 broodmares producing around 50 foals each year.

Like all serious producers of racehorses the aim is for classic success, particularly Tunisia’s most valuable race, the Grand Prix du Président de la République, which interestingly had been a race for Thoroughbreds until 1966. The Haras Ahmed Essaied recorded their first victory in 1967 and have dominated the race ever since.

Though their bloodlines have been

Hajres (TN) and Melody Bailleul THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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The ten-runner HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race featured jockeys from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK. The race produced a clear-cut win for Böhler and Kamikaze who finished nearly three lengths ahead of Zayin Zachilles, with Vindetta, trained like the winner by Adam Newey for the Almost All Partnership, in third.

This was 21-year-old Böhler’s first experience of riding Arabians, she is currently based in Cologne with former German champion jockey turned trainer Peter Schiergen. Talking of her experience she said: “I have no background in racing, though my parents took me racing as a child and then I started to help out with a local trainer, grooming and so on. Since then I have taken out my amateur jockey’s licence and this is my fourth winner today. I look forward to the experience of riding in the finals in November.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “We are delighted to

welcome back the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup to the UK and are proud that this is also the first Group 1 event that Royal Windsor racecourse has hosted. The win of the French-trained, Libyan-owned and Tunisian-bred Hajres continues to underline our commitment to international racing in the UK, which of course the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival also does so much to support around the world.

“We congratulate Helen Böhler achieving a win on her first ride on an Arabian in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race. ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya and we thank all the team at Royal Windsor racecourse for their efforts over the two days.

Continuing their commitment to the ARO stable staff, Racing Welfare sponsored the Best Turned Out Award for both Arabian races with a cash prize £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet presented to the winning grooms, Tina Collins (Mith’haf Athbah) and Becca Thomas (Kayclaire) by Lizzie Harris.

Kamikaze (GB) and Helen Böhler THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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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Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr3PA) 5f 4yo+ AWZAAN (FR) (8 g Al Saoudi x Ester Du Paon (Cheri Bibi) Owner & Breeder: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Trainer: James Owen Jockey: Martin Dwyer

The win of Awzaan in Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr 3 PA) run at Newbury racecourse on Saturday 17th August was a first PA Group win for trainer James Owen, for his jockey Martin Dwyer and for the sire Al Saoudi.

Also present in the field were Conchita DA and El Zarka DA, the first and third in the UK’s premier sprint, the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International (Gr1PA) held over a furlong further as part of DIAR at Newbury last month.

The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr 3 PA) has been held at Newbury racecourse since 2015 and after ten declarations, two of the past three winners in Macallan and Kao Kat MHF lined up, along with Shomoos Athbah, who had been runner-up for the past two seasons.

However, on rain softened ground it was Awzaan on his first attempt at the minimum trip who was a comfortable winner by three lengths from Conchita DA and El Zarka DA.

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Awzaan (FR) and Martin Dwyer Owen commented: “That was that was a bit of a shock actually, though we’ve always known Awzaan had ability, as he’s been Group 1 placed at a mile, we’ve always run him over staying trips. He’s grown up a lot this year though, I’ve always wanted to try him in blinkers, and I have at home, but he’s just not seemed tough enough to try it on the racecourse. He’s handled his races so much better this season, so we thought we’d give it a go over this trip and it’s worked the oracle.

However Awzaan is the third UK Group winner for his dam Ester Du Paon (Cheri Bibi) as she has also produced Jiyush (Manganate) winner of the Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA) and Aljard (Vert Olive) winner of the Jumirah International Stakes (Gr2PA), as well as three further winners.

"Even though he was slowly away here, he’s travelled really well in his race and all the way to the line. I hope we get to keep him in training next season as I think there are more options for him now.”

He continued: “It’s my first ever Group winner, hopefully the first of many. I’m delighted for Martin as well, he’s enjoying riding the Arabians and his feedback is fantastic.”

Bred by HH Sheikh Hamdan, Awzaan is a first PA Group winner for his sire Al Saoudi (Nuits St Georges x Fatzica) who is a full brother to Arwa (dam of Al Mourtajez).

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Sultanate of Oman Day Wolverhampton 18th August

Mohammed Al Hashmi, Barry Adams, General Sarhan Alzedi, Felicity Marshall, James, Phil, Sophie, Sheila and Teddy Collington After the Royal Cavalry of Oman sponsored Clarendon Stakes at Newbury, the action transferred to Wolverhampton racecourse the following day for the annual Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday, which in the past has been held at Chelmsford City, Chepstow, Huntingdon, Salisbury and Royal Windsor.

Fifty-five runners were declared for the sixrace card, and attending to present the trophies on both days was the Royal Cavalry’s Director General Sarhan Alzedi, assisted by Mohamed Al Hashmi, Racing Manager of the Royal Horse Racing Club in Oman and Salim Al Hakmani, Director of Activities and Racing Department.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and

Finance Director commented: “It has been a wonderful weekend of racing for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, who have been a loyal and generous supporter of UK Arabian racing for over ten years. The Clarendon Stakes is the most valuable of all the Royal Cavalry’s race sponsorship with us and took place in front of a near sell-out crowd at Newbury.

"We were pleased to welcome runners from Belgium and Sweden who have been successful at Newbury before, proving that Arabian racing in the UK can support international competition and this comes on the back of recent overseas wins by our domestic trainers, James Owen and Phil Collington."

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Haynes continued saying:“We were delighted with Awzaan’s win for James Owen, giving him a well-deserved first PA Group success as he is on course for a third ARO trainer championship. Though the majority of his winners are for HH Sheikh Hamdan, his James Owen Racing Club has over thirty members for the three-horse syndicate of Tijaary, My Boy Sam and Arwen Forta. Syndicates are an excellent way to attract more new people to the sport and we would like to see this increase in the future.”

“The annual Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday at Wolverhampton marked a significant milestone in ARO’s history as it was the first time outside of the DIAR meeting that we have had professional jockeys riding alongside amateurs at an ARO full fixture. We are proud to see jockeys of the calibre of seven-time UAE champion Tadhg O’Shea and Derby winner Martin Dwyer riding under ARO rules and we also welcome the success of apprentice Dylan Hogan on his first ride on an Arabian.

Martin Dwyer and Charlie Price

"It is also pleasing to see our former champion novices Charlie Price and Ellie Mackenzie continue to ride with us since taking out their professional licences and we thank their employers Tim Vaughan and Mark Usher for their support.

“This has been a marvellous way to conclude the Royal Cavalry’s very generous race sponsorship with ARO during the 2019 season and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2020.”

Tadhg O'Shea and Al Bustan (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Izenterisky (GB) and Barry Adams

The opening race, the Al Seefah Beach Maiden, was won by Izenterisky, which was a first homebred winner for Sheila Collington, wife of trainer Phil. The fouryear-old was a ready five-length winner under Barry Adams, whose wife Hannah also co-owns the horse with Sheila Collington.

Acknowledging the pressure of training for his wife, Phil Collington smiled saying: “The only worry today was if he would settle to get the extra furlong, stepping up to a mile. Barry gave him a lovely ride and he’s quickened up and gone away from them well. He’s always been very professional at home."

Speaking of the horses' breeding he said: "We both wanted to breed a horse by No Risk Al Maury as he’s been such a big part of our lives and of course having won on him and his dam makes Izenterisky’s win all the more special. We’ll have a look and see if there’s anything for him abroad, but he’ll probably be put away for next season.”

Whilst it was a day of first's for many, it was a final appearance for Syrah Gris in the Taqah Beach (0-50) Handicap. Trained

by Adam Newey for the Almost All Partnership, after 73 starts he made his last outing a winning one, adding to his five previous victories when getting up to deny My Boy Sam in the final strides and will now be retired to a career in Endurance.

Syrah Gris (GB) and Will Pettis

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In the third race former ARO novice champion turned conditional jockey Charlie Price was grinning following his recommendation to owner-trainer Delyth Thomas to fit Callymay with visors. Having raced up with the pace in the Sohar Beach (0-70) handicap, he drove the daughter of Dahess into the lead and finished over two lengths clear of Falcon Du Roch, who was much better back at this track, following a disappointing run at Chelmsford City.

Izenterisky, who had been half a length behind him when breaking his maiden at this track in June. Certainly the drop in class and a return to Tapeta was an undoubted confidence boost for the flagship horse of his trainer James Owen's Racing Club.

Whilst trainer Owen had considered My Boy Sam to be his best chance of his Racing Club’s runners, it was their Tijaary under Alex Chadwick who came out on top after a steward’s enquiry demoted first-past-thepost Abiyah Athbah, following interference to the third Daleel in the Al Ashkuarah Beach (0-80) Handicap over 1m2f.

Having been highly tried on Turf in his two previous runs, Tijaary’s early season form had been franked in the opener by

Tijaary (GB) and Alex Chadwick

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Jaahez (FR) and Hayley Lewis

The final two races saw more firsts, with Hayley Lewis riding her first ever winner on Jaahez, for Owen and in the last, professional Dylan Hogan gave the Collington trained Halib Des Forges a very positive ride to record his first win on an Arabian, both were in ARO Patron HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's colours.

Lewis had been smiling from half a

furlong out when winning on the maiden Jaahez in the Ras Al Hat Novice Stakes, she commented: “James told me to just let him go and enjoy himself, I’ve been riding Jaahez at home for a while and we get on really well. I knew I was clear and though I could hear the others behind me, he was travelling so well I left him a bit longer before I pushed him on as I didn’t want him to go backwards."

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Halib Des Forges (FR) and Dylan Hogan

Continuing Lewis said:"I’ve been with James for two years and this is my first season race riding, I’m really grateful to James for the opportunity, he’s great to work for.”

Owen Racing the Best Turned Out Award in the first two races on the Sultanate of Oman Family Raceday with a cash prize of £20 and a Racing Welfare gilet to the winning grooms’ of Izenterisky and My Boy Sam.

The Kasab Beach (0-100) Handicap was a competitive conclusion to the day’s racing with Halib Des Forges holding off the challenge of Al Kaaser to win by a neck.

This was a first win on an Arabian for apprentice Dylan Hogan, though not his first win in His Highness’s colours having won a premier handicap on Aared and a rated race on Moktamel for Keven Prendergast in Ireland last year.

Racing Welfare continued their support of the ARO stable staff, with Felicity Marshall awarding Collington Racing and James

Felicity Marshall and Sophie Durman

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President of the UAE Cup - UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) 1m2f 4yo HAYYAN (FR) (4 c Munjiz x Dahwa (TIdjani) Breeder: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Owner: YAS Horseracing Management Trainer: Frederic Sanchez Jockey: Ioritz Medizabal

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted to see Hayyan complete the French – UK Derby double when the Frédéric Sanchez trained colt won the President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) Group 1 PA at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday 14 September.

Bred by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan and running in the colours of his YAS Horse Racing Management, the four-

year-old son of Munjiz thrilled the Doncaster crowds winning by a neck under Ioritz Mendizabal from Melabi and Julien Augé.

This was the final top-level contest of the UK Arabian racing season and was the last chance for the four-year-old classic generation of Arabian colts, fillies and geldings to compete against each other at Group 1 PA level in Europe.

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Above: Hayyan (FR) and Ioritz Mendizabal go to post Below: Hayyan (FR) wins from Melabi (FR), and stablemate Ibn Gadir (QA)

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Speaking alongside YAS Horse Racing’s Manager, Theirry Delegue, after the race Sanchez confirmed: “It is possible he may have one more race this season, but we will need to discuss what happens next, once we see how the horse comes out of the race. I am delighted to win both the French and UK Derby’s with him.”

Medizabal described Hayyan as “A very talented colt, however he is not an easy horse to ride. Sometimes he is much too keen in the early stages of the race, but today he settled really well.”

The President of the UAE Cup is the oldest Purebred Arabian race series and it is fitting that it is to be held on the same card as the UK’s oldest thoroughbred classic, the William Hill St.Leger. Run over a mile and a quarter, The President of the UAE Cup resumed its’ association with the UK Arabian Derby in 2016 and is exclusively for four-year-old Purebred Arabians with a prize fund of £80,000. For the last two

seasons it has been won by the winner of the French equivalent, in Nafees and Rodess Du Loup.

Faisal Al Rahmani, General Secretary for the President of the UAE Cup series and Chairman of the International Federation of Arabian Horseracing Authorities (IFAHR) said: “The President of the UAE Cup Series sponsoring at the legendary St Leger meeting is indeed an honour. We believe that the series is encouraging Arabian racing to re-establish a following in countries where it had been lost, such as Germany where we held a race earlier this year.

He continued: “The support of this series and that of IFAHR has also been of great benefit to other countries such as Italy who have embraced the sport and encouraging the breeding programs which will help to secure the future of Arabian racing worldwide.”

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Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was pleased commenting.

“This is the fourth running of the President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) at Doncaster and it is significant that for the third consecutive year, the winner of the French equivalent has secured their place as the leading four-year-old of the European season. That these horses are then capable of going on to secure further Group 1 PA success as their careers develop as both Lightning Bolt and Nafees have done is also extremely important to ARO.” “We are very grateful to the President of the UAE Cup Series for their continued generous support. Holding the race on St Leger Day further enhances the status of the contest and the reputation of UK Arabian racing, with it being run as part of Doncaster’s most prestigious meeting of the year.”

Thabit, who won four races in France, including the Coupe de Sud-Ouest des PurSang Arabes (Gr3PA) at La Teste in 2016. A sister Najah, won the Prix Razzia III (Gr3PA) on her debut, then added two Group 2 PA's, the French Arabian Breeder's Challenge Pouliches and the Prix Nefta.

Both were also trained by Sanchez.

Their dam Dahwa (Tidjani), another Mansoor homebred, won the Prix de L' Elevage (Gr2PA), also ridden by Mendizabal, though trained by Damien de Watrigant. Her dam, Amidou Douzaia (Cheri Bibi) won the 1993 Prix Dragon, when it was run at La Teste.

Hayyan was not entered for the Qatar Arabian World Cup, though given his ownership, it would be no surprise if that 'one more race this season' turns out to be in Abu Dhabi for the Jewel Crown in November.

Hayyan is by his owner-breeders hugely successful sire Munjiz. He is a brother to

Faisal Al Rahmani with Ioritz Mendizabal, Freddie Sanchez and Thierry Delegue THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Malek Stud Stud Focus Malek Stud is based in Benguerdane and covers 40 hectares. It is a commune and coastal town in south eastern Tunisia, close to the border with Libya.

Whilst the Ghorghar family have always had an appreciation of horses throughout the generations, their stud has been operating on a professional basis since 2002, becoming one of the leading breeders in Tunisia.

Rou'ya (TUN) dam of Issarab with Moutia Ghorghar

This year their homebred colt, Issrab won their Derby, the Grand Prix du PrĂŠsident de la RĂŠpublique over 2000m by eight lengths. The Group 1PA race for fouryear-olds is the most prestigious in Tunisia, the prize aim of all owners,

breeders, trainers and jockeys. However, this was not their first win as Cherek was successful in 2013, whilst they have also been second three times with Zehek (2010), Al Waad Essadek (2011) and Ghost (2017).

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Speaking with The French Purebred Arabian earlier this year Moutia Ghorghar described the colt’s qualities: “Issarab is every owner’s dream. He is able to show you a new side to his character each time he trains. He is very easy to place during a race and has a great turn of foot.

However, it’s his bombproof temperament which marks him out. He’s something special.

“His physical makeup has always been a reference point. He showed his class and maturity from day one. The horse also showed exemplary mental fortitude and a remarkable precocity when he first set foot on the gallops. His remarkable powers of acceleration were also soon in evidence.”

Issarab is a son of HH Sheikh Hamdan’s high-class PA Group 1 performer Kandar Du Falgas. By Kesberoy, at three he won

the Abu Dhabi International Championship at Newmarket over a mile and at four the French Derby (beating Al Dahma). Later that season he continued his career in the UAE, proving most effective at a mile, he was a dual winner of Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge (2008, 2009).

The maternal line of Issarab is one of the best in Tunisia and is key to the Malek Stud breeding operation. His dam Rou'ya’s many wins include two PA Group 3 races. She has produced El Mekdem to Dahess, also a multiple winner at that grade. Rou'ya is sister to Lella El Behia, their phenomenally successful broodmare who produced three Group 1PA winners, all by different sires in Zehika (Hakim du Bac), Al Waad Essadek (Hajjam) and Cherek (Darman). Cherek was the real flag bearer for the stud, winning six Group 1 PA contests and as many times at PA Group 2 level.

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The sisters are by Samir, who was born in the same crop as another influential progenitor, Salama, dam of Madjani. Both are Tunisian foaled and are by Sibawaih.

Lella El Behia and Rou’ya are out of Bint Omran, an unraced daughter of Omran, who also got the three-time Gr3PA winner Zaghareet (Hajjam). She is out of the winner Farha, who has produced winners and is ahalf-sister to the sire Esmet Ali. They are out of the very influential mare Arabelle, who is the fourth maternal dam of the Kahayla Classic winner and sire, Seraphin Du Paon.

have arisen. Well-researched outcrosses are called for in terms of racing performance, pedigree and physique.”

Rou'ya (TUN)

Arabelle (TUN)

The Arabelle line was one that they were keen to acquire, which led to the purchase of the full sisters, who carry the blood of Arabelle twice through her son Esmet Ali, and also through his half-sister Farha. Ghorghar believes in this ‘gold cross’ breeding ideal which “gives rise to a strong ‘fixation’ point of the bloodlines, and it creates the ideal environment for the outcross process”. In the case of Issarab, it was with the French stallion Kandar du Falgas.

Of the Arabelle line Ghorghar says: “It is noted for its many qualities including: physique, precocity, incredible cardiovascular capacities, plus a great propensity for endurance and speed.

Tunisian bloodlines are above all known as an influence for speed. Because inbreeding has reached saturation levels in purely Tunisian bloodlines, problems

Currently the stud has 15 mares, as well as 13 foals, 11 yearlings and 12 two-yearolds. From the Arabelle dam line, as well as the sisters Lella El Behia and Rou’ya, there is also Izhar (Touwayssan x Raha by Tayssir) dam of four PA Group winners from four different stallions and Zehika (Hakim du Bac x Lella El Behia), who was retained for breeding after her Group 1PA success. She has already produced the multiple Gr2PA winner, Halem (Tidjam Lotois).

From the Em Tayra dam line is Nour El Hind (Touwayssan x Hind (Sour)) a multiple group winner. She is a great granddaughter of Ghadhouia, who is the great grandam of the champion Hajres (Nizam), a PA Group winner in three different countries, most recently the HH Sheikh Zayed Cup (Gr1PA) in the UK. From the Wadha dam line is the multiple group winner, Hatoof (Mahabb x Marsaouia (Vent Dredy)) whilst from the Samaria dam line is Oujala (Touwayssan x Ghanja (Kasban)). She is the dam of a multiple PA Group winner and is from the same maternal line as two other Grand Prix du Président de la République winners: Lathleth (Akermi), Nahr Al Khaled (Samir).

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In addition to Issarab, representing them on the track are: Issherni (Oussfour Esstah x Oujala) a Gr3PA winner and multi-placed in Gr1PA. Halem (Tidjam Lotois x Zehika) multiple Gr2PA winner and multiple Gr1PA placed .

Izmir (Tidjam Lotois x Tohfet Halim) multiple PA Group placed.

Il Behia (Kandar Du Falgas x Zehika ) PA Group placed.

Jomouh (Tidjam Lotois x Rou'ya) Following Ghorghar’s comments on outcrossing it is no surprise to see that their stallions choices are mainly from French lines such as Djelmane, Darman, Kandar Du Falgas, Hajjam, Hakim Du Bac, Nirwan, Jesroy De Chaillac, as well as some sons of Amer: Dahess, Assy, Muneef, Zaeem. Recently they have also used the Darley Horse of the Year, and dual Darley Champion Older Horse, So

Big Is Better. Ghorghar thinks the son of Burning Sand will cross well with their mares, and he hopes that their choices will be proven successful on the track in the coming years.

They have raced in neighbouring Libya with success and Morocco is also on the agenda, though it is clear that further expansion is a goal with Ghorghar saying: “It is my childhood dream to run in Europe and win there, I know that this it so hard to compete with the biggest studs in the world, but we can do with the right choices and hard work. There is a quote that I believe in it so much ‘hard work will always pay off’. We are studying our targets for Europe, I'm sure in the coming three years we will perform there.”

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Olivier Trigodet Stable Focus Former jockey Olivier Trigodet trained his first winner when the thoroughbred Saltilla won at Pau in January 2018. However, his career both in and out of the saddle is indebted to the Purebred Arabian.

That opening season of 2018 proved to be a fruitful one, supported by two of France’s most important private breeders, Rene!e-Laure Koch and Robert and MarieAnge Bourdette, for whom he also rode.

Their support continues in 2019 and so far has been rewarded with Fortuna Al Maury attaining a Group 3 PA placing in the Prix Nevada II and then achieving the top

price of "155,000 at the 2018 Arqana Sale. For the Bourdette’s it is the success of the filly Al Ryma Monlau. A first foal for both sire and dam, she won on her sole three-year-old start at the Shadwell Stud sponsored meeting at La Teste. She has won two PA Group 2’s this season and has since been sold to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani.

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Above: Al Ryma Monlau (FR) Below: Al Ryma Monlau [centre] wins the Shadwell Criterium des Pouliches (Gr2PA) at La Teste in July

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Dihya De Monlau (FR) Once-raced three-year-old Nizam half-sister to Al Mamun Monlau

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Al Capone Monlau (FR) His dam Dalia is a half-sister to Bidaya, the dam of Al Ryma Monlau.

The four-year-old has been runner-up three times over 7f this season.

Thanks to Purebred Arabians as a jockey Trigodet was able to experience riding at the top level around the world riding in Belgium, Denmark, Dubai, Germany, Holland, Turkey and the UK. It was in the UK where he gained his first overseas victory when partnering the filly Kerra to win the 1996 Dubai International Stakes (Gr1pA) when it was still held at Kempton, beating none other than Amer. Two years later with the DIAR meeting now transferred to Newbury, he partnered Al

Sakbe to win the same race when trained

by Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé for Faiz Al Elweet, prior to his sale to HH Sheikh Hamdan.

It was this experience which helped inform his decision to advise Bourdette not to run Al Ryma Monlau in this year’s Hatta International Stakes for which she would have qualified for a bonus should she have won.

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Above: Watching Al Ryma Monlau win at La Teste Below: Robert Bourdette

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Above: With Renee Koch; No Reisgo Al Maury (FR) Below: Samba Al Maury (FR) a three-year-old full sister to Sea Bird Al Maury, who realised !150,000 at Arqana in 2018 and was exported to Qatar

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Four year-olds out of No Worry Al Maury: above left and below: No Reisgo Al Maury (FR) a colt by Nizam; above right: Naranja Al Maury (FR) a filly by Dahess

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He said: “I knew from riding Al Sakbe that the course at Newbury would not suit the filly. She is quite highly strung and to travel to the UK after only four starts I think would be too much for her.”

A return to La Teste for the Prix Nevadour (Gr3PA) was more likely and in the event, she finished second by a quarter of a length giving a kilo to Jaazmah Athbah who she had beaten in her previous outing. This was her first run for her new owner and now holds an entry in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA) on October 5 at Longchamp.

Trigodet feels Al Sakbe was one of the best he has ridden, though he also partnered Vitella to win the Abu Dhabi International (Gr1PA) at Newmarket for Robert Litt, a trainer for whom he was associated for 15 years. His main partnership was with the late JeanFranc#ois Bernard, to whom he was also assistant. He recalls that they had a good working relationship and was something of a role model. After his passing he

stayed with Elizabeth Bernard for a year, before making the break to set up training on his own.

Like Bernard he is also based at La Teste and is well served by the facilities that the racecourse and training grounds provide.

He has a mixed yard of Arabians and thoroughbreds, so far this season his 26 runners have yielded 15 victories, an admirable strike rate for any trainer, let alone one in their second season. Whilst Al Ryma Monlau has been his leading 2019 Arabian scorer, Al Capone Monlau, a four-year-old colt out of a half-sister to the dam of Al Ryma Monlau has been runner-up three times over 1400m, with Naranja Al Maury and No Riesgo Al Maury also being placed.

The horses exercise together and like many mixed breed trainers he says that though the Arabians are slower than the thoroughbreds, he doesn’t train them any differently. Also in common with other Arabian handlers he notes that it is best to let them think that they are in charge!

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Equine MediRecord A revolutionary new app that simplifies equine medical record keeping.

With the outbreak of Equine Flu in the UK thoroughbred horse racing population at the start of the year, which also had implications for Arabians racing in the UK, recent digital innovation, MediRecord couldn’t have been more timely.

Launched through Trinity College Dublin (TCD) by Pierce Dargan and Simon Hillary, the web and phone app has revolutionised equine medical record keeping, upgrading from traditional handwritten records to a digital mobile platform, thereby minimising common errors through spelling or the dangers of record books being damaged or lost.

Two years in development, Equine MediRecord was launched in Ireland last year following approval from the Irish Horse Racing Board and subsequently in the UK. Equine MediRecord CEO Dargan explains: “I came up with the idea when I was in TCD doing a Masters in Management. As part of the entrepreneurship course I had to think of

a business idea in the agri sector for the Alltech Innovation Competition. My family has a racing yard and we’ve been in horses for a long time.

“The medicines and treatments were recorded in this big blue book and entries could be illegible or pages could get damaged. I thought it would be much better if it could be done digitally.”

Using Equine Flu as an example he says: “A horse has to be vaccinated against it at certain times. If you don’t have an accurate and verifiable record of those vaccinations it can’t race.”

He continued: “It keeps all the veterinary regulatory compliance for a racing yard in one place and we have made it as simple as possible to use. Up until now trainers couldn’t check if the book was being filled out correctly by an assistant trainer or another person if they were not in the yard themselves. They were getting fined and banned for other people’s mistakes.”

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“If you add a new treatment to a field the software makes you complete all the details. We also have a database of permitted equine drugs which reduces the chance of spelling errors and so on.�

Chief executive of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, Michael Grassick praised the invention saying: "From the first conversation with Pierce and Simon I always felt it was a good idea. With more regulations from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board regarding medical record books it is imperative we keep records up to date.

"Using Equine MediRecord solves these problems. It gives you added security and peace of mind."

The Kildare based firm has already gained considerable recognition for Equine MediRecord at the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Expo and were one of three Fintech and IT finalists in the 2018 Innovation Awards. They have also been named among the Hot 100 Start-Up business in Ireland in 2019.

However it is with the trainers themselves that the real worth of Equine MediRecord can be proven.

Multiple Group 1 winning trainer John Oxx gave them a notable endorsement saying: "Congratulations to Pierce and Simon on their great achievement in winning most innovative initiative serving the thoroughbred industry and being awarded the overall winner of best startup serving the thoroughbred industry at the ITBA Expo 2018.

"Their idea is innovative, useful and will be a great asset for all those striving to keep and share accurate records."

Dargan reports that the uptake in Ireland, the UK and France has been strong and they now have branched out into breeding, show jumping, eventing and polo.

For more information on Equine Medirecord please visit: www.equinemedirecord.com

!

Equine MediRecord's CTO Simon Hillary and CEO Pierce Dargan THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Feeding for Healing

Boxed In Equine illness or injuries, which require treatment, often involve changes to a horse’s routine and diet too and 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.

Gut Health Abrupt dietary changes are general best avoided but sometimes a drastic reduction in a fit horse’s concentrate ration is necessary, if his workload is suddenly curtailed or stopped. 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 can be reduced by about

two thirds, to bring calorie intake down, and preferably “top dressed” with a balancer, to maintain protein and micronutrient levels.

Forage provision may need to be increased accordingly, to keep the horse occupied and the gut healthy and, if the box rest becomes prolonged, this will be even more important. Since the horse’s gut bacteria take time to adjust, any sudden dietary changes can disrupt their populations, resulting in loose droppings, colic or even laminitis. Ensuring forage and fibre intake are maintained, and feeding a pre or probiotic, will help the gut bacteria to adapt and reduce the risk of digestive upsets, especially if antibiotics or other medications are being given orally, as they can adversely affect bacterial populations.

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Feeding For Healing While there have been very few studies, in horses, of the effects of nutrition on healing and recovery, it’s widely assumed, from those in humans and other animals, that it plays a significant role in the achievement of a positive outcome.

Under nourishment in any horse will also supress the immune system, leaving the healthy horse more prone to illness and infection and the already sick horse, less capable of recovery.

This highlights the importance of ensuring a fully balanced diet is fed, at all times, and that the sick or injured horse is encouraged to eat appropriately, as much as possible. Correct nutrition will provide the nutrients required for tissue repair 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 the recommended amount of a good quality compound feed or balancer should ensure the horse doesn’t go short.

Vitamins are essential for body functions and minerals are also integral in cell and tissue structure and vital for the healing process.

Selenium and vitamins, like C and E, are very important as antioxidants and, the stress of injury, illness or a change to routine, makes them just as important to neutralise free radicals as when a horse it working hard. Antioxidants are also involved in the immune response, as are certain bacteria in the hindgut, so an overall balanced diet is of great importance.

Using good quality feeds and balancers, formulated for horses in work, will ensure that the quality and levels of nutrients fed are sufficient to support healing and recovery. Where a horse is normally on the full amount of a working or performance mix or cube, this can be cut back and topped up with a balancer to achieve a “mid-calorie” diet which is still fully balanced. This gives the flexibility to adjust calorie intake up or down, while ensuring the diet remains fully balanced and providing optimum levels of good quality nutrients.

Waistline Control If a horse is facing a longer spell (more than just a few days) of confinement, the overall diet will need reviewing and adapting, according to the horse’s body condition. If the horse is eating well and is normally a good-doer, feeding its normal forage ration, plus a low-calorie balancer, will provide all the nutrients essential for well-being and recovery without unwanted calories. Should unwanted weight gain become a problem, further calorie control will be necessary through adaptations to the forage/fibre ration.

The aim should be for no less than 1.5% of bodyweight in forage to be fed per day and ideally stalkier, later-cut forages should be chosen as these are generally less nutritious and less digestible, while still giving the horse plenty to chew on.

Soaking hay for up to 12 hours will leach out water soluble carbohydrates (calories), while various slow feeders and small-holed nets will help a reduced amount last longer. To reduce boredom and provide variety, alternative lowcalorie fibre sources can be offered as part of the overall forage portion of the diet, such as soaked unmolassed beet pulp and “light” straw-based chaffs.

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Condition Control If a horse is naturally prone to dropping condition, illness or infection may cause further weight loss, while the stress of box rest may compound the effect. If these horses still have a good appetite, good quality forage should be fed ad lib, which means ensuring they always have some in front of them and have some left in the morning, indicating they are eating to appetite. If possible, the forage chosen for the poorer-doer should be softer and leafier, having been harvested earlier, and therefore more digestible and nutritious.

This reduces the reliance on hard feed to deliver the necessary calories.

A calorie-dense, highly digestible conditioning feed will deliver the necessary additional nutrients to promote and maintain condition and top line, when fed at recommended levels. It is more

effective to feed a specially formulated feed, like this, as smaller volumes will achieve the desired result, with levels of nutrients able to support tissue repair and healing, while also supporting weight gain. For those prone to gastric ulcers, or who find box rest quite stressful, choose a feed which supplies calories from oil and fibre, rather than cereal grains, to avoid exacerbating these issues.

Water Maintaining hydration levels in the sick or convalescing horse is very important so water consumption should be monitored carefully. If you suspect a horse is not drinking as much as they should, it may be a time to turn off their automatic waterer and use buckets instead so that you can watch levels more easily. If the horse is hospitalised, it may not like the taste of “foreign” water so it may be wise to bring some from home which will taste more familiar. Cordials and flavours can be added to water to tempt horses and some will take “sugar beet water”, while other ways to increase overall fluid intake include, feeding wet, sloppy feeds, soaked beet pulps and soaked hay.

In extremely cold weather, some horses will not drink correspondingly cold water so adding some hot water, to take the chill off, may help. In acute of cases of dehydration or when the horse is too poorly to drink, the treating vet will decide whether intravenous or enteral (tubed into the stomach) fluids are required. These may contain electrolytes or plasma proteins, depending on the horse’s situation. Be wary of administering any electrolytes, unless specifically prescribed by your vet, as a sick horse’s metabolic system becomes acidic, whereas “performance” electrolytes are formulated to balance the system when it becomes basic, during and after exercise.

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Venturing Out Once healing has progressed, the horse may begin a careful return to turnout and a reintroduction of pasture to the menu.

Ideally, this can be done gradually, through initial hand-grazing or the provision of some hand-picked grass in the stable, depending on availability and time of year. Time at grass can then be steadily increased, according to veterinary guidelines, which will also allow the horse’s gut to adapt. If a prebiotic is not being fed, this is another appropriate time to provide additional support, especially if the grass is lush or plentiful.

Once the horse is spending significant lengths of time at grass, the overall forage ration will need reducing. Should the increased calorie intake from good grazing result in weight gain, measures will need be taken to reduce the calorie content of the forage ration, while access to grazing may also ultimately need to be controlled to avoid unwanted weight gain. For a horse who has struggled to maintain condition, the introduction of daily turnout may be best solution for

promoting weight gain and a reduction in stress levels.

Back to Work One of the worries of lengthy spells of inactivity, for a previously fit, strong working horse, is the loss of muscle tone, strength and top line. A convalescent diet which has been fully balanced, and supplying sufficient good quality protein, should help the body maintain some muscle tone and top line, depending on the level and length of inactivity and what was there before box rest was enforced.

While a return to correct and appropriate work is essential to begin to build muscle in the right places, the diet must contain the correct building blocks to support this.

Rather than turning to expensive musclebuilding supplements, feeding the correct amount of a good quality mix, cube or balancer – or a combination which delivers the desired calorie levels, while achieving a fully balanced diet – will supply the necessary amino acids and supporting nutrients.

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The energy/calorie content of the diet, as a horse returns to work, may need adjusting according to body condition. If the horse has gained weight while off work, continuing to control calories may still be appropriate until sufficient weight loss has been achieved. As ever, this should not be at the expense of essential nutrients and it may be that a low-calorie balancer is still appropriate, as the sole concentrate, although feeding rates may need adjusting as workload increases.

minerals to continue to support the healing process. Unless confinement was due to colic or other digestive or metabolic issues, there’s no reason why a horse shouldn’t return to the same feeding regime as he was on before injury.

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

Those horses who require more calories than a forage/balancer diet can provide, and who are rather excited at the prospect of a return to work, are best kept on a low starch feed which supplies slow release energy/calories. Those formulated for horses prone to gastric ulcers will fit this bill and should also contain good levels of vitamins and

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Autumn Issue !"#$ ARO 2019 REVIEW A look back at the UK Arabian racing season with all the Championship winners.

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

Plus all the sales and racing news from the Arc Weekend in France THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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The Final Furlong Pictured earlier this year is the 22 year old Jiyush, now in happy retirement at Shadwell Stud in Thetford, Norfolk. A dual Group 1PA winner trained by Gill Duffield for HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, his eight victories included the Dubai International Stakes in 2002. Exported to the UAE that winter, he went on to win the 2003 Emirates Championship (Gr1PA) in Abu Dhabi.

He later finished second to Kaolino in the 2004 Dubai Kahayla Classic, finishing fourth the following year to Madjani and then second to Al Saoudi in the Emirates Classic before retiring to stud.

By Manganate, he is the first foal of Ester Du Paon; her penultimate foal, Awzaan (by Al Saoudi) won the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr3PA) in August.

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE