Autumn Issue !"!"
T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE
ARO Season Review Arabian Art Special
'Spirit' - Bronze Edition of 9
DEBORAH BURT Award Winning Sculptor in Bronze - Commissions Welcome
www.equinecreativemedia.com THE ARABIAN RACEH RSE Tel: 00 44 (0) 7782349047
Email: equinecreativemedia@gmail.com
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T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE Autumn Issue - 2020 4
News
21
Moving with the Times - ARO integrates further with the British racing
27
UK Season Review - 2020 Champions
45
UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) Doncaster
54
European Review 2020
66
Arqana PA Sale Saint-Cloud
77
Arabian Art Special - Susan Leyland
87
Win a Susan Leyland print
88
Arabian Art Special - Alison Elliott
90
Arabian Art Special - Sally Lancaster
94
Arabian Art Special - Collette Hoefkens
95
Arabian Art Special - Anne Bullen
9
The Final Furlong - Al Tabari
Front cover: Hattal wins the UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) at Doncaster
Produced by equine creative media Stable Cottage, Fosse Cross, Cheltenham, Glos, GL54 4NP
equinecreativemedia@gmail.com 00 44 7782 349 047 www ww ww.equinecreativemedia.com
Unless otherwise stated, all features, reports and photographs are by Debbie Burt (copyright) All rights reserved. Print copies may be ordered. Photographs may be viewed and purchased at ww www ww. w.equinecr c eativemedia cr i .smug ia u mug ug u .com ug THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ARABIAN RACING PODCAST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL IS ONLINE A new addition to The Arabian Racehorse magazine's communications was to broadcast a podcast between races during the ARO 2020 season. Most editions are around 15 minutes long and uploaded to partner sponsor Equine MediRecord's YouTube and Spotify accounts. Hosted by TAR's Debbie Burt who is joined by ARO commentator Gary Capewell, each edition featured a review of the most recent race followed by a preview of the forthcoming race. In this Christmas Special, they are joined by two-time ARO Champion Jockey Alex Chadwick, plus audio and messages from four-time ARO Champion Trainer James Owen, new ARO trainer Jess Quinlan and Pete Hammersley, trainer of the ARO leading Arabian in 2020, Al-Tabari.
The 50 minute extended special can be watched via this link: https://youtu.be/K1M5iJW1kFg
The link is also available on The Arabian Racehorse Facebook page and website news page. www.thearabianracehorse.com
ARO ANNUAL REVIEW NOW ONLINE The Arabian Racing Organisation 2020 Annual Review has been published and is available to view on line, via this link: https://issuu.com/thearabianracehorse/docs/aro_annual_review_2020_sm
Hard copies are available to order direct from the ARO Office which will reopen after the Christmas and New Year holidays on Monday January 4. You may place your order by emailing willie@aroracing.co.uk
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ARO GRADUATE PRICE SCOOPS WELSH RISING STAR AWARD The success of Welsh racing participants has been recognised by the third annual Racehorse Owners Association sponsored Welsh Horse Racing Awards arranged by Chepstow, Ffos Las and Bangor Racecourses. A panel of experts including owners, a trainer, a breeder and racecourse management reviewed the last twelve months to select the category winners. In a boost for UK Arabian racing, 2016 ARO Champion Novice Rider, Charlie Price was the winner of the Rising Star award sponsored by Great British Racing. Now a conditional jockey attached to Tim Vaughan’s yard, he still enjoys riding Arabians when not booked for thoroughbreds. Despite not sitting on a horse until he was 15, he quickly made up for lost time riding Arabians before turning to riding over jumps. In the 2019-2020 season he
won the BHA’s Racing Excellence Conditional Training Series award and has already scored twice this season, bringing his overall score under rules to 29 wins. Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the sponsors the ROA said: “Never has there been a better year to highlight the talent, success and contribution of those that bring horseracing in Wales to life. Throughout 2020 it has been the sheer determination of the sport’s participants and their pure love of racing that has kept our sport going. The ROA are honoured to be sponsoring the awards again this year and look forward to seeing the many brilliant achievements and professionals being recognised for their contribution to Welsh Horse Racing. Good luck to everyone nominated and we will be raising a virtual glass to everyone who has worked so hard this year to drive Welsh Horse Racing forward.”
Charlie Price on Samawaat (GB) at Woverhampton in October THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ARABIAN RACING ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNISED AT HWPA DERBY AWARDS The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted to announce Jessica Quinlan as the recipient of the Arabian Racing Achievement Award, presented as part of the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) Annual Derby Awards today. Now in its’ seventh year, the award recognises an individual or organisation for their contribution to UK Arabian racing. Though there was no luncheon and awards ceremony due to the challenges of Covid19, the awards were screened in a 45-minute programme on Sky Sports Racing. Quinlan who is in her first season training Arabian racehorses, scored with her first runner, Al Shaamikh, who then followed up on his next outing with a five-length win and looks an
exciting prospect. Quinlan trained the three-year-old colt, along with stablemate Toufan du Croate from her base in Newmarket for Qatar’s Mohammed Fahad Al-Attiyah who is also new to Arabian racing in the UK. Clearly delighted with the success she commented: “I’m really honoured to receive the HWPA Arabian Achievement Award, I’ve had so much help from the ARO team, my family, the owners and fellow trainers like James Owen. It’s lovely to win as it’s repays the support I’ve received from everyone. “Having a small string of horses was the perfect introduction, though obviously next year it would be nice to have a few more. This year was obviously really difficult, but I was lucky with the horses that I had as they were relatively straightforward individuals.”
Jess Quinlan, Dan Muscutt and Al Shaamikh (QA) at Woverhampton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Jess Quinlan with the HWPA Arabian Achievement Award 2020
She concluded: “Fundamentally it doesn’t matter if it’s a thoroughbred or an Arabian, keeping them happy and healthy is the key.” Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director commented: “We thank the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association for their continued support of UK Arabian racing, allowing us to acknowledge the achievements of our participants in this way. We also thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club for supporting the 54th
HWPA Annual Derby Awards. “In what has been an extremely challenging year for ARO and for all of the wider horseracing community, it has been great to welcome new people to the sport. Jess has been really appreciative of ARO’s support and we wish her every success in the future.”
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Farar (GB) and Hollie Doyle at Lingfield in 2016
STELLAR YEAR FOR DOYLE Whilst for many, 2020 will be a year to forget, for leading UK professional jockey Hollie Doyle it has been one to treasure.
the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and most recently collected three ‘Lesters’ Flat Jockey of the Year, Female Flat Jockey of the Year and Flat Jockey Special Recognition Award.
On the track she beat her own record of wins in a season which at 151 is still rising at the time of writing. She recorded her first Royal Ascot winner and won two races at Qipco Champions Day including her first Group 1. These achievements have been celebrated by her peers, those in the racing press and also the general public. In the last few weeks she has been named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year, Horserace Writers and Photographers Association Flat Jockey of the Year, placed third in THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Doyle started her race riding career in pony races, but also had a number of rides under ARO rules as amateur before taking out her apprentice licence to ride under rules. She was one of many apprentices to be given the opportunity to ride in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Series, riding Farar for Beverley Deutrom at Lingfield.
DIAR Stayers prep race at Chepstow. Doyle is no stranger to Arabians as her parents Caroline and Mark also rode and trained Arabians from their base in Herefordshire.
She has also ridden on Dubai Day at Newbury and though yet to win an Arabian race, she came close in 2017 when she partnered Carol Legg’s Man Of Dreams into second place in the
Man Of Dreams (GB) and Hollie Doyle at Chesptow THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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JAMES GIVEN APPOINTED AS NEW BHA DIRECTOR OF EQUINE HEALTH AND WELFARE
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is delighted to announce the appointment of veterinarian and racehorse trainer James Given to the role of Director of Equine Health and Welfare. James qualified as a vet in 1990 and began his racing career as Assistant Trainer to Mark Johnston in 1995. After three years in this job he won a scholarship to study training methods in Dubai. James started training in his own right in November 1998 from a yard based at Wolverhampton racecourse. In April 1999 he moved his operation to his current base in Lincolnshire.
He is a Group-race-winning trainer both in Britain and abroad and counts amongst his most notable winners the popular Hugs Dancer who won the 2002 Ebor and 2003 Chester Cup, and was beaten only two lengths in the 2003 Caulfield Cup before a top 10 finish in the Melbourne Cup that year. James is also a long-standing member of the BHA’s Ethics Committee (and is the current Chair) as well as a Trustee of the British Racing School (BRS). He has also been a member of the industry’s Horse Welfare Board since its inception in early 2019. In February 2020, the Welfare Board published its five-year strategic plan for the welfare of horses bred for racing.
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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The Director of Equine Health and Welfare role includes responsibility for enhancing the leadership and capability of the BHA’s equine health and welfare function, improving the capture, analysis and benchmarking of racehorse welfare information, overseeing the sport’s equine disease control policies and continuing to play a role in the ongoing delivery of the Horse Welfare Board’s welfare strategy. James will continue to sit on the Horse Welfare Board as the BHA appointed member, leaving a vacancy for a new representative of licensed personnel. James joins the BHA in January 2021, with the exact date to be confirmed. He will formally stop training horses and hand in his trainers’ licence upon his commencement with the BHA. He will be permitted to retain an ownership interest in two unraced horses for a limited time to assist with the winding down of his business and the rehoming of his horses. These interests will be appropriately managed via a conflict management agreement for that short time. James replaces in this role David Sykes who announced earlier this year that he is returning to his home in Australia for family reasons. David has continued to occupy the role in the meantime, and he will conclude in the role at the end of December. James Given said: “I am delighted to be joining the BHA and welcome the opportunity to strive for ever improving welfare standards for racehorses. The current standards are world leading, but there is no time to rest on our laurels in a world demanding greater accountability. I look forward to working with colleagues across the industry, to show that racing
is a compassionate sport that puts the welfare of horses at the centre of all we do. I know I am joining a team that shares and represents these ideals. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a trainer and am eternally grateful to all the people who have helped me along this journey – to the owners, many who have become friends, and the outstanding people who have been part of my team, over many years of hard work. I am also grateful to all the horses, fast and slow, willing and less so, that it has been a privilege and a pleasure to look after.” Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome James to this role. He brings with him not only extensive clinical experience as a veterinarian, but also first-hand experience of training racehorses at the highest level. He has already been integral to the development of the industry’s welfare strategy through his involvement on the Horse Welfare Board, this will complement the equally important regulatory requirements of the role. “We are delighted that James will be able to continue the excellent work of David Sykes who has made significant progress in his time at the BHA in modernising the equine health and welfare department and improving the quality of life of our horses. We are grateful to David for everything he has done on behalf of the sport.”
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Racing is scheduled to start on January 14, with a Wathba Stallions Cup sponsored contest over 2000m on the All Weather at Pau, which last year Hajres used as a prep race for Saudi's Obaiya Arabian Classic.
FRENCH EARLY SEASON PROGRAME PUBLISHED
The Association Francais du Cheval du Arabe de Course (AFAC) have published their provisional early season programme for 2021.
CALENDRIERS PROVISOIRES 2021 3 ANS N° DATE
HIPPODROME
CATEGORIE DISTANCE POIDS SEXE AGE
CONDITIONS
DOTATIONS TYPE TOTALES
1
2-avr.
BORDEAUX MASSOUD
1 400
58
TS
3
n'ayant jamais couru
15 000
Premium
2
17-avr.
BORDEAUX DENOUSTE
1 400
58
M/H
3
n'ayant jamais gagné -2kg pour les chevaux n'ayant jamais couru
15 000
Prémium
3
17-avr.
BORDEAUX DJEBELLA II
1 400
58
F
3
n'ayant jamais gagné -2kg pour les pouliches n'ayant jamais couru
15 000
Prémium
4
BORDEAUX 9-mai WATHBA STALLIONS CUP DJELFOR
1 600
58
TS
3
n'ayant jamais gagné -2kg pour les chevaux n'ayant jamais couru
16 000
Prémium
16 000
Prémium
16 000
Prémium
5
22-mai
TOULOUSE NORNIZ
1 600
57
M/H
3
6
22-mai
TOULOUSE FEDORA
1 600
57
F
3
N°
DATE
1
PAU 14-janv. WATHBA STALLIONS CUP HARAS DE GELOS
-2kg pour les chevaux n'ayant jamais couru Tout gagnant portera + 2kg (les décharges ne sont pas autorisées) -2kg pour les chevaux n'ayant jamais couru Toute gagnante portera + 2kg (les décharges ne sont pas autorisées)
4 ANS et + HIPPODROME
CATEGORIE
DISTANCE
POIDS SEXE
AGE
2 000
56
TS
4 et +
CONDITIONS 4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 60,5kg + 1 kg par course gagnée depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède - 2 kg chevaux n'a ant pas re u 2 000 en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède 4 ANS : 57 kg / 5 ANS et + : 61,5 kg pour chevaux n'a ant jamais gagn ni re u 4 000 - 2 kg pour les chevaux n'ayant jamais couru - 2 kg pour chevaux n'ayant jamais couru + 1 kg par 5 000 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède 4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 59 KG + 1 kg par 3 000 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède 4 ANS : 55 kg / 5 ANS et + : 59,5 kg N'ayant jamais gagné - 2 kg pour pouliches n'ayant jamais couru 4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 58,5kg + 1 kg par 4 000 re us en vistoires et places depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède
DOTATIONS TOTALES
TYPE
1 000
Prémium
12 000
Prémium
14 000
Prémium
14 000
Prémium
14 000
PMH
14 000
Prémium
2
2-févr.
PAU MAGICIENNE
2 000
57
TS
4 et +
3
7-mars
TOULOUSE WARDA - Jean-François BERNARD
2 100
57
TS
4 ans
1 400
56
TS
4 et +
2 000
55
F
4 et +
1 500
56
TS
4 et +
2 300
56
TS
4 et +
4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 60 kg n'a ant jamais re u une allocation de 6 000 - 2 kg pour chevaux n'ayant jamais couru Tout gagnant portera 2kg
14 000
Prémium
1 900
58
TS
4 ans
n'ayant jamais gagné - 2 kg pour chevaux n'ayant jamais couru
14 000
Prémium
30 000
Prémium
4
5
6
TOULOUSE 14-mars WATHBA STALLIONS CUP DJOURAS TU MONT DE MARSAN 21-mars WATHBA STALLIONS CUP MAGIC DE PIBOUL TARBES 13-avr. WATHBA STALLIONS CUP KRISS II
7
TARBES 13-avr. WATHBA STALLIONS CUP VAL D'ADOUR
8
16-avr. WATHBA STALLIONS CUP
LA TESTE AL SAKBE 9
10
11
12
TOULOUSE 25-avr. CARTHAGE TOULOUSE 25-avr. SHEIKH MANSOOR FESTIVAL NEFTA LA TESTE 28-avr. SHEIKH MANSOOR FESTIVAL DORMANE DAX 8-mai WATHBA STALLIONS CUP AICHA
13
8-mai
DAX DJERBA OUA
14
9-mai
BORDEAUX DAMAS
15
16
17
18
19
15-mai
22-mai
2 000
56
TS
4 et +
GR. 2 PA
2 000
58
F
4 ans
4 ANS : 58 kg / 5 ans: 58kg
30 000
Prémium
GR. 3 PA
1 900
58
TS
4 ans
+ 2 kg tout gagnant de Gr. 1 PA
20 000
Prémium
14 000
Prémium
14 000
Prémium
GR. 3 PA
TOULOUSE QATAR PRIX DE L' ELEVAGE TOULOUSE HIPPODROME DE TOULOUSE
4 ANS : 55 kg / 5 ANS et + : 58,5 kg + 1 kg par 3 000 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède 4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 58 kg + 1 kg par 4 000 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède -1 kg pour les chevaux n'ayant jamais couru
2 300
55
TS
4 et +
1 400
56
TS
4 et +
1 600
56
TS
4 et +
4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 58 kg + 2 kg tout gagnant de GR. 1
20 000
Prémium
14 000
Premium
2 100
55
TS
4 et +
4 ANS : 55 kg / 5 ANS et + : 59 kg + 1 kg par 3 000 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède
1 600
57
F
4 et +
(4 ANS : 57 kg / 5 ANS et + : 60 kg) +1 kg par 1 500 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er Juillet de l'année qui précède,
14 000
Premium
GR. 1 PA
2 000
56
TS
4 et +
4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 59,5 kg
100 000
Prémium
GR. 2 PA
2 000
56
F
4 et +
Poids: 56 kg. Gagnants Gr. 1 PA + 2 kg
30 000
Prémium
4 ans
4 ANS : 56 kg n'ayant pas gagné une course de Gr. PA + 1 kg par 2 000 re us en victoire et place depuis le 1er janvier de l'année qui précède
14 000
Prémium
TOULOUSE BAROUD II
TOULOUSE PRIX ZULMA 15-mai HH SHEIKHA FATIMA BINT MUBARAK APPRENTICES RACE PARISLONCHAMP THE PRESIDENT OF THE UAE 16-mai CUP - COUPE D'EUROPE DES CHEVAUX ARABES 22-mai
GR. 2 PA
4 ANS : 56 kg / 5 ANS et + : 60 kg Tout gagnant Gr1 +2kg
2 100
56
TS
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Calendriers_Provisoires 2021
1/1
13
RACING WELFARE HERE TO HELP THROUGHOUT COVID19 With racing in the UK resumed, but with a restricted programme, the UK charity Racing Welfare continues to reach out to those in the industry who have been affected by the Covid19 crisis. The charity supports the whole of racing’s workforce, has a 24/7 Support Line which is open to anyone needing assistance and it also has a live chat service online if people prefer. Racing Welfare’s Support Line is staffed by experienced and trained call handlers who treat requests for help in confidence and are ready to deal with issues ranging from financial hardship to mental health concerns. Racing Welfare wants to reassure everyone that they are here to provide support for ALL of racing’s people and are aware that people from a whole range of different roles across the industry will be facing hardship. They are continuously monitoring the situation in order to provide up-to-date information and guidance to anyone affected. Racing’s Support Line is open 24/7 on 0800 6300 443 to anyone needing assistance or via live chat online at: www.racingwelfare.co.uk Racing Welfare teams are also contactable
during weekday office hours via the numbers below: Malton: 01653 696 869 Middleham: 01969 624 123
All the latest advice on grants and assistance offered by Racing Welfare can be found through their website: https://racingwelfare.co.uk/coronavirus-information-guidance-support/
There is also a mental health and wellbeing toolkit which The Arabian Racehorse has shared and can be read here: https://issuu.com/thearabianracehorse/docs/mental_health_and_wellbeing_toolkit_final__2_
Racing Welfare has just launched Woebot – an easy to use app that enables users to access in-the-moment support 24/7. Woebot can help you to track your mood, identify patterns and give insight into particular issues or concerns that you may not have realised were causing emotional distress. Woebot can also teach you techniques and tools such as cognitive behavioural therapies or breathing exercises. Research shows Woebot can help you improve your mood and lower your stress in as little as two weeks. Why use Woebot? • Woebot was created by Stanford-trained psychologists • The tools are based on decades of research • Woebot is personalised to your needs and only takes a few minutes a day! Find out more here: www.racingwelfare.co.uk/services/woebot/
Lambourn: 01488 670 034 Newmarket: 01638 560 763 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
5/#0,67/-( 5/#63882)7( !"#$%&'("%&$(')'*%+""+,'%-./0"')'1(2,/0%&'("%&$(')'345,/#6')'7--/0$/4#')'!4#"2'%-./0"')'8"$/+"9"#$
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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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NEW WEBSITE FOR SHADWELL ARABIAN STALLIONS Shadwell is pleased to announce the launch of the new and improved Shadwell Arabian Stallions website www.shadwellarabian.co.uk The re-designed site has extensive content including up-to-date information about Shadwell Arabian Stallions: pedigrees, race records, pictures, and progeny performances. The new site also provides practical information for breeders, including a page where breeders can directly apply for nominations. The website launch coincides with the release of the Shadwell Arabian Stallions roster for the 2021 breeding season for which Shadwell will stand seven Arabian stallions in 2021. They are headed by No Risk Al Maury, recently crowned Champion Arabian Sire in the UK for the first time. Richard Lancaster, Shadwell’s Stud Director, commented: “After a difficult year for all due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Shadwell team is looking forward to the breeding season ahead. “Our roster is more than ever diverse in stallions’ profiles and fees. We hope that all breeders will be able to find a suitable match for their mares. “The performances of the progeny of No Risk Al Maury were outstanding, and we are very grateful to the breeders who continue to support him. Due to his popularity, the number of artificial insemination nominations to
No Risk Al Maury (FR)
No Risk Al Maury with frozen semen is limited for the 2021 breeding season. We urge breeders to contact Shadwell to apply for a nomination before the 15th January 2021. He will be open to approved mares only and the owners of the mares who will have been accepted will be contacted before the end of the following week. “Our 2021 stallion roster offers various opportunities to all breeders to find the right match for their mares. We are thankful for all the support we receive from breeders worldwide.” The complete roster, with the nomination fees and conditions, is available on Shadwell Arabian Stallions website.
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Roster Standing in the UK No Risk Al Maury
Kesberoy - Nectarine Al Maury (Baroud III)
Sire of recent Stakes winners MIN’HA (Gr.2 PA), JAHRA (Gr.2), HYLA DU LOUP (Gr.3 PA), AL NOURY (Gr.3 PA), SALMA NOUR GRINE (Gr.3 PA) Out of the outstanding maternal line of numerous International Group winners Fee:
€3,500 Frozen Semen Only
Al Jakbar
Al Sakbe - Essaada (Hosni)
Group 1 winner over a mile in France Sire of Group winners and performers Fee:
€750 Frozen Semen Only
Manark
Mahabb - Mendra (Sousse)
Multiple Group winner by exceptional sire MAHABB FIRST YEARLINGS 2021 Fee:
!"#"$%&'(%)*+%+*,#"$*%
€2,000 Natural Cover Only
THE ARABIAN RACEH
www.shadwellarabian.co.uk
RSE
Handassa
Madjani - Ziva (Dormane)
Multiple Group winner by exceptional sire MADJANI Fee:
€1,500
Af Al Buraq
Amer - Al Hanouf (Sabaan)
Leading sire in the UAE by number of wins for the third consecutive year Sire of stakes winners and performers including: AF MAHER (Kahayla Classic Gr.1 PA), AF AL SAJANJLE (Gr.2 PA), AF MAQAYES (Gr.3 PA), AF ALWAJEL (Gr.3 PA) Fee:
€3,000 Natural Cover Only
Sivit Al Maury Akbar - Savavit Al Maury (Dormane)
Multiple Stakes winner
FIRST FOALS 2021 Fee:
€2,000
Concessions may be available for blacktype mares, mares travelling from overseas and multiple mares T H E A R A B I A N R AMarion C E H RLachat, SE
Contact us to discuss terms: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk
facebook.com/shadwellarabian
18
Messi, ridden by Pat Dobbs lands the Group 1 $1.3m Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown at Abu Dhabi Racecourse's National Day meeting on December 4, 2020 © Cedric Lane
MESSI HAS OBAIYA ARABIAN CLASSIC AS HIS GOAL
staged at the glittering Saudi Cup meeting in February.
Part-time Belgium trainer Timo Keersmaekers is now aiming for The Obaiya Arabian Classic with his superstar horse, Messi.
Keersmaekers said: “It’s a great target for Messi. He proved himself in Paris and what he did in Abu Dhabi was great. We had dreamed of competing against the best Arabian horses and Messi has helped us live that dream.
Named after Argentina’s world-famous Barcelona footballer, Messi netted more than USD$816,000 when storming home to win the $1.3m Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown at Abu Dhabi on December 4, 2020, having narrowly failed to land an all-theway victory in the Qatar Arabian World Cup at Longchamp on Arc day in October. Now Keersmaekers, who has just eight horses in his family’s stable located 30km from Antwerp in Belgium, is dreaming of another huge pot in the $2m Obaiya Arabian Classic, the world’s richest race for Purebred Arabians,
“I wouldn’t have thought about the Obaiya Arabian Classic before now, but he deserves his place in those sort of races. “He’s an eight-year-old, nearly nine, so I’m aware we need to do it now. We’re not able to say ‘maybe next year or the year after’ – that’s not possible. We need to enjoy him now. “I need to try to keep him at the level he is at and go to the races with him in the form he is in now.”
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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TURKEY WELCOMES A NEW HORSE RACING MAGAZINE
racing, state support, the Jockey Club of Turkey's investments, stallions, etc.
This autumn sees a new publication added to the global horseracing market, that of Bosphorse.
"In addition, directing Turkish horse owners whowant to open up to the world to the right people. To introduce the world horsemanship to TUrkish people more closely. to spread the success of the Turkish horse owners to a wider auidience. to horse people who want to reach in Turkey; horseshoes, medicine, jockey clothing, horse feed, technological equipment to increase horse performance, etc, in short to make Bosphorse a meeting point."
Published monthly it focuses on Turkish racing, a country which supports nearly 50-50 Thoroughbred to Purebred Arabian racing, with additional features on high profile global racing and breeding. Editor in Chief, Mehmet Yusuf Marangoz says: "My reason for bringing this magazine to life is that contribution to the integration od Turkish horse racing into World horse raicng by taking into consideration many positive factors like climate, location, potential, facilities, Arabian horses, race number, number of horses
Click below to view: www.boshphorse.com/magazine
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
A R A B I A N R A C I N G O R G A N I S A T I O N
The Arabian Racing Organisation Limited (ARO) is the sole Arabian racing authority in the UK, operating under the rules and regulations of the British Horseracing Authority.
Racing with ARO allows owners and breeders to participate at all levels, proving their bloodlines through competition, from the spring through to autumn. T e l : 0 1 6 3 5 5 2 4 T4H 4E 5A R A BE Im ail: info@aroracing.co.uk AN RACEH RSE www.aroracing.co.uk
21
Moving with the Times UK Arabian racing will be integrated further with British thoroughbred racing from 2021
Jockey turned trainer Olivier Trigodet with his mixed string of Arabians and thoroughbreds at La Teste de Buch training centre and racecourse in France, this could become commonplace in the UK from 2021
The Arabian Racing Organisation and the British Horseracing Authority recently announced the next steps regarding the regulatory integration of Purebred Arabian racing with British thoroughbred racing. The intention to align the regulatory practices was first announced in December 2019. This initiated a period of further scoping work to be followed by a
phased implementation by ARO with support from the Racing Foundation. The Covid19 pandemic inevitably created some delays, however, a series of interim measures are to be introduced for 2021. Most significantly, existing BHA licenced trainers will be able train both Purebred Arabians and thoroughbred horses, from their current licenced premises, should they wish to do so.
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There is no change for existing ARO (legacy) trainers who wish to continue training only Purebred Arabian horses in 2021, who should apply to ARO for a licence as normal. Those wishing to apply for a BHA licence in 2022 will be assisted in this process and should contact the ARO office for further details. New Purebred Arabian trainers wishing to train in 2021 should also apply to the ARO office and will use 2021 to work towards fulfilling all the requirements of the BHA licencing process for 2022. It is important to note, that there will be no change to the administration of
Arabian racing in 2021, which will continue to administered by ARO. ARO will provide the BHA and Weatherbys with all appropriate data relating to trainers, horses, stable staff and owners as and when appropriate or required. Charles Gregson, ARO Chairman commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The announcement last December that integration was to begin, was the most significant breakthrough for our sport since we started racing under the guidance of the BHA following our inception. It has always been the vision of our Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, that Arabian racing would be fully integrated alongside the British thoroughbred racing industry.
Charles Gregson THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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“This brings the UK into line with the rest of the world, where Arabians are routinely trained alongside thoroughbreds. Despite the challenges due to Covid19, we continued to race, providing a shortened programme catering for all abilities from maidens to Group 1PA races. It was also encouraging to welcome new owners, trainers and jockeys to the sport in the UK, even with the new restrictions.”
towards full integration, it has many advantages. These will include more protection for both owners and trainers with the formalising of their training agreements and other benefits that currently are only available to the thoroughbred industry.
Gregson concluded: “We thank the BHA and the Racing Foundation in enabling this progress towards integration. We are also very grateful to all our participants, sponsors, the officials, racecourses and supporters for their commitment to Arabian racing this year and look forward to the 2021 season.” Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director further expanded on this news saying: “With last year’s announcement initiating further integration with the assistance of the BHA and the Racing Foundation, plus prize money increases and the inauguration of a new Listed PA race at Ascot, 2020 had looked to be starting on an exciting footing. Of course, the arrival of Covid19 severely restricted all our plans to progress the sport in the UK this year. “However, thanks to the hard work of the ARO team liaising constantly with the BHA, Weatherbys and the support of the racecourses, Arabian racing was able resume racing on August 1, much sooner than many other sports, which is to be applauded.” Haynes continued: “Whilst it is understandable that some participants may feel saddened by the move
Genny Haynes
“As we have seen since we increased the number of single races, racing on thoroughbred cards brings us greater media exposure which will further improve when we get to full integration in 2022. This also makes us more attractive to existing sponsors and makes it easier to engage with new ones.” Holding top level races on premier thoroughbred cards has always been an attraction to Arabian racing’s sponsors around the world and this should help UK Arabian racing’s progression.
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ARO races have been run under BHA regulations for Arabians for many years. Al Mourtajez (FR) having his microchip scanned by a BHA official at Goodwood in 2016
Haynes elaborated further: “We were delighted that the two Group 1PA races that we were able to hold this season, maintained very attractive prize funds in keeping with their top-level status. Our most valuable race of the year, the Qatar International Stakes, stood out as the most valuable race that day on the thoroughbred card at Goodwood. “It was a similar situation at Doncaster in September, where the UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) race value was second only to the Pertemps St Leger, the prestigious thoroughbred Group 1 which headlines that Doncaster card. We would also like to thank the UAE President Cup series for maintaining their prize money for our
Arabian Derby at 2019 levels.” In a year that saw prize money levels greatly reduced in thoroughbred racing, it was of huge significance to the sport that all of the UK’s domestic Arabian races carried the same minimum prize value as in 2019, with no race worth less than £2000 and prize money down to sixth place. The well-known Wathba Stallions Cup series, which is aimed at the sports’ grassroots, sponsored two races, at double the minimum values. The Emirates Breeders series generously partnered with other sponsors throughout the season and this collaborative effort was integral to funding UK Arabian racing in 2020.
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Haynes continued: “Whilst we will aim to increase minimum prize money levels, which already far exceed many amateur sports such as point-topointing, the Covid19 crisis may curtail our expectations. However, it should be noted that out of the 27 owners with horses that raced in 2020, only six failed to collect any prize money. “Of course, it was difficult for everyone to find races for their horses, as our race plan had to be reduced” Haynes sympathised. “Though we did all we could to ensure that there were still opportunities for all levels. This was thanks to all of our participants who kept the office up to date with details
of their horses in training, allowing the race plan to be adjusted several times throughout the season. “The introduction of the Equine MediRecord system, which became mandatory for all ARO registered horses this year, also put us ahead of the thoroughbred industry. This undoubtedly assisted our return to racing and showed the thoroughbred world that we are already operating on a professional footing.” Haynes was keen to stress that moving forward, domestic breeders need to be encouraged and is actively seeking sponsorship for a breeders’ scheme.
Field sizes were restricted in 2021, because of limited stabling, but most of the races were run at full or near capacity THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ARO Champion Arabian of 2020 Al-Tabari (GB)
She explained: “The success of small breeders such Julie Kelway with AlTabari, ARO’s leading horse this year, shows that you do not need high numbers of horses or huge investment to breed winners. I would dearly like to see her efforts and those of others, rewarded financially in the future. We are a long way behind France in that regard, but integration with the rest of British racing should help goals of this nature become a reality.”
administration with the permission and guidance of the BHA, as in previous years. Due to the continuing impact of Covid19 on all UK racing, the BHA’s own racing calendar is only confirmed to April, however we expect our 2021 race plan to follow a similar format to 2019. We look forward to announcing it as soon as it is possible to do so.”
In conclusion she said: “ARO will maintain its’ position as the sole authority for Arabian racing in the UK and will continue the sports’ THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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UK Arabian Racing Organisation 2020 Season Review
Amateur Alex Chadwick with the ARO Champion Jockey trophy. An integral part of ARO Champion Trainer James Owen'a team, he rode two winners for ARO Champion Owner HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum
The UK Arabian Racing Organisation 2020 season opened at Goodwood on August 1 and closed at Wolverhampton on November 30. Working through the most difficult circumstances the ARO team liaised constantly with the British Horseracing Authority and the racecourses to enable racing to go ahead. Though the
programme had to be shortened to just 14 races, ARO ensured that they catered for the wide range of abilities of the registered horses and even with the constant changes in restrictions, still managed to keep the international programme alive with two Group 1PA races staged.
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Ebraz (GB) wins a second Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) under Maxime Guyon
The opening race was the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) at Goodwood which had been scheduled to be one of the early trials for the return of spectators to UK racecourses. At the eleventh hour the trial was cancelled, and Arabian racing began behind closed doors with a limited number of owners permitted to attend.
Trainer Julian Smart proudly said: "Ebraz is very special. He is one of the best - he already proved that in Doha, winning the Triple Crown and winning the HH The Amir Sword three times. This is the fourth time he has come to Goodwood - he has been unlucky on two occasions and has managed to win it the last two years.”
The Sussex Downs track has borne witness to many exceptional horses and since the addition of the UK’s most valuable Arabian race to the summer festival, no two Arabians have made a greater impact than Ebraz and Tayf since they duelled throughout the final furlong in torrential rain back in 2017.
Ebraz was at his magnificent best over the undulating mile, but he, Deryan, Tayf and Bel’izam who were placed behind him, were all race-fit. With all the UK runners making their seasonal debuts, it was especially encouraging to see Dilmun Racing’s Abiyah Athbah (by Jaafer ASF), narrowly miss out on fourth place. Beaten a short head, the Peter Hammersley trained mare put up a career best effort in fifth. The same could also be said for the sixth placed Tijaary (by Al Saoudi), which was a great result for James Owen and his Racing Club members, most of whom were watching the race on TV.
This year Ebraz cemented his place in UK Arabian racing history with a second win in the Qatar International. Owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, the imposing grey son of Amer continued his exceptional run of good form to bring his total of toplevel wins to seven.
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Qatar International Stakes Group 1PA EBRAZ Maxime Guyon - Julian Smart HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani
Saturday 1st August 2020 Goodwood Racecourse, UK
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One of those members, Fraser McBeth spoke enthusiastically about his experience saying: “The race at Goodwood was the most valuable on the card, so just to be on that stage was amazing.” He continued: “James was very realistic, he said we wouldn’t win, but we might just get into the prize money. It was strange watching on TV, knowing that was my horse and shouting for it not to win, but to finish sixth! But he won £8,000 for the Club.” New to the Club this year, his previous sporting affiliations had been confined to football and rugby. Looking back over his involvement in Arabian racing this season, McBeth concludes: “I was aiming to try it for a year, to experience
racing from the other side. I also share a thoroughbred with another of the Club members, but we’ve got so much more out of Arabian racing that we’re looking into an Arabian of our own next year. Once the race is underway you don’t care what breed it is, it has really captured everyone’s interest.” That opening race was widely welcomed, Adam Waterworth, Managing Director of Sport at the Goodwood Estate commented: “Having Ebraz back was fantastic for us and I’ve been lucky enough to see him win out in Qatar too. This week has been all about superstars and returning champions Ebraz fits that bill as well as any of the horses that we’ve had here this week, so I’m delighted to see him win today.”
James Owen Racing Club's Tijaary (FR) and Keiran O'Neill at Goodwood THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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However, once it was confirmed that crowds would not be returning to the racecourse for the foreseeable future, it was no surprise to learn that Dubai International Arabian Races was to be postponed. That left the UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) as the only other pattern race to be held in the UK this year, however it was fortunate that both Group 1PA races were able to go ahead and in their regular positions in the calendar.
The domestic season began with the first of two Wathba Stallions Cup races, a maiden over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton which was a notable debut win for first season trainer Jessica Quinlan with Al Shaamikh (by Amer). He later followed up in the Emirates Breeders Novice Stakes, whilst her only other horse to race, Toufan Du Croate (by AF Albahar) was placed in thearabianracehorse.com Maiden Stakes.
The UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) at Doncaster (reviewed page XX) the following month, saw Hattal (by Mahabb) become the fourth consecutive French Derby winner to follow up in the UK version. The eyecatcher in that race was a domestic debutant, Loolwa (by Al Saoudi), trained by Phil Collington for HH Sheikh Hamdan. Though no match for the winner, she stuck on well in a very professional manner on her first racecourse outing.
Both horses were owned by Mohammed Fahad Al-Attiyah, a new owner to UK Arabian racing who also has horses in France and his native Qatar. Needless to say, Quinlan was delighted they had down so well as she had no previous experience racing Arabians, only thoroughbreds. Honoured to receive the HWPA Arabian Racing Achievement Award in December (see page XX), she is eagerly looking forward to next season.
Dan Muscutt and Al Shaamikh (QA) at Woverhampton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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One of the consequences of Covid19 was to compress the domestic thoroughbred season and when racing returned, the aim was to maximise the opportunities to race. This meant that fixtures holding nine or 10 races, with more than one race open to divide, became common place. This also put pressure on racecourse stabling and ARO were extremely fortunate that Wolverhampton and Chelmsford City racecourses were willing to accommodate Arabian runners. Wolverhampton hosted the final race and though there were some familiar names heading the championship tables, it was encouraging to see new names registered in all categories too.
Shadwell's Marion Lachat with the ARO Champion Owner Award
With the highest number of horses in training it was to be expected that ARO Patron HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum would secure his nineteenth Owners’ Championship, which was also his seventeenth consecutive win. James Owen achieved his fourth Trainers’ Championship, with his stable amateur jockey Alex Chadwick retaining the
ARO Champion Trainer James Owen
Jockeys’ Championship for a second successive year. Speaking of his success Owen said: “Of course it’s been a difficult season, so all our thanks go to ARO, our team, all our owners and the sponsors for waiting. We’ve got some nice progressive types coming along and with Shadwell’s support, who have been great, and our Racing Club who have also been very patient, we’re looking forward to next year when hopefully everyone can return to the races as normal.” Chadwick also congratulated the team behind him saying: “It’s a massive achievement for me, as coming into this season with less races, I knew it would be a much harder task. I’d like to thank James, His Highness and all the owners for giving me the opportunities and all credit goes to everyone at home. I have the great job of riding nice horses at the races, but there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, with everyone doing much more than me to get these horses to the track. Hopefully we can keep the momentum rolling on to next season.”
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Kevin Stott and Loolwa (GB) go to post at Woverhampton
HH Sheikh Hamdan certainly has some exciting fillies for next season. They include the aforementioned Loolwa, who confirmed that early season promise winning the final race of the 2020 season, the Shadwell Arabian Stallions (0-95) Handicap over nine and a half furlongs - with more of His Highness’s runners also filling the places. Fittingly the three fillies were by Shadwell sires, with Loolwa and second placed Farhaa being daughters of Al Saoudi, whilst third placed Anfaas is a daughter of No Risk Al Maury. Loolwa was ridden by Kevin Stott, who was recording his first UK win on an Arabian. Though familiar with the breed from time spent riding in Dubai,
Stott was pleased with Loolwa’s professional attitude saying: “She’s a nice big filly, I can only see her going forward from this. I said to Phil that back on Turf she’ll probably enjoy a bit of cut in the ground and I think she could get further too. I couldn’t fault her performance at all.” After a tough season Collington was obviously relieved to be back in the winners’ circle and was delighted with Loolwa commenting: “It’s been frustrating, her debut effort was above expectations, when she was third in the UK Arabian Derby, but to see her win today confirmed the ability that she showed then. I’m longing to see her back on Turf next season.”
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His Highness’s three-year-old filly Wanaasa was placed in two maidens before a six-length win in the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Stakes over seven furlongs. The performance drew high praise from Owen who commented: “It was a good run from Wanaasa, I think she bumped into two nice horses previously. I was bit disappointed that she didn’t win first time out, and though she’s beaten inexperienced rivals, she’s done it well. "She’s the fastest Arabian I’ve ever trained. She’ll strengthen up, like her half-sister Al Azeeza did, but I think
she’s got more class than her. She’s got a great mind.” Wanaasa was the Champion mare, helping her sire No Risk Al Maury in his quest for a first UK Sires title. He was also the sire of Arwen Forta and Mazyoonah who were winners for Owen too. Placed horses by No Risk Al Maury include the five-year-old colt Zayin Zyperion, who once he found his feet, put up some excellent performances in defeat, placing three times. Based on those efforts he should lose the maiden tag next season.
Jack Mitchell and Wanaasa (GB) winning at Chelmsford City THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Serafim Forta (GB) at Woverhampton
Whilst Arwen Forta is leased by the James Owen Racing Club, Serafim Forta, also trained by Owen, is retained. He gave Forta Stud a first UK winner for their sire Sadeem (by Djelfor) in the Racing To School Inspiring Young Minds Handicap over nine and a half furlongs. Both were ridden to victory by Chadwick who is only in his second year of riding Arabians. Owen’s aims for his Racing Club have been boosted by Tijaary’s valuable placing at Goodwood and several good runs overseas which broadens the Club’s appeal. Tijaary and their other horse, UK Derby fourth Sattam, will continue in the pink and blue colours next season, whilst Arwen Forta will be replaced by Serafim Forta. He
has showed a progressive and willing attitude in his runs and looks a horse to follow in 2021. Another to note is Evermore Racing’s homebred Kayack (by Kayeed). Though still a maiden he has turned in some useful performances in highgrade handicaps and looks a winner in the making over a mile and a half, once dropped in company. He made the frame for the first time at that trip when runner-up to the improving Al-Tabari in the Royal Cavalry of Oman (0-75) Handicap at Wolverhampton. Less than two lengths behind Al-Tabari, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Jinaan, a sister to good winning stayer Saleemah, was a further eleven lengths adrift in third.
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Now in his second season, Al-Tabari was giving his sire Tabarak (by Nizam) his first UK winner and is a son of eighttime winner Altesse Kossack (by Marwan I). Ridden in all his races this term by Howard Cheng, the four-yearold is trained by Peter Hammersley for his wife Michelle and was bred by Julie Kelway, for whom Hammersley also trained the dam, successful in the same race in 2013. In a further echo of races past, Altesse Kossack had beaten Kayack’s dam, Penny Black, in another Royal Cavalry sponsored race in 2010. After the win a delighted Hammersley commented: “I’m thrilled to bits and the wife will be pleased too! It was Howard’s idea to drop him out, he’s ridden him in his last two starts and he admitted that he rode him wrong last time. After that race he said, ‘give me another chance and I’ll make it up to you’ and he has done. On his breeding we thought Al-Tabari would be suited by the step up in trip as his dam stayed
all day. We have his two-year-old brother at home for next year too. “I’d also like to thank the Royal Cavalry of Oman for sponsoring the race. This year has been challenging for all of us and it means a lot to have their continued support.” Hammersley had considered ending the gelding’s season there, but he came out of the race so well that he returned to the track three weeks later. It proved an excellent decision giving Hammersley a night to remember with Al-Tabari leading home a one-twothree-four in the Equine MediRecord (0-70) Handicap Stakes. Given another well-judged ride by Cheng, the pair drew six and a half lengths clear of the Connally’s Samawaat, who had recently joined the yard. Zayin Arabians’ Zayin Zyperion was a further half-length away in third, with HH Sheikha Maryam bint Al Maktoum’s Bin Al Reeh beaten a short head in fourth.
Howard Cheng and Al-Tabari (GB) at Woverhampton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Joey Haynes and Abiyah Athbah (GB) winners at Chelmsford City
The nine-and-a-half-furlong contest supported by Emirates Breeders was the penultimate race of the season. Hammersley had had his team in in tremendous form with Samawaat and Zayin Zyperion placed at the Midlands track earlier in the week and then Abiyah Athbah winning on the Thursday at Chelmsford City. After the race he commented: “Al-Tabari surprised me really. Howard said he would ride him a bit more prominently this time and afterwards he couldn’t believe how much he’s improved from his last win here. “We’ve been patient with him and we can look forward to next season now, as he looks to be versatile as to trip. I’m thrilled with all four of them though, I thought Paddy [Barlow] rode a nice race on Bin Al Reeh and I’m pleased for the Connally’s and Paul Simmons too.”
Al-Tabari finished his season as the ARO Champion Arabian, and though no such accolade for the yard’s Abiyah Athbah, who had been leading mare last year, she still had an excellent season. Her win at Chelmsford City in one of two races sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds enhanced the six-yearold’s reputation, with a decisive victory dropped down to seven furlongs beating Tijaary and Toofan. After the race Hammersley commented: “I’m sure it was just the weight that beat her last time over a mile and a half [when third to Al Kaaser]. Joey Haynes has given her a beautiful ride today. We thought there would be plenty of pace, but if there wasn’t, he’d just let her bowl along and she travelled really, really well, I’m so pleased. We’ve always thought she had bags of speed, so we have plenty of options for her now.”
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Baileys Horse Feeds have increased their sponsorship with ARO this season, their export manager Mark Buchan commented: “Whilst the Middle East is a big export market for us, we’re pleased to be putting something back into the domestic sport and supporting our local course at the same time, as Chelmsford City is just ten minutes from our mill.” In third at Chelmsford City was the four-year-old Toofan (by Mahabb) trained by Owen, who had beaten Wanaasa on his debut in the Arabianracehorse.com maiden stakes over a mile at Wolverhampton. After just two starts the gelding looks to be another to have the potential to
progress further next season. “Toofan’s a nice horse” Owen had commented after his debut win. “I hope he keeps going forward in this manner, we certainly won’t rush him. It’s also great for Alex to win on him, as he does a lot of work with the young horses at home, he’s an integral part of the team at Green Ridge.” Chadwick had kept the ride on Toofan with His Highness’s first jockey Jim Crowley partnering the proven Al Azeeza, who finished fourth. Toofan had been Chadwick’s first winner of 2020 and said of the gelding: “He does everything right at home, but you can never be sure they’ll do that when you get to the track.”
Alex Chadwick and Toofan (GB) win thearabianracehorse.com Maiden Stakes THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Alex Chadwick and Al Kaaser (FR) winning at Wolverhampton
After the handicapper’s final review, the leading domestic horses on ratings are as follows: Older Horse: AL KAASER 106 Older Mare: ABIYAH ATHBAH 95 AL AZEEZA 95 Four-year-old male: TOOFAN 89 Four-year-old filly: LOOLWA 95* Three-year-old male: AL-SHAAMIKH 99 Three-year-old filly: WANAASA 85 Though all would agree that the shortened programme was not ideal, unlike many sports, Arabian racing was able to adapt to the challenges presented by Covid19. UK Arabian racing was proud to receive continued support for its’ domestic programme from the Wathba Stallions Cup, the Royal Cavalry of Oman, Shadwell Arabian Stallions and this magazine. Baileys Horse Feeds, Baker McVeigh International, Equine MediRecord, Racing to School and Zayin Arabian
Stud all became new sponsors, or increased their involvement in 2020, whilst the support of the Emirates Breeders series (who partnered with many of the sponsors) was integral to race funding. Speaking of the season, Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation Commercial and Finance Director commented: “ARO is thankful for the support of our Patron and our participants who chose to keep their horses in training during these uncertain times and is extremely grateful to all our valued sponsors this season. Even though we were only able to hold fourteen races, it is due to this support that we have maintained our presence as part of UK racing. “In addition, we also thank the British Horseracing Authority and everyone at Chelmsford City, Doncaster, Goodwood and Wolverhampton Racecourses for their continued assistance in ensuring that we were able to race in 2020.”
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ARO Owners Championship
overseas owners, including Mohammed Fahad Al-Attiyah who had horse in training in Newmarket and the UAE's Helal Al Alawi who had his first UK runner in the UAE President Cup
The table below shows the top 20 owners in 2020. In such a challengng year it has been good to welcome new 1ST 5 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin R Al Maktoum Mohamed Fahad A H Al-Attiyah Mrs Michelle Hammersley James Owen Racing Club Yas Horse Racing Management Dilmun Racing Forta Stud HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Mr & Mrs A Connally Zayin Arabian Stud Ltd Evermore Racing Athbah Racing Mr Helal Al Alawi Mr P. J. Hammersley H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin K Al Thani HH Sheikha Maryam Bint M Al Maktoum Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdam Al Maktoum Mr & Mrs Plumb Mr Okbah Mohammed Aashour Whitley Meadows Arabian Racing Stud
2ND 5 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ARO Trainers Championship The table below shows the leading trainers of 2020. With Jessica Quinlan making such an excellent start, it is hoped that her success may attract others from thoroughbred backgrounds to try Arabians now Mr James Owen Mr P J Hammersley Miss Jessica Quinlan Mr Philip Collington Julian Smart (QA) Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte (FR) Ms Jen Harris Didier Guillemin (FR) David Morisson (FR) Thomas Fourcy (FR) Damien De Watrigant (FR) Mrs Jaime Plumb Mr Okbah Aashour Mr Anthony Holdsworth Mr Gavin Kelly Mrs D Thomas Mrs Susan Connally Ms Nikki Malcolm
1ST 6 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2ND 6 3 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3RD 8 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
4TH 6 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0
5TH 8 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0
6TH 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
PRIZEMONEY 27,520 3,400 2,320 17,120 80,000 13,240 1,160 100,000 800 880 560 480 16,000 560 24,000 280 16,000 3,320 120 80
integration has progressed further. New international trainers with first UK runners include Xavier-Thomas Demeaulte and David Morrison. Morrision rode Eau Royal to win the DIAR juvenile pattern race in 2020 for Jean-Pierre Totain. 3RD 3 4 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4TH 5 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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5TH 7 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
6TH 4 1 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
PRIZEMONEY 32,240 18,160 3,400 14,040 100,000 40,000 560 40,000 16,000 24,000 16,000 3,320 120 80
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ARO Jockeys Championship The table below shows the top 20 jockeys in 2020. Owing to the small number of races and lack of opportunities for the amateur riders it was considered appropriate to have just one championship this season.
season when beaten a head on Al Faaris in the Hope Farm Premier Handicap, but has scored two wins from six rides this season, better than the other professionals with more Arabian racehorse experience.
James Owen looked after his amateur stable staff well, ensuring that Alex Chadwick rode in every domestic race, and gave his novice jockey, Hayley Lewis opportunities to learn more racecraft and improve her riding, she finished best of the amateur ladies, with two second placings. Chadwick made the most of his chances and it was a great achievement under the circumstances to gain more wins than the professionals. Professional rider Jack Mitchell had an excellent season. His first ride on Arabians was on Gazel T in the QREC Harwood International at Doncaster in 2013. He finished a lot closer there last
Mr Alex Chadwick Jack Mitchell Howard Cheng Joey Haynes Lewis Edmunds Maxime Guyon Tadhg O'Shea Daniel Muscutt Kevin Stott Mr Stephen Harrison Dane O'Neill Miss Hayley Lewis Eoin Walsh Miss Antonia Peck Miss Serena Brotherton Ioritz Mendizabal Silvestre De Sousa Robbie Downey Joanna Mason Jim Crowley
1ST 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2ND 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
3RD 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1
Jack Mitchell
4TH 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
5TH 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
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6TH 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
RIDES 12 6 5 4 2 1 1 1 1 6 5 8 3 5 3 1 1 1 1 5
PRIZEMONEY 4,640 3,520 2,480 1,480 2,240 100,000 40,000 1,000 1,000 1,360 10,800 1,680 1,120 880 560 40,000 16,000 400 400 21,320
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ARO Horse & Mare Championships The table below shows the top 20 horses in 2020. It was close at the top with Al-Tabari and Al Shaamikh on two
AL-TABARI AL SHAAMIKH (QA) WANAASA LOOLWA ABIYAH ATHBAH TOOFAAN MAZYOONAH SERAFIM FORTA ARWEN FORTA (AE) EBRAZ HATTAL (FR) AL KAASER (FR) SAMAWAAT ZAYIN ZYPERION SATTAM (FR) KAYACK TIJAARY (FR) DERGHAM ATHBAH DERYAN (FR) JUGURTHA DE MONLAU (FR)
PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA
1ST 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ARO Sires Championship
1st 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2ND 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3RD 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
4TH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
5TH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
6TH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0
RUNS 4 2 3 3 3 2 2 4 4 1 1 1 3 5 4 3 3 2 1 1
win was well deserved, having been runner-up to Munjiz last year and fourth to Madjani in 2018.
The table below shows the leading sires of 2020. No Risk Al Maury's first Sire No Risk Al Maury (FR) Amer (SA) Mahabb (AE) Tabarak (GB) Al Saoudi (FR) Munjiz (FR) Jaafer ASF (GB) Sadeem (FR) Madjani (FR) AF Albahar (AE) General (GB) Al Mamun Monlau (FR) Kayeed (GB) Majd Al Arab (GB) Monsieur Al Maury (FR) Nizam (GB) Al Reeh Janoob (GB) Snoopi (FR) Dahess (GB) Nivour De Cardonne (FR)
wins and the filly Wanaasa scoring just once, but with two placings. In a normal season all three could have been expected a higher win total and all should be followed next year.
2nd 3 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3rd 4 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
4th 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
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Runs 24 4 6 4 8 11 3 4 12 5 4 1 6 3 2 1 5 4 10 2
Prize Money 12,120 127,000 81,400 2,320 19,760 2,640 13,240 1,160 2,320 880 7,400 16,000 560 560 560 16,000 280 3320 200 120
PRIZEMONEY 2,320 3,000 1,880 10,840 13,240 1,240 2,160 1,160 1,320 100,000 40,000 1,000 800 880 7,400 560 8,400 480 40,000 16,000
DEBBIE BURT EQUINE CREATIVE MEDIA ARO Official Photographer HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Award Winner International Photographer To view and purchase photos from the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 ARO seasons please visit www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) 2000m 4yo Doncaster, UK HATTAL (FR) (4 c Mahabb x Mizna (Akbar)) Owner: YAS Horse Racing Management Breeder: YAS Horse Racing Management Trainer: Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte Jockey: Tadhg O'Shea
Two days after the ARO season opened with history-maker Ebraz re-enforcing his superiority at Goodwood, it was confirmed that the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious race for four-year-olds, the Group 1PA UK Arabian Derby would go ahead. Firmly established as part of the Doncaster St Leger Festival for thoroughbreds, it is in its fifth consecutive year of sponsorship from the UAE President Cup series.
Run over a mile and a quarter, The UAE President Cup resumed itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association with the UK Arabian Derby in 2016 and since 2017 it has been won by the winner of the French equivalent in Nafees, Rodess Du Loup and Hayyan. Despite Covid restrictions on overseas runners, or more importantly the quarantine conditions for the staff accompanying them, runners were to include French Arabian Derby winner Hattal.
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Loolwa (GB)
Jugurtha De Monlau (FR)
Hattal (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Jugurtha De Monlau (FR) and Silvestre Da Sousa
Trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, Hattal represented last years’ winning connections, YAS Horse Racing Management and was to be ridden for the first-time by Tadhg O’Shea. Eighttime UAE Champion Jockey O’Shea, whose return to the Gulf was been delayed by Covid19, had won four Group 1PA races on Hattal’s dam Mizzna, including the 2008 Kahayla Classic on Dubai World Cup night. The remaining runners include progressive recent winners Jugurtha De Monlau, trained by former jockey David Morrison in France, and Alameen for ARO Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Trained by James Owen, Alameen had won over a mile in Belgium in the summer and was the highest rated of the UK trained runners.
He was ridden by Jim Crowley, who had finished fourth on the colt in a Group 2 PA event last season at Newbury. Also representing His Highness was Loolwa, trained by Phil Collington and partnered by Dane O’Neill; the filly was making her first racecourse appearance, but was a half-sister to three winners, out of a debut Group2PA winner. Also declared was Sattam for the James Owen Racing Club, who had impressed and surprised his trainer with a fast finishing second on debut in a maiden a week earlier. The field was completed by Gerko De Tenelle for Jayme Plumb. Related to winner and sire Vert Olive, he had been running in France and was making his UK debut for his new connections.
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Dane O'Neill and Loolwa (GB) (above) Martin Dwyer and Sattam (FR) (below)
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Alameen (FR) and Jim Crowley (above) and Gerko De Tenelle (FR) and Sophie Reed (below)
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Tadgh O'Shea and Hattal (FR) take the lead from Jugurtha De Monlau (FR)
Jugurtha De Monlau was very keen from the off and was soon leading under Silvestre Da Sousa, by contrast both Alameen and Gerko De Tenelle made poor starts. Sophie Reed was lucky to keep her seat on Gerko De Tenelle and the pair lost many lengths, though as the race panned out, it would have made little difference to their finishing position. The French raiders were a class apart, though Loolwa impressed with a very professional attitude throughout, keeping tabs on the leader and knuckling down gamely when passed and rallying well in the final furlong to finish a clear third ahead of Sattam. It was always going to be Hattal’s race however, he moved smoothly into the
lead when asked by O’Shea and though the winning margin between them and Jugurtha De Monlau was less than a length, it was a comfortable victory. He maintains the excellent form of winners of the French Derby in this race and gave his trainer a notable first UK group winner at the first attempt. Thomas-Demeaulte commented: “The conditions to run at Doncaster were not very easy in this Covid period and the trip from Mont de Marsan was very long, but the horse has a strong mind. We were helped by the ARO team who took care of the horse at Doncaster on arrival and I would like to thank them for that assistance which enabled the horse to run.
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“Hattal was well ridden by Tadhg and it was not a hard race for him. He is a very nice horse, and I am lucky to have him in training. Everyone in my yard works hard to reach this level of race so it is good for everyone to win.”
there too soon. It will be exciting to see where connections go with him next, whether they will head to the Arc for the World Cup or out to Abu Dhabi for the Jewel Crown, his mother was unbeaten at that track.”
O’Shea who was deputising for regular pilot, Ioritz Mendizabal, was winning the Doncaster contest for a second time, having previously been successful with Nafees in 2017. Speaking after the race O’Shea said: “Hattal is a very, very smart horse. Connections were hopeful for a good result as he won the French Derby in a really quick time. It’s my first time riding him, but I was unbeaten on his mother Mizzna. She was a champion, so he has a bit more to prove yet to be as good as her, but he’s going the right way. “To be honest, he didn’t really have a race there, if anything he was getting
Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte
UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) winner Hattal (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Hattal (FR) with Tadhg O'Shea
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Faisal Al Ramani presents the trophies
Faisal Al Rahmani, event manager for the UAE President Cup series said: “The Group 1 UAE President Cup race at Doncaster is a platform for young Arabian horses to build on to become future champions.” Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was delighted commenting. “This race consistently confirms a winner of the highest class and I am sure we have seen a new star today in Hattal. We thank the UAE President Cup Series for their continued generous support of our feature race for four-year-olds.
racecourse and the British Horse Racing Authority for their support of international Arabian racing, enabling this race to go ahead during these challenging times. Including this race as part of St Leger Day, at Doncaster’s most prestigious meeting of the year, enhances the contest’s prestige and Arabian racing’s status in the UK.”
“We are also very grateful to Doncaster THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
President of the UAE Cup UK Arabian Derby 9
Group 1PA HATTAL Tadhg O'Shea - Xavier Thomas Demeaulte YAS Horse Racing Management
Saturday 12th September Doncaster Racecourse
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European Group 1 PA Review 2020 HH Sheikh Mansoor has an excellent year, but Messi emerges as the European star on the International stage
Hattal (FR) scored three Group 1PA wins in Europe
Inevitably, history will show that the dominant theme of 2020 will be the global pandemic. However, the way that horseracing rose to the challenge of maintaining the sport with, in many cases only a short period of complete shutdown in comparison to other sports, is of great credit to the organisers and participants around the world. The dominant European owner, at least at Group 1PA level, was HH Sheikh Mansoor, under the banner of his YAS
Horse Racing Management, who ended the season winning five of the 12 Group 1 PA races that were run in Europe. Of course, this achievement must be viewed against the backdrop of a reduction in opportunities, such the postponement of Dubai International Arabian Races, which supports two top level events. Nonetheless, the operations significant investment in France and the policy of dividing horses between there and the UAE, continues to pay dividends.
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His leading horses were the five-yearolds Deryan and Hayyan, plus the fouryear-old colt, Hattal. All are by Wathba Stallions; Hayyan was sired by Munjiz, who they sadly lost this year, whilst Deryan and Hattal are by their other flag-bearer Mahabb. Deryan and Hayyan are out of the half-sisters Haboob (by Akbar) and Dahwa (by Tidjani) respectively, however it is Hattal that could be the most significant product of the Mansoor breeding programme. Hattal is out of the six-time Group 1PA winner Mizzna (by Akbar), and in only his first season to race, he has already equalled the top-level record of her best runner to date, Rabbah De Carrere. Both Mizzna and Rabbah De Carrere were winners of the Dubai Kahayla Classic and that is sure to be the colt’s longterm aim. Runner-up on his debut to Nalink, Hattal has not been beaten in four starts since. Scoring in both the French and UK Derby’s, he was stepped up to 2200m in Toulouse in October in
the French Arabian Breeders Challenge Classic – HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan where he gained his third Group 1PA win. This also makes him the leading Group 1PA winner in Europe for 2020. The PA pattern season began in France, with the Qatar Prix de L’Elevage (Gr2PA) at Toulouse, where the 2019 dual Derby winner Hayyan put nearly ten lengths between him and his nearest rival, Kair Al Cham. He later proved this return to form was no fluke, when adding another Group 1PA win to his resume at Deauville in August, when scoring in the Doha Cup. Deryan, who has tested the patience of connections with many eye-catching efforts, finally joined the Group 1PA club with his success in the rescheduled and relocated President of the UAE Cup, moved from ParisLongchamp to Deauville, because of lockdown restrictions in the French capital.
Hayyan (FR) added another Group 1PA win to his career THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Lady Princess (FR) back in the winners enclosure in France Š Noelle Derre
Hadi De Carrere was the leading threeyear-old with two Group 1PA wins in the Al Rayyan Cup at Deauville and the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains at Saint-Cloud. He is a notable early winner for his sire the four-time Group 1 PA winner, Neishaan and is from his second crop to race. He is part of the stable of young Qatari owner Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari, along with Lady Princess who beat the colts to win the Al Rayyan Cup in 2019. She only had two European starts this season, but was less than two lengths behind a racefit Artemis on her reappearance in the Prix Nevadour (Gr3PA), but was a convincing winner of the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA) at ParisLongchamp in October. That was a fine performance for a small filly in heavy ground to come from off the pace to win
and though the margin was only a length, she was already being eased by Christophe Soumillon at the line. Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular powerhouse of owners, Al Shaqab and HH Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, had a comparatively quiet European season. However, the respective Al Thani stable leading lights of Tayf and Ebraz still took the spoils in the two most valuable races in France and the UK, which form the first two legs of the QREC sponsored Doha Triple Crown. Hopes were naturally high for Ebraz to maintain his charge through the history books with a second Triple Crown attempt, but despite an emphatic win at Goodwood, they were dashed in the mud in Paris, when Tayf took the spoils on his fifth attempt at the Qatar World Cup.
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This was a noteworthy success for trainer Thomas Fourcy who has taken over the horses of Sheikh Abdullah from their principle trainer Alban De Mieulle in Europe. The challenges of Covid were a factor in the decision, with de Mieulle staying behind in Qatar to nurture the younger Umm Qarn horses for the forthcoming Gulf season. De Mieulle had only dispatched Tayf and Bin General for a European campaign as Fourcy already had seven younger horses, whilst fellow French handler Didier Guillemin was also entrusted with several Arabians to run in the burgundy and white colours this season.
Fourcy was also responsible for training Al Shaqabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole Group 1 PA winner Alawsj, who won the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches by three-quarters of a length from her stable mate Jalela. Both are daughters of young sires, Alawsj is by Dahore De Brughere who raced in the Al Shaqab colours but has had limited opportuniites as a sire. Not so Mister Ginoux who has had an excellent first season, with Jalela being one of six individual winners in France. By Amer, he is also a three parts -brother to the aforementioned Lady Princess (by General).
Tayf (FR) was a third Qatar Arabian World Cup winner for HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Kahlifa Al Thani and for trainer Thomas Fourcy. It was also the first winner foaled by His Higness's stud in France, the Haras du Grand Courgeon. Š Noelle Derre THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Messi (BE) gains his first pattern win in Waregem - photo supplied by AHRCB
Despite only scoring at Group 3 PA level in Europe, the late developer award must go to Messi. The Belgian bred eight-year-old son of Dahess had never finished closer than third at that level since opening his campaign in 2016, but has showed a remarkable level of improvement this season. Winning a conditions race at Waregem on his reappearance he returned there to gain his first pattern win in August, beating Freddy PY, Conchita DA and Mashhur Al Khalediah in rough race for the President of the UAE Cup over a mile. Heading to the Listed PA German stage of the same series, Freddy PY gained revenge by a nose with the 2019 winner Mashhur Al Khalediah in third. The Phil Collington trained Athbah representative was later found to have sustained a minor injury and has had to
sidestep the autumn campaign that proved so fruitful last year. France was next on the agenda for Messi and a first attempt in Group 1PA company. Though not a strong contest with only five runners, finishing less than two lengths behind Fazza Al Khalediah was not expected in the Prix Dragon (Gr1PA) on Arc Trials day. Those observers who had dismissed the result, were quickly put in their place a month later when he separated the two great rivals Tayf and Ebraz in the World Cup. This earned the Belgian team a ticket to the Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi, but instead of a rest, Messi turned up again in the IFAHR Cup, a Listed PA contest at Ghlin, where he was fourth behind the relatively unexposed Nijinski Al Maury, the James Owen trained Rafeef and No And No Al Maury.
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Less than three weeks later he took his place as the highest rated runner in the Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) which was to be run over its’ newly extended distance of 2200m and on it’s new date of December 4th. Ridden for the first time by UAE winter regular Pat Dobbs, he was ridden close to the pace and taking it up 300m out, ran on well for a winning margin of three and a half lengths over course and distance specialist Al Zahir. Hayyan, who had been fifth in the World Cup in Paris, stayed on well to take third. Messi is owned and trained by Timo Keersmaekers, who resumed the training of his horse in February due to the restraints of COVID19 on his regular business. Messi had been with several previous trainers who clearly had not been able to unlock his talent and had also missed the 2018 due to injury. Bred by Keermaekers father Vido, he is a full brother to Victor, who took after their sire Dahess and was a specialist sprinter, only winning in Belgium. Their dam Jeanne D’Arc (by Dormane), is a halfsister to Ambiorix (by Amer), who sired a
handful of horses including Toutatix, a winner of the premier one mile handicap at DIAR, and later runner-up to Muraaqib in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1PA). Now 19, getting her in foal has been difficult, however they have a colt by General and intend to use Al Mourtajez on her next year. Messi and Keersmaekers have been a heart-warming story of victory for the small breeder, and small trainer-owner, as he was the only horse he had in training this season. Messi has returned to Belgium, but is still in training, hacking around the forests, whilst Keersmakers awaits possible invitations to their next target, which may either be the Obaiya Cup in Saudi Arabia, or a return to the UAE for the Kahayla Classic. Not surprisingly Keersmakers has turned down a number of offers for the horse, and he hopes to race him for one more season before retiring him to stud.
Messi (BE) wins the Jewel Crown - photo supplied by ERA THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Deryan (FR) gained a first Group 1 PA win in 2020 at Deauville
May 11
May 31
Qatar Prix de l’Elevage (Gr2PA) 2000m Toulouse, France
Prix Damas (Gr3PA) 1600m Toulouse, France
1. HAYYAN (FR) 2. Kair Al Cham (FR) 3. Deryan (FR) Dist: 9.5, 2 Time: 2.22.00
1. BEL’IZAM (FR) 2. Hilal Al Cham (FR) 3. Amjiz De Piboul (FR) Dist: 0.75, 2.5 Time: 1.45.50
Very Soft 3.8
June 1
May 15 Wathba Stallions Cup (Gr3PA) 1730m Jagersro, Sweden 1. SIHRANO DU CAYROU (FR) 2. Top Medina (SWE) 3. Ayman (FR) Dist: Time: 2.02.10 May 15 Sheikh Mansoor Festival – Prix NeftaDormane (Gr2PA) 1900m Bordeaux, France Soft 3.5 1. AMYR DU SOLEIL (GB) 2. Artemis (FR) 3 Jarif (FR) Dist: 4.5, 3 Time: 2.12.75
Good 3.0
President of the UAE Cup – Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Arabes (Gr1PA) 2000m Deauville, France 1. DERYAN (FR) 2. Melabi (FR) 3. Hajres (TUN) Dist: Nk, 1.25 Time: June 18 Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes (Gr2PA) 1600m La Teste, France 1. ABBES (FR) 2. Alhafar (FR) 3. Majd’Or(FR) Dist: 1.5, 0.75 Time: 1.58.5
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Soft 3.7
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June 29
July 11
Shadwell – Coupe du Sud Ouest Des Pur-Sang Arabes (Gr3PA) 1900m La Teste, France
Prix Razzia III (Gr3PA) 1900m La Teste, France
1. BEL’IZAM(FR) 2. Ebraz (GB) 3. Ibn Gadir (QA) Dist: T, 2.5 Time: 2.08.47 Shadwell – Criterium des Pouliches (Gr2PA) 1900m La Teste, France 1. MIN’HA (FR) 2. Um Taj (FR) 3. Almajdah (FR) Dist: 2.5, 2 Time: 2.06.44
Prix Tidjani (Gr3PA) 1900m La Teste, France 1. HADI DE CARRERE (FR) 2. Alhafar (FR) 3. Muntasir (FR) Dist: 4.5, Sh HD Time: 2.09.91 August 1
July 5 Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes (Gr1PA) 2000m Chantilly, France 1. HATTAL (FR) 2. Artemis (fr) 3. Snan (FR) Dist: 0.75, 2.5 Time: 2.8.76
1. HYLA DU LOUP (FR) 2. Jalela (FR) 3. Hajadie Du Croate (FR) Dist: 1.5, 5 Time: 2.07.36
Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) 1600m Goodwood, UK 1. EBRAZ (GB) 2. Deryan (FR) 3. Tayf (FR) Dist: 1.75, Nse Time: 1.47.23
Dual Derby winner Hattal (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Hayyan (FR) won his third Group 1 PA win in 2020 at Deauville in August ©Noelle Derre
August 13
August 17
Doha Cup – Prix Manganate (Gr1PA) 2000m Deauville, France
UAE President Cup (Gr3PA) 1600m Waregem, Belgium
1. HAYYAN (FR) 2. Lightning Bolt (FR) 3. Khataab (FR) Dist: Time:
1. MESSI (BE) 2. Freddy PY (FR) 3. Conchita DA (BE) Dist: 0.75, 0.75 Time: 1.46.82
Al Rayyan Cup – Prix Kesberoy (Gr1PA) 2000m Deauville, France
September 4
1. HADI DE CARRERE (FR) 2. Alsaher (FR) 3. Sir Monlau (FR) Dist: nk, 7 Time: 2.33.48 August 14 Prix Nevadour (Gr3PA) 1900m La Teste, France 1. ARTEMIS (FR) 2. Lady Princess (FR) 3. Meethag (FR) Dist: 1.5, 1 Time: 2.12.22
French Arabian Breeders Challenge Poulains (Gr2PA) 2000m La Teste, France 1. MUJAZIF (FR) 2. Sir Monlau (FR) 3. Abbes (FR) Dist: T, 2.5 Time: 2.9.50 French Arabian Breeders Challenge Pouliches (Gr2PA) 2000m La Teste, France 1. ALKEDRI (FR) 2. My Belle Du Soleil (GB) 3. Teema (FR) Dist: 2, 2 Time: 2.14.38
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September 12
September 22
UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) 2000m Doncaster, UK
French Arabian Breeders Challenge Sprint (Gr2PA) 1400m Bordeaux, France
1. HATTAL (FR) 2. Jugurtha De Monlau (FR) 3. Loolwa (GB) Dist: .75, 4.74 Time: 2.24.51
1. NATALMA AL MAURY (FR) 2. Deryan (FR) 3. Kannan (FR) Dist: 0.75, 3 Time: 1.40.27
September 13
October 2
Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon (Gr1PA) 2000m ParisLongchamp, France
Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1PA) 2000m Saint-Cloud, France
1. FAZZA AL KHALEDIAH (FR) 2. Messi (BE) 3. Lightning Bolt (FR) Dist: 1.25, 0.75 Time: 2.13.86 Good September 20
1. ALAWSJ (FR) 2. Jalela (FR) 3. Teema (FR) Dist: 0.75, T Time: 2.31.26
UAE President Cup (Gr2PA) 2000m Milan, Italy
Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1PA) 2000m Saint-Cloud, France
1. JAAZMAH ATHBAH (FR) 2. Flying High (FR) 3. Shadwan Al Kahlediah (FR) Dist: Time:
1. HADI DE CARRERE (FR) 2. Abbes (FR) 3. Alsaher (FR) Dist: NK, 1 Time: 2.29.15 NR: 13
Hadi De Carrere (FR) confirms his promise at Saint-Cloud ©Noelle Derre THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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October 3 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA) 2000m Saint-Cloud, France 1. LADY PRINCESS (FR) 2. Um Taj (FR) 3. Meethag (FR) Dist: 1, 0.75 Time: 2.29.61
1. HM JALFANE (FR) 2. A’Them Bahar (FR) 3. Alhafar (FR) Dist: 0.25, 1.25 Time: 1.50.90 French Arabian Breeders Challenge Classic – Sheikh Zayed Cup (Gr1PA) 2200m Toulouse, France
October 4 Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1PA) 2000m ParisLongchamp, France 1. TAYF (FR) 2. Messi (BE) 3. Ebraz (GB) Dist: hd, 2 Time: 2.21.98
Prix Cheri Bibi (Gr3PA) 1600m Toulouse, France
1. HATTAL (FR) 2. Nalink (FR) 3. Snan (FR) Dist: 2, 0.5 Time: 2.33.70
October 24 Prix Nevada II (Gr3PA) 1600m Toulouse, France 1. JALELA (FR) 2. Guiness D’Vialettes (FR) 3. HM Al Malika (FR) Dist: 5.5, 0.5 Time: 1.51.00
Tayf (FR) wins the World Cup at the fifth attempt ©Noelle Derre THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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A R A B I A N
R A C E H O R S E
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Arqana PA Sale 2020 Saint-Cloud, France Following on from the recent announcement allowing UK BHA licenced trainers to train Arabians alongside their thoroughbreds, this years’ sale review is written with a view to those considering a first-time investment in 2021.
Supported by the Association Francais du Cheval du Arabe de Course (AFAC), the ‘Arc sale’ is the only Purebred Arabian racehorse sale in Europe. It is run on the same format as thoroughbred sales, and by a thoroughbred sale company in Arqana. In common with thoroughbred sales, it has had its’ fair share of fireworks, most notably in 2007 when the Group 1 PA winner Dahess was sold for !1,050,000 Euros. In the 12 years since, the average top price was !216,000, a much more accessible figure and mainly for horses aged threeyears and under with their racing careers
ahead of them. As a mixed sale spanning the full range of age groups from foals (often at foot) right through to stallions and broodmares nearing the end of their careers, as well as horses-in-training, yearly comparisons are ineffectual. Also, the number of horses catalogued (by comparison to thoroughbreds) is small. Though the addition of horses aimed at the sport of Endurance has swelled the numbers, the 119 lots offered in 2019, was a record.
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Arabian racing and breeding has a solid foundation in France, however in contrast to thoroughbred racing, it is far more common for youngstock with highly attractive pedigrees to be sold privately. In fact, many breeders such as the Anglo-French based Du Soleil Stud, prefer to race their stock first [TAR Winter 2020 interview p72]. In 2018 they offered the two-year-old colt Amyr Du Soleil, but brought him home unsold at !145,000. He made his debut in breeder Lisa Deymonaz’s colours in France in June of 2019 and, finishing second, was promptly bought by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. He raced a further three times and concluded that season winning France’s most prestigious race for juvenile colts, the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1PA) and was crowned the leading colt of his generation. Whilst this particular success story could be perceived as a shrewd judgement on the breeders’ part, it certainly is not
uncommon in France. With horses from the Haras de Monlau and those bred by Jean Cambon (De Ghazal suffix) and Hassan Mousli being notable examples. It should also be noted that the relationships between breeders, pretrainers and trainers can be stronger in France than the UK, because of the prospects of in-training sales. Consequently, these private sales, though very good for the breeders, can have a detrimental effect on the catalogue by the time the sale is held at the end of September, beginning of October. Its position in the calendar year, and location, cannot be faulted though. It is considered as the opening day of the ‘Arc Weekend’ in Paris, held at Saint-Cloud racecourse, the day prior to the two prestigious juvenile Group1PA races, that leads into two days of top class racing for both Arabians and thoroughbreds at ParisLongchamp.
Amyr Du Soleil (GB) wins the 2019 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (gr1PA) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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There is a certain ‘holiday atmosphere’ and a coming together of both business interests and enthusiasm for the Arabian racehorse. In 2019 AFAC put on a pre-sale party in the sales paddocks, which was very welcome for those of us exhausted by an early start on the Eurostar. It can only be hoped that this initiative can survive the challenges of Covid in 2021. All of the French bloodstock agents who come to Arqana (mostly acting for Middle Eastern clients) would be familiar to UK trainers from thoroughbred sales. The Arc sale followed the relocated to the UK Goffs Orby thoroughbred yearling sale, which Racing Post bloodstock correspondent James Thomas described as “sobering” as the turnover plummeted by nearly 45 per cent. Vendors were certainly braced for
a poor result but in the event, JDG Arabians called it “better than expected”. Whilst not high praise, there were plenty of positives, with the average price of an Arabian two-yearold increasing by !9,000 Euro, despite the fall in average across all categories offered. Clearance rate in that category was marginally up on 2019 with 27 of the 38 two-year-olds offered, sold, which accounts for the rise in average price to !30,444. Given the relatively low covering fee for Arabian stallions (average !4,000) this equates to 7.6 times the stallion fee. A figure those in the thoroughbred industry would be delighted with, as they accept much lower margins of around three times the stallion fee. However they also would expect to sell their products as a yearling, not as two-year-olds.
Two-year-olds in the pre-parade ring at Arqana in 2019 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Sale topper Pashaa (FR) lot 38
PASHAA 2018 c (Munjiz x Sahabba (Nizam)) !125,000
de Watrigantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haras de Mandore line that goes back to Cherifa. Sahabba won four races from 19 starts.
Top lot in this category was Pashaa, knocked down to Gerrard Larrieu of Chantilly Bloodstock for !125,000, who was acting on behalf of Qatari owner Sheail Bin Khalifa Al Kuwari. Al Kuwari is best known this season for the exploits of Lady Princess (another private intraining purchase from Du Soleil Stud) and Hadi de Carrere. By leading sire Munjiz, Pashaa is a first foal from Sahabba and a product of the THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Her sole black type win was in the Sheikh Zayed Cup (Gr3PA) in Ostend in Belgium, but she had numerous Group placings, the best of which was when second to Kalino in the Jewel Crown (Gr1pA) in Abu Dhabi in 2015. By Nizam, she is also a full-sister to Bel’Izam who was runner-up in that race last year to Masshur Al Kahlediah, and who edged out Ebraz in a Group3PA at La Teste before finishing fourth to him at Goodwood in the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA). Another brother, the three-year-old Saahar was exported to Russia and has won two Group2 races this season. Pashaa’s pedigree is packed with black-type winners, his granddam, Djesabelle (by Dormane) won the Prix Dragon and is a full-sister to Hatta International winner, Ziva and Djezika, both are dams of Group1PA winners.
Bel'izam (FR) at Goodwood
She is also the dam of the sire Djebbel (Djelfor) and to Djelmila, dam of the sire Majd Al Arab and this year’s Qatar Arabian World Cup winner Tayf. It is an exceptional bloodline, that has also produced the influential sires Dormane, Manganate and Tidjani.
Sahabba (FR) after finishing second to Kalino (FR) in the 2015 Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Lot 57 Chalwa Du Breuil (FR)
CHALWA DU BREUIL 2012 m (Mahabb x Jamaa Du Breuil (Djouras Tu)) Heading the Broodmares was lot 57, Chalwa Du Breuil, an eight-year-old halfsister to the dual Listed PA winner Vulcain Du Clos (Monsieur Al Maury) and to Serouda Du Breuil who was third in the Zabeel International (Gr1PA). She won on her juvenile debut in France when trained by Charles Gourdain, later transferring to Gerard Zoetelief. Once in Holland she won the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Nahyan Ladies World Cup (Gr3PA) all for her for her ownerbreeder Wiljan Poels. Chalwa Du Breuil was sold for !57,000 to the Du Soleil Stud, carrying to Al Mourtajez. Her first produce was a filly foal by Dormane and breeing plans for
2021 are as yet undecided. She remains in France, boarding along with many of the Deymonaz’s mares at Paul Basquin’s Haras du Saubouas.
Vulcain Du Clos (FR) and Olivier Peslier win the International Conditions race at DIAR 2015. He was also twice placed in the Malazgirt Trophy (Gr1PA) in Turkey
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Lot 90 Cocktail Du Loup (FR)
COCKTAIL DU LOUP 2017 f (Divamer x Aurore Du Loup (Darike)) The horse in training segment often features horses with engagements to race that weekend, either at Saint-Cloud on the Friday or at ParisLongchamp. Cocktail Du Loup was joint top lot of that category, with another filly Guiness De Vialettes, at !100,000 Euro. Bred by Jean-Marc Saphores, she had previously raced in the colours of Gerrard Larrieu and was trained by Charles Gourdain. She was bought by Bertrand Le Metayer on behalf of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani in whose colours she
raced the following day, when she finished fifth in the Qatar Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1PA). A half-sister to the Gourdain trained dual Derby winner Rodess Du Loup (Dahess), she will continue her career in Qatar and will be trained by Julian Smart. She is from the same female line that produced Al Anga (Amer) that Smart trained for the Sheikh to win the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes (Gr3PA) in the UK and a further seven races in Qatar, including the Qatar Gold Trophy (Gr2PA).
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GUINESS D’VIALETTES 2017 f (AF Albahar x Usa Des Vialettes (Akbar)) A debut winner of the Premio Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup, her sole start before the sale, she also held an entry in the Qatar Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1PA). She finished sixth, half a length behind Cocktail Du Loup, but remained in France with her trainer Elizabeth Bernard. She was another Basquin [private] purchase, this time for Mohammed Fahad Al-Attiyah (owner of the impressive UK dual
winner Al Shaamikh). She has since raced again finishing second in the Prix Nevada (Gr3PA), but in the colours of her breeder Jean-Pierre Raynal, though Al-Attiyah retains 50 per cent share. Speaking with JDG-Arabians after the sale Basquin said: “Guiness d'Vialettes impressed on her debut at San Sebastian over a mile, particularly as this wasn’t her trip, having also shown signs of greenness in the closing stages. However, I liked her attitude as she raced like a filly with potential.
(Guiness De Vialettes (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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"I had seen the filly put through her paces by Mrs Bernard in the morning, and it was the trainer who recommended her.
will be in the forthcoming stallion review in 2021. For the full results, click on the link below: www.arqana.com/resultats/the_arc_sale_saint-cloud_%203_october_2020/269
“She’s an exceptional physical specimen. She bears the very distinct imprint of her sire Af Albahar (Amer). I bought her for Mohamed Fahad Al Attiyah and we’re hoping that she will deliver the best possible performance tomorrow [October 3]. I had already acquired the full brother Good des Vialettes, a winner in France and third in the French Arabian Breeders' Challenge-Poulains (Gr2 PA). However, from a physical viewpoint, he’s less impressive than his sister." The recently deceased Munjiz headed the sires table with four lots averaging !57,750. One sire to note for the future is Nieshan who gained his fist top-level winner from only his second crop in Hadi De Carrere. The two lots offered by him averaged !54,000. Further analysis
ARQANA PA SALE STATISTICS BY SIRE
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ARQANA PA SALE STATISTICS BY YEAR
ARQANA PA SALE STATISTICS BY SEGMENT
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Arabian Art Special Susan Leyland Though born and raised in the UK, it was not until she became established in Italy, that Susan Leyland found her true calling as an equine sculptor of worldwide repute.
Arabian Prancing
Born in 1952 in Whiston, Lancashire, horses were of influence from the outset - her grandfather, who served in the Veterinary Corps in World War I, gifted her a pony when she was just four years
old. Her early artistic talent was recognised by the Royal Academy, with paintings hung in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibitions, but on leaving boarding school, art was not her primary focus.
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She had been working at Cambridge University, but left in 1973 to join a school friend who was living in Florence. Intending to learn Italian and study art, Leyland was dismayed when, within a month of her arrival her friend departed for Venice and she swiftly had to seek employment. It was suggested that the upcoming September Pitti Donna Florence Fashion Week might provide the solution. Leyland recounts: “I was so scared, but necessity was stronger. I answered a loudspeaker call and went to a fashion house’s stand. On entering, clothes were put in my arms to model. This was the beginning of eight years working with Ferragamo and freelance modelling.” After a chance meeting at dinner with the man who would become her
husband, Leyland was soon fully committed to Italian life. In 1978 they moved to the house where they still live, just 7 km from Florence, in the Impruneta area. Work took precedence over her artistic studies, but it was this move that ignited her interest in sculpture as she recalls: “Impruneta has been famous since Etruscan times for its terra-cotta, urns, statues and even Filippo Brunelleschi’s herringbone bricks for the Florence Cathedral Dome. I was fascinated by the work of the artisans and one firm in particular, M.I.T.A.L. belonging to the Mariani family, took me under their wing and encouraged me to create by giving me clay and by firing the results. I watched and learned from these artisans who inspired me by what they created.”
Susan Leyland in her studio THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Leyland continued to draw and develop her sculpture whilst working as a riding instructor, which also helped to hone her observational skills for the equine form. As her skills and confidence developed, she exhibited in Florence in 1999, then Saratoga Springs in the USA and feels that it fell into place in 2000, when she committed to becoming a fulltime artist. The pivotal moment came the following year when she was exhibiting in London at the Frost and Reed gallery. Discussing her work with the manager he suggested to her that ‘whatever you want to do, it should be recognizable as yours’. “These words had a great impact on me.” Leyland enthused. “My goal became to create something innovative and modern. I began by re-elaborating my own work to see what could be altered to improve it - I tried lengthening it, flattening it and uniting the base and the horse.”
Her signature pieces, which she has christened ‘Horse Block Sculptures’ are dated to 2004. Though she also credits her creative environment for her development: “daily breathing the Italian Renaissance beauty and living in the amazing countryside of Tuscany which so easily stimulates ones’ imagination”. Leyland uses a semi-refractory clay which is harder to work and poses the problem of many small stones which must be ‘pushed’ into the body of the sculpture in order to create the smooth surface of the finished piece. Leyland considers it a hardship worth enduring as once fired “it is beautiful and guarantees a greater resistance to breakages”. It also enables her to work without having to hollow out the sculpture for firing, which cannot be achieved with smoother clays.
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'Poppy' the War Horse Memorial at Ascot
She agrees that though ceramics are fragile to transport, there is always a slight risk even when shipping bronzes, but that risk is minimised by using professionals to pack and ship her work. The most fragile aspect of her sculptures are the ears which are well protected in their shipping crates. Progressing from Italy and the USA, her global reputation has soared with work shown in exhibitions and art fairs in the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and Turkey. In 2008 she received the Directors Award from the American Academy of Equine Art and in 2014 she secured the commission for the World War I War Horse Memorial that was to be erected in Ascot. Learning about her success whilst visiting her mother in Scotland she explained: “Immediately I began to sketch ideas and to read and search war images for reference. This process took
four years, creating more than 200 sketches on the subject. I needed to be able to embody all the WW1 suffering and pain into the Memorial. “I made the maquette [initial small sculpture] in Italy and shipped it to Black Isle Bronze in Nairn, Scotland to be enlarged and cast into bronze. I reworked all the enlargement surface and detail and worked on the bronze with the bronze foundry specialist.” The horse, called Poppy, is one and a half times life size and was unveiled in June 2018. Situated in an area of remembrance at the top of Ascot high street, the memorial is now a familiar sight to visitors to the racecourse. Poppy is also a focal point for the Purple Poppy Appeal to create funds for military and equine charities. www.thewarhorsememorial.org
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When the weather allows, she prefers to work outside, her studio converted from her horse’s stable and feed shed, situated idyllically in their olive grove garden. When not working to commission Leyland takes her inspiration from a variety of sources saying: “It comes from being alive and loving what I do, as well as the surprise I am given by what I can make. Inspiration is a vision to transform my ideas and energy into something tangible. Inspiration for the bases comes from modern architecture and geometry or even a household or technical object.” Sometimes, as with a recent piece, she may find halfway through that her subject reminds her of an animal she has met, halting proceedings to make further sketches and reference to photographs from her collection. On other occasions she has been inspired by other artists as with the groups of
mares and foals informed by the paintings of George Stubbs. They can be single pieces, or several works that can be arranged together. She says: “While making a sculpture I am always free to change my original idea as it is the whole piece which must work, the base, the shape on top, the balance, the harmony, the story and this can happen and fine tune only while working on and observing the sculpture. “I try to create relationships in my sculpture. Horse attitudes that can be recognized as human feelings or vis a versa. I like to create interactive pieces too, sculptures with the same shape bases that when their positions are changed create different moods, I also make sculptures of one or two horses which when the blocks are all placed together create herds.”
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The fountain horses at the foundry
More recent commissions include five life-size horses for the Fountain of Apollo in Vietnam, a project she describes as “a really interesting and amazing experience”. Leyland continues: “I was asked to design and create five different horses rising from the water on Classic sculpture lines. The horses are driven by a Sun God in a chariot which are part of a large cascading fountain where 60 gold bronzes, 30 of which are Classic divinities will be installed in the Golden Park, Da Nang, Vietnam.” Sadly, this is a project that has been delayed by Covid19. Of the situation in the Spring she reflects: “When Italy went into lockdown, I felt the stress of knowing the reasons why this was necessary. I was really worried listening to news and reactions of the UK and other countries. I had to distance myself from this and began working listening to music instead of full-time news. I have worked long hours during the lockdown
considering myself fortunate to live and have my studio where I do, making the most of the glorious Italian Spring which is in itself inspiration to create.”
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That inspiration is also embellished by her hands-on equine experience of which she says: “ I am inspired by different breeds, but I use a synthesis of these traits rather than creating a portrait because I realize that the beauty of certain breeds, especially of the Arabian Horse, is one of the greatest challenges I face to portray them in all their splendour. “I have had the fortune to know, train and ride four Arabian Horses. I have wonderful memories of hearing the wind as we galloped and to feel the playful bouncy canter waiting for the ok to go. I remember the pleasure of
watching their magnificent free time play, heads and tails high, nostrils flaring and their light suspended movements. In particular, I remember their sweet temperament and great hearts, their amazing large eyes and bright intelligence.” The Arabian breed played an important part of establishing Leyland’s early achievements. In 1988 she had read about the Amir Arabian Stud in Bahrain and the Al Khalifa family’s wish to concentrate on creating the strain of the Arabian Desert Horse which was an integral part of their family history.
Two Arabian Horses with Halters, and Arabian Prancing part of the Ajmal Arabian Stud Art Collection in Kuwait THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Arod and Nahar - Daum Crystal
She explains: “In 2000, when just starting my career as a sculptor, a member of the Al Khalifa family contacted me and acquired two of my sculptures making this a very important start to my career. When, years later, Daum Crystal France approached me to create two Arabian Horse sculptures, I looked to the ancient roots of the Arabian Horse to base my ideas and
thought of the Desert Horses of Bahrain, making several models for Daum to choose from. “The Daum Crystal Arabians are available in two colours, chestnut and grey and three other Arabian Horse sculptures have a place in the Ajmal Arabian Stud Art Collection in Kuwait.”
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Italy’s most famous horse race, the Palio de Sienna has also been the subject of a recent project culminating in an exhibition in Sienna this summer. Celebrating the horse, the Palio horse and the Palio races which were cancelled, the aim was to give a little cheer to the Sienese who live for the two horse races in July and August, as part of their culture and tradition. “I had little more than two months to prepare for the exhibition” Leyland clarifies, “As in Italy we were already in Lockdown when it was declared that the Palio races would not be run. I took my inspiration from Remorex the riderless Palio winner of the previous year and the Palio horses from photographs. The exhibition was hosted in the Selva
Contrada and in the Selva Museum; the Contrada of the Selva won the last Palio race to be raced with Remorex. Concluding she says:“The Block Sculptures are not the easiest way to create movement and speed of galloping horses. I think that every new sculpture is an artistic challenge. I always put my heart and soul into what I do and hope for the best.” www.susanleyland.com [Editors note: parts of this feature written by Debbie Burt, have been reproduced from her original article ‘A Unique Talent’ written for International Thoroughbred magazine and published in June 2020]
Palio de Sienna exhibition in the Selva Museum this summer THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Detail of two of the pieces from the Palio exhibtion
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WIN AN ORIGINAL SIGNED SUSAN LEYLAND PRINT Leyland’s work always starts with sketches, exploring the horses’ attitudes from different sides, some in detail, others more abstract, as she feels her way towards the final idea. The Arabian Racehorse is honoured that she has chosen to celebrate UK Arabian racing in what has been its’ most difficult season, with a special edition print. Each print is signed, numbered and has been reworked by the artist, making each one unique. For reference she has used images taken by ARO’s Official Photographer and publisher of this magazine, Debbie Burt, as reference.
[Editor’s clue: the races featured were run in August and September]. To win one of these very special and original artworks, identify the horses in the print and email their names to: info@thearabianracehorse.com Please title your email ‘Arabians of Susan Leyland’ and include your postal address. Unfortunately, due to the current uncertainties regarding the UK post due to Covid and Brexit, only UK addresses can receive a print at this time. However, if you live outside of the UK, please do send in your answers, and if the situation changes in the New Year, The Arabian Racehorse will endeavour to forward your prize.
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Arabian Art Special Alison Elliott
'Portrait of an Arabian' oil on gesso panel
Alison Elliott’s studio is based near Newmarket, Suffolk, close to racing’s headquarters. She has won great acclaim for her paintings which have been exhibited with the Jonathan Cooper Gallery and the Osborne Studio Gallery in London and more recently with Norton Way Gallery in Hertfordshire. She made her mark with large scale equine paintings, but more recently has been working in miniature, of this change she says: “The decision about scale is very important to the
effectiveness of the finished work, and of course the larger paintings create a huge impact on the viewer. “Over past few years I have been playing with scale and began painting miniatures on gesso panels, which are mostly made to commission for gifts, one client referred to them as’ like a precious jewel’. These smaller works invite the viewer to draw near to appreciate the detail. Because of their size they can be fitted into even the most crowded home and as a result are proving exceptionally popular."
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'Portrait of an Arabian' oil on linen
When accepting a commission, Elliott begins with a consultation, which usually involves visiting the owner and the horse and to set up a photo shoot, enabling her to get a feel for the character of the subject. She feels that getting these initial images right is crucial to the success of the finished work. “I work in the traditional working methods of oil painting, which gives such depth and density of colour and ultimately brings the subject to life. Each painting takes four layers to get to the most precise level of detail. This is the same for both miniatures and my larger canvases, although of course the larger canvases take considerably more time. “The Arabian horse has to be one of the most elegant breeds,” Elliott
comments, “With their fine, delicate and sometimes accentuated features, with their large eyes and broad foreheads. Their breath-taking beauty in movement and spirit which are so utterly striking and can change in moment, so they have to be the ultimate challenge to capture for an artist. www.alison-elliott.myportfolio.com
Alison Elliott with one of her subjects
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Arabian Art Special Sally Lancaster
Asrah Min Albarq (GB) goes to post under Tadhg O'Shea for the 2012 Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1PA) (available)
Based in Topsham in Devon, Sally Lancaster is largely self-taught and has been painting professionally for over a decade. A winner of numerous awards for her fine, highly detailed oil paintings,
she regularly exhibits in galleries around the UK and is an Academician of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Art.
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HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum and Madji Du Pont
Characterised by fine brush strokes on subtle backgrounds, her focus is always on the beauty of the subject itself, often observed from an unusual angle. She is fascinated by detail and light, capturing every expression, movement and subtlety of the subject. Horses were a big part of her life when growing up, learning to ride from a young age and constantly drawing them. Those who have had a horse in their life will agree with her when she says what a special animal they are, “with their huge personalities and their big hearts”.
portraits and original art, meticulously producing paintings to evoke emotions and allow the viewer to enjoy the beauty and true personality of the subject. She says: “I adore recreating this bond in my commissioned paintings, providing my customers with something to treasure that has truly captured their horse. One of my career highlights came in 2012 when I was commissioned by Princess Ameera Al-Taweel to produce a painting for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum [pictured], to commemorate him winning the FEI World Endurance Championships on Madji Du Pont.
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She has received plenty of recognition for her equine work including the Banstead Stud Prize for the Best Sporting Picture with the Society of Equestrian Artists and the Directors Award in the International Art Competition Ex Arte Equinus II. Her painting of Asra Min Albarq at Longchamp [pictured] was also part of a special exhibition held in Newmarket’s prestigious Horse Racing Museum to support the President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) during Newmarket’s July Cup week in 2013. Speaking of the challenge to capture the equine form she says: “I enjoy getting to know the horse through every brush stroke, bringing the horse to life whilst painting it's muscles and eyes and soft, whiskery muzzle. I also love the strength and power of horses,
the beautiful shapes they can make, appearing both fluid and graceful. “Arabians are a stunning breed to paint, with a striking beauty of their own. They have a special agility and gracefulness and the most expressive of faces.” Working entirely from photos and using a courier to deliver her work, means she can undertake commissions from anywhere in the world. She accepts a small number of commissions each year, for further details please visit www.sallylancaster.co.uk
'The Finish' (available) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
'Elegance' - Bronze - Artist's Proof
ARO Champion Arabian Racehorse 2019 - TIJAARY
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NEW FOR 2020 SATTAM
TIJAARY
DEBORAH BURT James Owen Racing Club
leading the way for UK Arabian Racing Syndicates
For Sculptor more details contact: James (07880 700559) Award Winning in Bronze - Commissions Welcome or Jenny (07739 791545)
www.equinecreativemedia.com ARWEN FORTA - SATTAM - TIJAARY THE ARABIAN RACEH
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Tel: 00 44 (0) 7782349047 Email: www.jam e s o w e equinecreativemedia@gmail.com nracing.com
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Arabian Art Special Collette Hoefkens
The Grey Mare (available)
Painting and drawing to commission for over 20 years, Collette Hoefkens mostly specializes in equestrian pieces. Working in oil and pencil her style is intense, traditional and warm conveying both respect and compassion for the subjects that she portrays.
Hoefkens is an associate member of the Society of Equestrian Artists and also runs the Norton Way Gallery in Hertfordshire where she can be contacted. www.nortonwaygallery.com
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Arabian Art Special Anne Bullen
"We have seen his star in the East" pencil
Anne Bullen was the matriarch (artist, breeder, riding school owner) of one the great equestrian families of our time, this is final exhibition of her huge catalogue of work at the Osborne Gallery in London. Though the show has just closed and with London now in the highest level of restrictions in the UK, please do not hesitate to contact the gallery for more information in the New Year if you are interested in her work. Anne Bullen (1912-1963) illustrated forty pony books, celebrating an idyllic childhood of ponies and sunshine. She was co-owner with her husband, Lt.Col.
Jack Bullen of the famous Catherston Stud and mother of six children (three sons, three daughters), all brilliant equestrians. Seventy original drawings and paintings by Anne Bullen were shown in a selling exhibition at The Osborne Studio Gallery from December 1st to 19th, 2020. Generations of pony lovers still enjoy their Anne Bullen books, often keeping the original covers. Prices of the artwork range from £3000 to £6000 for oil paintings and £800 to £2,400 for drawings.
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Geoffrey Hughes, Director of the Osborne Studio Gallery writes: This exhibition will be the final opportunity to see her original, iconic works. In a few flowing lines she depicts the essence of the English pony, and the delight that so many riders can associate with as a child.’ Bullen studied art at the Academie Julian in Paris and Chelsea School of Art and illustrated more than forty children’s pony books, between 1936 and 1963, by writers such as Joanna Cannan, The Pullein-Thompson sisters, Monica Edwards and Violet Needham as well as publishing her own books, “Darkie”, “Ponycraft” and “Showing Ponies” still cherished today.’ In the way of a committed artist, she continually recorded the world around her, from her own family, shire horses working the fields, firefighting in the blitz to the 1953 Coronation. Her place in equestrian history is deserved on many levels. As well as cofounding the famous Catherston Stud, she ran sought after Riding Courses at Catherston Manor and with her family produced pony displays at the top horse shows and in aid of charity across the country. The six Bullen children (Anthony, Michael and Charlie followed by Jennie, Jane and Sarah) were all brilliant high achieving riders. Three Bullens represented Great Britain in seven Olympic games. Jane HoldernessRoddam (nee Bullen) was a member of the Gold Medal winning team in Mexico. Jennie won the Queen’s Award for Equestrianism in 2006, Jane received the same award in 2009.
As part of the exhibition, her daughter Jane Holdernes s-Roddam recounts these memories of her mother. Mum was a workaholic which can probably explain the phenomenal amount she crammed into her far too short life. Apart from being a wonderful caring mother to her six children Anthony, Michael, Charlie, Jennie, Jane, and Sarah she was also a very supportive wife to her husband Jack, they were a devoted couple. Together they built up the Catherston Pony Stud in Dorset, breeding and producing top-class children's ponies. Also, Bullen Cards, printing the amazing illustrations, drawings, and paintings which Anne produced, often in just a few minutes, much as today we would snap a few photos. She simply saw something she liked and drew it from memory. I remember her days at Catherston usually starting around 5am in her study, where there were numerous canvasses of all shapes and sizes, the one currently being worked on was usually held on the enormous wooden easel which appeared to dominate the space. The intoxicating smell of oil paints filled the room and dozens of black sketchbooks lay scattered on the table, some open showing recent drawings of horses, dogs, landscapes, trees, anatomical works, the odd foal in different positions as they either cavorted around or languished beside their mother. Most of these pictures were done with a pencil; HB and HB2 were, if I recall correctly, favourite ones to use. Some were done with charcoal, crayon, ink, even biro as well as watercolour or a mixture of any of the above.
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"The Arab legend' oil
I would often creep in early in the mornings to watch the amazing shapes she started with turn into recognisable horses, ponies, or foals with that wonderful romantic light in their eyes or swish of the tail so real that you felt you wanted to go and hug them. Once or twice a fortnight she would be up at the same time with the electric floor polisher a piece of equipment with two double brushes which whirred in an amazing whine as she polished the large wooden gallery which surrounded the huge hall with its large stained glass window. We would have lessons on the ponies,
sometimes in the large sand arena below the garden, sometimes bareback, practising fairly hair raising activities such as standing up on our ponies back and cantering around the school. Sarah was best at this and Jennie would jump through a fire lit garden hoop. The boys Anthony and Michael would stand on two 40 gallon drums swinging a huge rope over which Charlie and Jennie would jump as the rope swung downwards. All good to learn timing and balance we were told! It was also in preparation for the Trick jumping display the Cattistock Pony Club would put on at the Olympia Horse Show in the early 50s.
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We would also ride down to the sea and with Jennie and sometimes Charlie gallop across the sand and jump over the breakwaters, always an exhilarating occupation with the great Golden Cap cliff towering above us. Anthony and Michael Point to Pointed, hunter trialled and show jumped very successfully before leaving home to start work and in Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case join the army. We competed in a lot of show classes on the home produced ponies going round the country. Jennie was the expert and with Charlie won the pony pairs 3 years running at the Royal International Horse Show in the 50,s also winning several championships with a variety of lovely ponies including the legendary Royal Show. Sarah and I followed on as we grew up also winning at most of the big shows on ponies and hacks.
In 1959 the sad decision to sell Catherston must have been devastating for our parents but the upkeep was just too much and the Bullen's moved to Didmarton just on the edge of Badminton Park in south Gloucestershire. Brother Mike had been competing very successfully in Horse Trials, so to be so near to the great event was a real thrill to me and the following year he was selected to ride at the Rome Olympics after a third placing at Badminton. We had been given permission to ride in the great park by 'Master' the Duke of Beaufort, I certainly found it inspirational to be able to train in the park especially when the Australian Olympic Team came to stay with us whilst in quarantine before the Rome Olympics. I learnt so much from the amazing Roycroft family where father and two sons competed in those Olympics and several others. Later 3 Bullen's would compete in 8 Olympics. Anne Bullen continued with her painting and drawing getting numerous commissions in Gloucestershire and she exhibited at Badminton Horse Trials with many of her works on display in the Canvas tent purchased for the occasion. Us three girls joined the Beaufort Pony Club and Mum was a great supporter of this.
Mare and Foal
It was in 1960 that Anne learnt she had breast cancer. It must have been devastating but in her usual forthright way it was tackled in much the same way as getting a commission finished on time. Life appeared to carry on as normal and amazingly in this day and age she was allowed to go to the Rome Olympics with Jennie to watch Michael compete where he finished 4th just missing out on the bronze medal. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Anne did many paintings and drawings on that trip with her great friend Kay Moseley but the cancer was spreading. She battled on following unsuccessful surgery, producing Christmas plays for the Church in which her children were all involved in some way. She held splendid Wassail parties for which she painted a huge Freeze of Dolfins, Mermaids and Fish which stretched around 3 rooms and which amazingly is still in existence today. She continued to paint and draw with her very last oil painting being of the Hydrangea she could see from her bedroom window as she became bedridden.
She died at home just before Christmas 1963 and is buried in St Lawrence's Churchyard at Didmarton. She did a lovely Christmassy painting of this Church, perhaps knowing it would be her resting place at that time of year. www.osg.uk.com
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Winter Issue !"!# BREEDING SPECIAL
BACK TO SCHOOL
- New sires
Stalls training with Witheford Equine, we talk with the experts and to recently retired BHA senior starter Peter Haynes.
- Stallion statistics
EURPEAN SEAONS
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
100
The Final Furlong
From little acorns... Pictured above in August 2017, is AlTabari, this years' leading Arabian in the UK, at trainer Peter Hammersley's yard where he was foaled. Hammersley trained the dam, Altesse Kossack for the majority of her career which spanned 42 races, carying the colours
of breeder Julie Kelway's partner, Rick Gould. Equally effective on quick Turf or the All Weather, she won eight racces from a mile to 1m6f. Al-Tabari is her first foal and looks to be as amenable to trip as his dam breaking his maiden over 1m4f and following up over 9.5f.
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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
RSE
Congratulations
JAMES OWEN & ALL THE TEAM > Champion ARO Trainer James Owen > Champion Jockey Alex Chadwick > Champion Mare Wanaasa
MADE IN OUR OWN
UK MILL
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