Summer Issue !"!"
T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE
Ebraz Excels at Goodwood ARO Season Preview - Part 2
'Spirit' - Bronze Edition of 9
DEBORAH BURT Award Winning Sculptor in Bronze - Commissions Welcome
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T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE Summer Issue - 2020 4
News
25
Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) Goodwood
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Doha Cup - Prix Manganate (Gr1A) Deauville
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Al Rayyan Cup - Prix Kesberoy( Gr1PA) Deauville
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ARO New Season - Part 2 Phil Collington, Newmarket
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ARO New Season - Part 2 Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna
Front cover: Ebraz wins the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) at Goodwood 73
ARO New Season - Part 2 James Owen, Newmarket
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ARO New Season - Part 2 Jessica Quinlan, Newmarket
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UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby Preview
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ARO New Season Preview - Part Two Nikki Malcolm, Dorset
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The Final Furlong
Produced by equine creative media Stable Cottage, Fosse Cross, Cheltenham, Glos, GL54 4NP
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Unless otherwise stated, all features, reports and photographs are by Debbie Burt (copyright) All rights reserved. Print copies may be ordered. Photographs may be viewed and purchased at ww www ww. w.equinecr c eativemedia cr i .smug ia u mug ug u .com ug THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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GOODWOOD PILOT EVENT CANCELLED -DONCASTER NEXT OPPORTUNITY The last day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Saturday 1st August, featuring the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA), was to be the first pilot event allowing a limited number of spectators to return to a live sporting event. On Friday July 31st, Goodwood racecourse, the British Horseracing Authority and the Racecourse Association issued the following joint statement, announcing that the meeting would continue to be held according to the current ‘behind closed doors’ protocol and without spectators outside of officials, essential racing staff and limited numbers of owners. The government has informed racing’s leaders in the past hour that it has withdrawn permission for a pilot event involving customers to proceed at Goodwood tomorrow. The racing on Saturday will continue behind closed doors as it has on the earlier days of the Festival.
The Prime Minister is setting out the rationale for the government’s decision but we understand that concern about the national infection rate is the primary reason. Goodwood Racecourse and the Racecourse Association have been leading work on the pilot event, with the safety of Members and all those attending as the most important priority. Government and public health officials, national and local, have been briefed throughout on the plans and had approved the approach being taken. We are clear that the decision to cancel is not a consequence of any concerns about these plans or the measures taken by Goodwood to keep attendees safe but relates to the changing national situation.
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We are very disappointed for those who were hoping to attend tomorrow’s event and for all those who have worked so hard to make it possible for spectators to be present. We will engage with public health authorities and DCMS over a rescheduled pilot at the earliest opportunity. Adam Waterworth, Managing Director of Sport at the Goodwood Estate commented; “We have been led by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport throughout and whilst we are disappointed by the news, the health and safety of attendees, customers and staff is of paramount importance.” David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association, the RCA, said; “The RCA is very disappointed to learn that the pilot event at Goodwood Racecourse scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. We understand and respect the issues raised within the Prime Minister’s announcement and have always maintained that public health has been paramount to any
event, be it racing resuming behind closed doors or with crowds. The work undertaken by the sport, and especially the Goodwood team, to bring the safety protocols to life has been very thorough and detailed. It is worth reiterating there were no concerns with the protocols put in place by the sport and Goodwood Racecourse and we wish them the very best for the final two days of the Qatar Goodwood Festival which will take place behind closed doors. The RCA will continue to work closely with Government to plan future pilot events to welcome back crowds subject to the latest public health advice.” It is now confirmed that the Saturday of the Doncaster St Leger Festival, at which the UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) will take place, will be the first pilot event for crowds to return to racing.
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ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST CONFIRMS CLOSURE The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued the following press release on July 3 with regards to the future of the Animal Health Trust (AHT). They had met with racing industry bodies to discuss a plan to respond to the closure of the AHT, who have also assisted the Arabian racing industry in the UK. The Trustees of the AHT confirmed today that the charity has been unable to secure the significant funds it needs to have a long-term viable future and will begin a winding-up process. The Trust carries out equine disease surveillance and specialist veterinary research for the thoroughbred horse racing industry. The surveillance programme also covers the whole horse population of the United Kingdom, including equestrian sports and leisure horses. It fulfils an important role in maintaining high standards of equine welfare in British horseracing, playing a vital role in monitoring the outbreak of equine flu that caused a shutdown of the racing industry for six days last year. The BHA, Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) and Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) met this morning with the Racing Foundation and the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). It was agreed the BHA would lead the racing industry’s efforts to maintain the surveillance and testing capability. The racing industry has already had constructive discussions about with other parts of the equine sector served by the Animal Health Trust. The BHA will aim to work with a range of bodies including the British Horse Council, the
British Horse Society and the British Equestrian Federation. Racing provides annual funding of around £700,000 to the AHT, of which the HBLB provides some £400,000. In addition, the current HBLB research investment is around £2.8m, with research projects at various stages covering virology, bacteriology and other disciplines. An additional £700,000 was allocated by the HBLB in 2020 after financial difficulties at the AHT became apparent. This was a conditional grant which has not yet been paid but is available if a solution for providing the essential disease control and veterinary research services can be agreed. Further funding for projects and the operation of the AHT comes from the ROA and the TBA. A BHA spokesperson said: “The Animal Health Trust has played an important role in maintaining the high standards of equine health and welfare in the racing industry and the equine sector. Its staff, led by Director Richard Newton, responded superbly when we faced an equine flu outbreak last year. We recognise their world-leading expertise in epidemiology and veterinary research and do not want to see this lost to the British equine sector.
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“We believe that if the horse sector maintains the strong collaborative approach it has adopted in combatting disease and engaging government over issues such as Brexit, it should be possible to maintain an effective surveillance programme and the specialist veterinary research capability.” The Animal Health Trust finally closed its’ doors on 31st July 2020. It is proposed that the Trust enter compulsory liquidation and once the legal process has been completed, a liquidator will be appointed. Their website has issued the following advice:
To check, you will need the company name (Animal Health Trust) or registration number (RC000011). Images of equine and small animal patients: If you are an owner of a patient previously seen at the AHT, or a vet treating a former patient, and you require access to their diagnostic images, contact: VetCT at www.vet-ct.com
If you believe you are owed monies by the Animal Health Trust you can check the status of the liquidation at www.thegazette.co.uk/insolvency
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ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION 2020 REVISED RACEPLAN PUBLISHED After hopes for what had looked to be one of the most promising years for ARO in terms of support (further integration with throughbred racing through the BHA) and new races (Shadwell Arabian Stakes at Ascot) had been dashed by Covid19, ARO faced a long wait for their new season to be accomodated into the new BHA raceplan for the remainder of 2020.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club who opened the season with ARO's most valuable race at Goodwood and subsequent races funded by long-term supporters, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, the UAE President's Cup and new sponsors in the Emirates Breeders Programme, the season will go ahead, with the emphasis very much on providing opportunities for the high number of maidens in training in the UK.
The loss of their flagship meeting, Dubai
! International Arabian Races (DIAR) was
clearly a huge disappointment, both for ARO and their domestic participants and for the structure of the European pattern - as the unique meeting included four pattern races.
ARO could not rule out further amendments to thepublished list below as the threat from Covid19 is ever changing, however moving from a position of no racing to a ! raceplan at least ensures that the reduced younger horses will have gained racecourse ! experience prior to 2021.
However thanks to the welcome support of
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DIAR 2020 CANCELLED The 2020 renewal of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) at Newbury will unfortunately not take place this year, but is set to return in 2021. With a large proportion of the Arabian racing season already lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the decision was taken not to stage this year’s event with the DIAR committee, Shadwell team and the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) focusing on delivering the flagship fixture next year. The decision came on the back of DIAR preparation races in Holland, Italy and Sweden all being lost earlier in the year. Richard Lancaster, Shadwell Stud director, said: “Having given it plenty of thought, it has been decided not to stage DIAR Day at Newbury this year. It is a great pity because Newbury is the flagship event of our sport and stages arguably the best day of Arabian racing anywhere in the world. “However, the public are a huge element of the day and with ongoing uncertainty surrounding Covid and the strong likelihood of no crowds, we felt it was the right decision. We are already looking ahead to planning next year’s event.”
ARO chairman, Charles Gregson, added: “Naturally we are hugely disappointed DIAR Day will not take place this year. It’s importance to Arabian racing, both for the domestic and the international competitors cannot be under-estimated, it is a great loss to the sport. However, these are unprecedented times and we understand the reasons behind the decision. “ARO remains committed to working with the DIAR committee and the Shadwell team to welcome back our participants and the crowds for 2021.” More details and updates about the DIAR 2021 race programme can be found on the website and Facebook page. www.diaraces.com Watch #DIAR2019 Review here: https://youtu.be/tC6RLm7V0r8
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THE UAE PRESIDENT CUP (UK ARABIAN DERBY) CONFIRMED FOR DONCASTER ST LEGER DAY Following th eloss of DIAR the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted to announce that the UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) will go ahead on it's regular date on Doncaster St Leger Day. The UAE President Cup is the oldest Purebred Arabian race series and it is fitting that it takes place on the same card as the UK’s oldest thoroughbred classic, the St Leger, which this year will be held on Saturday 12th September on Doncaster’s Town Moor course. Run over a mile and a quarter, The UAE President Cup resumed its’ association with the UK Arabian Derby in 2016 and is exclusively for four-year-old Purebred Arabians. For three consecutive seasons it has been won by the winner of the French equivalent in Nafees, Rodess Du Loup and Hayyan. It would be no surprise if entries were to include recent French Arabian Derby winner Hattal,
trained by Xavier Thomas-Demault for YAS Horse Management and HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ownerbreeder of last year’s winner. Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was thrilled commenting. “We were excited to welcome back the President of the UAE Cup in 2016 and we are proud that the race consistently produces a top-quality winner. We are extremely grateful to the UAE President Cup Series for their continued support of our feature race for four-year-olds and to Doncaster racecourse for their support of international Arabian racing. This race is now firmly established as part of St Leger Day, at Doncaster’s most prestigious meeting of the year which enhances the contest’s prestige and Arabian racing’s status in the UK.” A preview of the race can be found on page 82.
Hayyan (FR) [right] finishes ahead of Melabi (FR)[left] and stablemate Ibn Gadir (QA) in the 2019 UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) at Doncaster THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
President of the UAE Cup UK Arabian Derby 9
Group 1PA Doncaster Racecourse
Enter: Monday 7th September Declare: Thursday 10th September Race: Saturday 12th September 2020 Contact: Arabian Racing Organisation
www.aroracing.co.uk
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UAE PRESIDENT CUP TO RUN ON PREAKNESS DAY IN THE USA The Arabian Jockey Club (AJC) announced that the most valuable Arabian horse race in the United States will be part of one of America’s biggest days of racing in 2020. The $100,000 UAE President Cup (Grade 1PA) will be run on October 3 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, sharing the world stage with the historically second leg of the coveted Triple Crown: The $1 million Preakness Stakes. In fact, the UAE President Cup will directly follow the Preakness on the day’s big racing card.
The race has been won by the sport’s very best, from Horse of the Year winners to fan favorites. The UAE President Cup was last held at Pimlico on Preakness Day in 2012, and was won by TM Fred Texas, who was named 2011 Darley Horse of the Year and later went on to win the 2012 Dubai Kahayla Classic. Presented by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the UAE President Cup was started in 1994, and is now the oldest global series of Arabian horse races. With races held around the world, the series brings together many cultures and continues to shine a bigger and brighter spotlight on the majestic Arabian breed. Susan Meyer, President of the Arabian Jockey Club, stated, “The UAE President Cup race consistently attracts the finest Arabians the USA has to offer. We are thrilled to be returning to
historic Pimlico Racetrack once again, and it is rolling out the red carpet for the Arabians on its biggest racing day of the year. The exposure this opportunity will give Arabian racing is significant.” "The UAE President Cup Committee is delighted to have America's most important Arabian race sharing the spotlight with the legendary Gr.1 Preakness Stakes, said Chairman of the UAE President Cup Committee, Mr. Faisal Al Rahmani. “Returning to Pimlico Race Track is a great opportunity to showcase Arabian racing on this most important stage. The Preakness Stakes Gr.1 and the UAE President Cup Gr.1 attract the best horses from both breeds. We are delighted the Maryland Jockey Club has welcomed back the UAE President Cup in 2020, we look forward to a long and successful partnership. A special thank you to the Arabian Jockey Club for its tireless work and valuable support." The UAE President Cup will continue its tradition as an invitational race. Invitations to run, made by the sponsor, will be determined from the nominees. Also of note, the total entrance fees will be significantly lower than many race events with smaller purses, making nomination decisions easier for owners.
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Historically, The Preakness Stakes has been the second of the three Triple Crown winners. This year, however, the Triple Crown has been upended like most everything else in our world. Normally the concluding act of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes initiated the series this year on June 20, when the Kentucky Derby postponed its race in a historic break from tradition to be run on September 5. And the Preakness Stakes will act as the grand finale on its postpone date of October 3. The UAE President Cup will directly follow it on the racing card that day.
$40,000 Buzz Brauninger Arabian Distaff Handicap (G1) on September 5th and the $40,000 Delaware Park Arabian Classic (G1) on September 7th. Both the Buzz Brauninger Distaff and the Delaware Park Classic will run at Delaware Park, just a one-hour drive from Pimlico in Baltimore. The Arabian Jockey Club, working in conjunction with Pimlico Racecourse will carry all pertinent information for this race on its website: www.arabianracing.org
Owners have already begun strategic preparations for the UAE President Cup, including key Grade 1 races such as the
TM Fred Texas (US) [far left] in the 2012 UAE President Cup at Pimlico {Photo: Monroe20] THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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WATHBA STALLIONS CUP SERIES RETURNS TO THE UK FOR 2020 The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) announced in August that the Wathba Stallions Cup series will once again be an integral part of the UK Arabian racing calendar for 2020. The series supports grassroots Arabian racing as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and is a popular addition to the programme worldwide. The five UK Wathba Stallions Cup races will be held from September through November at Wolverhampton and Chelmsford City racecourses. The HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival has played a significant role in the promotion of Arabian racing and breeding since it began in 2009. The Festival aims to continue the efforts made by the late
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve heritage sports and equestrian sport in particular, promoting Arabian horses and UAE heritage around the world. Sponsoring hundreds of races annually since itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inception, the Festival supports a wide variety of contests from the grassroots to the highest level across Australia, Algeria, Belguim, Brazil, Denmark, France, Italy, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UAE, UK and the USA. The events culminate in the worldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; richest Arabian horse race, the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, a Group 1 PA run in Abu Dhabi which this year is scheduled for December 4th.
Mashhur Al Khalediah (FR) wins the 2019 Jewle Crown in Abu Dhabi THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Jockeys in the paddock prior to the Wathba Stallions Cup at Chelemsford City in 2019
The Wathba Stallions Cup series aims to promote the breeding of Arabian racehorses, and is supported by Wathba Stallions, the breeding arm in the UAE and France, of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, who is also Chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse Association. Wathba Stallions includes His Highness’s homebred champion Munjiz, who was leading Arabian sire in the UK in 2019 for the first time. Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival over the last ten years. Their first race with us was the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series UK Breeders Stakes run in 2011 at Newbury. Two years later ARO hosted the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival Conference in London, with supporting races also at Newbury. It is also thanks
to the Festival’s sponsorship that we held five meeting’s at Hereford in 2013, which was instrumental in keeping that racecourse operational.” “The return of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival to the UK will be very welcome news for our participants who have been patiently waiting for the start of our 2020 season which will now be extended through to the end of November. We are also grateful for the support and assistance of the British Horseracing Authority, Chelmsford City and Wolverhampton raceourses. ARO remains committed to keeping all its’ registered participants informed of updates to UK Arabian racing as soon as they are available.”
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EMIRATES BREEDERS PROGRAMME WELCOMED TO THE UK FOR 2020 Also announced in August by the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was the news that the Emirates Breeders Programme will be coming to the UK for the first time. The programme of five races cater for a range of abilities from novice through to top level handicappers and will visit both Chelmsford City and Wolverhampton racecourses in October and November. Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was delighted commenting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were excited to learn that the Emirates Breeders Programme will be coming to the UK, as the races that they have sponsored in Europe have always been popular with our trainers, and we thank them for their generous support of Arabian racing.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The addition of these races to our calendar will be well received by our participants who have been extremely patient, and we thank them for their support during this challenging time. We also thank the British Horseracing Authority, Chelmsford City and Wolverhampton racecourses, for their support and assistance so that we may provide opportunities to race at all levels in 2020."
Messi (BE) winner of the Emirates Breeders Program II at Waregem on July 20th. Messi is owned, bred and trained by Timo Keersmaekers (Photo: Roger Lothaire ) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
The Emirates Breeders Programme races have been running successfully in Belgium this season with three races out of the scheduled five completed so far at the Ghlin and Waregem racetracks.
Al Maktoum was having his first run of the year and Owen feels that the race will have sharpened him up, ready for the UK season which starts on September 5.
Newmarket based James Owen has been a regular UK challenger with HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Farhaa and Alazeeza finishing runner-up to Gerard Zoetelief's Freddy PY at Ghlin on the 26th June over 2100m.The next event on July 20th over 2120m at Waregem was won by Messi, with Owen's Alazeeza fourth. The third Emirates Breeders Programme race was run over 2700m on August 31st at Waregem. It yeilded another success for Freddy PY who finished half a length ahead of Jamas DA, owned and trained by Peter Deckers, with the Owen trained Al Kaaser in third. Jamas DA was bred by Johan Verstrepen's Djikhoeve Arabians who collected the Belgian Breeders Premium. Al Kaaser who also runs in the colours of his owner-breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan
Dual Emirates Breeders Programme winner Freddy PY (FR)
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ERA RACE CALENDAR FOR 20-21 SEASON APPROVED The fixture list of the 2020-21 UAE racing season has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Emirates Racing Authority (ERA). HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are pleased to announce the ERA Race Fixture for the racing season 2020-21, which will provide the owners, trainers and fans an integrated season on the five UAE racecourses. Through this calendar, we offer Local and International races for the Thoroughbred and Arabian horsesâ&#x20AC;?. The season will offer 66 races dates and opens at Al Ain Racecourse on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Jebel Ali Racecourse and Sharjah Longines Racecourse will
commence their seasons on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. Meydan Racecourse gets underway on November 5, while Abu Dhabi Racecourse will commence their season on Sunday, November 8. The five racecourses are scheduled to hold the following number of fixtures: Meydan:19 Abu Dhabi: 15, Al Ain: 14, Jebel Ali:11 Sharjah: 7
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SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN JEWEL CROWN INCREASED TO 2200M In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the AED 5 million Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) , one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest horse races for Purebred Arabians, will now be run over a distance of 2200m (1m3f).
2016 Jewel Crown winner
This change to the United Arab Emirates iconic Arabian race is seen as a positive move which will attract a greater number of horses from around the world to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, when it hosts this fantastic event on December 4th 2020. This year will mark the 12th anniversary finale of the Festival which was launched in 2009 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, in Europe and has since grown into one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious racing events that attracts local and international racehorses, owners, trainers and jockeys of the highest calibre.
RB Burn (US)
The organising committee of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival continually strive to promote Arabian Racing around the World whilst endeavouring to develop the festival, to best satisfy the expectations of the participants. With this in mind and after consultation with both Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) and The International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) it has been decided to increase the distance of the Jewel Crown race from 1600m to 2200 metres.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner , Emirates Airline as the official carrier, sponsored by Al Massood Automobiles Nissan, Areej Alameerat, Omeir Travels Agency, YAS Sports TV., Viola Communications, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, the UAE's General Women's Union & Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
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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:
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 The Great Racing Welfare Auction, their biggest to date. Lots include a personal tour of Ballydoyle and Coolmore Stud for four people followed by lunch at Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen in Cashel and18 holes of golf with racing legend AP McCoy. There are almost 100 amazing lots on offer as part of the virtual auction and there really is something for everyone. Other special auction lots include mornings on the gallops and stable tours with some of the country’s top trainers and the chance for two people to join master caller Mike Cattermole in the commentary box, as well as a special edition of a bronze foal by the Arabian Racehorse's Debbie Burt. Click this link to view lots and bid:
Malton: 01653 696 869 Middleham: 01969 624 123 Lambourn: 01488 670 034 Newmarket: 01638 560 763
https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/thegreatracingwelfareauction
The auction closes on September 24th.
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2020 ARQANA PA SALE Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Purebred Arabian racehorse sale, organized by Arqana in partnership with AFAC, this year will take place on October 1 at Saint-Cloud Racecourse. The catalogue is now published online, encompassing 121 lots from the racing and endurance disciplines. These include 35 horses-intraining, 44 two-year-olds, 21 mares, 8 yearlings, and 1 stallion. Two-Year-Old Section: A total of 44 two-year-old colts and fillies will open the sale which starts at 2pm, with lots by leading established stallions including Amer, Dahess, Mahaab, Munjiz and No Risk Al Maury. Haras de Saint-Faust will notably consign lot 26, a half-sister by Majd Al
Arab to the Doha Oaks Trials (Gr3 PA) winner Farraaha, from the close family of Kahayla Classic winner Bopp Moon. In addition, lot 29, a son of Munjiz out of a sister to Group 1 PA scorers Noreen and Nirwan. From the Haras de Mandore is lot 15, a son of Af Albahar, who is a half-brother to four black-type winners including Group PA winner Cheker and lot 38, a colt by Munjiz out of Group 3 PA scorer Sahabba.
Sahabba (FR) after finishing second to Kalino (FR) in the 2015 Jewel Crwon in Abu Dhabi THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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- lot 8, a daughter of Dahess out of Group 1 PA winner Anastasya, already the dam of Group 1 winners Dubai Heros and Akkerland, from Haras du Berlais; - lot 16, a half-sister by Af Albahar to Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (Gr.3 PA) victor Sniper De Monlau, from Haras du Saubouas; - lot 23, a half-sister by Dahess to Arabian Trophy (Gr.1 PA) winner Kiss De Ghazal, from Haras du Saubouas; - lot 42, a brother by Nieshan to 2020 Prix Kesberoy (Gr.1 PA) victor Hadi De Carrere, from Ecurie Yann Creff. Breeding Section: Following the two-year-olds will be the breeding section, made up of 42 lots including one stallion from Haras du Grand Courgeon, Majeed (lot 45) and 21 mares. - Jaafina Du Soleil (lot 55), a half-sister by Jaafer ASF to Listed PA winner and Group 2 PA placed Tidarbret, from Haras du Saubouas carrying for the first
time to Al Mamun Monlau; - Al Chyhanah (lot 51), a daughter of Munjiz from the close family of Group 1 PA winner Al Fahda, offered in foal to Al Mourtajez from Haras du Saubouas; - Chalwa Du Breuil (lot 57), a Group PA winning daughter of Mahabb, herself out of Group 3 PA scorer Jamaa Du Breuil, offered in foal to Al Mourtajez by Haras de Mandore; - Goldina (lot 59), a half-sister by Dormane to Group 1 PA winner El Rigoletto, from Haras du Saubouas. She is offered carrying her first foal by Af Albahar. A total of 8 yearlings will also go under the hammer, including lot 69, another half-brother by Dahess to Group 1 winners Dubai Heros and Akkerland. View the catalogue online here: https://www.arqana.com/catalogue/purebred_arabian_sale_saint-cloud_%201_october_2020/268
Watch AFAC's film of the 2019 sale here: https://youtu.be/cRPim2AV_Zw
Lot 45 - Majeed (FR) winning the Qatar Local Bred PA Trophy at the HH Amir Sword Festival in Doha 2016 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Qatar International Stakes Group 1PA #DOHATRIPLECROWN
Saturday 1st August 2020 Goodwood Racecourse, UK
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Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) 1600m 4yo+ Goodwood, UK EBRAZ (GB) (7 h Amer x Massamarie (Tidjani)) Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Breeder: Al Shahania Stud Trainer: Julian Smart Jockey: Maxime Guyon
The challenges to enable Arabian racing to begin during these Covid restricted times in the UK have been huge, but noone could have wished for a more exciting way to open the season than with a scintillating performance by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best, Ebraz. He may have taken his eye off the ball in his prep-race at La Teste, when a well-timed ride by JeanBernard Eyquen on Belâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;izam denied him a third Shadwell Coupe de Sud-Ouest
by a head, but he was back to his imperious best at Goodwood. With UK Arabian racing yet to commence, all four overseas challengers were race-fit, proven Group performers, however with excellent prize money to sixth, there was more than a sporting interest for the domestic runners making their seasonal reappearances.
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Thierry Delegue
Maxime Guyon with Julian Smart
Shadwell Stud's Tom Pennington, Richard Lancaster and James O'Donnell THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ARO Chairman Charles Gregson
Owner-breeder Paul Simmons
Representing the James Owen Racing Club, Owen's father Herbie and Simon Kean with Marion Lachat of Shadwell Arabians THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Bel'Izam (FR) takes a keen hold going to post with Jim Crowley
Following his superb Doha Triple Crown win over the 19-20 season, when he readily skipped from victory to victory at Goodwood, ParisLongchamp and Doha, expectations were high for Ebraz to reach those heights again. Bel’izam’s best effort prior to the La Teste win was when finishing second to Mashhur Al Khalediah in the Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) last November. Boasting good form at a mile and under with Group 3 and Listed wins, he certainly has a proven turn of foot, however the mile on the round course at Goodwood is considered more testing than some. Tayf, already a winner of this event when beating Ebraz in an epic duel in 2017, has since finished fourth to Muraaqib and second to Ebraz last
year. Last seen when finishing second to Ebraz in his historic HH The Amir Sword win in February, he was making his European reappearance. Tayf (and Bin General) have joined the stable of Thomas Fourcy for the summer campaign, with regular trainer Alban de Mieulle opting to stay in Doha to oversee the younger Umm Qarn horses. Deryan was fresh from his victory in the rapidly relocated UAE President Cup – Coupe d’Europe (Gr1PA), scheduled for ParisLongchamp, but run at Deauville because of the Paris shutdown. It was a long-awaited win as he had been gaining a reputation as a bridle horse, with some significant Group 1 seconds to his name.
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Deryan (FR) and Iortiz Mendizabal (above) and Tayf (FR) and Olivier Peslier (below)
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Tijaary (FR) and Keiran O'Neill (above) and Storm Troupour (US) and Tom Marqand (below)
The UK runners featured seasoned campaigners Storm Troupour and Zayin Angkor Centurion, who though useful, have never seemed at home over the Goodwood mile. Meanwhile Shaheer, imported from the UAE had some early classy form, having been runner-up to Al Mouwaffak in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1PA) and later winning Round 2 of the Arabian Triple Crown (Gr3PA) in Abu Dhabi. He had been off the track for over a year and was making his debut for new connections.
Arabian mare of 2019, and though like Tijaary, needing to improve, she was lightly raced and boasts an excellent pedigree.
Tijaary, leading UK Arabian of 2019, carried the hopes of the James Owen Racing Club. Trainer Owen was realistic for his geldingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances, but was hopeful of running into some prize money to reward the loyalty of his Club members. The only mare in the race, Abiyah Athbah had been the leading THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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(Above) Winner of the Best Turned Out Award: Abiyah Athbah (GB) and Elizabeth Sian; (Below) Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) and Hector Crouch lead Shaheer (AE) and Abiyah Athbah (GB) to post
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It had been proposed that this, the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival would be the first pilot event for the return of crowds to UK horseracing. Sadly this was rescinded by government order the day before, but there was still the opportunity for limited numbers of owners to attend and the race was televised on Racing TV. Storm Troupour, who has raced prominently in this before set the early pace under Tom Marquand, with Abiyah Athbah in close attendance, ahead of Shaheer and Tijaary with the overseas challengers settled in behind. Abiyah Athbah took it up as Storm Troupour gave way at three furlongs out, with Ebraz readily sliding over the now vacant gap on the rail. Tayf was travelling strongly stalking Tijaary who was under pressure from Keiran O’Neill, with Deryan poised to pounce on his outer. Bel’Izam who had been
slowly away and travelled at the back of the field, was drawn to the outside to make his challenge and at the two furlong marker they were spread across the track, with Abiyah Athbah holding on for pressure in front. Ebraz took control entering the final furlong, with Abiyah Athbah bravely conceding the advantage as Deryan came up her outside, tracked by Tayf but they were no match for Ebraz who easily drew two lengths clear. As they reached the line his margin was slightly reduced and there was only a nose between Deryan, who is clearly improving now Mendizabal has his measure and Tayf. Bel’Izam was almost five lengths back in fourth, but all credit to Abiyah Athbah on her seasonal debut as she only lost out by a short head to top class performers. Tijaary was an admirable sixth, a great reward for his supporters.
Ebraz (GB) leads from Deryan (FR) [centre] and Tayf (FR) [right] THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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A mask can't hide Julian Smart's happiness for another win for Ebraz (GB)
Cementing his postition as the worldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leading Arabian racehorse, Ebraz continued his excellent record at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hombred, handled expertly by Julian Smart is clearly in his prime and required minimal urging from Maxime Guyon, who had also partnered him to victory last year. Smart 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. Now we go to France for the Qatar
Arabian Gold Cup and who knows, maybe the unthinkable. We already thought the Doha Triple Crown couldn't be done and he has done it; maybe he can do another one, you never know. "It's not a crazy question to ask whether Ebraz might be getting better. Since his prep race three weeks ago, he has been training unbelievably well. He is actually lighter as a seven-yearold than he has ever been. I have always said the Arabians get better with age. How much better he can get at seven or eight I don't know, but he's still going strong and, touch wood, he's still healthy.
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Ebraz (GB) and Maxime Guyon, (above) and with Julian Smart and Camille Valette (below)
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Goodwood's Adam Waterworth
"While he is in this kind of form, I would like to keep him going. We will obviously target the Arc meeting for the Qatar Arabian Gold Cup and then we'll see - do we go back to Doha for another HH The Amir Sword, or do we leave him in France to go to stud? That will all be decided by the Boss if he is sound in October.” 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.” Commenting on the race ARO Finance and Commercial Director Genny Haynes said: “What a wonderful way to open our 2020 season, with a second consecutive win by Ebraz today. We congratulate HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and Julian Smart for their achievements with such a talented horse. We are delighted that thanks to Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and Goodwood racecourse that a contest of this quality was showcased to the world at this most challenging time.”
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Ebraz (GB) with Julian Smart, Camille Valette and Maxime Guyon
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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 ARO seasons please visit www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Doha Cup - Prix Manganate (Gr1PA) 2000m 4yo+ Deauville, France HAYYAN (FR) (5 h Munjiz x Dahwa (Tidjani)) Owner: YAS Horse Management Breeder: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Trainer: Frederic Sanchez Jockey: Ioritz Mendizabal
Deauville in August, traditionally a sunny holiday destination for racing fans with a month of competitive racing by the seaside. The highlight of which for Purebred Arabian supporters are the two Qatar sponsored Group 1 PA contests, both over 2000m. This year, the very unseasonal weather made racing a challenge, both for the horses and the onlookers, however last yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dual Derby winner Hayyan continued his unbeaten run of form this season for trainer Frederic Sanchez in the Doha Cup.
The five-year-old had opened his 2020 account with a victory in the Qatar Prix de Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Elevage a PA Group 2 over the same trip in May and the first PA Pattern race to be held in France after the resumption of racing there. Some considered him lucky for that success, regular partner Ioritz Medizabal had abandoned him for Deryan, but Hayyan continues to progress and clearly handles testing conditions. The Toulouse race had been on very soft and the Deauville contest was on
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Thierry Delegue with Hayyan, Ioritz Mendizabal and Frederic Sanchez
similarly easy ground after torrential rain had fallen. Hayyan finished over a length clear of dual Group 1PA winner Lightning Bolt, now in the hands of Kim Augenbroe whilst regular trainer Karin van den Bos is disqualified due to the positive sample of her Akoya in the 2019 Prix Dragon. In third was Khataab, winner of this race last year, with two of Poland’s Al Khalediah representatives behind, most notably shock 2018 World Cup winner, Fazza Al Khalediah in fifth. Re-united with regular partner Ioritz Medizabal, the colt’s only defeat in his last five races was when well down the field in last November’s Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi. That race may be a target again, but after this performance he must surely take his
place in the Qatar Arabian World Cup, soft ground at ParisLongchamp would certainly not affect his chances. Speaking on Equidia, Mendizabal confirmed that the horse was no easy ride saying: “It was tricky because we came suddenly; we had to keep in touch, without coming too early. But he’s a funny horse, he had only one bad run abroad last year.” Thierry Delegue, European Racing Manager for YAS Horseracing Management agreed that his only disappointment had been in Abu Dhabi believing Hayyan to be “a small champion”. He confirmed that he “goes in all terrains” and that the horse is “really superb”. All photos (C) Noelle Derre
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Al Rayyan Cup - Prix Kesberoy (Gr1PA) 2000m 3yo Deauville, France HADI DE CARRERE (FR) (3 c Neishan x Viki De Carrer (Dormane)) Owner: Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari Breeder: Mme C. Dell'ova Trainer: Thomas Fourcy Jockey: Julien Auge
The closing race on the card was the Al Rayyan Cup for three-year-olds, won in recent years by some very progressive young horses including Muraaqib and most recently Lady Princess. The six runners included debutant winners Alsaher, Asiak and Sir Monlau, dual Group placed Alhafar and Hadi De Carrere, winner of the Prix Tidjani (Gr3PA) beating the aforementioned Alhafar by four and a half lengths the previous month.
The racing conditions had really deteriorated by that stage with standing water on the track and heavy rain continuing to fall. Hadi de Carrere, already proven in Pattern class, raced close to the pace set by Sir Monlau and though wandering around under pressure from Julien Auge as they took the lead in the home straight, they held off the challenge of Alsaher by a neck. [photo (C) Noelle Derre]
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Trained like Lady Princess by Thomas Fourcy for Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari, Fourcy, speaking with Jour de Galop said: “He did it well and we'll see how he recovers as the plans are not necessarily established. He is one of the good horses in my stable, like Abbes, who may be seen again in September before the Group 1 PA. I have one or two others that are good, October is still far away.” Hadi De Carrere is the first Group 1PA winner for his sire Nieshan, winner of Meydan’s Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge (Gr1PA) in 2011, 2012 and 2013, as well as the HH The President of the UAE Cup (Gr1PA) in Abu Dhabi. Owned by Ali Haddad and trained throughout his UAE career by Eric Lemartinel, he had be foaled in France at the Dell’ova family’s stud in Carrere.
Eric Dell’ova had originally trained him for his breeder Nasser Mohammed Al Habtoor, for whom he won four races and finished runner up in the President of the UAE Cup (Gr1PA). Nieshan is by Akbar out of Jade Des Pins and when the time came to retire him to stud he was returned to his birthplace in France. Standing for a very reasonable !1,000 for live cover or !1,500 for AI, his first foals were born in 2016. Hadi De Carrere is from his second more sizeable crop and was sold to Al Kuwari after his debut second place to the Thomas Fourcy trained Abbes in the Prix Djelfor in Toulouse in May.
Nieshan (FR) wins the 2012 President of the UAE Cup in Abu Dhabi THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ARO New Season Preview - Part Two Phil Collington, Newmarket 2018 ARO Champion trainer spent the winter commuting to Saudi Arabia following his biggest ever win in Abu Dhabi's Jewel Crown
Phil Collington with his first Group 1PA winner Radames (FR) who is now retired
Having spent a third successive winter training in the Gulf for Athbah Stud, Phil Collington’s season began earlier than most with runners in Saudi Arabia in January and February. Not surprisingly he feels the enforced break has been useful for his unraced maidens saying: “I think it’s certainly helped some of those three-year-olds we’ve got which wouldn’t have been ready to run in April or May. Most of them have all needed time as they’ve been growing and so on. It’s the older, rated horses have
suffered from being held up, they were all ready to run and there wasn’t much abroad that was suitable for them. “For the two Athbah horses that had been running in the Middle East it hasn’t really been a problem at all as they were going to have a holiday anyway, though they’ve probably had a longer time off in the heat. They are already back racing now and have got other targets abroad, so it hasn’t been as hard on them, as our lower rated horses.”
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MEHDAAF ATHBAH 8yo h (Amer x Keen Game (Begali D'Albret)) The globetrotting Mehdaaf Athbah is a winner in Belgium, France, Saudi Arabia, the UK and now Sweden, having won the inaugural running of the UAE President Cup in Sweden on August 2. At eight years of age, he is still a class performer, even if not at the highest level. He had an entry in the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, but as Collington explained: “With the ground drying out at Goodwood, a hard race on Good to Firm ground would not have suited him, despite there being plenty of grass cover on that track. Watching the
race, we think he would have finished fourth to Ebraz, but he likes a bit of ease in the ground these days. The UAE President Cup in Sweden was the day after, it was on Dirt, so it suited him perfectly and he won easily. It was a nice Listed win and he has come out of the race really well. “He has an entry for the UAE President Cup in Baden Baden, but the ground looks likely to be quick so I doubt he would go, it will suit Mashhur Al Kahelidah better and he won it last year and then go to Paris for the Arc. "So Mehdaaf has two other options in September, the Breeders Cup Sprint at Bordeaux, and he’ll also have an entry in Milan, that’s on 25 September.”
Mehdaaf Athbah (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Halib Des Forges (GB)
HALIB DES FORGES 8yo g (Mahabb x Djosera Des Forges (Darike))
on in the past with other horses. The trip of 2100m will suit him.
A four-time winner from a mile to 1m4f for HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Halib Des Forges was back to his best last year, ending the season with a win at Wolverhampton and a rating of 93. Collington says: "We've been looking at races in Belgium as there won't be much for him here to beging with, with his rating. He had an entry for the grass track at Waregem last month, but it looked quite wet and he does like quick ground on turf. "There's a Wathba Stallions Cup race in Mons Ghlin on September 13. He’s been there before and was third and it’s a track we’ve had a lot of success
Halib Des Forges (GB) winning at Wolverhampton in 2019
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ANFAAS 6yo m (No Risk Al Maury x Laqataat (Bengali D'Albret)) Anfaas is a four-time winner from 6f to a mile and is currently rated 90. Collington also won on her dam who was trained by GIll Duffield for their owner-breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Laqataat was a winner up to 1m2f, a trip Anfaas has yet to succed at, though she has made the frame on a number of occasions at that distance.
Collington explains:"She could also go to Mons Ghlin for the Wathba Stallions Cup race, like Halib Des Forges, she is more likely to have her first run abroad, before we get going with her in the UK."
A winner on the Tapeta and Polytrack, as well as soft and good ground, in a normal season there would have been plenty of options for her, however, with the current revised programme favouring the unraced or unrated horses, starting her off in the UK is unlikley.
Anfaas (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Al Monther (GB)
AL MONTHER 6yo g (Monsieur Al Maury x Ietletto De Carrere (Tidjani)) A half-brother to Shadwell Dubai International Stakes winner Al Hibaab, he won his maiden over a mile easily in 2018, but has yet to fulfil that promise in handicap company since. Having initially been rated 83, he's now dropped to a mark of 75. Collington reports:"Al Monther is really well and the work he’s done this year has really pleased me. He’s being going out with some in James’ string that are of a similar rating. He’ll start off in the 0-75 at Wolverhampton in September."
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MUSTAFEED 4yo g (Munjiz x Kaarine (Dormane)) A half-brother to three winners from 7f to 1m6f, he came close to winning on his second start in the Dubai International Arabian Races juvenile prep race last July when beaten a head. Stepped up to a mile at Wolverhampton with blinkers left off next time, he was too keen and didn't see the trip out. Put away for the winter he's ready to start now and has been declared for the Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden at Wolverhampton on Saturday 5th September.
for him here. There's also the option of taking him to Belgium. The track at Mons Ghlin has a number of Arabian races held over 1500m this autumn which would also suit him well."
Collington says: "He raced at three but there was not much for him last year. He still shows a lot of speed at home so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to try and keep him below a mile for now. "Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a rating of 75, but is still a maiden so there are plenty of options
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Loolwa (GB)
LOOLWA 4yo f (Al Saoudi x Zormania (Dormane)) The fifth foal of the winner of the 2006 DIAR juvenile Group race, Zormania. Three have been winners, Alazeez (6-8f), Al Kabeer (7f) and Jadaayil (1m1f).
"She did a couple of nice pieces of work before we gave her a break and she's thrived. I'm pleased how Loolwa's really strengthened up and matured over the winter and she’s got a fantastic mind, she just does everything right. "All being well, she could go straight to the Derby."
Collington is clearly pleased with this filly saying:"She’s done two barrier trials and is the one that really standouts out amongst her age group here. I’ve not had anything from her family before, though I rode her dam, who was rated high 90’s. "She’s a very big filly, last year she was scopey but just a bit too weak to run early on. If there had been a maiden right at the end of last season she could have run in it, but there wasn’t. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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JINAAN 4yo f (Madjani x Laqataat (Bengali D'Albret)) A half-sister to Anfaas, Jinaan is a full sister to Saleemah, who won five times from 1m2f up to 2 miles for Collington. Despite her pedigree, he feels that in terms of attitude, Jinaan has more in common with Anfaas. She started off with Collinton last year but was too backward to run. This season it is a different story as he says: "Jinaanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done two barrier trials this year and is going really nicely now." She will join Mustafeed and another debutant, Jeewan in the Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden at Wolverhampton.
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Jeewan (GB)
JEEWAN 4yo g (Madjani x Volga De Faust (Dormane)) Jeewan is the second foal of Volga De Faust, the first Alghally (also by Madjani) is with James Owen. Volga De Faust won twice in France over 1m2f, trained by Francois Rohaut for HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Makotum. Collington says: "He’s improved a lot for all the work we’ve done with him. He’s also been down to Lingfield twice for the barrier trials, so he should be ready for the first maiden at Wolverhampton in Septmeber."
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JAMARAAT 3yo f (Dahess x Qosheeya (Nuits St Georges)) By Dahess out of mile winner Qosheeya, Jamaraat is a half-sister to two DIAR Juvenile PA Group winners in Salaama and Rasaasy and is also a half-sister to Laqataat, dam of Saleemah, Anfaas and Jinaan. Collington reports:" Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve two threeyear-olds who are forward enough to run, Jamaraat could go to the first Wolverhampton race, but the next maiden is more likely as we have others we'd like to get out first."
Jamaraat (GB) with Barry Adams THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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DERGHAM ATHBAH 3yo c (AF Albahar x Mandragore Al Maury (Dormane)) Dergham Athbah is out of Mandragore Al Maury, a dual winning daughter of Dormane. Her two wins came in France over a mile and 1m1f, but she was also second in the 1m5f stayers handicap on Dubai Day in 2013. Dergham Athbah is her first foal. Collington reports:" Dergham Athbah is the other three-year-old who is ready to run, like Jamaraat will probably go to the next maiden at Wolverhampton at the end of September."
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ARO New Season Preview - Part Two Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna
Abiyah Athbah (GB) goes to post under Richard Kingscote for the 2020 Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) in which they finished a close fifth
Based for the last five years at Appleby Magna on the Leicestershire – Derbyshire border, Peter Hammersley had a quieter season in 2019. Highlighted by training the leading mare of 2019, Abiyah Athbah, for Jenny Lees Dilmun Racing and the pleasing success of Stonehenge, his homebred son of Madjani, who was a wide margin winner over two miles. Of the enforced break due to the pandemic Hammersley says: “It’s been very difficult and we’re down on
numbers. Unfortunately Stonehenge injured himself on the horsewalker in January, and though he’s back in light exercise now, he won’t be back on the track until next year. “When the Covid situation arrived, we decided that it was unfair to get jockeys in to ride out, so we’ve been doing it all ourselves. We’ve had a few riders in the last couple of weeks now we have something to aim for and at least we have some racing and the horses are really well.
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ABIYAH ATHBAH 6yo m (Jaafer ASF x Burning Fancy (Burning Sand)) Unraced at three years due to a minor setback, she was sold by Athbah Stud to Jenny Lees and runs under the Dilmun Racing banner. Showing up well on her four-year-old debut, she wasn’t disgraced on only her second start when sixth behind experienced Group performers in the UAE President Cup-UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA). Last season she made the frame in five of her six starts, with wins over 1m2f and 1m4f. Abiyah Athbah made her seasonal reappearance in the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA), the most valuable of all the UK Arabian races,
won by the world’s leading Arabian, Ebraz. It was an impressive performance, leading during the middle section and bravely staying on, only loosing fourth place to Bel’Izam by a short head at the line. Notably, all those ahead of her were race-fit Group winners who had raced at least twice this year. Hammersley is clearly pleased with the mare’s performance saying: “If we look after this year, she could be anything next year as she’s lightly raced. We’ve been very patient with her, so hopefully she can keep improving. Richard [Kingscote] was really pleased with her at Goodwood, he thought we’d done the right thing to run her, but we were beaten by top class horses. Jenny was obviously thrilled with her run.”
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Peter Hammersley, Joey Haynes, Abiyah Athbah and Sue Wileman after winning the Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons Diamond Anniversay Handicap at Lingfield in 2019
As for the remainder of the season he observed: “She’s rated 98 now, in the provisional programme there are only a couple of races she can run in, a mile and a half at Wolverhampton, where she broke her maiden last year and a 7f race at Chelmsford. However, there’s also a novice over 1m5f at Wolverhampton, which she’s qualified for, though she would have to carry a penalty.” Considering the other options available he says: “The prize money in Belgium isn’t really enough to justify taking her over there, I think we’d rather save her. She likes the top of the ground on the Turf, I don’t think she’d like it too soft, but she’s won on both the Tapeta and Polytrack. If we can get two more runs in, with what she won at Goodwood, she’s more than paid for herself this season.
“If we have a Dubai Day next year, then the Hatta would be an obvious option, though of course we would consider a return to Goodwood, depending on the dates of the races.”
Peter Hammersley, with fellow trainer Delyth Thomas and Jenny Lees at DIAR
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Bin Al Reeh (GB)
BIN AL REEH 7yo h (Al Reeh Janoob x Edelphy (Tidjani)) Also managed by Jenny Lees is HH Sheikha Maryam bint Maktoum Al Maktoum’s Bin Al Reeh. He is a halfbrother to two-time winner, Majid Bin Krayaan who Hammelsey also trained. The dam Edelphy won six times in France and the UAE from a mile to a mile to 1m3f. Lees herself trained the sire, a winner over 5f. Placed twice at Chelmsford City, over 7f and 1m2f, he’s currently rated 59, a career low mark. Hammersley says: “Bin Al Reeh, he’s been frustrating, particularly last year. On his best opportunity he got left at the start. The only benefit is that he’s well handicapped and he’s certainly been training better this year. I’m sure
he would have won by now if we’d had a full season. We keep thinking about blinkers, but Jenny said his sire hated them. We’ve tried cheekpieces already. So we’ll see.”
Bin Al Reeh (GB) and Antonia Peck at Chelmsford City in 2019
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ZAYIN ANGKOR CENTURION 7yo h (Dahess x Barryh (Djelfor)) Twice a winner at Chelmsford, over 7f and a mile, Zayin Angkor Centurion has been runner-up in the Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO Cup (Gr3PA) and third in the prep race for the Za’abeel International behind the subsequent winner Al Chammy. Last season was disappointing, as he didn’t make the frame but Hammersley explains: “We had a few muscular problems with him, which we’ve fixed now, he’s been much better this year.” Like Abiyah Athbah, he made his reappearance in the Qatar International Stakes, but he was ridden with restraint in the rear and wasn’t able to go with the field when it mattered, finishing seventh.
“We were hoping for a big run from him at Goodwood” Hammersely continued. “He looks so well, but he didn’t disgrace himself. Hector Crouch who rode him at Windsor last year, said then he didn’t let himself down on the quick ground. I think if we could run the race again, we would have probably tracked Abiyah Athbah and maybe we’d have made the first six then. “He’s down to 90 now, so he should be able to win a handicap off of that mark. He’s better right-handed, but he goes ok at Wolverhampton. He was beaten a neck there on his three-year-old debut. Obviously he’ll have to race Abiyah again, but it will be on much better terms.”
Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Zayin Zyperion (GB)
ZAYIN ZYPERION 5yo h (No Risk Al Maury x CS Comete (Bengali D’Albret)) Just the one run last season for this halfbrother to stable favourite, nine-time winner, Zayin Zachilles. Making his debut in a 6f maiden at Royal Windsor, he was very green and backward and on his next outing was unruly in the stalls and was withdrawn prior to racing. Hammersley has been struggling to get the colt booked in for the required stalls test because of limited opportunities brought about by the new restrictions due to Covid19, but is optimistic for his chances. “Zayin Zyperion has done really well over the winter and the penny is starting to drop with him at last. He’s tightened up well and we hope to run in the first
maiden race, though he’s obviously going to be better once handicapped. We’ll see if he can run into a place before the end of the season, but next year he’ll be better still. He was very backward mentally last year, it was hard to train him and I don’t like pushing them. Paul [Simmons, owner-breeder] has been really patient with him and I think in a way, the delay to racing has probably been a good thing for him.”
Peter Hammersley, with Hector Crouch and Paul Simmons
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AYMEE 5yo m (Dahess x Estival (Khairouan)) Bred by another long term supporter of the yard in Colin Banks, she is by the classy sire Dahess and is the second foal out of four-time winner and useful handicapper Estival. Unfortunately Estival’s first produce Our Dream sustained a career ending injury on only her second start and Hammersley also has her first foal by Madjani, who is now a yearling colt. Of Aymee he says: “She’s very nicely bred, but unfortunately she’s been a very backward filly. We had her in training last year but she was too weak to run. We’ll get her handicapped and then she’ll have another winter and hopefully she can fill out a bit more, so she’s definitely one for next year."
Half-sister Our Dream (GB) finishes third on her debut at Wolverhampton in 2017
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Jomanah Athbah (GB) and Sue Wileman
JOMANAH ATHBAH 5yo m Munjiz x Louran (Doran))
50, so I would expect her to improve this season now she’s that much stronger.”
A well bred filly from Athbah Stud who raced in the colours of Kate McManus in 2019, but will race for Hammersley this year. Her dam Louran won over a mile and a mile and a half and is a sister to top-level handicap winner Manan, who was third in the International Conditions Stakes at DIAR 2012. “With Jomanah Athbah, it’s a similar story to Aymee” explains Hammerlsey. “She was an October foal, so technically she’s still four, so it’s no surprise that last year she was backward though we were encouraged by the owners to run her. She has improved a lot over the winter and she’s also another one to benefit from a delayed start. She’s got a mark of
Jomanah Athbah (GB) and Will Pettis at Wolverhampton in 2019
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Al Tabari (GB)
AL-TABARI 4yo g (Tabarak x Altesse Kossack (Marwan)
three-year-old was not so surprising. He was fourth, so we were happy with that.
Al-Tabari is the first foal out of another stable favourite Altesse Kossack who won eight races from a mile to 1m6f when trained by Hammersley for Rick Gould, who raced Al-Tabari in partnership with Pete’s wife Michelle last season.
“We’ll probably run him in the first maiden and see where we are with him. In a normal year we wouldn’t consider the Derby as he’s only rated 50, but perhaps we might, with Covid changing things all the time the race could easily cut up.”
Hammersley is pleased with his progress saying: “Al-Tabari has improved. He was unlucky last year when the new equine flu restrictions stopped him from running, so he had to start on Dubai Day - which was too much for him mentally. He came on a bit for his second maiden, but his last run was his best racing against mosty seasoned handicappers. He led and got them all off the bridle, but then weakened at the finish, which for a
Al-Tabari (GB) and Rachel Kneller at Wolverhampton in 2019
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ARO New Season Preview - Part Two Jessica Quinlan, Newmarket Meet the latest addition to the ARO training ranks who has her first runners at Wolverhampton on Saturday 5th September
Jessica Quinlan with Toufan Du Croate (FR) and Al Shaamikh (QA)
Tell us a bit about your background with horses: I grew up in racing, my father Noel, used to train with my uncle and so I’ve been around horses all my life. I went to Pony Club and did quite a bit of eventing and really enjoyed that. When I was 16 started riding in point-to-points and fell in love with the racing side. My brother Jack is a National Hunt jockey,
so I think it’s in the blood, I don’t think there was really another path that I could have taken. Since I left school, I’ve been working alongside Dad helping him. More recently I’ve had my own small pretraining business with the thoroughbreds, I had eight in this year and now I’ve got a few Arabians.
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Al Shaamikh (QA) leads Toufan Du Croate (FR) up Hamilton Hill
How did the association with Arabians come about? We have a few transits in for different owners from the Middle East who were interested in having Arabians running in the UK. Mohammed Fahad Al-Attiyah has quite a lot of runners in France, both Arabians and thoroughbreds, but obviously here the Arabians can’t be trained by a licensed thoroughbred trainer. I was approached to see if I would be happy to have a few unraced three-year-olds from France, that that maybe were not quite ready to race at a higher level over there. How many do you have in training?
I did hope that there would be more, but of course with Covid stopping racing and holding back the UK season, they were reluctant to send me anymore. I’m hoping that if I can get a few nice results this year with the ones I’ve got, then next year I will have more. Is this your first experience with the Arabian breed? I’ve not had anything to do with Arabians before, I had heard a few horror stories, but I’ve actually I’ve found them quite straightforward. I’ve been over to Qatar and seen the toplevel Arabian races there, but I’ve not seen them race in France yet, or been to the sale there.
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How have you found training them compared with thoroughbreds?
hopefully they won’t make me look a fool when they get to the races!
I’ve approached it with a similar mindset as I do the thoroughbreds in that a happy, healthy horse is going to do its’ job. We don’t have much turn-out here, just some small paddocks that they can have a roll or a buck and a kick, but they get time in there several times a week. I ride at least one of them everyday, so I can keep a feel for their progress firsthand. I’ve found the colts a bit harder to judge in their work, I’m not always sure how much they are showing me at home. Al Deemah the filly, is so genuine however, she wants to do everything to the best of her ability.
I feel like with the thoroughbreds you can push on a bit quicker and their race prep doesn’t necessarily need to be as long, but with the Arabians they seem to take more time to get ready. However, they are three-year-olds and they are that little bit weaker. Covid forced the situation, but they’ve definitely benefitted from more education at home.
The colts have taken more training and planning, they came in broken and were ready quite early so with racing suspended and not knowing what was going on I’ve been keeping them ticking over, so they’ve had a long summer, but everyone’s in the same boat. They’ve handled it well, but maybe I’ve just been lucky with them,
We considered barrier trials, but it got to the point that keeping a lid on them was more important, with the start of racing so uncertain, it seemed best to keep them settled. We have great facilities in Newmarket, so we’ve done stalls here with professional jockeys a few times and we’ve had different jockeys in to ride them work. So far everyone that has been in and sat on them are happy with the way they go. Racing behind closed doors will be helpful for them as they won’t have to adapt to crowds on their first run.
Al Deemah (QA) led by Quinlan on her hack on the Newmarket heath THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Quinlan with Al Shaamikh (QA)
How have you found your experience as a new trainer and what are your hopes for the future?
had gone straight to thoroughbreds. I think if I can make a big enough name for myself with the Arabians, I would stick with them.
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been fine so far, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found everyone at ARO really helpful and I'm very grateful for all their assistance with registrations and the new protocols. I think this has been a nicer introduction to training than it would have been if I THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Al Shaamikh (QA)
AL SHAAMIKH 3yo c (Amer x Afraah) A compact son of Amer he is a second generation Qatari bred out of Afraah who is by Djendel. Afrah raced 18 times over three seasons, winning her maiden over 1400m and a handicap over a mile trained by Jassim Al Ghazali for Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Attiyah. Her dam, Diffa Du Bac won around a mile in France and from a mile to 1m6f in the UK when with owner-trainer Guy Dell'ova and was subsequnetly exported to Qatar where she was placed twice. Quinlan says:"Al Shaamikh was really professional from the outset, both the colts had been broken but had done
very little else when they arrived. He is very straightforward and is really anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ride. He does need keeping up to his work, as he can be a bit lazy sometimes, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still ride him now and again to see how he's going. "He's the only one out of the three who would have been ready to race at the start of the season, if it hadn't been delayed by Covid, but all the horses have coped really well with the long summer. "Hopefully, he should run a good race at Wolverhampton, I'd line to think he was capable of making the frame first -time out."
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AL DEEMAH 3yo f (Sidi De Candelon x Muzna Al Zeem) Al Deemah is by Sidi De Candelon a dual winner in France before being exported to Qatar, where he won twice more from 1200m to a mile. The dam Muzna Al Zaeem is an unraced daughter of Amer. "Al Deemah wasn’t broken when she came in" explains Quinlan, "But she picked things up very easily, she’s quite
similar to Al Shaamikh in that she’s easy to ride. She’s a very genuine filly who's practically training herself to the point where I’ve had to slow her down not to do too much before she’s really ready. Molly who works for me, loves her and they get on really well. "Al Deemah had a bit of a set-back not long after she arrived; she’s thriving now, but I thought it better to wait until the next maiden scheduled for the end of the month before running her.
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Toufan Du Croate (FR)
TOUFAN DU CROATE 3yo c (AF Albahar x Shamilah Du Croate) By the sire of French Derby winner Al Saker and 2019 Za'abeel Sprint winner Conchita DA. The dam is an unraced half-sister to Jade Des Pins (dam of Nieshan) and to UAE Cup and Prix Dragon winner Djavius Des Landes. Her three previous foals have won in France, Oman and Qatar. Of Toufan Du Croate Quinlan says: "He was a bit greener than Al Shaamikh when they came in, so I rode him exclusively to begin with, it’s only been the last month that I’ve had other riders on him. Partly for a different perspective on how he’s progressing and partly
because I felt it will do him good. The last six weeks he’s really grown up and he’s come together really nicely, he was very baby-ish to start with. "If think if Toufan had had time off over the summer, he would have gone backwards and it would have taken longer to get him back to that level. I think the break in racing has helped him the most. I do hope I get him back next year because he’ll be much better as a four-year-old and the older he gets the better he will be. "Hopefully he will give a good account fo himslef at Wolverhampton, but time will be the key to him."
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ARO New Season Preview - Part Two Nikki Malcolm, D0rset Nikki Malcolm combines training several Arabians for the racecourse with training and riding in Endurance.
Nikki Malcolm on Deena Bint Krayaan (GB) leads Ma'ase Bin Krayaan (GB) and Nathan Sweeney up the gallops at their base in Dorset [photo: Nikki Malcolm]
Nikki Malcolm has been combining the world's of racing and endurance since 2017 with the Bahraini line of Arabians of HH Sheikha Maryam bint Maktoum Al Maktoum, that are managed by Jenny Lees at Pearl Island Arabians. To date, Malcolm's greatest success has come with Johara Bint Shuwaiman, a not entirely straightforward mare, who she trained to win twice in 2018.
Though only having a couple of horses in training, she has had at least two horses placed from a handful of runs for those three seasons. For 2020 she has the one-raced five-year-old Ma'ase Bin Krayaan and Deena Bint Krayaan who has relocated from Peter Hammersley for a change of scene.
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Deena Bint Krayaan (GB) [photo: Nikki Malcolm]
DEENA BINT KRAYAAN 8yo m (Krayaan Dilmun x Edelphy) Deena Bint Krayaan is by the Bahrani stallion Krayaan Dilmun out of the French-bred Edelphy. She is a full-sister to Majid Bin Krayaan, a winner over 1m2f and 1m6f and a half-sister to Bin Al Reeh. Deena Bint Krayaan is a big strong mare who has raced six times but has failed to reproduce her brother's ability and will be running off a career low mark for 2020. Malcom explains: "The two ARO registered horses in training with us are both fit and well and looking forward to a run. For Deena Bint Krayaan, the extended break due to Corona has done her no harm at all. She was able to
relax and find her feet in her new environment and learn her new routine. "We've found that adding strength to her tall frame was beneficial thanks to the extended conditioning phase that the absence of racing has allowed and we've been learning a lot about her using the heart rate monitor on the gallops. This has given us a lot of clues toward trying to unlock her potential on race days. She enjoys living out alongside a friend and she does seem extremely relaxed and focused both in work and in life. Hopefully she will do better in handicaps this year."
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MA'ASE BIN KRAYAAN 5yo (Krayaan Dilmun x Princess Proudd)
more of his sires genetics and we are hopeful he will shine once in his handicap league with a trip that suits.
Ma'ase Bin Krayaan is a half-brother to Johara Bint Shuwaiman and made his debut over a mile at Wolverhampton in 2019. Malcolm says: "Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ase looks like he has grown into his frame and really strengthened up, ready for another run in a September maiden and hopefully a handicap debut before the end of the year. Although he's a half-brother to dual winner Johara, he seems a completely different sort. He's very straight forward and eager to please, always giving his all without the antics of his sister! He seems to have inherited
Ma'ase Bin Krayaan (GB) [photo: Nikki Malcolm] THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
ARO Champion Arabian Racehorse 2019 - TIJAARY
ARWEN FORTA
NEW FOR 2020 SATTAM
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ARO New Season Preview - Part Two James Owen, Newmarket Further updated following the visit in the Spring edition of The Arabian Racehorse
Alameen (GB) and Alex Chadwick
ALAMEEN 4yo c (No Risk Al Maury x Aljawza) Alameen raced three times as a juvenile, finishing fourth to subsequent Group 1PA winer, Methgal in the DIAR International (Gr3PA) over 7f and placing stepped up to a mile. This year he has had two runs in Belgium at that trip, finishing runner-up on his reappearance and winning his most recent start, all at a mile.
"Alameen has improved with every run and is the top-rated of the UK runners in the Derby on Saturday. It will be a massive step up to get near the French Derby winner, Hattal, who looks a very good horse, but nonetheless we're hoping for a big run from him. "The step up in trip should suit, he's tough and he tries hard."
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Sattam (FR) at Green Ridge Stables
SATTAM 4yo g (General x Al Basheq) Bought privately at the Arqana PA Sale in 2019, Sattam had been in training with Thomas Fourcy as a three-yearold, but was unraced. Gelded over the winter he has thrived as Owen reports: "Although he had an entry at Wolverhampton, I was originally planning to go straight to the Derby. I’d never normally do that with an unraced horse, or a once raced maiden as he is now, but the situation is obviously very different this year. The prize money is good and as a Racing Club horse some of the owners will be able to go, which is great for them. "Once it looked like no-one would get balloted out of the Wolverhampton maiden if we ran, we decided to
declare him. Hayley [Lewis] works hard here and we like to give her the opportunity to ride when we can. “Though I expected him to be doing his best work at the end, Sattam really shocked us when running into second place. We’d always liked him at home, but had never been that hard on him as he looked like he would need more time. He’s got ability, but he’s quite a green horse. “We’ve had a few offers for him since Saturday and he is for sale, though that’s not a priority at the moment. He came out of the race well - it should bring him on perfectly for the Derby; he’s a very straightforward, promising horse.”
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WANAASA 3yo f (No Risk Al Maury x Ouassila Thabet) "Wanaasa [above] is a really lovely filly who is a half sister to Al Azeeza and kept improving at home. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be even better with another year on her back, but whatever we do with her, she does it easily. She showed a lot of promise on Saturday and will be
ridden differently next time." NADELSHIBA 3yo c (Majd Al Arab x Qusoor) "Nadelshiba [below] is a nice colt for the future, who has been working well at home. We're very happy with his debut run and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come on for the race and a step up in trip will also suit him"
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Serafim Forta (AE)
SERAFIM FORTA 3yo c (Sadeem x Serafina)
EMPRESS BIBI FORTA 6yo m (Bibi De Carrere x Empress Athena)
A half-brother to four winners from 7f to 1m5f in Sartejano, Saayif Al Arab, Shammat Al Hosn and Secret Sentinel
Out of Empress Athena who was placed over 6f in the USA.
"Serafim Forta is a nice strong compact colt who enjoys his work. Very much in the mould of his sire Sadeem."
"Empress Bibi Forta is a tough little filly, her work is quite nice. She’ll probably run in the next maiden at the end of September and then we’ll look for a handicap."
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Al Azeeza (FR) and Alex Chadwick
AL AZEEZA 5yo f (Munjiz x Ouassila Thabet) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Al Azeeza will run at Waregem on 13 September in the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup over a mile. Local jockey Stephen Hellyn, who has ridden for me before, takes the ride. I was a little disappointed with her previous run, but she should go well and I think has a favourites chance." TIJAARY 7yo g (Al Saoudi x Petraunille) "Also runninbg will be one of the club horses, Tijaary, who is fit and well after finishing sixth in the Group 1 PA Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood. He's had a nice break and I'm pleased with them both."
Tijaary (FR) and Keiran O'Neill at Goodwood
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RAFEEF 6yo m (No Risk Al Maury x Maiziane) "The day after at Ghlin, in the Wathba Stallions Cup III over 2300m we will go with Rafeef, she’s been training really well. I think she has a strong chance at the weights, stays well and has good form on the All Weather. She's joined by Emiraaty, who'd have an each-way chance. FARHAA 5yo m (Al Saoudi x Maiziane) "Rafeef's half-sister Farhaa, had a run in Ghlin in the summer, but she didn’t quite stay the 1m2f in a conditions race, so we went to Baden Baden for the Listed UAE President Cup over a mile last week. I was pleased with her run, she was staying on well to be fifth, we’d need to go up in trip at that grade to be more competitive, but it’s good to see where we are with her.
Rafeef (FR) and Ellie Mackenzie
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MAWARID 5yo g (No Risk Al Maury x Aljawza)
"She should go well, her work has been strong and she looks to be running off a competitive handicap mark."
Heading to Wolverhampton on 14 September is Mawarid. A winner over a mile and placed over seven furlongs in four starts last season he has not always seemed the most straightforward. He unseated leaving the stalls in a similar contest at Wolverhamtpon last year, but seems to have plenty of ability when he has his mind on the job. Of his prospects Owen says: "If he behaves, he should have every chance." ARWEN FORTA 6yo m (No Risk Al Maury x Bay Brulee) "Arwen Forta who races for the Club, also goes to the 0-75 handicap over nine and a half furlongs. She looks to improve on her form last year and she's a lot stronger and aa more mature individual this season.
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Mazyoonah (GB)
MAZYOONAH 5yo m (No Risk Al Maury x Ujidora De Bozouls) A winner over a mile at three years, the five-year-old Mazyoonah will also be runninng in the 0-75 handicap, having been third in a very similar contest last June.
"Nasaayim is a half-sister to Mazyoonah. She's a nice three-yearold type, who took her time to come to hand, so sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll head to the next maiden over a mile at the end of the month at Wolverhampton."
"For Mazyoonah this trip is probaby stretching her stamina, but with limited options this season, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go and see where we are with her, and make a plan afterwards." NASAAYIM 3yo f (Majd Al Arab x Ujidora De Bozouls) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Nasaayim (FR)
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UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby Group 1PA, 1m2f, Doncaster
The UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) to be held on Doncaster St Leger Day, Saturday 12 September has six runners confirmed for the prestigious Group 1PA contest. The race will be run as the seventh race on the card at 4.40pm and televised on Sky Sports Racing in the UK, Equidia in France and YAS TV in the UAE. The most exciting runner is Hattal, winner of the French equivalent at
Chantilly earlier this year in a recordbreaking time for the race of 2.08.78, which is very close to Al Mourtajezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course record for the same distance of 2.08.33, set when winning the 2016 Qatar Arabian World Cup. Hattal was stepping up to Group 1PA company for the first time in that event and beat hot favourite and eventual fourth, Amyr Du Soleil, who had set a quick tempo from the start.
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His trainer Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte confirmed to the French Purebred Arabian after the race that he felt the colt “has scope for progress”. Ridden by Ioritz Mendizabal in all his starts to date, Mendizabal commented:”He could have won on his debut. However, Xavier instructed me not to be overly hard on the horse. Hattal scored on his next start despite racing very freely, like today, the race panned out well for us as the pace was an honest one.”
Hattal (FR)
Due to the Covid travel restrictions, Mendizabal will not be in the saddle at Doncaster, but has a very able deputy in eight-time UAE champion jockey, Tadhg O’Shea. O’Shea already has a connection to Hattal, as he won the 2008 Dubai Kahayla Classic on his dam, the multiple Group1Pa winner Mizzna, herself a daughter of the champion mare Unchainedd Melody – a winner of 37 of her 38 starts. He has also won this race in 2017 with the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Nafees. Also making the cross-channel trip is Jugurtha de Monlau, a product of Robert Bourdette’s Haras de Monlau, who was sold to UAE based Helal Al Alawi, prior to his maiden victory last
month in Vichy over 1m2f. The David Morrison trained colt had previously cross swords with Hattal in the Prix Warda -Jean Francois Bernard at Toulouse in March. That was Jugurtha De Monlau’s fourth start and carrying penalties for his two previous placed efforts he was giving the debutant Hattal, 3kg on holding ground and finished five and half lengths behind in third. Like Hattal, he relinquishes his regular pilot, Clement Cadel and will be ridden by Silvestre Da Sousa at Doncaster. Heading the domestic entries is Alameen, one of two runners for HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Alameen was a not disgraced fourth on only his second start at three in the DIAR International Stakes (Gr3PA) over 7f at Newbury when ridden by Jim Crowley, with whom he is reunited at Doncaster. The winner of that race, Methgal has proved to be from the top drawer as he won the Qatar International Cup a Group 1PA over a mile against older horses in February. This year the James Owen trained Alameen has continued to progress winning on his latest start in Belgium, when shaping as though as step up to this trip would suit. Also in the blue and white will be the unraced Loolwa, trained by Phil Collington with Dane O’Neill taking the ride. She is a big strong filly by Group 1PA winning sire Al Saoudi out of Zormania. Whilst Collington admits it would not be an ideal situation to start off at this level, he feels the filly handles herself professionally and does have the experience of going to the barrier trials at Lingfield earlier in the year. Racing without a crowd will probably be to her benefit.
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Owen fields a second contender in the once-raced Sattam who runs in the colours of his James Owen Racing Club. A bargain !3000 buy at the Arqana Purebred Arabian Sale in SaintCloud last October, he was bought with the Racing Club in mind. Making his debut last week at Wovlerhampton he exceeded expectations when rallying at the finish to take second after a slow start. He has plenty to do on the ratings but is very unexposed and open to plenty of improvement on only his second start and will be ridden by Martin Dwyer. Completing the field is Gerko De Tenelle who is faromthe family of multiple winner and sire Vert Olive. He raced twice in France last season without making the frame, including in the Prix Cheri Bibi (Gr3PA0 over amile
where he finished ninth. Gerko De Tenelle was exported to the UK last winter and has been gelded, he will be making his debut for his new connections, Darren and Jayme Plumb. Jayme who also trains him, has had some success revitalising horses in a new environment, but he will need to improve on his French form to win. On the basis of his French Derby win, Hattal is undoubtedly favourite, though a slow run race for a horse that has raced keenly so far may not play to his strength. However Hattal (OR 115) is a long way clear of his nearest rival Jugurtha De Monlau (OR 98) on ratings and looks set to become the fourth consecutive colt to do the French-English Derby double since the UAE President Cup resumed itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association with the race in 2016.
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Autumn Issue !"!" UAE PRESIDENT CUP - UK ARABIAN DERBY REVIEW
ARC WEEKEND Sales and Group 1PA racing report
EURPEAN SEAONS
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The Final Furlong
Trainer Julian Smart punches the air along side Ebraz, at the racecourse stables at Fontwell Park prior to Ebraz's secod consecutive win in the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood. The race is the first stage of the Doha Triple Crown which Ebraz so
memorably secured this February. All being well, Ebraz will now attempt a second Triple Crown, as he heads to ParisLongchamp for the Qatar Arabian World Cup in October, and then if successful, on to Qatar for the HH The Amir Sword next February.
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