The Arabian Racehorse - Spring 2022 by The Arabian Racehorse

Spring Issue 2022

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A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

UK New Season Preview USA Special - Gulf Review

'Spirit' - Bronze Edition of 9

DEBORAH BURT Award Winning Sculptor in Bronze - Commissions Welcome

www.equinecreativemedia.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Tel: 00 44 (0) 7782349047

Email: equinecreativemedia@gmail.com

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RACEHORSE Spring Issue - 2022 4

News

35th Darley Awards

AJC President Susan Meyer

UAE President Cup at Pimlico

Cre Run Farm

Dubai Kahayla Classic at Meydan

2021-2022 Gulf Review

Ernst Oertel

UK 2022 Season Preview

James Owen Syndicates

Stride Ahead Racing

102

Steve Blackwell

111

Horses in Training Directory

159

The Final Furlong

Front cover image: First Classs and Ronan Thomas win the 2022 Dubai Kahayla Classic

Produced by equine creative media Stable Cottage, Fosse Cross, Cheltenham, Glos, GL54 4NP

equinecreativemedia@gmail.com 00 44 7782 349 047 www.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 www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE PODCAST The 2022 UK Arabian racing season begins on Monday May 16th at Royal Windsor (see page 10), which means the regular podcast is back for another year. The video podcast is brought to you in association with Equine MediRecord and is available on the EMR's very own YouTube channel. Each edition is also posted on The Arabian Racehorse and Equine MediRecord Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds, with past episodes always available.

The current podcast is available by clicking the link below: https://youtu.be/OTVSVgw0tqI

ARO INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR AVAILABLE NOW Following the confirmation of all the Arabian Racing Organisation Purebred Arabian Group races currently sponsored, their international calendar is available to view and download. ARO is still in negotiations with several potential sponsors for their other PA Group races and further updates may be issued in due course. Click the link below to view:

https://issuu.com/thearabianracehorse/docs/aro_group_races_2022_brochure_6f9f63825e8b11

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE MAGAZINE SPONSORS TRAVEL CONCESSION FOR SELECTED RACES IN 2022 For the 2022 ARO season, The Arabian Racehorse magazine will be supporting UK Arabian racing by providing a travel concession for horses finishing outside of the prize money. The registered owner of the horses that finish in seventh and eighth places will be credited with £25 into their ARO client account in selected races throughout the season, starting at Royal Windsor on May 16th. Debbie Burt, proprietor and editor of The Arabian Racehorse commented: “The Arabian Racehorse has been supporting UK Arabian racing since the magazine’s inception in 2015, mostly through race sponsorship. With all available races in the current programme fully sponsored, after discussion with ARO, we decided the most effective way to help our participants was by offering a travel concession for those finishing outside of the prize money.

“Given the current rise in the cost of living and in particular the price of fuel, I hope that this contribution will be well received.” Genny Haynes, ARO CEO commented: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support from Debbie and The Arabian Racehorse Magazine. The Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap at Royal Windsor and the Emirates Breeders Maiden Stakes at Wolverhampton will be the first two races to benefit, with others announced in the ARO racing calendar as the year progresses. “With just 20 days before our season starts on May 16th, this is a timely and welcome addition to the benefits’ already announced, such as the Racing Welfare Best Turned Out awards and the UK Breeders Incentive Scheme.”

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

ARO ANNOUNCES EQUINE MEDIRECORD AS AN ASSOCIATE SPONSOR FOR 2022 SEASON The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) wa thrilled to announce that the equine digital medicines register platform provider Equine MediRecord (EMR) will be supporting UK Arabian racing as an associate sponsor for 2022. In 2020 ARO was the first European racing organisation, and only the second in the world, to embrace the EMR system and make it mandatory for all horses racing under their rules, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and equine welfare. Pierce Dargan, CEO of EMR said: “With the progression of Arabian racing in the UK and its’ further integration into the British thoroughbred racing industry, we are very excited to strengthen our association with ARO. We have always been grateful to ARO for the early adoption of our system, and we look forward to the start of the new season in two weeks time.”

Genny Haynes, ARO CEO commented: “ARO is delighted that Equine MediRecord have increased their involvement in the sport in the UK by becoming an associate sponsor. Their support will help to advance Arabian racing in the UK and create a structure that offers both stability and sustainability. “We recognised very early on what a great benefit to racing and horse welfare their system was. A decision that has been vindicated by its uptake around the world by a variety of organisations and at many of the major international racing festivals including the Breeders Cup and the Saudi Cup. We look forward to building on our relationship throughout 2022.” www.equinemedirecord.com

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ARO CONFIRMS FURTHER UPDATES TO THE NEW UK BREEDERS INCENTIVE SCHEME The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to confirm further updates to the UK Breeders Incentive Scheme, designed to reward UK Arabian breeders who race their horses with ARO in 2022. The scheme will offer monetary incentives per race (excluding black type races) to the ARO UK registered breeder of any horse placed first, second or third in Purebred Arabian Races under the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) regulations for Arabian Horse Racing 2022. To be eligible: -

The breeder/owner, must be registered with ARO in 2022 and confirm they are domiciled in the UK (proof of address is required).

Arabians must be bred in the UK and registered with the Arab Horse Society (passport to confirm the breeder).

Horses must finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd in any eligible Purebred Arabian race in the UK in 2022 (excluding Listed, Group Races).

Incentive payments with regard to the scheme will be transferred into the ARO Client Account of the registered breeder/ owner as follows:

supplement the total funding available in 2022. Throughout the season there will be a points system to establish the ‘Leading UK Breeder’ of 2022, as well as recognition for the second and third placed breeder. The Leading UK Breeder will be awarded a nomination to a selected stallion free of charge – though this does not include the veterinary, technical and shipment costs which remain payable by the breeder. Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer commented: “ARO is pleased to confirm the payments for this initiative for 2022. This is just one of several incentives that we have introduced this season, such as membership of the Racehorse Owners Association and travel allowances for horses finishing seventh and eighth in selected races. ARO is committed to invigorating the owning and breeding of racing Arabians in the UK, we want to reward our owners and breeders for their efforts and will continue to look at ways in which we can grow our sport.”

Finishing Position + ARO Breeders Incentive Payment: 1st

£75

£50

£25

Total available per race:

£150

In eligible races that are won by a nonqualified horse/breeder, the bonus scheme prize money will accumulate into the UK Arabian Breeders Fund and THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup (formerly the ARO Cup) Group 3PA - £14,000

Saturday 3rd September 2022 Haydock Park Racecourse, UK

Entries close: Saturday 30th August 2022

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

HH SHEIKH MANSOOR FESTIVAL OPENS THE UK SEASON AT ROYAL WINDSOR The new UK season gets underway at Royal Windsor on Monday May 16th with the Wathba Stallions Cup (0-70) handicap over a mile. The competitive looking contest is part of a series of eleven races held under the banner of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival. For 2022 the Festival has generously increased their UK commitment by sponsoring an extra five races, with the highlight being the Group 3PA HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup at Haydock in September. The Royal Windsor race is part of the everpopular Wathba Stallions Cup series held around the world which aims to promote the breeders of Arabian racehorses by supporting the sports’ grassroots. The races on offer range from maidens to midrange handicaps, all of which will have a prize fund of £4000 per race.

The series will certainly help several of the connections on Monday night, with last years’ leading UK owned and bred horse, Zayin Zyperion making his seasonal reappearance for Zayin Arabians, trained by Peter Hammersley and ridden by Royston Ffrench. In addition, Hammersley and fellow trainers Phil Collington, James Owen and Jamie Plumb will all have home breds of their own expected to make their debuts this season. Zayin Arabians’ Paul Simmons said: “It’s great to be racing again. I’m looking forward to it being a competitive handicap and hopefully a good run from Zayin Zyperion. Many thanks to the Sheikh Mansoor Festival and to ARO for supporting UK Arabian racing and providing opportunities for horses at all levels.”

Runners in the paddock for the 2021 Wathba Stallions Cup at Royal Windsor THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Also trained by Hammersley is HH Sheikha Maryram bint Maktoum Al Maktoum’s Bin Al Reeh who won a similar contest sponsored by the Festival at Bath last year, who this time will be partnered by Marco Ghiani. Last season’s leading trainer and jockey, James Owen and Hollie Doyle pair up with Awtaar. The mare runs in new colours this year, those of the James Owen Racing Club, having given Ireland’s Blackrock Racing Syndicate a great day out at Doncaster on St Leger day when finishing fifth for them in the UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby. Awtaar was one of several fillies leased from Shadwell Arabians, however Owen bought his other runner from them, the top weight Jaahez. Jamie and Darren Plumb also secured Jeewan from the 19 times leading ARO owner the previous winter, with the gelded son of Madjani twice finishing just out of the frame in their colours in 2021. Making his UK debut will be the four-yearold colt Rebal Athbah for Phil Collington and Athbah Stud, for whom his rider Tom Marquand rode their Bayan Athbah to victory in the 2021 HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup. Rebal Athbah won on his only start in Belgium last year and Collington is looking forward to seeing him run saying: “He did well to win at three, so it will be good to get him out at Windsor and learn a bit more about him.” The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival has played a significant role in the promotion of Arabian racing and breeding around the world 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 more than 150 races in 2022, the Festival supports a wide variety of contests from the grassroots to the highest level. These events culminate in

one of the worlds’ most valuable Arabian horse races on Turf, the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, a Group 1 PA run in Abu Dhabi in December. Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer commented: “The HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival has generously supported our racing since 2011. The first race they sponsored with us was the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series UK Breeders Stakes, so we’re thrilled that the Wathba Stallions Cup kicks off our new season at a time when encouraging our UK owner breeders is such a priority. “We’re looking forward to a competitive race on Monday and delighted that our leading jockey of last season, Hollie Doyle, has been booked to ride. We also thank the British Horseracing Authority and Royal Windsor racecourse for their assistance and support of our racing and Baker McVeigh International, who are sponsoring the Best Turned Out Award.”

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Horse Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Etisalat as the official sponsor, with National Feed as strategic partner, 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, the UAE’s General Women’s Union , Emirates Arabian Horse Society & Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

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LAST CALL FOR BRITISH BREEDERS FROM SHADWELL ARABIANS Time is running out to take advantage of Shadwell Arabians unique opportunity for British Arabian breeders to purchase the frozen semen of ten Arabian stallions at the bargain price of £100 for 2 doses.

For 2022 the frozen semen of the following stallions is available only in the UK:

CHNDAKA: dual Group 1 winner by Dormane, sire of Stakes winners and performers

DAFFAQ: multiple Group winner by Dormane

EAU ROYAL: multiple Group winner by Djel Bon

JIYUSH: multiple Group 1 winner by Manganate, from the same damline as Al Zahir, Royal Class, Prince D’orient, Dahor De Brugere, Amyr Du Soleil…

AL SAOUDI: French bred multiple Group 1 winner, from the damline of Al Mourtajez, Al Moutawakila, Al Mouhannad, and sire of Stakes winners and performers BENGALANT: Group 1 winner by the exceptional Bengali D’albret

Al Saoudi (FR) sire of Torjomaan the €68,000 highest priced yearling of the final Shadwell dispersal sale in February THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

2015 Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) winner Kalino (US), best son to date of Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) Kaolino (FR) and now siring winners including Salwa (FR)

KAOLINO: Kahayla Classic winner by Dormane, sire of Group winners MONSIEUR AL MAURY: Group 1 winner by Djelfor, from the same damline as Tidjani, Ziva, Mushrae, Djesabelle TAAJER: full-brother to Group 1 winner Handassa; winner by the exceptional Madjani, a successful sire in racing and endurance VASILISK: a remarkable racehorse from a Russian bloodline, sire of winners

The offer is open to all breeders, whether they wish to produce racehorses, endurance horses, sport horses or leisure horses. The semen can be used in 2022 or

at a later date. Breeders may buy 2 doses of frozen semen of those stallions for the price of £100 (due at booking, no Free Return guarantee), while stocks last. The semen is currently stored at West Kington Stud; breeders may organise the shipment of the semen to other insemination centres within the UK. More details about the stallions are available on Shadwell Arabians website: https://shadwellarabian.co.uk/news/exciting-opportunity-for-british-breeders/

To discuss terms and availability with Shadwell email to: arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk

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MUMAYYEZ TOPS ERA HORSES IN TRAINING AUCTION The strength of the Late HH Sheikh Hamdan’s Arabian breeding organisation continues to shine with his Mumayyez topping the ‘end of season’ sale at Meydan, on March 30th. The sale, organised by the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) had attracted 184 lots, with just two Arabians offered. Lot 120 Mumayyez realised Dh260,000 (approx. £54,261) when sold to Athbah Racing, the 4yo colt was offered by John Hyde on behalf of Shadwell. Bottle Rocket Man topped the Thoroughbred results at Dh220,000 (approx. £45,937). Mumayyez raced twice in the UK when trained by James Owen for Shadwell Estates last year, placing second over 7 furlongs at Chelmsford on his debut

before winning at Lingfield over a mile and a quarter, both on the Polytrack. The son of Majd Al Arab had been due to be sold at the Shadwell Horse in Training Sale also at Meydan in the autumn, but was withdrawn. He made two starts for Hyde, on the Turf at Abu Dhabi (1600m) and the dirt at Al Ain (1800m), but was well beaten on each occasion. The colt has now transferred to the care of Mohammed Daggash in the UAE.

Mumayyez (GB) and Jim Crowley THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Mumayyez (GB)

Mumayyez is a half-brother to Al Bustan (by No Risk Al Maury) who won over a mile and a quarter at Chelmsford. Their dam Sanadji (by Tidjani), won over the same trip at Huntingdon. Her dam Nagharane (by Kesberoy) was a half-sister to His Highness’s three-time Kahayla Classic winner and leading UK sire, Madjani. Mohamed Saeed Al Shehhi, general manager of the Emirates Racing Authority, said: “We are very happy with the attendance at the ERA Horses in Training Sale, with interest being shown by people from all over the Gulf. There was representation from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq.

hoping to make purchases. The number of horses sold reflects a healthy demand and a high level of trust in the quality of the horses that the UAE has to offer. “I would like to extend my best wishes to all those who took part in this sale and wish that these horses do well in the future and perform well for their new owners, whether in the UAE or in races all over the world.”

“The large turnout is solid proof of the success of the sale, and some of the more well-known trainers from the region such as Mr Jassim Al Ghazali from Qatar, and Fawaz Al Khreitan, attended the event THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Al Bustan (GB)

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RACING WELFARE BEST TURNED OUT DETAILS RELEASED The Arabian Racing Organisation has confirmed further details of the popular Best Turned Out Series sponsored by Racing Welfare which is returning for the new season of UK Arabian racing. The series rewards the hard-working grooms with points awarded in every race and at the end of the season, the winners in each category will receive a cash prize of £125. The three awards are presented as follows: , to the individual from a yard with ten or more horses, to the individual with the most points from a yard with nine or fewer horses and a further award to the yard that accrues the most points overall, who will also receive a trophy. In addition, there will be five individual Best Turned Out cash awards of £20 presented by the regional Welfare Officer who will be representing Racing Welfare at the following meetings: Bath (11th May), Wolverhampton (23rd May), Newbury (30th June), Brighton (5th August) and Haydock (3rd September). James Schofield, Head of Fundraising said: “Racing Welfare is very pleased to continue to support the ARO’s Best Turned Out Series. It’s important to recognise the hard work and care that goes into preparing a horse for the races, especially during Mental Health Awareness Week and Racing Staff Week when our regional teams will be awarding prizes at Bath and Newbury respectively. We’d like to wish all participants a successful 2022 season.” Genny Haynes, ARO CEO commented: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of Racing Welfare, recognising all the hard-working staff behind the scenes and on course.

"We are also thrilled that the respective awards at Bath and Newbury will coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week and Racing Staff Week, showing our support to these two important campaigns."

2021 - large yard winners Zara Brooks with James Owen and team Racing Welfare’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

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 teams are also contactable during weekday office hours via the numbers below: Malton: 01653 696 869 Middleham: 01969 624 123 Lambourn: 01488 670 034 Newmarket: 01638 560 763

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BAKER MCVEIGH INTERNATIONAL TO SPONSOR BEST TURNED OUT SERIES IN 2022 The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to announce that Baker McVeigh International has returned as a supporter of UK Arabian racing. The internationally based veterinary practice will sponsor Best Turned Out Awards of a £30 cash prize and a photo frame at five races, starting with the season opener, the Wathba Stallions Handicap at Royal Windsor on May 16th. The four further races supported are at Bath (June 11th), Newbury (7th July), Doncaster (16th July) and Chepstow (18th August). Baker McVeigh International is a group of equine veterinarians with branches currently in the UK, Bahrain, South Africa and France.

They commented: "Baker McVeigh are proud to be back sponsoring the ARO this year. We are delighted to be supporting Arabian racing as well as the stable staff of the industry. We look forward to the upcoming race days”. Genny Haynes, ARO CEO said: “ARO warmly applauds the return of Baker McVeigh International, who supported our racing with race sponsorship in 2020. ARO is very grateful for their recognition of our hard-working stable staff this season and we look forward to welcoming them to Royal Windsor next month.”

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ENTRIES OPEN FOR ARQANA 2022 PUREBRED ARABIAN SALE Arqana and AFAC have announced that enrtries are now open for their annual Purebred Arabian sale held at Saint-Cloud racecourse as part of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend. This year the sale will take place on September 29th. Entries can be places online, or by printng off the entry form, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3LH5A5U Closing of registrations are as follows: 20th June - 2 years old 20th June - Stallions 20th June - Foals 20th June - Mares and fillies 20th June - Stallion shares 20th June - Yearlings 20th June - Endurance horses 11th July - Horses in training

ENTRIES OPEN FOR A NEW PUREBRED ARABIAN SALE FOR AUCTAV French online auction house AUCTAV has launched a new online sale dedicated entirely to Purebred Arabians, the Auctav Arabian Summer Sale, which will feature a selection of yearlings, young horses, horses-in-training, broodmares, stallions and stallion shares.

All information on buying and selling with Auctav can be found online at: www.auctav.com

The new sale follows the successes of the two Shadwell Arabian sales in December 2021 and February 2022, highlighted by

Entries for the sale are open until June 21 with the online sale the following month on July, 20.

the record sale of regally bred TASHREEFAT for €310,000.

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AFAC CALENDAR UPDATED AFAC have released their latest update to their provisional calendar for racing which runs up to 28th August 2022. It incudes a 'new' Group 1PA race for fillies' and mares, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Liwa International Stakes at La Teste on August 8th. The race, formerly

known as the Hatta International Stakes when run in the UK, has been transferred to France, following the death HH Sheikh Hamdan and the loss of Shadwell's sponsorship in the UK.

3yo (Provisional)

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4yo+ (Provisional) +

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INTERNATIONAL RACES FOR ARABIANS IN POLAND The Polish Jockey Club have issued their programme for Arabian races in 2022. The highlight of Warsaw’s Sluzewiec calendar is on August 21. The card will feature three Arabian races, headed by the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – Nagroda Europy, a Group 3PA over 2600m. The race has a prize fund of 148,750 PLN (approx. £26,575), with 85,000 PLN (£15,000) to the winner. On the supporting card will be the Al Khalediah Poland Cup, a Listed PA contest over a mile, as well as the Nagroda Bialki, for three-year-olds only, held over 2000m. The course also holds another PA Listed contest, the Nagroda Porownawcza, held over 2400m on October 23.

Together they form part of a programme of 27 races in total at the Warsaw track, starting on May 1st and ending on November 6th. The races range from 1400m to 3000m. Wroclaw, who also host trotting and jump racing alongside their Flat race programme, have 12 Arabian races from May 14 to October 15, ranging in distance from 1400m to 2200m. All 39 races are open to international competitors.

Ameretto (FR) wins the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Europy (Gr3PA) at Sluzewiec for a fourth time in 2015. The race was held as part of the Sheikh Mansoor Festival's World Arabian Horse Racing Conference in Warsaw. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

POLISH PA BLACK TYPE RACES 2022 For further information: www.pkwk.pl Sunday August 21st SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN - NAGRODA EUROPY (Gr3 PA) 2600m (Turf) Total Value 148.750 PLN (85.000-34.000-17.000-8.500-4.250) [approx. £26,575, £15,000 to the winner] International race for 4yo and up Arabian horses Weights: 4yo 59kg, 5yo and up 62kg, 4-6yo fillies and mares 2kg allowed. To close on July 20 by 12.00 noon Entry fee: 2.550 PLN (850, 1700); Rider fee 150 PLN Forfeit (declaration to run) August 10 by 8.00 a.m. Supplementary entries on August 10 Supplementary entry fee: 17.000 PLN AL KHALEDIAH POLAND CUP (LR PA) 1600m (Turf) Total Value 70.000 PLN (40.000-16.000-8.000-4.000-2.000)

[approx. £12,500, £7,000 to the winner] International race for 4yo and up Arabian horses. Weights: 4yo 59kg, 5yo and up 62kg, 4-6yo fillies and mares 2kg allowed. To close on July 20 by 12.00 noon Entry fee: 1.200 PLN (400, 800); Rider fee 150 PLN Forfeit (declaration to run) August 10 by 8.00 a.m. Supplementary entries on August 10 Supplementary entry fee: 8.000 PLN Sunday October 23 NAGRODA POROWNAWCZA (LR PA) 2400m (Turf) Total Value 52.500 PLN (30.000-12.000-6.000-3.000-1.500) [approx. £9,300, £5,300 to the winner] International race for 3yo and up Arabian horses. Weights: 3yo 54kg, 4yo 59kg, 5yo and up 62kg, 3-6yo fillies and mares 2kg allowed. To close on October 12 by 9.00 am (declaration to run) Entry fee: 750 PLN; Rider fee 150 PLN

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R A C E H O R S E Issue No.20

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RACEHORSE

Jewel Crown HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival Special

Issue No.11

February 2016

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ARO Annual Awards 2015

SUMMER ISSUE 2022 UK MID SEASON REVIEW QATAR INTERNATIONAL STAKES GR1PA To advertise in the Summer edition email: info@thearabianracehorse.com

www.issuu.com/thearabianracehorse www.thearabianracehorse.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

US Arabian Racing Spotlight The 35th Annual Darley Awards Celebrating US Arabian Racing Achievments in 2021

The 35th Annual Darley Awards, presented by the Arabian Racing Cup (ARC) and sponsored by the Texas Arabian Breeders Association, was, after a two-year enforced break, once again able to invite guests to celebrate the best of Arabian racing in the United States. Held on Saturday March 19, at Sam Houston Race Park in Texas, the evening began with the $30,000 Darley Sprint (Grade 3). The race proved to be a dramatic renewal, when Like Moulin Rouge (Moulin Rouge MAF) was disqualified for causing interference to Quick Sand AA (Burning Sand), leaving Paddys Day (Burning Sand) to be promoted to record his 31st career win and 23rd stakes victory for trainer Rhonda Tuley and his owner-breeder Jane Teutsch. As festivities moved on to the ceremony hosted by ARC Chief Steward, Jon Henningsgard, there would be further success for the 11-year-old later that

evening when he was awarded the Older Horse of the Year title. Paddys Day was also in the running to record a fourth Horse of the Year Award. He was up against the unbeaten, Darley 4Year-Old Filly RB Feel The Burn (Sand Blastt), a product of the relentlessly successful Rosebrook Farms, who had scored both 3-Year-Old titles that evening, as well as Owner of the Year and with it’s founder Diane Waldron securing another Breeder of the Year Title. Also in the running was last years’ overall winner and 2021 Darley Older Mare, Uptown Sandy Girl (Burning Sand) and the exciting newcomer Hiab Al Zaman (Hilal Al Zaman). Hiab Al Zaman had already taken the Darley 4-Year-Old Colt award after a successful debut season recording four wins from nine starts, including the Texas Arabian Derby and the Texas Stallion Stakes, both Grade 3 contests.

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Hiab Al Zaman © Dustin Orana Photography

Hiab Al Zaman gave US Arabian racing a new name on the trophy, James and Susan Meyer their first homebred Darley Horse of the Year and only their third ever win at the ceremony following on from Born To Boogie MC (Haffir El Rimal), winner of the Darley 3-Year-Old Colt award in 2011. A product of their Meyercrest Arabians, Hiab Al Zaman was foaled at their home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the couple produce just one or two foals a year. It was an emotional win for the Meyers, with Susan, who is also President of the Arabian Jockey Club commenting afterwards: “I never really thought we would attain this. It really has been a team effort. Dr Nujaifi (owner of Hilal Al Zaman (Mencour)) and Val Bunting were wonderful. And I credit a lot of his success to our trainers, Cristian and Jeremy Castro, who tailor their training to each horse and were able to translate Hiab’s high energy and competitive nature to stay bright, interested, and powerful on the track. But mostly, we are grateful to Hiab, a horse that reminds us every day to

keep fighting, keep hoping, keep dreaming.” Her comment was reference to the colt’s early beginnings, when just a few hours after foaling, he fractured his sinus cavity and sustained a serious concussion. Walking to the left would cause the colt to flip over backwards and immediately seizure. So, showing great determination he walked to the right, circling the box repeatedly.

Hiab Al Zaman © Susan Meyer

THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

James Meyer [left] and Susan Meyer [centre] © Dustin Orana Photography

Fortunately for Hiab Al Zaman, James was an experienced equine veterinarian, and their colt was diagnosed and treated within an hour of discovering the trauma. Nonetheless he required constant monitoring by Susan, James, and a small army of helpers for over six weeks. “We had to milk the mare, then squirt it into his mouth with a syringe.” Susan explained. “We did this around the clock, often while he walked in his righthand circles. Eventually, as the brain swelling decreased, Hiab was able to nurse on his own by wisely propping himself up on his mother. At some point, when he was ready to go outside, I brought my chair out to the middle of his paddock so that when Hiab would flip over and have a seizure, I could help him up. We assumed he’d never be fully functional and would probably end up as our pasture ornament. But we never gave up, and neither did he.”

Hiab Al Zaman © Susan Meyer

To the amazement of his carers, after less than three months Hiab Al Zaman had made a near full recovery and kept improving. Sent into training with Cristian and Jeremy Castro at the end of his three-year-old year, he was in the money on his first outing, finishing third.

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This year the Meyer's hope to run Hiab Al Zaman in the Grade 1 UAE President Cup on Preakness Day – a race in which he was fifth on only his second start last year. A good showing this time around for the only son of Hilal Al Zaman in the USA could see the now five-year-old colt follow in his sire’s hoofprints. Travel to Europe to compete this summer and maybe on to the Gulf States in the autumn could be on the cards as the progressive colt matures.

“He learned during every race,” Susan concluded, “and got more professional each time. He’s so smart and willing, with loads of talent. He’s a fighter.” For more about the Darley Awards and the Arabian Racing Cup go to: www.arabianracingcup.com

Hiab Al Zaman © Susan Meyer

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2021 DARLEY AWARD WINNERS RB BRADLEY NELSON Darley 3 Year Old Colt/Gelding of the Year RB MADELINE KATE Darley 3 Year Old Filly of the Year HIAB AL ZAMAN Darley 4 Year Old Colt/Gelding of the Year RB FEEL THE BURN Darley 4 Year Old Filly of the Year PADDYS DAY Darley Older Horse of the Year UPTOWN SANDY GIRL Darley Older Mare of the Year

Uptown Sandy Girl (US)

DIANNE K WALDRON Darley Breeder of the Year ROSEBROOK FARMS LLC Darley Owner of the Year CESAR GOVEA Darley Trainer of the Year ERNESTO VALDEZ-JIMINEZ Darley Jockey of the Year HIAB AL ZAMAN DARLEY HORSE OF THE YEAR Paddys Day (US)

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US Arabian Racing Spotlight AJC President Susan Meyer

Empty chairs and peanut shells at Santa Anita - does this mirror this the future of US Arabian racing? AJC President Susan Meyer believes not There was a time when Arabian racing in America caught the world’s attention, and in particular that of the young Gulf Sheikhs who were there to enhance their education. A lot has changed since then and America has shared some similar problems to the UK with their racing, such as a declining horse population, with good horses sold abroad and not replaced, and the loss of their flagship Grade 1 races. Susan Meyer is President of the Arabian Jockey Club (AJC) and she and her husband James have been involved in Arabian racing Stateside as small owner breeders under their Meyercrest Arabians banner for many years. The Arabian

Racehorse caught up with Meyer during a work morning at the Saudi Cup meeting where she was watching US export RB Rich Lyke Me go through his paces prior to finishing third in the Obaiya Arabian Classic. Despite the challenges mentioned above, Meyer remains positive about the current situation and can see green shoots of recovery appearing, albeit slowly. Discussing the AJC’s programme which currently includes tracks in California, Colorado and Texas she says: “We’re coming out of two years of Covid restrictions obviously, so it’s been pretty rough for racing."

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"Also Delaware Park was sold, so we’ve not been racing there for two years, but we hope we’ll be back there next year. However, Texas is going very strong, they have three meets that basically last all year. Colorado is having some legislative issues right now, so hopefully that meet still goes ahead, I think they’ll work it out, but its politics, you know." “I’m hopeful to have more horses registered too. We have about 150 right now. That is it, which for a country the size of the United States, well, that makes racing very difficult. Our numbers are slowly building back, but we’ve sold so many horses, as soon as a horse show promise, they’re gone.” All US Arabian racing takes place on the Dirt and coming up on May 21 they have their most valuable race, the $100,000 UAE President Cup, which routinely attracts the country’s top horses, run over a mile and a sixteenth at Pimlico. “The UAE President Cup is by far our biggest race.” Continues Meyer. “Most of our Grade 1’s were at Delaware Park and so we lost those. We’re working on staging a Grade 1 in Texas for the end of this year at Lone Star Park, but mostly we have Grade 2 and Grade 3’s. We only have one Grade 1 right now.”

However, in common with many of the biggest international Arabian races, it’s held at a Grade 1 meeting, with thoroughbred racing’s second leg of its Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, as the headliner of the card. “They absolutely treat us like royalty, we’re in the same tent as the owners of the Preakness horses. We were there 11 years ago, our first year back on that card was 2020 and we handled $1.7 million through betting, so they were thrilled. Last year we handled $2.3 million so the bettors love the Arabian horses and of course the track loves that, and we’ve had full fields both years. "In 2020 there were 600 people at the track as nobody could come because of Covid, except the owners, trainers and their staff. They had us set up in tents right on the rail and the starting gate was right at our tent, so we got to see all the Preakness horses load in the gate and break, it was really fun. “Then last year they allowed 10,000 visitors so it was a little more atmospheric, but normally it’s a little over 100,000! This year, though you never know until the last minute, hopefully we’ll have more spectators, it definitely the highlight of our year for sure.”

Paddys Day (US) wins the 2021 UAE President Cup (Grade1) from RB Rich Lyke Me (US) © James McCue THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

RB Rich Lyke Me (US) exercises at morning trackwork at the Saudi Cup Though US Arabian racing’s fortune’s may have hit a bump in the road domestically, the last couple of years their exports have been making headlines, not least Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 winner, RB Rich Lyke Me and of course First Classs. “Our horses that have come over to the Gulf, whether they have been sold, or in the case of First Classs, leased, have done really well. It’s been so exciting to see our form and our breeding proved abroad, though it’s taken a while for that to get back on track, there was a period when the horses came over and didn’t seem to adapt as well. I don’t know what’s changed, but the horses now have been extremely competitive. Of course in the past there have been horses like TM Fred Texas, who went over and won the Kahayla Classic, before coming back and winning the President Cup, when it was first at Pimlico, but there have been some lean years too.” “RB Rich Lyke Me has been a superstar since he arrived in the UAE and of course

First Classs. His full sister, Iridesse had also been invited for the Al Mneefah Cup in Saudi, it didn’t work out because of shipping and quarantine issues so it was too late for her to come, but it would have been great to have them both racing against each other.” At the time of this interview the Meyers colt, Hiab Al Zaman, had been nominated for the Darleys, and has since won, not only the Four-year-old Colt category, but also Darley Horse of the Year. Meyer was excited but also realistic about his future saying: “I really hope our colt will be able to come here next year. He just gets better with every race. I would love to have him maybe go to Europe and then to Saudi. We just don’t have the level of races in America at the moment that we need for him. He needs to prove himself in order to gain the invitations to these big races. He’ll run in the UAE President Cup and then we’ll make some decisions after that, he may well go to France to be trained there."

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Meyer continued: "It’s very hard to decide, they’re like my kids! For Hiab, he’s super special, because of all we went through with him at the beginning. He’s a kind horse, but he’s a very powerful horse and the trainers who’ve had him in the States, Cristian and Jeremy Castro, they’ve just done an amazing job with him. They love him, he loves them, he loves to train, and I just want him to be happy like he is now. “Hiab Al Zaman’s so competitive. In his last race Jeremy was saying ‘once he got the lead, I just knew he would win

because won’t let another horse pass’. So we’ll see how he does at Pimlico, you know how it is, the racing gods are fickle! If he shows well there, we’ll make some decisions about overseas, as that’s it for him in the US, we’ve only got one Grade 1. If we want to compete in more, we have to travel. He’s such a special horse to me and because of what he’s done in the US, but he might not be, he’s got a lot to prove on the world stage, however he’s by far the nicest horse we’ve bred.” For more about Arabian racing in the USA go to: www.arabianracing.org

Susan Meyer THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

US Arabian Racing Spotlight UAE President Cup Nominees

Quick Sand AA (US) the 2018 winner back for more in 2022 [photo AJC]

The $100,000 UAE President Cup (G1) – America’s richest Arabian race of the year – returns to Pimlico Race Course on one of horse racing’s biggest days, Preakness Stakes Day, to be held Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. The ten nominees for the 2022 UAE President Cup include the reigning Horse of the Year, Hiab Al Zaman; the 2018 winner of the race and Horse of the Year, Quick Sand AA; 2022 graded stakes winner, Like Moulin Rouge; 2020 Darley Champion 3 Year Old Filly, Uptown Lady Arabella and UAE Group winner, Sniper

De Monlau. The remainder of the field includes: Highh Maintenance, who finished fourth in the Darley Sprint Stakes (G3) at Sam Houston; Kissouur, coming off an Allowance Optional Claiming win in April against several of these nominees; Quick Rae AA, who garnered a second in the Texas Six Shooter Stakes (G3) this past February; Proud American, represented by the same trainer/owner combo as RB Texas Hold Em, who won the UAE President Cup (G1) in 2019; Uptown Georgie, 2021 Darley Nominee for 4 Year Old Colt/Gelding.

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A Pimlico rule prohibiting horses over ten years old from racing is the reason why Paddys Day – winner of the UAE President Cup (G1) in 2016, 2020, and 2021 – is not among the eligible nominations. This year’s race marks the fourth time purebred Arabian horses have run at the world-famous Pimlico Racecourse on Preakness Day. The race was also held on Preakness Day in 2012 (won by TM Fred Texas), returning in 2020 and 2021 (both won by Paddys Day). Last year’s UAE President Cup handled over $2.3 million, a record handle on a single Arabian race. In 2020 and 2021, the race was run in front of much reduced audience due to Covid-19 restrictions. But with a full crowd expected this year, the anticipation for this year’s Preakness card is notably high. “We owe so much to our sponsor, the UAE President Cup, for offering this prestigious race in America as part of its long running series,” said Susan Meyer, president of the Arabian Jockey Club. “A special thank you also goes out to the

Maryland Jockey Club and Pimlico Racecourse for hosting this race on Preakness Day. We are made to feel so welcomed and a true part of this historic event. We look forward to continuing the partnership and continuing to highlight the best in Arabian racing.” Presented by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the UAE President Cup Series is the longest-running Arabian race series in the world. It began in 1994 and was the first series to visit France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Egypt, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, UAE, Russia, and the United States. In 2022, its world tour includes France, USA, Tunisia, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Libya, Netherlands, Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. To view the race as well as live coverage from the Pimlico, visit: www.Facebook.com/TheAJClub

Paddys Day (US) wins a second UAE President Cup in 2021 © James McCue THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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US Arabian Racing Spotlight Cre Run Farm Embraces International Racing

Deborah Mihaloff at the training track at Meydan in March Cre Run Farm was established by Alan Krishner and his wife Deborah Mihaloff in 1986. Whilst Kirshner focussed on thoroughbreds, as a partnership it was the Arabians, initially under their own names and since 2006 as Cre Run Enterprises that kept Mihaloff enthralled. They chose to prioritise their domestic Arabian racing, with considerable success, winning numerous Darley Awards and producing Grade 1 winners such as Tu For All, Don

Condare, Our Machine, Gimme A Break, In Awe, Our Princess and Thess Is Awesome. However, Mihaloff had decided to call an end to her breeding in 2018, with their last crop now four-yearolds, despite still having 25 active broodmares at their farm in Hanover County, Virginia. That is until they leased their Darley juvenile colt, First Classs to Nayef Saad Al Kaabi and he joined the stable of Alban de Mieulle in Qatar.

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“I was at the end of my breeding,” Mihaloff explains. “I thought at the time, I was going to retire, so First Classs is from the second to last foal crop that I bred. I’m going to start breeding again, because of his success and I feel that the broodmares that I have in my pastures are just sitting and doing nothing and they need to produce. “So we have decided to go ahead and breed two of our mares to Al Mamun Monlau, one to Dahess and one to Our Machine, a stallion that I had bred, but was raced by Bill Waldron. I will be breeding back First Classs’ dam to Dahess and I’m hopeful that this will be starting our international phase three for Cre Run.”

Talking through the reasoning behind the decision she says: “In the past we always supported Delaware Park and that was our first major goal and so there were a lot of horses that we raced at Delaware, that we could have raced internationally and we never did, because we wanted to make sure that Delaware had the quality horses to maintain its’ stature in Arabian racing in the United States. When Delaware Park was not supported by the horsemen in the US and Delaware quit running Arabian races, it gave us the opportunity to rethink our programme in which I felt we needed to come over to the Middle East or to France. Another factor was the lack of races over a distance, all our races are sprints now"

Thess Is Awesome (US) wins the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley Awards Stakes (Grade 1) at Santa Anita in 2016 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

First Classs (US) exercises at the track in Riyadh “That’s what initially started me thinking on leasing First Classs, because quite frankly to lease a Darley Three-Year-Old winner is a big step and people don’t usually do these things, but we really felt that this would give us the opportunity for somebody else to prove our programme for us, overseas – and it worked. It could not have happed it if wasn’t for Alban and Ronan [Thomas], I can’t thank them and Alban's team enough, because this horse

was a tough horse. He was gelded because he was a tough horse and I wanted to give Lynn [Ashby, his trainer in the US] the opportunity to have a winner and she did." “So he got gelded. I wish he wasn’t now, but we do have two full sisters, Iridesse and also Taylors Touchof Class, she’s going to bred for the first time this year.”

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Speaking of the chance of seeing Cre Run bred horses in Europe this summer Mihaloff says: “Possibly. Ernst has Iridesse, she runs in our name. We’ve been asking an awful lot of her, sending her over here to Dubai. She did a nice fifth place at Meydan against the boys in the Maktoum Challenge [Round 3], so we’re very proud of her and then we turned around in two weeks and tried her on turf in the opposite direction [Emirates Championship] and she didn’t perform to the best of her ability. “She didn’t get into Saudi because she was coming from Dubai and she hadn’t been there for 40 days because of quarantine, so she couldn’t accept the Al Mneefah invitation. It was a shame we didn’t get into the Kahayla Classic, we

were very hopeful that she would, so we opted for the Abu Dhabi race instead. It took her brother a year to get used to Turf in Doha so it could be that she needs more time to adapt.” Mihaloff confirms that Iridesse will stay under Oertel’s care and it will be up to him how her programme goes from here on in. She also has other horses which she plans to lease in a similar format, explaining: “Amanda Roxborough is putting together lease proposals for two Al Mamun Monlau four-year-olds that I have, but have not started yet. They’re impeccably bred and have shown a lot of promise already. We didn’t start them last year because we didn’t have racing at Delaware."

Amanda Roxborough, Iridesse (US), Deborah Mihaloff and Ernst Oertel THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Winds Of Fortune © Cre Run “However, it’s given them the opportunity to become stronger and grow. A National Treasure is out of Treasure Trovee and so is a granddaughter of Hidden Treasure.

Stakes and was also Grade 1 placed. I love the mare. I have a lot of hope for the filly, she’s showing a lot of promise, the colt’s a little more laid back.”

" Hidden Treasure is also the dam of Treasured Moments [by DA Adios], one of the world’s leading endurance horses right now. So it’s very much a distance line and we’ll see how that does crossed with Al Mamun Monlau. “Winds Of Fortune is out of A Second Wind, a daughter of Nivour De Cardonne, who I saw win the Kahayla Classic and had the honour of standing at Cre Run on behalf of the Late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. "A Second Wind is a black-type mare who won the Grade 2 Yellow Rose Arabian

A National Treasure © Cre Run

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Reminiscing over her previous trips to Dubai she says: “My first experience of the Dubai World Cup was in 1999 and then the following year back when Dreams Of Valor and Mr Full Service were running. They were by Sam Tikki, who we owned at that time, unfortunately Dreams Of Valor had to scratch, but Mr Full Service did run. When I watched Nivour De Cardonne win that year, I never thought that I would end up representing him for Shadwell.” Mihaloff has strong views on the current situation with Arabian racing in America saying: “Personally I did not feel we should have had the Darleys this year, because of the loss of racing due to Covid and the Delaware Park situation. Even though the horses that won awards were quality horses, and I don’t want to take that away from them, when a horse only gets a couple of races and doesn’t get to be in a competitive situation, I did not feel it was right. I sent congratulations to the

winners, but I did not feel the awards were appropriate in those circumstances. “In the US we have divided our industry because of the tracks. Part of that is because of the local people just want to participate at those tracks and nowhere else, so we were competing against each other for horses, it has caused the demise of Arabian racing in the States as we knew it. There needs to be a standpoint that these tracks do not conflict with each other with their programmes, their needs to be an established circuit so that we can make the most of what’s on offer, but the horsemen need to participate. With them not supporting Delaware Park, it lost us six Graded stakes races, how does that make us competitive on the world stage. As for the rest of the world, the Middle East seems to be leading the way at the moment. You would hope that IFAHR could take a stronger position globally to move the sport forward.”

Read more about how Deborah Mihaloff has been 'Creating Runners' in Issue 13 of The Arabian Racehorse (p 35 - 41) https://issuu.com/thearabianracehorse/docs/the_arabian_racehorse_issue_13 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Qatar International Stakes Group 1PA - £400,000 Wednesday 27th July 2022 Goodwood Racecourse, UK

Entries close: Wednesday 15th June 2022 Supplementary Entries: Monday 18th July 2022

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Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) 2000m 4yo+ FIRST CLASSS (US) (5 g Dahess x Toppoftheclass (Genuine Monarch)) Owner: Nayef Saad bin Sharida Al Kuwari Breeder: Alan Kirshner or Deborah Mihaloff Trainer: Alban de Mieulle Jockey: Ronan Thomas

The 2022 renewal of the Dubai Kahayla Classic produced a thrilling home stretch match race between First Classs and early leader Kerless Del Roc, the pair coming well clear of their opposition. First Classs proved he was exactly that and though challenged by the second, always had

enough in hand to keep ahead. This was a first win in the race for a Qatari trained horse since Reda won for Julian Smart and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2017.

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Two of YAS Horseracing Managment's three runners: 2021 winner Deryan (FR) 9th, whose jockey Ioritz Mendizabal said: “He was in third going well, then came under pressure before the home turn and we lost ground.” and Brraq (FR) 4th, whose jockey Pat Dobbs said: “He never really travelled for me but still kept on to get fourth. I’d say he needs

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With Covid restrictions eased, as well as the return of Qatari runners to the Emirates, the field of 16 was certainly more international than in recent years and on paper looked highly competitive. RB Rich Lyke Me was strongly fancied to overturn Hadi De Carrere back on the track at which he had looked so impressive when winning a Group 2 on his UAE debut, and Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge in January. His third place in the Obaiya, was by no means a disgrace, however his race at Meydan was over before the first turn as his jockey Adrie de Vries explained saying: “After the start he shied away from the horse outside him and I thought we were going to go through the fence. We were knocked out of the race, we ended up so far back. It was very out of character for him.” Nonetheless the American import had done little wrong since arriving in Dubai for his new Bahraini connections, Fawzi Nass and the Valiant operation. On the

basis of his Meydan Group wins and Obaiya Classic third he will doubtless be back for more next season, though it wouldn’t entirely be a surprise if he reappeared in Europe over the summer. International Arabian racing is new experience for his team, who when The Arabian Racehorse spoke with Nass in Riyadh, were not ruling out further campaigns abroad as they learn more about the sport. After RB Rich Lyke Me’s sudden departure, Kerless Del Roc raced with Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 winner Jugurtha De Monlau on his outside and AF Alajaj just behind. Though AF Alajaj was stepping up in trip, it would have been easy to say it was 400m too far for the speedy Group 2PA winning son of AF Al Buraq, who started to fade after the mile marker. However, his trainer is adept at progressing his horses in distance and after one attempt, and in top company at that, it is too soon to write him off over 2000m.

RB Rich Lyke Me (US) gets into trouble on the rail, hampering Lamet Shamel (QA) and Hadi De Carrere (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Kerless Del Roc (FR) leads Jugurtha De Monlau (FR) into the first bend, from AF Alajaj (AE) with eventual winner First Classs (US) just seen onthe rail in fourth. First Classs (US) looking confident as he goes past Kerless Del Roc (FR) in the last 200m

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First Classs (US) wins by a neck from Kerless Del Roc (FR) All the while Ronan Thomas had First Classs travelling sweetly on the rail and coming off the final bend Ronan Thomas gradually went around the long-time leader to take up the race with less than 300m to go. Kerless Del Roc wasn’t stopping, but the pair were too far ahead of the field to be concerned by any other challengers. Last year’s winner Deryan never really got into a position to challenge, but had been dealt an unfavourable draw of stall 16 and was always going to be up against it. Hadi De Carrere had stayed on well through beaten horses for third. His jockey Olivier Peslier, commenting: “Going past the winning post on the first circuit we got shuffled back and from that point it was difficult to make up the ground. He ran on well up the straight.” Those thoughts were confirmed by his

trainer Thomas Fourcy, who said: “He ran well, but it’s difficult to come from so far back. He kept running on all the way to the finish so I’m still happy.” At the line First Class prevailed by a head, winning in a time of 2.14.24. His trainer Alban de Mieulle was recording a first win in the race, having trained TM Thunderstruck who was beaten by a neck by AF Mathmoon in 2016. He commented: "I have been placed before in this race and the Sheema Classic so to get a win on one of the biggest nights in global racing is amazing. He's a different horse and we've spent the last five or six months trying to make him better and he's really come along nicely. This means so much and I am so pleased that Qatar has been able to win a race at the Dubai World Cup meeting."

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Obaiya Arabian Classic winner Hadi De Carrere (FR) crosses the line in a further nine and a half lengths back in third place Ronan Thomas celebrates on First Classs (US)

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Thomas was delighted having partnered First Classs to win the Al Mneefah the previous month. He said: “We had a perfect race behind the leaders, we were lucky with the draw on this track. My horse travelled with a lot of power in the race. “I saw the leader was going very well and I did not want to wait too long, so I took the lead, but I see the second stay within a half-length and he was working hard to stay there, so I am very happy to win this race.” It was an emotional success for breeder Deborah Mihaloff, who was present to enjoy her horse’s success, even if not in her colours. “He ran first class, just like his

name, that’s for sure,” she said. “I’m so proud of him, he has humbled me so much to know that I bred him.” Generous in defeat was Kerless Del Roc’s trainer Ahmed Al Mheirbi, who said: “It was close, but it was good. You know [finishing] second is a good result. We will come back next year and try to win it.” It was also a great result for Al Shaqab’s evergreen stallion Dahess who sired both First Classs and Kerless Del Roc. First Classs’ breeding was featured in the previous edition of The Arabian Racehorse on page 142.

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Trophy presentations for the 2022 Dubai Kahayla Classic, above, Deborah Mihaloff with representatives of Nayef Saad bin Sharida Al Kuwari and below, Alban de Mieulle and Ronan Thomas

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First Class (US) heads back to the stables Watch the 2022 Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) by clicking on the image below

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Gulf Review Qatar - Saudi Arabia - United Arab Emirates 2021-2022 Season

First Classs (US) currently co-top rated International Arabian on 128 With Covid on the retreat and the relaxation of restrictions of racing between the Gulf States, their horse racing and Arabian racing in particular has been buoyant over the winter. Qatar has increased its weekly meetings, Saudi’s black type race programme continues to expand, whilst the UAE has undergone a number of administrative changes, including a new PA handicapper Stephen Molyneux, who will be familiar as the existing handicapper for the UK, and was already on the international handicapping committee, as well as being a regular on The Arabian Racehorse podcast. Also notable was the increase in Arabian horse sales, both online and at the

racecourses in Qatar and the UAE. The thought of an Arabian topping Meydan’s annual Horses in Training sale certainly came as a welcome surprise. The Qatar-French alliance between owners, trainers and breeders may have dominated to some extent in the Gulf’s biggest races this winter, with the top horses being First Classs (128), Lady Princess (128), Hoggar De L'Ardus (128) and Hadi De Carrere (126). However it is worth noting by any countries domestic supporters concerned by undue overseas influence, that Khalid Al Nabooda’s devotion to his homebred breeding programme continues to pay dividends in the UAE.

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First Classs (US) and Ronan Thomas win the Qatar International Derby (Gr2PA) ©QREC Lady Princess and Jim Crowley, winners of the HH The Amir Sword (Gr1PA) ©QREC

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Qatar Championships 21-22 Racing in Qatar continues to develop, though due to the impending Football World Cup at the end of this year, not at the pace that some of the participants would like. Nonetheless Qatar have renewed their sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend to 2027, so their commitment to racing overseas is still strong. The new track at Al Uqda, which staged its first meeting on January 30, 2021, is certainly an asset, providing a quality artificial surface to race on and giving trainers and connections more options for their horses. Thanks to the new track, racing now takes place on three days a week instead of two, though there is still some way to go before the new track can be considered a fully developed racecourse in terms of facilities for its human visitors. With the Qatari championships decided on prize money, and the reward for their

Group 1PA seasonal highlight, the HH The Amir Sword being so valuable, it is no surprise that this season, the leading horse is Lady Princess, despite having only had one run in the country. Rated an impressive 128 after that victory, Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s mare continues to improve with age and will no doubt have enjoyed a good break in France after her exertions. Last year she made her seasonal return in the fillies’ Group 2 over 1900m at La Teste in early July. Formerly sponsored by Shadwell and now part of the Sheikh Mansoor Festival portfolio, the race has been upgraded to a Group 1PA for 2022 and received an extra €10,000 in prize money. Lady Princess was beaten half a length in that by Mon’nia, but went on to win the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) at Goodwood, before a finishing a close second in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1PA) at ParisLongchamp. She later overturned Hoggar De L’Ardus, when they reopposed in Abu Dhabi’s Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) prior to her Qatar win.

Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Abbes (FR) wins the Qatar Gold Sword from Mwarid (FR) ©QREC Having proved that she is capable of emulating Ebraz in winning the ‘Doha Triple Crown’, regardless of whether QREC offer another $1million bonus for that feat, all being well, it is difficult not to see her try to do so. Her owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari has invested heavily in his bloodstock interests, not just with the horses of the calibre of Lady Princess, but by securing the very promising Moshrif from the Shadwell dispersal at Arqana, as well as many others. Al Kuwari has won his fifth QREC owners’ championship with 17.5 winners from 136 runners. With racing curtailed by the challenges of covid, it’s a far cry from the 66.5 wins from 358 runners he had when he won the 2018/19 championship, however the emphasis is clearly moving towards quality, rather than quantity. In second place was Umm Qarn with 49 winners from 205 runners. Their Abbes finished third in the leading horse table, or second, if you only include Arabians, as the QREC championship combine both breeds. Abbes made a strong start to his career winning his first two outings at

three in France, as part of the new regime of Umm Qarn horses starting with Thomas Fourcy, whilst their former principal trainer Alban de Mieulle stayed in Qatar as manager. Beaten a neck in the Poulains at Saint-Cloud by Hadi de Carrere, he did not go to Doha for the winter and made a winning reappearance in a La Teste Group 3PA for Fourcy. Strongly fancied for the French Derby at Chantilly, Abbes was no match for Hoggar De L’Ardus’ strong turn of foot in the home straight, staying on to be second by three and a half lengths. He gained his Derby at Doncaster in the UAE President Cup-UK Arabian Derby, and though because of the travel challenges the field might not have been as strong as in some years, it was still a first top level win. Fifth in the Arabian World Cup, this time he did travel to Doha for the winter. After three second places, including in the Qatar Derby for four-year-olds and by half a length to Lady Princess in the Amir Sword, he gained another Group 1PA, this time by a head in the Qatar Gold Sword in April. He finishes the season ratted 119.

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Abbes (FR) with Ronan Thomas and Alban de Mieulle ©QREC Mwarid (FR) with Soufiane Saadi and Alban de Mieulle ©QREC

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Abbes beat Al Shaqab’s Mwarid in the Gold Sword. Mwarid was third in the table of leading Arabians and unlike those above him, has raced exclusively in Qatar. The six-year-old had been on quite a winning streak last year, winning five consecutive races across two seasons, including the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy (Qatar National Day Trophy) (Gr2PA). He also won the HE Sheikh Joan bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy (Gr3PA), before finishing just over three lengths behind Lady Princess when fourth in the Amir Sword. His contributed to Al Shaqab taking third spot in the owners table with 27 winners from 189 runners. Both Abbes and Mwarid also helped de Mieulle to another trainers’ championship with the Frenchman having broken Gassim Ghazali’s recent six season streak last year. Though based full-time in Qatar these days, he still managed to send out First Classs to secure the Al Mneefah Cup in Saudi and gain a first ever win in the Dubai’s Kahayla Classic. Finishing the

season in some style, de Mieulle won the Al Mafiar Cup, with Sealine, the Al Utoriya Cup with Quepos and the End of Season Cup for thoroughbreds with King Shalaa, bringing his overall total to 69 winners from 332 runners. Ghazali was second on 62 from 628, with Ibrahim Al Malki securing third on 47 from 446. Just making the top ten with a respectable 20 wins from 141 runners was another Frenchman, Eric Lemartinel, in his first season in Qatar, since relocating from the UAE. Not surprisingly Ronan Thomas, stable jockey for de Mieulle, regained the jockeys’ championship from Alberto Sanna, ending the season on 46 winners from 247 rides. Though Sanna had more wins (51), the advantage went to Thomas on prize money. He certainly scored on that front overseas too, thanks to the partnership he has built with First Classs. In third place was Soufiane Saadi, also a regular for de Mieulle, with 47 winners from 361 rides.

Ronan Thomas THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Moshrif (FR) wins the Qatar Derby (Gr3PA) for three-year-olds ©QREC Sahab (FR) winner of the Qatar Silver Sword for four-year-olds ©QREC

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Hadi De Carrere (FR) Saudi Arabia's top rated horse on 126

Saudi Arabia 21-22 Another Gulf country with serious global racing aspirations is Saudi Arabia. They are now into their third year of the hugely valuable Saudi Cup fixture, which has been further progressed by the addition of an extra Arabian race, the Listed Al Mneefah Cup as part of the Friday undercard.

However the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia still has work to do with regards the accessibility of information via its websites, with the information being delivered by racetrack, rather than as an overall database, as details are currently available only for two tracks and they are not combined. There are also no championship tables, so leading horses here are given by rating.

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Saaed Mutlaq Mishref with Tilal Al Khalediah (SA) Tallaab Al Khalediah (SA) and Roberto Perez

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The King Abdul Aziz Racecourse stores its online records at www.frusiya.com This site includes both thoroughbred and Arabian entries, whilst the track plays host to the Obaiya Arabian Classic (2000m) and the Al Mneefah Cup (2100m) as part of the Saudi Cup meeting. Details from the older Prince Sultan Arabian Horses Race Track can be found at www.psahrt.com This site is considerably harder to navigate, and as the name would suggest, the track is focussed on Arabian racing. At the end of January, it plays host to the countries first Group 1PA race, the Prince Sultan Arabian World Cup (1800m), as well as the Al Khalediah International Cup (Gr3PA) over 1600m. It also holds the PA Listed UAE President Cup over 1800m at

the beginning of January. Built in 2004 as part of the Royal household’s 1680 acre Al Khalediah Stables complex at Tebrak, it is around 95km from Riyadh. The leading horse at King Abdul Aziz is of course the French trained, Qatari owned, Hadi De Carrere, winner of the Obaiya Arabian Classic, the world’s most valuable race for Arabians. Rated 126, he is just clear of the leading domestic horse who he beat by a nose, Tilal Al Khalediah on 125, with the third RB Rich Lyke Me on 123. Over at the Prince Sultan track top rated is Tilal Al Khalediah, who won the Prince Sultan World Cup there prior to his run in the Obaiya. Mubasher Al Khalediah, who has not raced there this season Is on 122, along with the promising five-yearold Hamdani Khaled Al Khalediah, winner of the UAE President Cup, who finished ninth in the Al Mneefah.

King Abdul Aziz Racetrack in Riyadh THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Mutwakel Alkhalediah (SA) rated 120 Hamdani Khaled Al Khalediah (SA) leads Tallaab Al Khalediah (SA) in the pre parade

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Olivier Peslier in the impressive trophy room at Saaed Mutlaq Mishref's stables, which reflect the many wins by the Royal horses, both thoroughbred and Arabian As to be expected Al Khalediah Stables is the leading owner at King Abdul Aziz, with 10 winners from 50 runners. Owner of Tilal Al Khalediah, who appears to be the country’s most likely successor to their Tallabb Al Khalediah, with last year’s Obaiya winner, Mubasher Al Kahlediah sidelined. Al Khalediah Stables is owned by HRH Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, who also fields runners under his own name combined with his sons, their runners include horses such as last year’s Obaiya second, Mutwakel Al Khalediah and their colours are of a similar black and white design. This season they have 7 winners from 26 starters at King Abdul Aziz. There are no such statistics for the Prince

Sultan track, however as it is based at Al Khalediah, it is safe to assume a similar success rate for the Royal family. By the assumption, Tilal Al Khalediah’s trainer, Saaed Mutlaq Mishref can be considered leading trainer at both racecourses. Record keeping and access to information is just one aspect of Saudi Arabia’s embryonic racing programme that need further work. However, with plans for extensive development of their racing, including many more racecourses and the expansion of the existing racing and training centre at Ta’if, in the cooler mountain region, Saudi Arabia is working hard to be at the forefront of the Gulf racing scene in the years to come.

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Royal Cavalry of Oman International Stakes Group 2PA - 6f (1200m) - £20,000 Saturday 13th August 2022 Newbury Racecourse, UK

Entries close: Tuesday 9th August 2022

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Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda

UAE Championships 21-22 As always with the UAE, the final results take longer to be confirmed because of their post race testing regime, which can mean that horses are disqualified many months after they actually race. Consequently, the results are yet to be fully confirmed and trophies awarded, however given the winning margins, it is unlikely that the champions will alter for this season. Securing a sixth UAE owners title and his fourth consecutive victory was the UAE’s most passionate supporter of the Arabian horse, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda. He closed the season with a total of 41 winners, 14 clear of his nearest rival Sheikh Mohamed Al Maktoum’s

thoroughbred operation, Godolphin. He was also 15 ahead of a more similar adversary in Al Adjban Stables, who’s standing and investment in Arabian racing continues to develop since their arrival in the 2013/14 season. Al Nabooda’s Al Aweer Farm flag bearer this time was AF Alajaj, winner of the Mazrat Al Ruwayah (Gr2PA) at Meydan, who also placed in the Al Ruwais (Gr3PA) on the turf at Abu Dhabi. Though not in the same class, the six-year-old AF Mukhrej won six races on the dirt and turf at Al Ain, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, the highest number of wins by any breed in the UAE this past season. He is by his owners’ super consistent stallion AF Al Buraq, who also secured his sixth UAE sires’ championship.

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First Classs (US) Dubai Kahayla Classic winner AF Mukhrej (AE) winning his sixth race of the season ©ERA

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The UAE trainers title went the way of Satish Seemar’s nephew and long-time assistant, Bhupat. He had stepped in, in November, when his uncle was suspended by the Emirates Racing Authority due to one of his former clients being included on the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control list. The horse that caused this controversy, the thoroughbred North America, had been exported from the UAE and was no longer at Zabeel Stables. Seemar trains a handful of Arabians, so though there is no official distinction, the leading trainer of Arabians was once again Ernst Oertel, who has won the overall title on three occasions so far. On 41, Oertel was only seven wins off a fourth title, with the defending champion, Doug Watson, left to settle for third place with 39 winners. Jockey, Tadhg O’Shea continues to be on the top of his game in the UAE and being retained by Zabeel Stables for their thoroughbreds and by Al Nabooda for his Arabians meant that he had his best

season ever numerically, riding 68 winners. He also gained his first thoroughbred Dubai World Cup win, when partnering Switzerland to success in the Golden Shaheen, though he had of course been on Al Nabooda’s AF Maher, when they struck in the Kahayla Classic in 2019. This was a record breaking tenth UAE jockeys title for the Irishman, who ahead of the final meeting of the season had told the local media: “Regardless who wins the trainers' championship title, they have both had a very good season. For whoever I ride, I do my best. Hopefully I can get a few winners for them.” His work ethic is impressive, well known for riding huge numbers for both his trainers in morning trackwork, as soon as the UAE season ended, he was on a plane to Qatar to ride out the remainder of the season there and rode a winner, three seconds and a third at their final meeting of the season.

Tadhg O'Shea and AF Alajaj (AE) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Somoud (FR) [left] wins the HH The President Cup from Ashton Tourettes (FR) ©ERA Kerless Del Roc (FR) wins the Madjani Stakes at Meydan ©ERA

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With Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) being the UAE’s most valuable Arabian race, followed by the Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA), the top two horses were of course Lady Princess and First Classs. YAS racing’s Somoud, winner of the HH The President Cup (Gr1PA) at Abu Dhabi was the leading domestic runner by prize money again this season, but that had been the only race he had won. On a better strike rate with three wins from nine starts was Ashton Tourettes, who had progressed from handicap company to win a Group 3PA, then be second to Somoud at Abu Dhabi, and run third in the Liwa Oasis which is now a Group 2PA. The seven-year-old French bred son of No Risk Al Maury was well beaten in the Kahayla, but a wide draw at the end of a long season on a track he’d

never raced on before were no doubt all contributory factors. Of the younger horses lower down the table, French import Kerless Del Roc is probably one of the domestic standout’s. A winner of three races in his debut season, this term he was runner-up to the Group 1PA winner, Brraq, in a conditions event at Al Ain in December before striking his first black type success with an impressive five-length success in the Madjani Stakes (Gr2PA) at Meydan in December. After being sold to Al Ajdban Stables and a brief spell with a new trainer without running, he reappeared in the Kahayla Classic and after leading for most of the race, still only went down by a head at the line to First Classs. Finishing the season on 127, the five-year-old son of Dahess should be one of the leading players next season.

Lady Princess (FR) wins the Jewel Crown ©ERA THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

President of the UAE Cup UK Arabian Derby Group 1PA - £80,0000 Saturday 10th September Doncaster Racecourse, UK

Entries close: Thursday 4th August 2022 Supplementary Entries: Friday 2nd September 2022

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Gulf Review Ernst Oertel at Desert One Stables

Three days before the Dubai World Cup, standing in his office surrounded by trophies, it might seem hard to agree with leading UAE trainer Ernst Oertel that the season had been only ‘ok’. However, for most trainers to eventually finish second, having visited the winners enclosure 41 times, just seven wins away from a fourth championship title, it would be a pretty good season. “It’s not been the easiest, with AF Alwajel getting injured.” Oertel explains, speaking of his flagship horse who finished the 20/21 term a neck shy of giving his trainer, jockey Tadhg O’Shea and the stable’s principal owner, Khalid Khalifa Al

Nabooda a second Dubai Kahayla Classic. In December, the handsome chestnut had reappeared in the UAE’s most valuable race, the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Jewel Crown and finished seventh, having looked to be in with every chance 300m from the line. “It’s not a major problem, but I’d rather be safe as he’s a very good horse. If you run them and they’re not 100 per cent you’re wasting your time, he deserves better than that and if I can’t get him a 100 per cent ready, I’d wait with him. He needed the rest, so he’s getting it and he’ll be fine next year.”

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Group 2PA winner and 2021 Kahayla Classic second AF Alwajel (AE) rated 125, should be ready to return to racing for the 2022/23 season and is enjoying exercise in Meydan's pool

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AF Alajaj (AE) rated 111

Also a factor in the decision not to rush AF Alwajel’s recovery was the fact that they had another good horse waiting in the wings. At the time of the Jewel Crown disappointment, the then four-year-old AF Alajaj had been placed on his reappearance at Sharjah, won dropped in trip to 1400m at Abu Dhabi and then been placed again, back on dirt at Al Ain. “AF Alajaj is an exciting horse” continues Oertel. “When Tadhg [O’Shea] rode him

last year he said he feels like he could be the best horse we’ve got and then he said the same at the beginning of this year. The horse gives him a brilliant feel and he was proved correct.” In January, the colt was placed in the Al Ruwais (Gr3PA), a 1200m sprint on the turf at Abu Dhabi, before winning the Mazrat Al Ruwayah (Gr2PA) over a mile at Meydan.

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“AF Alajaj has done nothing wrong, he’s won twice this year and been second. He won a Group 2 last time out very impressively, the distance [for the Kahayla Classic] is maybe a question mark, but he won over a mile and he wasn’t stopping, another 400m shouldn’t be a problem. “Arabians have stamina, it’s harder to put speed into them than stamina, so I’m not too worried, I think if they’re fit and everything goes right they’ll stay. He’s quite a straightforward, easy horse to deal with. He goes on the treadmill, he swims, he’s an easy ride, generally the good horses are the easy ones.” In the event, AF Alajaj had a poor draw of 15 to overcome, and having raced quite keenly early on and been up with the leaders, he cried enough with 400m to go. However, after one attempt, and his first in Group 1PA company, it is too soon to write the five-year-old off at that trip.

A product of his owner-breeder’s great international sire AF Albahar, AF Alajaj’s dam is the British bred Hathrah (by Makzan), a winner two sprints in the UK for her breeder, the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. She had also passed that ability onto the Phil Collington trained, French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint (Gr2PA) winner Jamaayil (by Al Jakbar), before joining the Al Aweer Farms broodmare band. Reviewing the rest of his season Oertel continues: “We’ve got about 100 horses here now, it’s probably about as much as we’d want because the race programme doesn’t cater for more horses. I think they [Emirates Racing Authority] are trying to put more races on for the Arabians. So it’s competitive, but it’s a nice position to be in and they are mostly local, well-bred horses, so I’m lucky.”

AF Alajaj (AE) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

RB Kinetic (US) Horses warm up before exercising at the adjacent Al Quoz training track

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Of the horses that don’t carry the ‘AE’ suffix, he has had a couple of American breds, RB Kinetic, for Byerly Racing and Iridesse, a full sister to Kahayla Classic winner First Classs. Oertel is always open to new owners, with Iridesse arriving later than hoped for her American ownerbreeders Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff. Of her Oertel says: “Iridesse ran fifth in the Al Maktoum Challenge [Round 3]. I’d only had her about three weeks and she’d been off for a while. She got stopped in her run, so she’d most probably have been third or fourth. Then two weeks later we ran her on the grass in Abu Dhabi [in the Emirates Championship]. MMost probably it came too quickly after the Meydan race, because she ran flat, and she didn’t perform like she could. Hopefully she’ll stay with me, we’ll freshen her up and we can show the world how

good she is.” Also for next season he has two four-yearold brothers to both his top colts whom he describes as ‘exciting’. AF Marqmuq, by AF Albahar, is a half-brother to AF Alwajel, though his sire AF Al Buraq is a brother to AF Albahar, so their very closely related. “AF Marmuq should have won his first race in October, but he jumped shadows and he bruised his feet, so he couldn’t run and I took my time with him. He won last week in Al Ain by four lengths, he was impressive. “AF Alajaj’s brother AF Bareeq, is also by AF Albahar, he was second in a conditions event at Meydan. He’s slow maturing and a bigger horse than Alajaj, probably more scopey.”

Iridesse (US) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Most days Oertel uses the Al Quoz training track, just outside Desert One Stables (Iridesse (US) [second from left]) but he also has the option of taking a short trip to use the track at Meydan as well [below]

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AF Al Sajanjle (AE) at Desert One Stables in 2019

Al Nabooda’s Al Aweer Farms continues to deliver the goods for both Oertel and now ten times champion jockey O’Shea. Oertel is now in the lucky position of having trained several generations for Al Nabooda and that cycle looks likely to continue with the arrival of AF Maher’s first foal, a filly, this spring and the retirement to stud of another PA Group winner, AF Al Sajanjle. “AF Al Sajanjle was an honest horse, I used to ride him out in the summer, he always gave his best, when it came time

and he wasn’t showing his best on the track we thought we’d rather retire him. A lot of the Al Buraq stock are kind and he was a lovely horse in the stable. Al Sanjanjle is just like his sire, he has a good French damline so I think he’ll make a good stallion. The same for Maher. All the Al Buraq’s seem to settle and don’t get upset about anything.” There certainly seems to be plenty for the team to look forward to in the 22-23 season, once they return from their summer break.

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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 to 2022 ARO seasons please visit www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

2022 UK Season Preview

The UK's most valuable race in 2022 - the £400,000 Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) will be held on July 27th - entries close on June 15th

With the sad loss of ARO Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan and the subsequent dispersal of his racing and breeding stock, the majority of which was based in the UK, horse registrations were always going to take a knock. However, with a number of his horses leased or bought privately by UK owners, in addition to the substantial number purchased by Athbah Stud, His Highness’s legacy will continue. Shadwell Arabians have also been very generous with the sale of frozen semen to UK breeders only, at a much-reduced fee (see news page 12). They also donated a free nomination to AF Mathmoon to be put forward into a draw open to ARO registered owners, so though it will take

time, the seeds have been sown for a positive recovery. The reduction in numbers, and of course the loss of Shadwell sponsorship and the hugely popular Dubai International Arabian Races inevitably led to a contraction of the fixture list, however there is still a full programme of maidens, handicaps, conditions and Group races to choose from. The seasons most valuable race, the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) over a mile at Goodwood boasts an impressive prize fund for any racing jurisdiction, that of £400,000, which guarantees a quality field of both domestic and international runners.

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ARO CEO Genny Haynes credits her team, the BHA, and their sponsors for keeping UK Arabian racing going saying: “We’re so grateful for the support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, Royal Cavalry of Oman, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, as well as our domestic sponsors. They have been with us throughout this challenging time and are continuing to be there for both ARO and UK Arabian racing. It will be ARO’s pleasure to welcome all our runners back to a more normal racing experience in the UK in 2022.” Newmarket based trainer Phil Collington is already off the mark in Belgium, with just two runners, with his dual Group winner Bayan Athbah winning and the four-year-old maiden, Ekleel Athbah finishing second. He has also not let the loss of his principal UK patron throw his business off course as he explains: “I’m looking forward to getting underway in the UK and we’ve got a lot of exciting maidens to start off here. Obviously following the sad death of Sheikh Hamdan, it will be different, but at the same time, we’ve managed to keep some

of those Shadwell horses under new ownership. Of course I’m very familiar with their pedigrees, having either trained or ridden the dams, and in some cases the sires too. “I’ve been really pleased to see how some of those Shadwell horses that James Owen and I trained last year, did over the winter in Dubai after they’d been sold, such as Al Khaleejy, Barakka and Sultana who ended up being Group 3 placed, they were all here and also Nadelshiba for example. It’s a real boost to UK form and it shows that horses trained in the UK are well able to compete abroad.” Collington’s string for 2022 contains the two highest rated UK horses, Bayan Athbah and her younger brother, Mlatem Athbah (both OR 100) as well as some nicely bred young horses to go forward with. Though his chief patron is now HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed, the Saudi Arabian owner of Athbah Racing, he still has support from domestic owners and has a few other overseas owners showing an interest in joining him.

Phil Collington with Ekleel Athbah (FR) who finishied second in Belgium earlier this year THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Peter Hammersley with Zayin Zyperion (GB) and Paul Simmons at Lingfield Park

For the first time in 20 years there will be a new name on the ARO Leading Owners trophy, which adds a new dimension to the season. Obviously Athbah Racing have a very strong hand, given the number of horses currently registered (seven) with the possibility of several more arriving from the Gulf. However, a bit of luck and a good run of form from some of the others, such as last season’s runner-up Zayin Arabians, or James Owen’s Racing Club could see the leader board at its most competitive in years, given that it is based on races won, rather than prize money. The 2022 Leading Trainer award also looks more open this season, with Collington, Owen and Peter Hammersley all having a similar number of horses in their care. Those three, along with Nikki Malcom and Delyth Thomas have all shown that they can ready a horse to win first-time out in recent years, which all bodes well for a competitive season. With ARO’s racing now being fully open to professional jockeys, it will be a challenge for an amateur to secure that title, though the majority of the trainers

are still supporting amateur riders so it is not impossible. Of the professionals who have done well recently, obviously last years’ leading rider, Hollie Doyle is a standout. Raised riding her parents Arabians, her ability on any breed is superior to many of her contemporaries. It bodes well for the sport in the UK that both she, her husband Tom Marquand, Jim Crowley and another of last years’ winning professionals, Sean Levey, all got rides on Arabians at the three-day HH The Amir Sword Festival in Qatar this February. Now that riding in the Gulf is common place and the Middle Eastern racing Festivals are gaining in popularity due to the large prize money on offer, there are a wealth of good jockeys for ARO trainers to choose from, such as Dubai regulars, Tadhg O’Shea, Pat Dobbs and Pat Cosgrave. Along with those mentioned above, eye catching wins last season came from Rossa Ryan, David Probert and the notable winning return to UK shores of Neil Callan, previously successful on the likes of Group 1PA winners Mkeefa and Aziz ASF.

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ARO Leading Jockey of 2021 - Hollie Doyle Neil Callan [pink cap] just gets up on Alajab (GB) from Rossa Ryan and Mumayyez (GB) to gain his first UK winner since arriving back from Hong Kong

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85 2021 LEADING ARABIAN SIRES - BY EARNINGS UK

Because all ARO’s awards are based on races won, the leading horse award tends to go to a horse that progresses up the handicap ratings. Owen and his team are very confident that there’s more to come from their experienced maidens, Al Mahbooba, Awtaar and Balqees, however with so many unraced horses to make their debuts, it would be hard to pin-point the most likely winner of that award at this stage.

sure to be near the top as the sire of Lady Princess, who all being well is likley to attempt to defend her crown in the Goodwood highlight, the Qatar International Stakes. Newcomers also brought in by that race coudl be Mister Ginoux, France's leading sire of 2021, responsible for Hoggar De L'Ardus, as well as Nieshan, sire of Obaiya Classic winner, Hadi De Carrere.

There’s a fairly broad spread in the sires of the registered horses so far, however the current leading sire of the last two seasons, No Risk Al Maury and his former Shadwell stablemate Madjani, also a former leader, have the highest number listed. Haras Du Thouars resident, AF Albahar has had an outstanding winter and as the sire of Bayan Athbah, Mlatem Athbah and newcomer, Thaydah Athbah, he could be set for a good season. For those following the money, General, is

AF Albahar (AE)

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All fixtures may be subject to change 2022 FIXTURE LIST Date May

June

July

August

September

Racecourse th

Windsor (Eve)

Wolverhampton (AW)

Brighton

Mon

Tue

Sat

Bath

Mon

Windsor (Eve)

Mon

Chepstow

Thu

Newbury (Eve)

Tue

Thu

Fri

Sat

Doncaster (Eve)

Wed

Bath

Wed

Goodwood

Fri

Sun

Sat

Newbury

Thu

Chepstow

Wed

Lingfield Park (AW)

Wed

Bath

Sat

Doncaster

Tue

Wolverhampton (AW) (Eve)

Thu

Southwell (AW) (Eve)

Tue

Wolverhampton (AW) (Eve)

th th

(AW) All weather courses (Eve) denotes an evening meeting

T TH HE E A AR RA AB B II A AN N R RA AC CE EH HO OR RS SE E

Doncaster

Wolverhampton (AW) Newbury (Eve) Chepstow (Eve)

Brighton Windsor

Haydock Park

2022 UK New Season Preview Syndicates the way forward for Owen team

ARO Chairman Charles Gregson presents James Owen with the ARO Leading Trainer Trophy for 2021

Five-times ARO leading trainer James Owen is now, like fellow Newmarket based trainer, Phil Collington, without the support of the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Arabians. However, having already established his James Owen Racing Club over the last few years, which with the help of Justin Byrne of

Dubai’s Emirates Entertainment Racing Club (EERC), he’s looking forward to progressing further. One of his original Racing Club horses, Dolfina D’Ibos, has been productive at stud and they are eager to campaign her stock over the coming years, starting with Mayfair, who will be syndicated.

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Owen is upbeat saying:“We’re looking forward to the new season, obviously it’s going to be very different without Shadwell’s involvement. They’ve very kindly leased us a few horses that we’re excited about and they’ve done well over the winter, and as a lot of the Shadwell Arabians do, they improve with age. How their horses that were sold performed well in Dubai, which makes us excited for the ones we have here. “We’ve got a good team, we’ve some amateurs who we will support, like we’ve always done. It’s nice to have our first homebred, Mayfair, to run this season. Her mother had a lot of ability, but she wasn’t the most honest, though Simon Walker got the best out of her. Being a first foal she’s small, but the next two foals are lovely. We’ve a two-year-old filly by RB Burn that looks the part, she’d be bigger than Mayfair now, she’s really nice, we’re excited about her. We’ve an Al Mourtajez

filly on the ground now, it took two years to get one by him, but we’re hoping that if the first two fillies can do well, the Al Mourtjez filly will be worth selling. “Mayfair will be sold as shares, so owners will own a percentage of her. As a threeyear-old she’s probably not going to run that much this year, two three times maximum and if she was to win first time out we’d probably not run again and try to sell her on. “With the Racing Club horses, they’re horses that run a lot every season. A horse like Al Kaaser will run five or six times this season, so if the other horses do the same, the members should potentially get 15 or 16 days out, they can have two or three open mornings here at the yard, Justin’s going to throw in a few more days out at other yards, it’s a very good value package to get involved in."

Dolfina D'Ibos (FR) and Mr Simon Walker THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Al Kaaser (FR) and Tom Marquand in the EERC colours after finishing third at Newbury

Explaining his involvement at Green Ridge Stables, Justin Byrne says: “Basically I visited James last year to discussing sending him a horse from Dubai. That never worked out because the horse didn’t recover from its injury, but then we got talking and he asked me to help with the Racing Club. We had a lot of fun, got more people involved and syndicated a few horses. Luckily one of my owners from the EERC, Gary Allsop got very interested and he’s taken two horses for 2022, Balqees and Wanaasa. “We’re trying to do much the same this year for the James Owen Racing Club, we’ve got what I think are three exceptional horses in it, in Al Kaaser, Al Mahbooba and Awtaaar, I’m sure all will be winning this season. We’re also going to try to syndicate some of the others, Mayfair being one of them. Hopefully with

the season starting at Royal Windsor shortly, we can have some good days out.” Speaking about his syndicate management experience, both here and in Dubai Byrne says: “I run syndicates for thoroughbreds as well as Arabians and the big advantage with the Arabians is you know the dates when the horses are going to run. So it’s brilliant, the members can plan ahead, take a day off of work if it’s mid-week. People in syndicates want to see their horses run, with thoroughbreds they can be entered in four or five races all over the country and you don’t find out until the last minute when they’re going to run, making it hard for members to plan their racing. I think the concept is excellent for Arabian racing and I think we’re going to have a really good year.”

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Byrne elaborates on new Arabian owner Allsopp, who started off with Balqees in the penultimate race of 2021, with the Shadwell bred filly finishing second, saying: “Gary is based in Dubai, he has a company out there called Allsopp and Allsopp. He’s been involved in my Dubai based EERC for a number of years and been in with some nice horses like Los Barbados. He’s supported some of the thoroughbred syndicates in the UK, like Highclere Racing and is part of their Cachet syndicate and he’s had shares in a few horses that ran at Cheltenham this year. Halfway through last season, he supported us straightaway, even though he was unlikely to be able to come racing very often. “Then when Shadwell decided to kindly lease a few, he said he’s always wanted to have his own colours and his own horse, so we got him Balqees. Since then I’ve

bought Felix (a thoroughbred with Marco Botti) for him and now Wanaasa and we’re in discussions to buy two more. He’s very interested in Arabian racing and I think he’s going to be a big player in it going forward.” Looking ahead to what the Club and syndicate members could enjoy this season Byrne continues: “The main targets for some of the horses will be some of the big races, obviously we’ll be looking forward to the Goodwood day, but dependent on the overseas horses that come, I think the Group races are definitely a possibility. I think we’ve got a couple of nice horses for the maidens and I think we’ve got a couple of good chances to win early in the season which would be great, as if the people can have good days out that should encourage more to join.

Balqees (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Racing Club members enjoy a visit to the gallops in Newmarket in May with Derek Thompson and Bob Champion

“I think the whole of racing needs to embrace syndicates more. Having four runner races at Newmarket is heart breaking, especially on Guineas weekend. Horse racing isn’t cheap, but I think we need to offer the people more, you can get people engaged in the sport by looking after them. I understand they can’t give club members the same as full owners, but in Dubai we have a specific box just for the syndicates to go in, they’re happy to buy their own drinks and a bit of food, but it’s a good day out and it can attract people into outright ownership. As to plans for when the UK season ends, as to whether they might be tempted to go abroad, Byrne concludes: “I would like to take two or three of the Arabians we’ve got here out to Dubai for the winter. My only concern is I’d like them to go as invited horses for the Carnival from James, as I don’t want to take them from

James and give them to another trainer out there and then bringing them back, as I don’t feel that always works. I’ve tried that in the past with thoroughbreds and I’m not a huge fan of it. “So it will depend if the Dubai Racing Club will invite Arabians for the Carnival and, if not, then they will need to get a high enough rating to be invited to the Abu Dhabi race, or the Kahayla Classic. Those would obviously be targets, but if we could get a Carnival invite then I would love to take Wanaasa, Al Kaaser and possibly Balqees, and though he's involved in Al Kaaser, it would be perfect to take both of Gary’s horses out, with him being Dubai resident.”

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2022 UK Season Preview Room for more at Stride Ahead Racing

Nicki Malcolm and Nathan Sweeney of Stride Ahead Racing

Just five miles from Dorset’s Jurassic coastline and nestled in the fabulous chalk downland countryside, part of the historic Whitcombe Manor Estate, is Monymusk Racing Stables. Across the road and with full use of all the training facilities is Monymusk Stud, home to Stride Ahead Racing run by Nikki Malcolm and Nathan Sweeney. They started Stride Ahead in 2014 on the back of the wealth of experience the couple had gained in the racing and endurance industries and now have a well-developed business, breaking

and training racing Arabians and Endurance horses. The pair met when they were working at thoroughbred National Hunt trainer, Bob Buckler’s yard near Bridgewater in Somerset around 13 years ago. Malcolm had been involved with Arabians and thoroughbreds, whilst Sweeney had been an amateur rider on the Irish point-topoint scene before moving to the UK and taking out his conditional licence, riding over fences for Buckler and other trainers.

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Speaking of how the business began, Malcolm says: “It was just by chance really, I’d been asked to run an endurance yard by a lady with whom I’d been on the British Endurance team. She’d been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and it was looking as if she might have to retire from riding, so she asked me if I would run her yard for her, just so she could have one last year competing. I relocated to run the yard, but unfortunately her condition worsened faster than expected and she could no longer ride at all. “She decided to emigrate to New Zealand, so I had to sell her horses for her and all the equipment, then the yard was empty. As a thank you for taking the chance to help her, which had involved me changing my whole life, she suggested I have the yard for 12 months to give me a leg up to start my own business.” Malcolm seized the opportunity with both hands, appreciating that one of the largest financial worries to setting up in equestrian business, that of the premises, would be taken care of. She could focus on gaining contacts and owners and she found what she was offering became popular quite quickly, as she explains: “I

think breaking and producing Arabians is quite a niche market. It was mainly horses for endurance, as I had a good name in that sport already, as well as having spent a big period of my life in Arabian racing. At the time there wasn’t quite as many Arabian racehorses around needing the help, so endurance horses became the main source of clients.” Meanwhile despite some notable successes as a jockey, including winning a Grade 3 Chase at Cheltenham, the home of UK National Hunt racing, and switching to riding on the Flat, Sweeney decided to take the plunge with Malcolm and the pair haven’t looked back. “Nathan decided to give me a hand to get it going” Malcom continues, “and it just became obvious that the business wasn’t going to move forward without him. We work so well together, and people liked the job that we were doing so they sent us more horses or were recommending us to their friends. It got to the point where we were full and couldn’t take any more horses in. That was when we thought perhaps we can get more stables and expand, and now we have this lovely yard.”

The recently refurbished seven furlong Hill Gallop THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Bill Smith presents his former employee Nikki Malcolm with the winners trophy for the Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Stakes at Windsor in 2021

Malcolm has a wealth of experience with Arabians in both sporting disciplines having worked for former leading Arabian trainer Bill Smith. “We had a few endurance horses belong to Sheikh Mohammed sent over and Bill had asked me if I would like to take those on, as I had some experience with endurance horses. I ran a satellite yard for him with the endurance horses and then out of season I’d go back and help with the racehorses, exercising them and so on. I learnt a lot from Bill obviously, but he also had a fantastic head lad at the time, an absolutely brilliant man for checking legs and the sort of skills that you don’t see in racing anymore. I was lucky enough to work alongside him and learned so much from him.

“In my career so far, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience with some American trainers, as well as spending time in Dubai and I’ve been out to France a lot too. It means that you can pick the bits that you like, to make your own style of working. For us at Stride Ahead, everything is built on horsemanship and making sure our horses are happy, that’s what gets us the results. As a rider of a 100 mile endurance horse, you quickly realise that a horse doesn’t get anywhere unless it’s well looked after and sound, so we’ve applied that knowledge into everything, including the racehorses - they’ve got to be happy and they’ve got to be sound.” She laughs saying: “They might win a race if they’re unhappy and not sound, but they won’t win two races!”

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The couple moved their business to the 300 acre estate that the yard is based on at the beginning of 2018. At present they’ve rented two yards, comprising 14 stables, and plenty of turn out. Being out in the fresh air with access to grazing and just ‘being a horse’ is a big part of the Stride Ahead ethos.

us enjoy having the complete control of all the horses in our care. We know everything that happens to them, every leg of every horse, even right down to what hole the girth goes on for each of them, that’s how well we know them. I think that shows when we compete, that we know them inside out.”

“Each horse gets turned out on half an acre every day. During the winter we hire more land and turn them away properly, so they become a herd, rather than being in individual paddocks. Turn out I think is very important to a horse, so they don’t go without that unless the weather is really terrible.”

Returning to their extensive and well maintained facilities she says: “We have a horse walker and a lunge pit, though that’s being resurfaced at the moment. There’s the indoor arena for when the weathers bad. It’s also great during breaking when we get them started in long reins, in there they can learn to stop and start without being distracted, before we take them out across all sorts of terrain that we have here, which gets their confidence in going forwards.”

“There’s plenty of room to expand if we wanted to, but at the moment the two of

The Horsewalker is one of the many excellent facilities at Stride Ahead Racing THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Three-bay Starting Stalls

“We have access two gallops. The Hill gallop is 7 furlongs, which has recently had a lot of money spent on it being refurbished and a new surface laid down, it’s absolutely top notch. The Flat gallop was put in about seven years ago and that’s 6 furlongs with a turning circle at the end so you can do plenty of repetitions if you want to. The two gallops link together so you can warm up on the Flat and then go up the Hill, or cool down on the Flat on your way home, there’s lots of different options. We’ve got a set of starting stalls and then also the wider walk-through stalls for the youngsters so there’s no pressure on them when they’re learning. We use them when we start them off in long reins so we can lead them through, then long rein them through and ride them through before they go into the proper stalls, so by the time they get to the races, it’s very natural to them.” Whitcombe is part of a training estate that has seen a number of famous names go through it's gates and currently has two resident trainers. Ben James who is a

salaried trainer to the estate’s owners, Michelle and Barry Crook, whilst Keiran Burke rents another one of the yards. “There’s a lot of history here, there have been some really good horses trained here over the years, such as the Gold Cup winner, Cool Ground trained by Toby Balding. We’re just really lucky to be here. Both the racehorses and the endurance horses enjoy the change of scenery that we can offer them, they get ridden out in the beautiful countryside we have here, it does their minds good. “We can go hacking for miles and rarely have to go on the road. It teaches the horses that they’re ok in a big open space. I think it can be quite daunting for a lot of youngsters when they get to a big open racecourse if they’ve only ever been on a gallop with polyrail either side of them, which can blow their minds a bit. Our horses will have seen a lot more out hacking than the average racehorse before they even get to a racecourse.”

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Another useful resident in one of the many yards on the estate is Dorset Equine Vets. “They’re just over the road. They have a drop-down box and can do most procedures on site, which saves a horse having to be sent away to Liphook or another equine clinic like that, most issues can be sorted here at home. There’s never the worry that a horse

might need the vet and we can’t get one, you’d have a vet within in minutes here, so we’re really fortunate to have that on our doorstep.” Having trained horses for other owners, including HH Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, they decided to buy their own racehorse, Falcon Du Roc’h, who made a winning debut in the Stride Ahead colours last season.

Falcon Du Roc'h (FR) and Mr Cameron Iles go to post at Windsor THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Falcon Du Roc'h (FR) preparing to go out for exercise

“We bought Falcon Du Roc’h during lockdown. I liked his bloodlines, as I’m very fond of Dormane on a damline, which he has, and obviously his sire, Tidarbret had won for friends of mine, Nikki and Andrew Thorne. I knew Nikki had had him up for sale previously, but he hadn’t been sold, Nikki’s stock mean the world to her so she was in no hurry to sell him. I also knew she’d want a really good home for him, which of course we could offer, so we spoke at the end of the 2020 racing season and said we’d like to take a chance on Falcon and what did she think? She was quite happy, I bought him for a very fair price and I think she’s getting a lot of satisfaction out of seeing him do well on the racecourse and knowing he’s well looked after.” Falcon Du Roc’h’s previous owner Thorne, is a former World number 1 Endurance

rider and past Chair of Endurance GB, for whom Malcolm has trained endurance horses and currently has one on the yard at Monymusk. “So she knows the care that goes into the horses here and the lifestyle that Falcon now leads,” says Malcolm smiling. She continues: “There was a race that would have been perfect for him at Bath at the start of last season, but I knew that it was just that bit too early. Things weren’t quite right and I decided to wait, knowing that we would have him spot on for Windsor. It paid off. I don’t believe our horses need a run first timeout because we do get them fit at home. We’ve done it before with Johara [Bint Shuwaiman] as well. Although we’re a small yard, we have the facilities and the knowledge to get a horse fit to be competitive and win first time out.”

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Johara Bint Shuwaiman was one of the first Arabian racehorses Malcolm handled for HH Sheikha Maryam. She arrived in 2017, having been lightly raced over two seasons by Jenny Lees of Pearl Island Arabians, placing once. In her first season with Malcolm she was placed three times from five starts, and the following year came close to winning her first three races, being denied the hattrick by a head at Chepstow. She went on to be placed a further three times. “Johara bint Shuwaiman, came to us as a quirky mare, which is how I came to build the relationship I now have with Pearl Island Arabians, who have supported us with racehorses and continue to support us with endurance horses. Johara was becoming unrideable, working herself up and not settling down, so I think all the

cross training that we do and giving the horses head space helped her. Being understanding riders helped too as one of my own horses had faced being put down if I hadn’t taken him on. So were used to that sort of horse. I do believe that if a human can have a medical condition such as being bipolar, or having autism, why can’t an animal. “Sometimes you just really have to work hard to try and understand them, work out what’s upset them and what they need, don’t try and win a battle with them, leave those challenges out of the equation. Johara was one of those mares, it just worked with us and her. Then she was called up for stud duties, so hopefully there’ll be some nice offspring in a couple of years time.”

Nathan Sweeney, Johara Bint Shuwaiman (GB) Miss Ellie Mackenzie and Jenny Lees after her second win in 2018 at Taunton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Falcon Du Roc'h (FR) and Nathan Sweeney go up the Hill Gallop with thoroughbred Gold Flash (GB) and Laura Perry

One of the tools they use to help perfect the fitness edge, Malcolm learnt as part of her endurance training, she explains: “We do a lot of work using heart rate monitors, analysing the data, trying to replicate workouts throughout the season to see where we are with a horse. We also have a weigh bridge so when a horse wins we have a record what its weight was before it went to the races. So we know what their optimum weight and heart rate should be when they’re at full fitness. It’s also a useful indicator to tell you when they’re not quite right which can be hard to pick up any other way, if they look and feel well when you ride them, but their heart rates don’t really lie. “It can’t replace good horsemanship, but it’s really useful if you understand how to use it. I was lucky that I trained with Dr David Marlin, who was my performance manager when I was on the Elite squad for the British Endurance team. I learnt a

lot more about how to analyse heart rates and how to improve them and I’ve also found that useful for training racehorses.” Some people might consider training one Arabian racehorse on its’ own to be too much of a challenge to be worth taking on, however Malcolm has no such concerns saying: “We’re pretty isolated in Dorset. It’s not like Newmarket, but there are two thoroughbred trainers based here too, we’re all really friendly, we have a WhatsApp group and help each other out on the gallops, it all works really well. We have a thoroughbred of our own and Falcon will quite happily sit in behind the other thoroughbreds on the gallops. We’ve worked upsides one of Ben’s on the Flat gallop just to get him used to that, because he’s not done a lot of that this year, since he’s been back into work. The horses certainly get all the training that they need despite not having a huge string of Arabians to work with.”

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Recalling busier days working for Smith she says: “When I worked for Bill we used to love taking a team to Newbury for Dubai Day. Obviously it wasn’t far from where we were based then and all the excitement and preparation for it, we loved it. The best thing about working for Bill was the consistency of the results, there was rarely a bad day at the office. Of course it helps to have good horses, but the excellent staff, the great head lad and the great preparation, during that era at Bills, everybody was fantastic, it was brilliant to be involved, there was so much to learn, so much that you could take

away with you. Priceless really. “We would love to have more Arabian racehorses here, it would be great to have a string them, it’s just getting word out there that we’d like them, that we’re here and we can do a great job for new owners.” Follow on Stride Ahead on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063618611032

Mr Cameron Iles, Falcon Du Roc'h (FR) Nikki Malcolm and Nathan Sweeney in the winners enclosure at Windsor in 2021 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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2022 UK Season Preview Small Owner-Breeder-Trainer Focus Steve Blackwell

Aloof (GB) with Steve Blackwell and Aljawaaher (FR)

Based in Lewistown, near Bridgend in South Wales, Steve Blackwell keeps his Arabians on the small holding he has developed with his partner Rachel Thomas and been racing and then breeding them since 2014. Despite not coming from an equestrian background, Blackwell has been involved with racing for most of his life. He showed an interest in horses from about 4 or 5

years old, nagging his father to buy him a pony, but was always told it was too expensive. Then when he was about 10, his father gave in, getting a 13.2hh thoroughbred pony in lieu of a debt. Blackwell laughs saying: “It put me in hospital four times, so after that he realised he didn’t really want to kill me and he should get me a more sensible pony!”

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He started pony racing when he was 12, alongside future jockeys like Tyrone Williams. Blackwell continues: “We’d go up to Scotland once a year and we raced a lot round here in the Valleys in Wales. Every week, my mum used to drive me around on a Saturday (to be fair she had no choice), and off we’d go. I’d often have four or five rides a day. I briefly went to (thoroughbred trainer) Ian Balding’s at Kingsclere, but I didn’t think that was much fun to be honest and was pleased to leave. “However I carried on pony racing and then during the holidays when I was just 15, I went to Guy Harwoods in Pulborough in 1975. I’d not been attending much school, and I never really came home after that. The school knew and I think they were happy to see the back of me to be honest.” In the 1970s, Harwood had developed his Coombelands stable to become one of

the most modern in Britain, introducing such innovations as artificial gallops, American-style barns and a computerised office system. Whilst Blackwell was there, Harwood had horses such as the Prix Jean Prat Group 1 winner Young Generation in his care, and the youngster got to back many of the later to be well-known thoroughbreds when they arrived as yearlings. “Because I’d been pony racing, which was rather frowned upon in those days, I went with Guy Harwood to Portman Square to get my licence issued and with him doing all the talking, it was fine. My first winner came at Brighton, not long after I got my apprentice licence, but I was always going to be too big to take it much further, though I did ride one of their better horses that year in the November Handicap at Doncaster. It was the good horses that I rode at home that stood out more than the winners I rode really.”

George, Steve and his brother Paul, a long-time supporter of Blackwell's varied racing career, in the paddock at Chepstow to watch Aljawaaher run THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Aljawaaher (FR) keeps watch from the stables

Blackwell also possessed other ring skills, becoming British Stable Staff Boxing Champion in 1977. He says: “I struggled with my weight because of that and in the end I left. I came home and did other things, but when I was 24 I decided I’d have a go over jumps, as I could still claim until I was 25. I went back to Harwoods to get fit and get back into it and worked with Chris Reed, who had ridden for Guy Harwood over jumps. I got on with him really well and went to Peter Cundell’s just outside of Newbury for a spell as a conditional jockey. I had a few good outside rides, including getting placed on one for Martin Pipe, but it I was never going to get anywhere with it, so I stopped.” “I was kept busy with a young family and business commitments, but horse were never far from my mind so, I was back at the Jockey Club again, asking for an amateur licence in my late 20’s. As I’d had a few winners under rules, I got turned down, but kept on at them and eventually my amateurs licence arrived in the post,

out of the blue. So I rode out for Richard Lee. We got on really well and he gave me some great rides as an amateur, it was a pleasure to go there. I rode in point-topoints and a few hunter chases. Later I had a few pointers of my own and we had a syndicate with Craig Roberts, a Newport trainer, having a great time with horses like Picot De Say.” Reviewing his riding career on thoroughbreds, whilst he may not have broken any records, it’s clear Blackwell has recorded a few interesting milestones along the way, some good, some bad, as he says: “In all I rode 2 winners on the flat, 2 over jumps, 2 winners hunter chasing and about 70 in point-to-points. Highlights were riding a hunter chase winner at Cheltenham and I rode a fourtimer at Teme Valley point-to-pointing. I also broke my back twice. I rode in the All Weather hurdles trials at Southwell along with Steve Smith-Eccles, and I was one of the first jockeys to ride on a Sunday, when the rules were relaxed in the UK.

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George Blackwell and Spirited Game (GB) to go post before winning at Royal Windsor

Blackwell’s progression from thoroughbreds to Arabians started with his son, as he explains: “George wanted to learn to ride. So we got him started and then one day he fell off and I laughed which I shouldn’t have done, as then he didn’t want to ride anymore. After about two years he decided he wanted to have another go, but I’d had to call in a few favours to get him into the last riding school, so I said if he wanted to try again, it would have to be on one of the racehorses I had in the syndicate. Fair play to him, he did, he never moaned or complained, and he helped out in the yard and did everything. Then we got a racing pony for him and had a bit of fun with that. “From the pony and riding out the racehorses, he progressed to racing

Arabians. I knew Delyth Thomas from my own pony racing days, she’s just down the road from us, so we took George there a few times to ride and then bought Spirited Game from a place up in Cheshire. She’d been backed, but not done anything really. She’d originally been part of the Sheikh Mohammed dispersal, her dam Keen Game had been trained by Bill Smith to win three races for him. “We didn’t know if she was any good or not, she wasn’t at all keen to go forward in the beginning, but when the penny dropped with her she was fine.” In their first season together, George and Spirited Game won over a mile at Windsor, rallying well under pressure to gain him the ‘Ride of the Season’ award.

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She also as placed three times which earned Spirited Game the UK Owned Mares Championship and a free cover to Kahayla Classic winner, Seraphin Du Paon. From her 18 starts, she was ridden in all bar two of them by George (the other two by Blackwell senior), and along with that win, was placed six times from 6 furlongs to 1m1f. In 2016 Blackwell purchased a six-yearold gelding, Aljawaaher from Shadwell, with him taking over from Spirited Game when she was retired to stud in 2017. Aljawaaher and George were third to a subsequent Group 2PA winner in the opening premier handicap on Dubai Day, but with George heading off to be a conditional jockey with Tim Vaughan, Blackwell was back in the saddle. They made the frame again on UK Arabian

racing’s premier day, this time in the closing handicap, having slipped down the ratings as increasing years had blunted his speed. However, true to his own life experience, Blackwell has been keen to use ‘Alan’ as he’s known at home, to support young riders, whether they be amateurs, licenced apprentices or conditionals. “Alan has paid his way most years, he’s a proper gentlemen, but he’s a bit lazy and looks after himself and he’ll always need his first run. He came close to winning a decent prize at Lingfield, in the Sheikh Mansoor Festival apprentice race, but the jockey was too inexperienced, he should have kept going and we got beaten a neck.

Keith Moriarty and Aljawaaher (FR) just get beaten on the line in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice series race at Lingfield Park

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George Blackwell, Rachel Thomas, Aljawaaher and Steve Blackwell after finishing third at Dubai International Arabian Races

“I like to support the young riders and Aljawaaher is perfect for that. I made enough mistakes when I was riding that I can understand what went wrong and explain it to them, in what would be a less pressured situation, than when riding thoroughbreds. “Daniel Ellis rode him last season, but he’ll be best sticking to point-to-points, so I’ve got another young amateur who’s hopefully going to ride for me when he can, Lewis Saunders, who is attached to Tim Vaughan. He rode Aloof for me at Wolverhampton last year and gave her a good ride. I know Joshua Bryan, he’s an apprentice who also rode her last year

and there’s another lad we might use if he’s free, so we’ve got plenty of options.” With Aljawaaher well into the veteran stage, Blackwell is realistic about the 13year-olds’ chances saying: “We’re keeping him going at the moment so we’ve something to work with our homebred fillies, he’s the perfect lead horse. If next year Aloof’s going well, he’ll be retired and Aloof can work with Sassy.” Aloof is the product of Spirited Game’s winning cover from Seraphin Du Paon, and though a first foal, is certainly not on the small side and always seemed last season, as if she’d be better this year.

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Spirited Game (GB) and her daughter Sassy (GB)

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“She looks the part now, she’s come well in her coat and her mind is growing up, but we won’t know til we run her. I would imagine she’ll want a 1m to 1m2f trip, but it’s difficult to know just where we are with her, as we don’t have a huge range of horses to work her with, but I’m aiming to run her at Brighton.” His three-year-old filly, Sassy, resulted from another free cover, brought about by Al Shahania’s generous worldwide offer of their HH The Amir Sword winning Amer son, Assy, when he first retired to stud. “Aloof has lots of bone, Sassy is lighter. She had a little setback, but we’re about three weeks away from getting her back into work. Even if she doesn’t race this

year, she needs to get going again, as she’s starting to get a bit heavy on top, but if all goes well there’s a chance she might be out at the end of the season.” Blackwell doesn’t rule out breeding again from Spirited Game, but laughing he says: “We needs to see if what she’s produced is any good, there’s no point in breeding rubbish.” Given that Spirited Game is a half-sister to the Group 1PA placed Mehdaaf Athbah, to the dual UK PA Group winner Bayan Athbah and to that stable’s most likely UK Derby runner, Mlatem Athbah, all of which are by Amer, or Amer sons, the prospects look good. Particularly for Sassy.

Aloof (GB) and Aljawaaher (FR) enjoying their Sunday down-time in the outdoor school 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 RACEHORSE www.aroracing.co.uk

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2022 UK Season Preview Horses in Training

Bayan Athbah (GB) OR 100 UK's joint highest rated horse and dual PA Group winner

The following directory of horses is based on the the list registrations as of April 14th 2022. Therefore it should be noted that it is not a comprehensive list of the UK Arabian racehorse population as there are still horses with paperwork outstanding, that have had training setbacks or are pending changes of ownership.

It will be updated as the season progresses to include further domestic registrations and also international horses as they are added to the list published on the ARO website (under Racing Information - Handicap Ratings and Registered Horses).

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ABIYAH ATHBAH (GB) OR 89 8yo m Jaafer ASF x Burning Fancy (Burning Sand) Dilmun Racing Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna A winner over 7, 9 and 12 furlongs on the Tapeta and Polytrack, placed on good or quicker from 6 furlongs to a mile on Turf. Career best when placed fifth in the 2020 Qatar International Stakes (Group 1PA) over a mile on good to firm, earning a mark of 98. Finished ninth in the same race in 2021 on soft. Best effort last season was when finishing third to Bayan Athbah, beaten a length, over a mile in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup (Gr3PA) on good to firm. By multiple Group 1PA winner, Jaafer ASF, whose stock seem to prefer the top of the ground and have an excellent record on dirt or artificial surfaces. Her dam Burning Fancy won seven races in

the US, including the Grade 3 over seven furlongs. She also won a Group 3PA over seven furlongs at Lingfield Park and was less than two lengths off the winner of the Za’abeel International (Gr1PA) when fifth over six furlongs at Newbury. She won three times in France over seven furlongs, including a Group 3PA and over a mile and a quarter in Saudi Arabia. “She seems as enthusiastic as ever. She’ll follow the same path as last year, starting off at Newbury in the 6 furlong conditions race, then on to Goodwood, back to Newbury for the Group 2 sprint and back to Haydock where she ran so well last year. She’s much better on the quicker ground, it’s very ground dependent as to how she performs, if you compare the Goodwood race last year on soft to her run at Haydock where it was rattling, a completely different horse.” Peter Hammersley

Abiyah Athbah (GB) after exercise April 23 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Al Kaaser (FR) April 30th

AL KAASER (FR) OR 95 8yo g Munjiz x Horkidee (Tidjani) James Owen Racing Club James Owen, Newmarket Five-time winner on the Tapeta, Polytrack and on both good to firm and good to soft turf, from 6 furlongs to two miles. Without a win in 2021 and twice beaten favourite. Career best mark of 108 when two lengths second to Wanaasa [Chelmsford 20 May 2021], giving her 19 pounds. Sixth in the 2021 Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) at Goodwood on soft and third in the Royal Cavalry of Oman International Stakes (Gr2PA) over 6 furlongs two weeks later at Newbury on good. Tried in cheekpieces and a visor, but has worn blinkers on his last eight starts. Half brother to four winners, including Naishaan, Ameed and the ultra-tough

Emiraaty, who were all trained by Owen. By Munjiz who has been leading sire in France and the UK, whilst his dam Horkidee won five handicaps in the UAE from a mile to a mile and a quarter. “Last year we had to go where the races were, but he’s versatile as to trip and could give us some good big days out. He went to Sweden last year, one of eleven horses that went there from Newmarket with the trip subsisided by the Swedish Jockey Club. It’s a long way by road and I felt that the journey was a day short. He ran a bit flat and speaking to the other trainers, they all felt the same. He’s travelled abroad before to Belgium and run well out there, so it wouldn’t stop us going overseas again. "He’ll start off at Doncaster in the 0-95 over a mile.” James Owen

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AL MAHBOOBA (FR) OR 74 6yo m Madjani x Amaan (Al Saoudi) James Owen Racing Club James Owen, Newmarket Ran eight times in France at three and four years when with Francois Rohaut, finishing third over 1400m on very soft ground and a close fourth over 2000m on the fibresand. Rated 85 for her UK debut over a mile at Lingfield, she finished third to a pair of smart looking three-year-olds. Made the frame again over two furlongs further at the same track, also to two useful maidens. Has worn headgear in France and all UK runs have been in cheekpieces. By three-time Kahayla Classic winner and leading UK sire Madjani. Dam was a maiden from 8 starts in France, finishing third on four occasions from a mile to 11 furlongs, though is a half-sister to nine

winners, including dual group 1PA winner and sire Handassa (by Madjani). Granddam Ziva also won at the top level over a mile and a quarter but had plenty of temperament. “She’s quite a handful, she’s not the easiest ride. We had her last season, she’d been in training in France and she didn’t look great when she arrived, but she’s flourished and is pretty fit and ready to go now. She’s still a maiden but I don’t think that will be for long, she’s well handicapped, she won’t have to improve that much to get into the better races in the UK later in the season. She’ll start off in the maiden at Wolverhampton just over a mile, though I’d say ten furlongs would be her ideal distance. There will be a few options for her after that, but she’ll probably step up in trip in a handicap.” James Owen

Al Mahbooba (FR) on April 30th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Alameen (GB) on his penultimate run in Ocotber 2020

ALAMEEN (GB) OR 84 6yo g No Risk Al Maury x Aljawza (Dormane) Mr & Mrs J Morris John Morris, Rotherham Maiden from six starts at three and four years when trained by James Owen for HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Fifth on his belated seasonal debut at four (due to Covid) in the UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby, though sole placed effort was over a mile at Wolverhampton in a maiden. Five of his runs were in cheek pieces, though was tried in blinkers and a tongue tie on his penultimate start.

in Europe when international ratings were introduced. His dam Aljawza, has produced nine foals, three of which are winners including Almareekh and Mawarid (gelded), who were also by No Risk Al Maury and won over a mile and a mile and a quarter. Has been gelded since his last run [Chelmsford November 7th 2020] and will make his belated debut for new connections this season.

By the UK’s leading sire for the last two seasons No Risk Al Maury, who was effective on all surfaces, winning six Group 1PA races in the UK, the UAE and in Turkey and was the highest rated Arabian THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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ALGHAZAAL (GB) NOR 4yo g Madjani x Zormania (Dormane) Sheila Collington Philip Collington, Newmarket

The dam, Zormania, had won the juvenile Group 2PA in which her son Alazeez was placed, as well as her debut run in France over 1850m.

Unraced son of three-time Kahayla Classic winner and leading UK sire Madjani. Dam has produced four winners from six runners ranging from 6 to 12 furlongs on the Tapeta and Polytrack and on good or faster on Turf. Brother, Alazeez, was placed third in a juvenile Group 2PA on his second start and won three times, twice over a mile and once over six furlongs. He was also third in a 5 furlong Group 3PA and seemed well suited by the All Weather.

“He’s one we got from Shadwell and runs in my wife, Sheila’s colours. He’s not very big, but he’s a half-brother to Loolwa and Awtaar who I trained, and a full brother to Alazeez who was with James Owen. He’s all heart, very game. He’ll be ready to run in the first maiden at Wolverhampton and I though think distance wise, that might be a little bit sharp for him, he’s fit and ready to go.” Phil Collington

Alghazal (GB) on March 10th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Al-Hatab at exercise on April 23rd

AL-HATAB (GB) NOR 4yo g Tabarak x Altesse Kossack (Marwan) Mrs J Kelway & Mr P Hammersley Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna Second foal, brother to Al-Tabari by Tabarak, a four-time Group 1PA winner from a mile to 2400m in France, the UK and Qatar, who has made a slow start at stud. Dam was a very tough and useful handicapper (OR83), who won eight times from a mile to 14 furlongs, seven of which were for this stable. Al-Tabari was unplaced in his debut season, however won twice at four years, both around 10 furlongs at Wolverhampton. Was unlucky to be beaten a nose over the same trip at Doncaster on good, for which he earnt a rating of 67. “He’s going well. He got to do some stalls work yet, but we’re going to take him to

Wolverhampton in a couple of weeks’ time for a spin, then hopefully he’ll go back there the following week for the maiden. He compares favourably with his brother Al-Tabari at the moment, though he’s bigger and stronger, as you would expect from a second foal. He’s got a good attitude and moves well, we’ve not done any serious work with him yet, but what he has done, he’s done well, we’re hopeful that he’ll turn out ok. “If everything goes to plan, and if his runs warrant it, then hopefully he’ll go to Doncaster for the Derby, they’re only four once and he’s showing the right signs at the moment. His sire, Tabarak, showed a great turn of foot to win at Doncaster, let’s hope Al-Hattab can do the same.” Peter Hammersley

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ALJAWAAHER (GB) OR 51 13yo g Bengali D’Albret x Tamani (Dormane) Steve Blackwell, Steve Blackwell, Bridgend

on roughly a similar mark now. He’s a great ride for amateurs or apprentices and I like to support the young riders. He might go to Windsor, he’ll probably need the run though, we’ll see.”

Dual winner of two premier handicaps in his youth, over 8 and 9 furlongs for his owner-breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, when trained by Gill Duffield, achieving a top rating of 96. Has been with current connections since 2016 for whom he’s been placed five times, including twice last year in 0-55 handicaps after a season off due to Covid. Versatile as to underfoot conditions, though best efforts in recent years have been on the All Weather.

Steve Blackwell

“He’s paid his way most years, he’ll go racing with my other horse Aloof, they’re

Aljawaaher (FR) on May 8th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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ALOOF (GB) OR 40 5yo m Seraphin Du Paon x Spirited Game (Vert Olive) Steve Blackwell, Steve Blackwell, Bridgend

breeding that produced Aloof. Spirited Game is a half-sister to the Group 1PA placed Mehdaaf Athbah, and to the Group2PA and Group 3PA winner Bayan Athbah.

Looked big and backward in her debut season at four, finishing nearest the winner when mid-division in a 0-55 handicap over 10 furlongs at Lingfield. Scope to improve in her second year of racing.

“She looks the part this year, she come well in her coat and her mind is better, she seems to have grown up, but we won’t know until she gets on the racecourse. She’s fit now and could go to Windsor, but she’ll be out of the handicap and Brighton is more her level at this stage, though I can’t be sure how well she’ll cope with the undulations there.”

By Kahayla Classic winner Seraphin Du Paon, who also won the President of the UAE Cup (Gr1PA) over 2200m on the turf in Abu Dhabi. Has produced a handful of winners on the turf in France so far, mostly over 1400m. Her dam Spirited Game won over a mile on quick ground at Windsor, which earned her owners the free

Steve Blackwell

Aloof (GB) on May 8th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Anafah (FR) on March 10th

ANAFAH (FR) NOR 3yo f Jaafer ASF x Amaan (Al Saoudi) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Third foal and a half-sister to Alajab (No Risk Al Maury) a winner 7f Chelmsford and to Al Mahbooba (Madjani) placed in maidens over 8 and 10 furlongs at Lingfield, and over 7 furlongs on soft in France. By Jaafer ASF, whose Group 1 PA wins include the Dubai International at Newbury and the Dubai Kahayla Classic at Meydan, both over 10 furlongs and the HH The Amir Sword over 12 furlongs in Doha.

Dam was placed four times from eight starts in France from a mile to 11 furlongs and is a half-sister to dual Group 1PA winner, Handassa and eight other winners. Her dam Ziva won four races in France as well as the Hatta International (Gr1PA) at Newbury over 10 furlongs, and possessed plenty of temperament. “She’s a half-sister to Alajab who was third in the Derby for me last season. Anafah is a very scopey filly, who we would like to see on the track this year. “ Phil Collington

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AWTAAR (GB) OR 67 5yo m Mahabb x Zormania (Dormane) James Owen Racing Club James Owen, Newmarket Maiden from seven starts. Brought along steadily at three and four years by Phil Collington, tried on a variety of surfaces up to 12 furlongs, sometimes in cheekpieces. Improved on first attempt at a mile in first time tongue tie on debut for this stable at Chepstow (good), making most of the running to be beaten by half a length at the finish, cheek pieces back on. Followed up with a fair fifth in the UK Arabian Derby, facing much stiffer competition, over 10 furlongs on good to soft. Dam has produced four winners from six runners ranging from 6 to 12 furlongs on the Tapeta and Polytrack and on good or faster on Turf. Half-sister to Alazeez, who was placed third in a juvenile Group 2PA on his second start and won three times, twice over a mile and once over six

furlongs. He was also third in a 5 furlong Group 3PA and seemed well suited by the All Weather. The dam, Zormania, had won the juvenile Group 2PA in which her son Alazeez was placed, as well as her debut run in France over 1850m. “She came to us in the middle of last season from Phil Collington and was leased to us by Shadwell to run in the Derby. We ran her twice, just getting pipped on the line over a mile at Chepstow and though she was probably a bit over faced in the Derby, she ran well to be fifth and won some prize money. She’s a really game filly and a think she might be the best handicapped horse in the yard. She’ll be our first racing club runner of the season at Windsor, I think it will take a good one to by her.” James Owen

Awtaar (GB) exercises in Newmarket on April 30th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Aymee (GB) at Windsor 2021

AYMEE (GB) OR 48 7yo m Dahess x Estival (Khairouan) Zayin Arabian Stud Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna

“We’ve just been a bit patient with her, she’s just about to start cantering. She will probably head to Bath for that 2 mile race in early June.”

Made a belated career debut last season, racing five times from 7 to 10 furlongs on the Polytrack and Tapeta. Surprised connections on sole turf start at Windsor on soft, running on to take fourth over 10 furlongs on her handicap debut (off 53), but failed to build on that in two subsequent AW outings.

Peter Hammersley

By a world leading sire in Dahess, who was himself a multiple Group1PA winner from 6 to 10 furlongs and continues to produce top level winners, year after year. Half-sister to Our Dream (by Our Machine) who was placed on her debut over 6 furlongs on the All Weather, but sustained a career ending injury on her second start and was retired to stud. The dam, Estival (OR 87), won four races from 10 to 14 furlongs on good to form and good to soft turf, and was placed four times from 15 starts.

Aymee (GB) at exercise on April 23rd

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BALQEES (GB) OR 77 5yo m Madjani x Najlaa (Al Saoudi) Gary Allsopp James Owen, Newmarket Maiden from six starts but has been placed four times, twice over 7f on the All Weather, as well as over 10 and 12 furlongs at Doncaster on good or quicker. Had been tried in a tongue tie and cheek pieces.

strong, she’ll go to either one of the Wolverhampton or Windsor maidens. She’s a horse that I think could go places.” James Owen

By Madjani, three-time Kahayla Classic winner and leading UK sire. First foal out of UK Derby second, Najlaa. Dam won over 9 furlongs in France on good and is a half-sister to three other winners. “She’s another Shadwell horse that arrived with us towards the end of last season, having been trained by Phil Collington. She had one run for us and just got beaten by a well handicapped horse. She’s flourished over the winter and she won’t be a maiden for long. Her work has been

Balqees (GB) makes her debut for Gary Allsopp at Wolverhampton 2021

Balqees (GB) exercises in Newmarket on April 30th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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BAYAN ATHBAH (GB) OR 100 6yo m AF Albahar x Keen Game (Bengali D’Albret) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Unplaced in two starts in Saudi Arabia in her debut season. Since arriving in the UK early last year, she won in Belgium over 9f on the AW and then the Royal Cavalry of Oman International Stakes (Gr2PA) over 6f at Newbury. Three weeks later, she added the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup (Gr3PA) over a mile at Haydock, following an autumn break she won again in Belgium in January, this time over 7.5 furlongs.

horses. She could go to Baden Baden for the UAE President Cup in September for example. “If we can improve her again, we can aim at some of the races we were thinking of last season in the Middle East. Obviously for her owners going back to Saudi would be the goal. She’s run on dirt in Saudi Arabia, and she ran on the All Weather for me in Belgium and although she’s won and placed, we find on course and at home that she’s much more comfortable on turf, so I think the Al Mneefah Cup would be the goal.” Phil Collington

By the excellent international sire, AF Albahar, Bayan Athbah is a half-sister to four winners in the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Mehdaaf Athbah (by Amer) won six races from 9 to 12 furlongs and was Group 1PA placed five times and was rated 122 at his best. The dam Keen Game was not out of the frame in five starts, winning three, from 9 furlongs to 2 miles on good or faster. “Bayan could end up taking a similar route this year, taking in some of those races that she ran in and won, or she could go slightly differently, but I think it might be that this year the goal would be bigger, to get Group 1 placed. She’s a dual Group winner and I’m hopeful that we can improve her again, we know a lot more about her now. She has had had some issues in the past, so we know how to deal with them better now. We’ll start at Newbury over 6 furlongs as her prep, then either straight to Goodwood – l'd love to run her there, the trip’s ideal, I think she’ll handle the track, but if for any reason Goodwood wasn’t right, there are other races around that time she could run in overseas. “The Group races she won last year are still very much an option, but we’ll see what comes through from our other Athbah

Bayan Athbah (GB) heads out for exercise on April 28th

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Bayan Athbah (GB) winning the Royal Cavalry of Oman International Stakes (Gr2PA) at Newbury over 6f [above] under Tadhg O'Shea and the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup (Gr3PA) over a mile at Haydock Park, under Tom Marquand, just three weeks later

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BELLE ANGELIQUE (GB) OR 50 6yo m Seraphin Du Paon x Gelmay Du Volday (Nazzerin) Dilmun Racing Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna

a decent season with her in the low grade handicaps. She will probably go to Brighton for the 0-55 handicap over seven furlongs at the end of May.” Peter Hammersley

Finished last in two start in her debut season in 2021 over 10 and 12 furlongs on the All Weather. Half-sister to threetime winner, Gelliwen, who was a useful handicapper at 9 and 10 furlongs, who was also placed eight times. By Kahayla Classic winner Seraphin Du Paon, who also won the President of the UAE Cup (Gr1PA) over 2200m on the turf in Abu Dhabi. Has sired a handful of winners on the turf in France so far, mostly over 1400m. The dam won a 12 furlong handicap at Brighton on quick ground (OR 88). “We had a few little problems with her last year, but she seems fine now. I think her mark’s reasonable so hopefully we’ll have

Belle Angelique (GB) on April 23rd

Belle Angelique (GB) at Lingfield Park 2021 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Bin Al Reeh (GB) galloping on April 23rd

BIN AL REEH (GB) OR 47 8yo m Al Reeh Janoob x Edelphy (Tidjani)) HH Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed Al Maktoum Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna Has always suggested to have a degree of ability and finally broke his maiden at the 17th attempt last year, but wasn’t helped by the Covid season where the majority of races were run at Wolverhampton, a course he doesn’t enjoy. His win came at Bath on his seasonal reappearance over a mile and is now back down to that last winning mark. Sire won over 5 furlongs and was placed six times, from 6 to 10 furlongs. Bin Al Reeh is his sole representative. One of three runners for his dam, he is a halfbrother to Madjid Bin Krayaan who won two races for this stable over 10 and 14 furlongs on the All Weather. The dam, Edelphy, won three times in France and re-named as Seniorita, won round 3 of the Triple Crown (Gr3PA) and the UAE Arabian Derby (OR 100).

“Gelding him over the winter has made a difference. Last year he was a bit of a monkey, I think on three occasions he tried to take chunks out of the opposition, which is something he tried to do at home, but so far this year he’s been very good. Hopefully that will have done the trick. He’ll go to Windsor, I think he prefers the turf, but I also think he doesn’t like to be crowded in, which I happens on the tighter All Weather tracks. He’s run well at Windsor before, in the Sheikha Fatima Ladies race a couple of years ago. He’s in good order.” Peter Hammersley

Bin Al Reeh (GB) at Windsor in 2021

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COLJANI (GB) NOR 3yo g Madjani x Our Dream (Our Machine) Raffles Partnership Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna First foal. By Madjani, three-time Kahayla Classic winner and multiple leading UK sire. The dam Our Dream, was placed on her debut over 6f, but sustained a career ending injury on her second start. Her dam, Estival, won four races from 10 to 14 furlongs on good to form and good to soft turf, and was placed four times from 15 starts. Her only other foal to race is stablemate Aymee, a maiden from five starts to date.

hopefully he’ll make his debut midseason. He’s very forward mentally for his age, he seems very willing and very straight forward. He was easy to break and easy to back, so once we’ve got the weight off him I don’t think they’ll be any problem, he’s a nice prospect. “It was sad that his dam Our Dream’s career was curtailed by injury, but what she’d shown in the short time that we’d had her, we all thought a lot of her, so hopefully her son will prove to be decent going forwards.” Peter Hammersley

“He’s pleased us all so far, he’s carrying a bit more weight than I would like, so it will be a case of just steady way with him and

Coljani (GB) cantering on April 23rd THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Crahck (FR) at Wolverhampton prior to his last win in 2019

CRAHCK (FR) OR 64 10yo h Orient Express x Qandy De Carrere (Elaborat) Mr & Mrs J Morris John Morris A dual winner over 10 and 12 furlongs on the All Weather for two different trainers. Will make his seasonal return for another new stable after two seasons off. Won off a mark of 82 in his prime and finished a distant sixth in the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) over a mile at Goodwood in the mud in 2017, though last win was off a more modest 63.

the UAE, winning nine. He was also runner-up in two Group 1PA races including the Kahayla Classic and won the Qatar International Derby (Gr2PA). His dam was unraced, but his granddam, Anita De Carrere won twice in France, once in the UK and was placed 9 times.

By Orient Express, who was runner-up in four international races (which are now PA Group races). He is best known as the sire of the remarkably tough Nil Blanc who ran in 48 races in France, Belgium, Qatar and THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Second on her sole start at Mons Ghlin in Belgium in February over 10.5 furlongs.

was a messy race as they crawled along and she was quite keen, she’ll probably appreciate dropping back in trip now. It was just as the calendar runs in Belgium they run over 1500m or 2100m and she ended up running in the 2100m. We’re very much looking forward to seeing her our again.

By Laith Al Khalediah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent stallions and sire of Mubasher Al Khalediah, winner of the Obaiya Arabian Classic, the world’s most valuable Arabian race. Dam won over 11 furlongs in France and was placed four times from six starts, including third in the Hatta International Stakes (Gr1PA) at Newbury over 10 furlongs. She is halfsister to the dual UK winner, Dossar Athbah.

"She’ll start off at Wolverhampton in the maiden [1m141y], I think, like the jockey said who rode her in Belgium, that she will get the mile and a quarter, but she certainly has enough speed to drop back, so I think starting off at Wolverhampton will be ideal over that distance there. If she tells us that she’s better off over shorter we may just aim at keeping her shorter. Ten furlongs ideally though, as she could then plot her route for the Derby at Doncaster.”

“We like her a lot. She made a very promising start in Belgium in February, it

Phil Collington

EKLEEL ATHBAH (FR) NOR 4yo f Laith Al Khalediah x Manade Athbah (Khoutioubia) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket

Ekleel Athbah (FR) on Newmarket's Round Canter, Racecourse Side on April 28th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Falcon Du Roc'h (FR) after exercise on May 4th

FALCON DU ROC’H (FR) OR 60 7yo g Tidarbret x Ogwenn (Dormane) Stride Ahead Racing Nikki Malcolm, Dorchester Raced five times from four to five years when with Phil Collington, placing twice over a mile and 9 furlongs at Wolverhampton for his owner breeder, Nicki Thorne. Sold to Stride Ahead Racing, he won on his seasonal reappearance last year at Windsor over 10 furlongs on soft in a 0-65 Handicap. Unplaced in two further outings, he is now back to that winning mark of 60.

He’s fully fit now, it wouldn’t take much to put the finishing touches to him, but I just feel that a mile in better company isn’t going to work for him, which is a shame because obviously he showed that he liked the track when he won there last year. "I think we’re better to wait for a bit of a trip and race in our own company, so we’ll go to Bath in June. It’s over two miles, which he not been tried over, but he’s a stamina horse through and through on his pedigree so I’ve got no worries." Nikki Malcolm

By Tidarbret who won a Listed PA race at the Curragh and two other races over a mile, as well as premier handicap over 10 furlongs on good or quicker and on the All Weather. Dam unraced. “We’re going to sit out the Windsor race. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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GERKO DE TENELLE (FR) OR 34 6yo g Snoopi x Bella De Tenelle (Njewman) Mr & Mrs Plumb Jayme Plumb, Wantage Unplaced in two starts in France before being sold to the UK and is still a maiden after 10 starts here. Faced a stiff assignment on UK debut when finishing last in the UK Derby at Doncaster.

mark of 40 (cheekpieces also left off) in July last year. Sire a Group 3PA winner in France on his sole start. Best progeny so far is Spaghetti, winner of eight races in Qatar and Oman and third in the Qatar Derby (Gr2PA) for three-year-olds over 10 furlongs. Dam unraced.

Has been running in cheekpieces, but left of for latest start, stepped up to 12 furlongs at Wolverhampton, when met trouble in running and finished seventh. Career best to date was when fifth of 14 over 10 furlongs at Lingfield in a 0-55 off a

Gerko De Tenelle (FR) at Wolverhampton in August 2021 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Hattie Sparks (GB) on April 28th

HATTIE SPARKS (GB) NOR 4yo f General x Pinkie Tuscadero (Izentespesal) Sheila Collington Philip Collington, Newmarket Unraced second foal. By two-time Qatar Arabian World Cup winner General whose current flagbearer, Lady Princess is the cotop rated Arabian in the world on 128. Hattie Sparks is a half-sister to Izenterisky, a winner over a mile and placed over 7 furlongs in two starts at Wolverhampton. The dam, Pinkie Tuscadero won twice and was placed 8 times, all over 6 and 7 furlongs. “She was in training last year at three and she suffered with sore shins so we had to rough her off, but this time around she’s trained well to the point of doing a few bits

of work, but she’s has a few more little niggles. I’m sure she’ll be out before too long, but just isn’t going to make the first maiden at Wolverhampton.” Phil Collington

Hattie Sparks (GB) on March 10th

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JAAHEZ (FR) OR 72 8yo g No Risk Al Maury x Ziva (Dormane) Jenny Owen James Owen, Newmarket Gelded after his first two runs for Francois Rohaut and was subsequently placed at Toulouse and Pau. Exported to the UK, still in the ownership of HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and was placed a further two times, before making all to win a novice (off 73), under a 5lb claimer, over 10 furlongs at Wolverhampton (hood on). Placed there and in Belgium off of 80, he ran last season in the colours of his trainer’s racing club without making the frame. Has been tried in cheekpieces and

a hood, but made his final start of last year in blinkers By the champion racehorse and the UK’s leading sire of the last two seasons, No Risk Al Maury. Half-brother to eight winners, including dual Group 1PA winner and sire, Handassa. Dam also won at the highest level, though possessed plenty of temperament.

Jaahez (FR) at Doncaster in 2021 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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JAKCORA (GB) NOR 5yo m Al Jakbar x Dacora (Lord Darcy) Mr & Mrs Plumb Jayme Plumb, Wantage Unraced. Interesting mix of race and showing bloodlines. Connections did well with Elyassaat, a gelded son of Al Jakbar they bought from Shadwell Arabians, winning a 0-55 handicap over 11 furlongs at Windsor with him and gaining four places from a mile to 14 furlongs.

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JEEWAN (GB) OR 69 6yo g Madjani x Volga De Faust (Munjiz) Mr & Mrs Plumb Jayme Plumb, Wantage Maiden from seven starts at 7 to 12 furlongs. Raced three times at three years for owner-breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan when trained by Phil Collington and not disgraced in two competitive maidens over 7 and 8 furlongs at Wolverhampton, both races producing plenty of winners subsequently. Too free and well beaten on final juvenile start, when tried in a visor.

a career low mark and open to improvement. By Madjani, three-time Kahayla Classic winner and leading UK sire. Brother to Alghally, a maiden from four starts, though a close runner-up over 9.5f at Wolverhampton. Dam, Volga De Faust won twice over 10 furlongs on the All Weather and Turf in France.

Sold to current connections for his fiveyear-old season in which he finished fourth twice, both over 10 furlongs in handicaps at Wolverhampton and at Doncaster on good. Starts this season on

Jaahez (FR) at Doncaster in 2021 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Kafou Athbah (FR) on the Round Canter, Racecourse Side on April 28th

KAFOU ATHBAH (FR) NOR 3yo f No Risk Al Maury x Bzeubzeu Al Maury (Akbar) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Unraced. A half-brother to Bodour Athbah who won on her three-year-old debut over a mile on the Polytrack for this stable and was exported to Saudi Arabia, where she has won four times from a mile to 9 furlongs, including the UAE President Cup (LRPA). By current leading UK Sire No Risk Al Maury, out of a mare who won on her debut in France over 9.5 furlongs, who was placed a further three times at that trip.

“He could run at Wolverhampton, he’s been on the go a while and he’s forward enough, so he’s ready for the first maiden. He’s a lovely horse all round, very much in the mould of his sire, No Risk Al Maury. He’s got a great temperament, very straightforward, tries hard, he’s so enthusiastic, just like his sire. "From what he’s shown so far, I think starting him off over a mile and half a furlong will probably suit him. I think running him over shorter might find him out, but I think between a mile and a mile and a quarter will be his ideal trip. He’s working well and I think starting him at that trip will suit him.” Phil Collington

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KAMIKAZE (GB) OR 55* 14yo g Kaolino x On The Wing (Wiking) Mr C Kester Craig Kester, Chinnor Very useful handicapper, rated 82 at best and well placed to win six times, including four premier handicaps. Wins from 7 to 12 furlongs, all bar one on quick ground. Only raced twice on the All Weather from 39 starts, but was placed over 12 furlongs. Spent the middle of his career racing in a hood, which was dispensed with for his last two seasons to race and went out on a high at Windsor, winning a valuable lady riders invitational handicap in August 2019.

By Kaolino, who won the Dubai Kahayla Classic and has sired a Group 1PA winner and sire Kalino. Kamikaze is a half-brother to two winners, at 9 and 10 furlongs. Dam won on the Polytrack over a mile and was placed three times. “He stays well and likes quick ground, so will most likely go to Bath.” Craig Kester

Returns to the track for a new ownertrainer after two years off.

Kamikaze (GB) at Wolverhampton in 2019 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Kayack (GB) at Wolverhampton in 2021

KAYACK (GB) OR 51 8yo g Kayeed x Penny Black (Chndaka) Evermore Racing Jen Harris, Epsom

winner over 9 and 10 furlongs, who was also placed six times from only 12 starts. The dam Penny Black won over 6 furlongs and was placed five times up to a mile.

Looked one to note at the lower levels when finishing fourth over 12 furlongs at Wolverhampton in his debut season. Runner-up over that course and distance in a better grade the following season and beaten a short head last term over 10 furlongs on Lingfield’s Polytrack. Ended the season beaten two lengths into third by a pair of well-handicapped horses over 12 furlongs back on the Tapeta. Wears cheekpieces and predominantly ridden by amateur jockeys. By his owner-breeder's Kayeed, a winner over 13 furlongs on firm ground. He is a half-brother to the useful Tiger Lily, a THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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KOLINE (GB) OR 52 13yo m Vert Olive x Kolver (Vert Olive) Stephen Gregory Stephen Gregory, Stockport Won a very valuable ladies race at Sandown over a mile in 2016 (off 63) and has been placed four times from 6 to 9 furlongs, all on good to firm or on the All Weather. Has been off the course for two years.

Later standing at Shadwell Arabians, he was popular with UK breeders producing numerous winners. The dam Kolver won twice over a mile on quick ground, including a Group 2PA, and is a half-sister to four winners, including Keen Game, dam of PA Group winner, Bayan Athbah.

Interestingly in bred to Vert Olive, a who was a winner of 12 races in the UK and the UAE for HH Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Koline (GB) on her last start at Chelmsford City in June 2019 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Labwah (GB) on her second start in September 2021 at Wolverhampton

LABWAH (GB) OR 60 5yo m Al Jakbar x Neige Al Maury (Dormane) Mr & Mrs A Connally Sue Connally, Ashton-Under-Lyme Twice raced maiden. Made her debut in The Arabian Racehorse International Conditions Stakes at Newbury over 10 furlongs on soft for Shadwell Estates, trained by Phil Collington finishing seventh of nine. Always behind when reappearing for new connections in a very competitive handicap dropped to 7 furlongs at Wolverhampton in September.

By Group 1PA winner Al Jakbar who won over a mile and whose stock have a similar preference. Second foal from a very well bred dam won twice over 12 furlongs on quick ground and is a halfsister to champion racehorse and sire, No Risk Al Maury and highly influential broodmare Nacree Al Maury. Half-sister to Ashjaan, a dual winner over a mile on firm and soft ground.

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LEWAA ATHBAH (FR) NOR 4yo c Jalnar Al Khalediah x Ouifak (Hajjam) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Unraced son of Jalnar Al Khalediah, a winner of five races in France, including the Prix Manganate (gr1PA), beating Nieshan, General and Burning Fancy (the dam of Abiyah Athbah see page X). His best progeny would be the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Jewel Crown (Gr1PA) winner, Mashhur Al Kahlediah, who was trained by Collington. The dam Ouifak is by Hajjam, bred by Umm Qarn, he was an unraced son of

Djourman, out of a sister to Djelfor. Ouifak’s dam line is Tunisian, her dam Gaafour raced twice and is out of the Prix Targuia winner, Imina, who was second in the Prix Arabelle and fourth in the Prix Cheikh Fadhel Ben Achour. “He’s an exciting newcomer. A typically big and well bodied horse that the sire produces. He was very weak and immature at three years and is now a much more developed horse who will run in the coming weeks.” Phil Collington

Lewaa Athbah (FR) on the Grass Gallop, Racecourse Side, March 10th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Lujain (GB) on the Round Canter, Racecourse Side on April 28th

LUJAIN (GB) NOR 3yo f Mahabb x Tawaazun (Monsieur Al Maury) John Elliott Philip Collington, Newmarket Unraced. By leading sire Mahabb, sire of multiple Group 1PA winners including Kahayla Classic winner Deryan. Dam won four races from eight starts, from a mile to 12 furlongs, mostly on quick ground. Has produced one winner to date, Sultana, also placed once in the UK (when trained by Collington) and three times in the UAE, including second in the Round 3 of the Arabian Triple Crown over 12 furlongs on her most recent start in March.

“She’s training very nicely and she should be ready to run in the near future. She came in, in January unbroken, so we had to break her in. She’s gone from strength to strength and we really like her a lot. She’s a half-sister to Sultana, who we had last year. She shows quite a lot of speed, which is encouraging, we’ll have her out as soon as we can, she’s an exciting prospect for John and Teresa.” Phil Colington

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MAYFAIR (GB) NOR 3yo f Al Tair x Dolfina D’Ibos (Mahabb) Jenny Owen James Owen, Newmarket Unraced. By Al Tair, winner of eight races including the Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) (Group1PA), has sired a three winners from a handful of runners, including Sahis, for this stable. Dam was the leading UK Arabian and Leading UK Arabian mare in 2017, winning three times from 9.5f to 12 furlongs on the All Weather and on quick turf. She is a half-sister to a winner over 7 furlongs in France.

Windsor to get her out on turf, we’ll she how she works on the grass over the next few weeks but she’s not too far away from a run. She’s going to be open for syndication on a share basis, she’ll be a fun horse to get involved with.” James Owen

“She’s our only three-year-old this year, she’s well forward with a great attitude. She’s done a few bits of work with Wanassa who’s one of my best fillies and gone nicely, she tries. She’s homebred. She might go to the first maiden at Wolverhampton, or we might just wait for Mayfair (GB) on April 30th

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Mlatem Athbah (GB) on his debut at Newbury in July 2021

MLATEM ATHBAH (GB) OR 100 4yo c AF Albahar x Keen Game (Bengali D’Albret) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Made a very pleasing debut in a 6 furlong conditions event at Newbury on good to soft last July, before exportation to Saudi Arabia. There he raced three times, finishing fourth on his debut over a mile, placing third dropped to 7 furlongs, before winning back over a mile, all on the dirt at King Abdul Aziz racetrack. He then went to Qatar for their three-yearold Derby, a Group 2PA, also over a mile on Turf at the end of December. There, wearing first-time blinkers, he raced prominently in the early stages, taking the lead going into the home straight before being squeezed for room on the rail two furlongs out, and having been stopped in his run, faded to sixth.

By the excellent AF Albahar, he is a brother to the stable’s dual Group winner Bayan Athbah and a half brother to the Group 1PA placed Mehdaaf Athbah (by AF Albahar’s sire Amer), out of Keen Game, a winner of three races, from 9 furlongs to 2 miles on good or faster. “He’s a brother to Bayan and a half-brother to Mehdaaf Athbah, so I obviously know the pedigree and the family well. It will be great to get him back from the Gulf and is another horse that I think is much better on the turf. He’ll stay the ten furlongs, his record from when he left us to go out to the Middle East has been good, he won on the dirt in Saudi and has had some stiff assignments, going to Qatar and so on, but he’s a horse with a lot of ability. He’d be another good choice for the Derby. He’ll be arriving with me in the middle of May.” Phil Collington

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MULAN (GB) OR 35 10yo m Sambist x Olivphaya (Vert Olive) Mr & Mrs G Kelly Gavin Kelly, Preston Another making a belated return to racing due to Covid. Useful at a lower level, winning twice, over a mile and 13 furlongs, both at Chelmsford City, and placed at those trips too, once on quick turf at Taunton, from 13 outings.

the UK he became Champion Stayer two years running. Her dam Olivphaya, won four races from 5 to 10 furlongs all on quick ground, with a top rating of 85, and is a half-sister to two winners, one over 6 furlongs, the other over 13 furlongs.

By Russian import, Sambist, who won all five of their classic races including the Russian Derby and St Leger, on arrival in

Mulan (GB) at Wolverhampton in October 2020

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Norseman (GB) at Windsor 2021

NORSEMAN (GB) OR 20 15yo g The Wiking x Mehshalla (Pogojll) Mr C Kester Craig Kester Veteran campaigner who has been placed twice in low-grade handicaps on the Polytrack and on quick turf at Windsor. Races in a tongue tie and a variety of other headgear, he goes well for amateur jockeys.

Delaware park over a mile and a quarter. He was exported to the UAE winning over 6 furlongs. His dam Mehshalla won three times, twice at a mile and once over 10 furlongs all on easy turf and was placed once, also over a mile.

By the American sire, The Wiking, who won 12 races in the US, including the Arabian Cup Championships (Grade 1) at THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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REBAL ATHBAH (FR) OR 72 4yo c Laith Al Khalediah x Hoboub Athbah (Amer) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Won on his debut over a mile in Belgium last August in a three-year-old only race on good to soft. Looked very green in running, when making all, but stuck to his task when challenged, winning by the narrowest of margins. By Laith Al Khalediah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent stallions and sire of Mubasher Al Khalediah, winner of the Obaiya Arabian Classic, the world’s most valuable Arabian race.

unplaced in two subsequent starts all on turf in the UK. “Seems to have strengthened up from three to four years. He’s not a big horse but he definitely had some maturing to do. He did well to win at three, so it will be good to get him out at Windsor and learn a bit more about him. We’ve not much to compare him with at home, he’s only been working with maidens, as Bayan’s been on holiday. He’s been working well, but we need him to run now and see where we are with him.” Phil Collington

His dam Houboub Athbah placed fourth on her debut over 9 furlongs and was

Rebal Athbah (FR) on the Grass Gallop, Racecourse Side, Newmarket, March 10th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Samawaat (GB) at Wolverhampton in August 2021

SAMAWAAT (GB) OR 40 9yo m Munjiz x Tarteel (Bengali D’Albret) Mr & Mrs A Connally Sue Connally

10 furlongs, mostly on fast ground. Tarteel is also a half-sister to the Group 2PA juvenile winners Salaama and Rasaasy (by Munjiz).

Sole victory was in her maiden over a mile on the Polytrack for her owner-breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Has been placed for her current connections, but when trained by Peter Hammersley during Covid, twice finishing second over 9.5 furlongs, and third over a mile, all at Wolverhampton. By champion sire Munjiz, sire of numerous Group 1PA winners around the world and leading UK sire in 2019. Her dam Tarteel was an unraced sister to Laqataat, a winner of four races from 7 to THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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SATAAM (FR) OR 80 6yo g General x Al Basheq (Dormane) Mohammed Sultan Aajmi James Owen, Newmarket Showed plenty of promise when a length and a half second on his debut over 7 furlongs in a Wolverhampton maiden, before finishing nearly eight lengths off the winner in the UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA). Unplaced in two subsequent outings over 9.5 furlongs, also at Wolverhampton. Makes seasonal return after a year off. By two-time Qatar Arabian World Cup winner General whose current flagbearer, Lady Princess is currently the co-top rated Arabian in the world on 128. His dam was placed three times over 7 furlongs to 11.5 furlongs in France and is from the family of Group 1PA winners and sires Al Sakbe and Al Mouwaffak.

“He’s a horse that I bought quite cheaply in France, he surprised us finishing second in his first maiden. The we ran him a week later in the UK Arabian Derby, during the first year of Covid, and finished fourth. Those two quick runs probably knocked him a little bit. He picked up a very small injury last year, so we didn’t run him, but he’s sound now and we’ve recently sold him to a Middle Eastern client, and he’ll stay in training with us this season and then head off to the Gulf.” James Owen

Sattam (FR) in Newmarket on April 30th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Stonehenge (GB) gallops at home on April 23rd

STONEHENGE (GB) OR 44 7yo g Madjani x Kateland (Vert Olive) PJH Racing Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna Unplaced in two starts at three years, then close second on his seasonal reappearance over 10 furlongs at Brighton on firm before easy six length win over 2 miles on the Tapeta. Well beaten in two further starts on the Polytrack that year, both over 10 furlongs, then missed a year. Yet to recapture previous form in three outings last season at 10 and 12 furlongs at Wolverhampton and Linfgfield.

“He had a setback two years ago and we could never get him quite right last year. This year he’s seems different again. The main target is Bath, for the two mile race in June. I don’t know if he’ll be out before then.” Peter Hammersley

By Madjani, three-time Kahayla Classic winner and multiple leading UK sire. Dam was a useful mid level handicapper, winning twice over 5 and 6 furlongs on fast ground and placing 10 times from 6 furlongs to a mile, rated 72 at her best. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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THAYDAH ATHBAH (FR) NOR 3yo f AF Albahar x Djanet Monlau (Dormane) Athbah Racing Philip Collington, Newmarket Unraced. By leading global sire AF Albahar. Dam Djanet Monlau won a Group 3PA and was runner-up in two Group 1PA contests in France and was placed in a 10 furlong Group2PA at Newbury. She has produced Shomoos Athbah (by Burning Sand), winner over a mile in the ARO Cup (Gr 3PA), who was also fourth in the UK Arabian Derby (Gr1PA) and France’s Qatar Arabian Trophy des

Juments (Gr1PA), both over 10 furlongs. By the same sire was Jamrah Athbah who was placed third on her UK debut on good to firm and was later placed second twice in Saudi Arabia, over sprint trips. Both fillies were initially trained by Collington. “A half-sister to Shomoos Athbah, she’s a very scopey filly. She was just a frame when she came in last September and we thought she’d need plenty of time, but she’s really come together well over the winter and I’m hopeful she might be out mid season.” Phil Collington

Thaydah Athbah (FR) on the Round Canter, Racecourse Side on April 28th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Tijaary (FR) in Newmarket on April 30th

TIJAARY (FR) OR 82 9yo g Al Saoudi x Petraunille (Al Sakbe) Jenny Owen James Owen, Newmarket ARO Leading Arabian of 2019 when he won three times from 7 to 10 furlongs at Wolverhampton and Lingfield. Earnt a rating of 92 for finishing sixth in the Qatar International Stakes (Gr1PA) over a mile at Goodwood on his seasonal reappearance during the first year of Covid.

setback saw him miss a return to Goodwood. Has worn blinkers, but usually wears a visor. By Al Saoudi, a winner of four Group 1PA races in France and the UAE and second in the Kahayla Classic. His dam, Petranuille, was placed on the All Weather in France and won over 7 furlongs on quick ground in the UK.

Runner-up later that season over 7f at Chelmsford City, but failed to make the frame in two starts last year and a minor THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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WANAASA (GB) OR 93 5yo m No Risk Al Maury x Ouasila Thabet (Akbar) Gary Allsopp James Owen, Newmarket Showed plenty of promise in her debut season, placing twice and winning on her final start in three runs at 6 and 7 furlongs on the All Weather, ending the season as leading Arabian mare. Easy winner (off bottom weight) of a 0-105 handicap over a mile on reappearance at Chelmsford City. Yet to be tried on turf and has worn cheekpieces on her last two winning outings. By two-time leading UK Arabian sire and champion racehorse, No Risk Al Maury. Half-sister to Al Azeeza (by Munjiz), placed once in France before joining this stable and winning three times, at

Lingfield, Newbury on turf at 7 furlongs and a mile, then Mons Ghlin in Belgium over 7.5 furlongs. Half-brother, Elyassaat (by AL Jakbar) won over 11 furlongs on good to firm. Dam Ouassila Thabet, won four times in France on the turf and All Weather from a mile to 10 furlongs, as well as the Hatta International (Gr1PA) at Newbury. “She won her first start last season and we were aiming her for the Derby, but unfortunately she picked up a small injury. That actually worked in our favour, as otherwise she would have gone to Dubai for the Shadwell horses in training sale and I’m sure would have been sold to stay out there. But she wasn’t ready to go and luckily one of our new owners Gary Allsopp purchased her and we’re delighted she’s still here.” James Owen

Wanaasa in Newmarket on April 30th THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Zayin Angkor Centurion (GB) cantering on April 23rd

ZAYIN ANKOR CENTURION (GB) OR 90 9yo h Dahess x Barryh (Djelfor) Zayin Arabian Stud Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna Beaten a neck on his debut, and later runner up to the same filly in a Group3PA over a mile, earning a rating of 107. Has won twice at Chelmsford over 7 furlongs and a mile and twice placed at Newbury in a conditions and a premier handicap over 6 furlongs and a mile. Raced mainly in Group 1PA company since that blacktype second, running with credit without making the frame. By the hugely successful sire Dahess, who was himself a multiple Group1PA winner from 6 to 10 furlongs and continues to produce top level horses, including this

years’ Kahayla Classic winner, First Classs. Highest rated son of Barryh, who has also produced three other winners. She won twice over a mile and 10 furlongs on the turf, achieving a rating of 95. “He had a slight tendon injury, it wasn’t too bad but we felt it best to give him all of last year off and he’s fine now, cantering away. His targets will be the Group races in July, August and September. We’ll probably give him a prep run at Newbury in the beginning of July, hopefully if everything’s fine, he’ll go to Goodwood, Newbury for the sprint and then on to Haydock, that’s his programme.” Peter Hammersley

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156 ZAYIN ZYPERION (GB) OR 63 7yo h No Risk Al Maury x CS Comete (Bengali D’Albret) Zayin Arabian Stud Peter Hammersley, Appleby Magna Steadily brought to hand in his debut season, placing three times at Wolverhampton from a mile to 9.5 furlongs. Placed on his reappearance before winning twice over 10 furlongs on the Polytrack at Lingfield and dropped back to a mile at Wolverhampton. Somewhat disappointing dropped back to 7 furlongs there on his final start, but it was a very competitive handicap. By current UK leading sire and champion racehorse No Risk Al Maury. Half-brother to stable stalwart Zayin Zachilles (by Kaolino) who won 9 races, mostly at 7 or 12 furlongs, and to dual winner Zayin Zodiac (by Dahess), who was a very close fourth in the ARO Cup (Gr3PA) over a mile. The dam CS Comete, won four times at 7 furlongs and a mile, all on

good or quicker, and was second five times, achieving a rating of 99 . “He’s in good form. He’ll go to Windsor for the 0-70 over a mile at the start of the season. If the ground was soft, he might not like it but good or faster he’ll be fine. We’ll just have to see how he goes, the mark he’s on at the moment probably reflects his ability, but there’s a few well handicapped horses around for him to bump into. He’s very genuine and tries his hardest and is in good form at present. His first season we had a few little hiccups, but once we got him going, he’s been pretty straightforward, last year he was very professional winning twice, so I’m very pleased with him.” Peter Hammersely

Zayin Zyperion (GB) on April 23rd THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Zikada Zayin (GB) at Zayin Arabians befor going into training in November 2021 ZIKADA ZAYIN (GB) NOR 5yo m No Risk Al Maury x CS Comete (Bengali D’Albret) Zayin Arabian Stud Mitchell Hunt, Bridgewater Final foal out of CS Comete and a full sister to Zayin Zyperion. Half-brother to Zayin Zachilles (by Kaolino) winner of 9 races, mostly at 7 or 12 furlongs, and to dual winner Zayin Zodiac (by Dahess), who was a very close fourth in the ARO Cup (Gr3PA) over a mile.

The dam CS Comete, won four times at 7 furlongs and a mile, all on good or quicker, and was second five times, achieving a rating of 99 .

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The Final Furlong As one career ends, so another begins. Pictured at Al Aweer Farm is the first foal by Dubai Kahayla Classic winner AF Maher, a strong looking filly out of Oxygen. The mare was purchased specifically for AF Maher by his owner-breeder, the fivetime UAE Champion owner, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda. What makes the American bred, unraced daughter of 2008 Darley

Horrse of the Year Thoroughbred, such a sought after mate? Her dam is the two-time Darley Horse of the Year Sand Witchh. Sand Witchh is a full sister to Sand Blastt, the US stallion currently making a name for himself at Rosebrook Farm as the sire of RB Feel The Burn, Darley Four-Year-Old Filly of 2021.

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CHAMPION ARO TRAINER JAMES OWEN

ARO CHAMPION ARABIAN & CHAMPION MARE

MAYZOONAH

UK MILL

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS Contact Mark Buchan + 44 (0)7711 701 565 mark@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1371 850247 e-mail: info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

The Arabian Racehorse - Spring 2022

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Room for more at Stride Ahead

Small Owner-Breeder-Trainer Focus - Steve Blackwell

James Owen Syndicates

Ernst Oertel

Cre Run Farm