Issue No.10
November 2015
T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE
Abu Dhabi 2015 Jewel Crown
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T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE Issue10 - November 2015
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News Virgule Al Maury; Mandolynn Hill Farm Open House, IFHRA Scholarships; Tom Marquand
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One World, Six Continents - Abu Dhabi 2015 Report from the conference and the racetrack, featuring the World's Richest Arabian Race - the Jewel Crown
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Jaques Chalom Des Cordes First UK exhibition
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DIAR Races in Texas Pamela Burton reports from Lone Star Park
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Farewll to Sandra Eichenhofer
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Results
Produced by equine creative media Stable Flat, Moreton Manor Stud, South Moreton, Oxon, OX11 9AH
equinecreativemedia@gmail.com 00 44 7782 349 047 www.equinecreativemedia.com Excluding News reports, unless otherwise stated, all features, reports and photographs are by Debbie Burt (copyright) - photographs may be viewed and purchased at www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com
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NEWS SAD LOSS OF TOP US SIRE VIRGULE AL MAURY Virgule Al Maury (FR), who was owned by Betty Jo and Paul Richards of Glencoe, Oklahoma, was sadly laid to rest and buried in his favorite pasture on their farm, Lone Chimney Ranch. Virgule Al Maury was an elite purebred Arabian Stallion imported from France, by Kesberoy and out of Valse Du Cassou by Baroud III. He was 26.
Virgule Al Maury, a big chestnut stallion, was bred by Monsieur Alain Benarrous and born in 1989. He was originally owned by Godolphin Racing and then later by Darley Stud Management during his most prolific career at stud in the U.S.. Under the direction of Denise Gault of Racestreet Management Inc., he sired 248 foals from 1997 through 2008. Acquired by Betty Jo and Paul Richards in 2010, Virgule Al Maury lived out his final golden years well loved and enjoying life at Lone Chimney Ranch in Oklahoma. The Richards were successful in continuing his breeding career, and they are grateful to have foals on the way for 2016 and to have secured frozen semen to carry on his legacy. Corliss Hazard
His race record of 16(6-2-5)0-4 in England and U.A.E. was far surpassed by his ability as sire. Virgule Al Maury was the U.S. leading sire by earnings in 2004 and 2005, and remains today as the all-time leading Purebred Arabian French Sire in the U.S. He finished 2015 as the U.S.’s second leading broodmare sire. His most famous grandson running today is PADDYS DAY, by Burning Sand and out of the Virgule Al Maury daughter AK Loretta.
Paddy's Day (US) and Kelsi Purcell
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MANDOLYNN HILL FARM OPEN HOUSE 2015 Following the Dubai International Arabian Races sponsored fixture at Lone Star Park in Texas [see Pamela Burton's report page 36], racegoers were invited to extend their trip by visiting Dr Mickey and Michelle Morgan's Mandolynn Hill Farm for their annual Open House event.
Lone Star Park. "We had a showing of all the stallions, plus bar-b-que and live music. It was great event because there were people there that hadn't seen each other for a while, so they were able to catch up and we had a good mix of racing and non-racing visitors. "I think it was a relaxing and fun day for everyone and it was a real honour for the Shadwell Team to come visit their stallions and the farm.�
Stallion of the moment Kaolino (FR) and Shadwell Director Richard Lancaster
Speaking afterwards Michelle Morgan explained further. “This is something we do every year at the farm, usually it is connected with our stallion stakes races, however this year we decided to link it with the DIAR races. It was fantastic that they sponsored four stakes races at
HE Mirza Al Sayegh gives a welcome pat to Chndaka (FR)
www.mandolynn.com Pictures (C) Pamela Burton www.horsereporter.com
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IFHRA APPROVES 12 RACING SCHOLARSHIPS The General Assembly meeting of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), which was held earlier this month at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel, Abu Dhabi, approved 12 names to receive the Racing Scholarship Fund (RSF). The scholarship programme supported by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival aims to further the development of young riders within the industry, whether they choose to continue riding or wish to go into another area of the sport such as administration or bloodstock. Those selected are Regan Bayliss from Australia, Ashley Edwards from Canada, Barbara Szentes from Hungary, Ryan McKeever from Ireland, Soungyi Kho from Korea, Kamic Grzybowski from Poland, Nicole Disdier from Puerto Rico, Eva Thilderkvist from Sweden, Vahdettin Kaplan from Turkey, Aaron West from the United states and Tom Marquand and Ryan Colley from Great Britain. There are also two reserves, Se-Hee Kim from Korea and Istvan Kozma from Hungary. Marquand, was recently awarded the title of 2015 UK Champion Apprentice (Thoroughbreds), whilst Colley is Assistant Trainer to Ruth Colley. They are graduates from the British Racing School and the Northern Racing College respectively. During their eight week overseas placement, Marquand wishes to further his riding career, whilst Colley is looking to develop his racing administration skills.
Nayhan Global Arabian Horse Racing Flat Festival, Chairperson of IFHRA and of the Ladies and Apprentice Racing Committees in IFAHR, thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nayhan and HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for their support of Purebred Arabian racing and for young riders around the world.
Vahdettin Kaplan and Munzade (FR), winner of the 2014 Apprentice Championship The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al
Ms Lara Sawaya, Exexcutive Director of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al
Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Yas Channel, Omeir Travels and Racing Post.
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ARO GRADUATE TOM MARQUAND NOMINATED FOR BBC YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR It has been quite a season for Arabian Racing Organisation graduate, Tom Marquand. First he secures the UK Thoroughbred Apprentice Championship with 54 wins, then he is one of the 12 lucky recipients of the inaugural IFHRA scholarships (see page 5) and now he has been announced as one of the contenders for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Marquand, who attended the British Racing School in Newmarket and who has ridden under ARO rules for the last three seasons, is currently riding as an apprentice for leading UK Thoroughbred trainer Richard Hannon, Jnr. "It's amazing" said Marquand in an
interview with the Racing Post. "It's also good for racing to get appreciation from people outside of the sport and it just shows just how much more modern racing has become." The main award which began in 1954 was not claimed by racing until multiple Champion National Hunt jockey Tony McCoy won in 2010 securing nearly 42 per cent of the viewers votes. The 10 nominees in the youth category will be further reduced to three on Thursday 10 December, with the overall winner being announced live on BBC TV as part of the main awards ceremony on Sunday 20 December.
Tom Marquand goes to post at Newbury on Cheik Roque prior to winning the DIAR 3YO Conditions race in July THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
THE ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION LTD Who we are… The UK is a world leader in Purebred Arabian racing. The Arabian Racing Organisa on (ARO) runs a programme of full Arabian racedays, supported by a number of single Arabian races on Thoroughbred fixtures. The UK is a summer base for top horses from the Middle East whose owners want to experience the pres ge of running at some of the world’s best racecourses. The ARO season is also a proven training ground for young horses. Prize money includes incen ve schemes and bonus awards for UK Owners and Breeders. The 2015 season starts at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Saturday 2nd May, Free Admission!
CONTACT ARO LTD ‘T
S
A R
A UK’
ARO Ltd, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ 0044 (0) 1635 524 445 info@aroracing.co.uk THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ONE WORLD, SIX CONTINENTS Abu Dhabi, The Capital This year's HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horseracing Flat Festival culminated in the three day HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Conference for Education and Training which supported the Ladies and Apprentice World Championship Race Finals leading up to the main event - the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Jewel Crown the richest Arabian horse race in the World
Jewel Crown winners Kalino (US) and Olivier Peslier THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Conference for Racing and Training Abu Dhabi 2015 This year’s Racing and Training Conference brought together 600 racing professionals from around the globe to share their knowledge and ideas about the sport under the banner of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival.
Following the welcome addresses the five sessions and two workshops began with Jockey Training and Safety, moderated by Liz Price with Richard Perham (Senior Jockey Coach, British Racing School), Matthew Hyland (Apprentice Jockey Coach, Racing Victoria, Australia), Gary Waterston (Jockey Coach, South African Jockey Academy), Remi Belloq (Executive Director, North American Racing Academy) and Kai Schirmann (Managing Director, German Jockey School). The importance of fitness in relation to the ability to recover from falls was discussed as was the need to perceive jockeys as ‘Athletes’ on a par with other sporting disciplines. Expanding on the students ‘life skills’ and appropriate trainer and senior jockey mentoring to maximise their abilities was also recognised as essential. The change of whip rules in the UK, where a jockey is only permitted to strike the horse a limited number of times, was also mentioned. This rule change has led to a different emphasis in riding style and skill set.
Lara Sawaya
After a welcome press conference at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel, the three days of discussions took place at the UAE National Archive Conference Hall, which was broadcast live to the world by YAS TV. The delegates were welcomed to the conference by Festival Executive Director, Ms Lara Sawaya, HE Dr Abdulla Rayess, Director General of the UAE National Archive and HE Sami Al Bonain, Chairman of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Matthew Hyland
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After lunch Derek Thompson moderated Jockeys: High Performance Athletes At The Top session with jockeys Ahmed Ajtebi (UAE) and Travis Wales (USA), Pat Buckley (Racing Director, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, IFHRA Vice Chairman), Simon Milton (UK motivational sports coach) and Pierre Bianconne (AFASEC, French Jockey Schools). It was agreed that ambition and dedication were the vital ingredients for success at the highest level in the sport. Simon Milton summed up his thoughts with “Talent is the minimum requirement in any sport... You need to make the most of every single opportunity to get where you want to get. ” He also asked the audience to see each jockey as a “business” whereby they are their own nutritionalist, account, coach, research and development consultant. The final session of the first day,
Jockey Diet and Weight Control was moderated by Gary Capewell with Dr George Wilson, Dr Graeme Close, Dr James Morton, Dr Philip Pritchard, UK Thoroughbred jockey Franny Norton; also on the panel was Dr Jamal Hout, an NAET specialist and Dr Guillaime Sellier from AFASEC. Dr Hout specialises in identifying food intolerances which may affect weight loss or gain, whilst Dr Sellier presented a study into jockey eyesight. The team from John Moores Liverpool University gave an overview of the results of their two years of study into weight control. Interestingly their studies showed female jockeys were, on the whole, more healthy than their male counterparts. They also stressed that whilst eating the correct foods was important, structured daily high intensity exercise was also necessary to maintain both weight and fitness. This was later revisited in the workshops led by Lara Sawaya and Derek Thompson.
Jockey Diet and Weight Control Panel THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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That evening delegates were treated to a Welcome Dinner and high class fashion show by Lebanese designer Amal Azahri at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel.
Victoria Shaw
The second day of the conference opened with PR and the Media for Racing Industry Recruitment moderated by Philip Brannan with Derek Thompson (broadcaster, UK), Victoria Shaw (broadcaster and journalist, Australia), Gary Capewell (broadcaster and journalist, UK) Pamela Burton (photographer and journalist, USA), Jean-Claude Allies (Paris Turf, France) and John Cobb (Racing Post, UK). After discussing the best ways for Jockeys to present themselves the session concluded with an opportunity for some of the younger jockeys to experience interview technique as Derek Thompson questioned them live on TV. This was clearly a worthwhile experience for them and was one which it was hoped to be included in the future, during the jockey training sessions outside of the conference hall.
focussing on the integration of the jockey nutrition research worldwide and how best to progress the knowledge gained so far. The last day of the conference split the jockeys from the other delegates. The final session was on Breeding, moderated by Derek Thompson with Scott and Mark Powell (trainers, USA), Diane Waldron, owner-breeder, USA) and Francois Comte (Stud Manager for HH Sheikh Mansoor). This highlighted different country’s attitudes to Embryo Transfer and if it was recorded on a horses’ passport. Meanwhile the 120 jockeys were invited to take part in three workshops with tutors from the racing schools present, focussing on technique and fitness (using a variety of racing simulators), plus a lecture on motivation. This proved a welcome addition to the conference programme and made excellent use of the assembled tutors. In preparation for the racemeeting, delegates were invited to attend a fabulous Gala Awards Dinner at the Emirates Palace Terrace, where many were rewarded for their contribution to the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horseracing Flat Festival in 2015.
There followed a Workshop hosted by Lara Sawaya and Derek Thompson THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Lara Sawaya
One World, 6 Continents
HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship (IFAHR)
17 May, Lexington, Kentucky 31 May, Sluzewiec, Poland 18 July, Sacramento, CA 21 August, Sandown UK 30 August, Kazan, Tatarstan 27 September, Duindight, Netherlands 11 October, Tarbes, France 25 October, San Paolo, Brazil Nov 08, Finals, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Sustained By
Coordinated By
in Cooperation with
Sponsored By
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Of�icial Partner
Of�icial Carrier
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HH SHEIKHA FATIMA BINT MUBARAK APPRENTICE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (IFAHR) Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Ben Thompson celebrates after crossing the line on AK Adour (FR)
The HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockey World Championship (IFAHR) Final was held over 1m3f, with the starting gate positioned in the home straight which was all the more exciting for the crowds. The 12 apprentice jockeys who had been successful in the worldwide series represented Argentina (Nicolas
Villalba), Australia (Ben Thompson), Belgium Zoe Vande Velde), Brazil (Ruberlie Viana), Canada (Brandon Duchaine), France (Isis Magnin), Ireland (Conor Hoban), Italy (Andrea Fele), Morocco (Omar Lakjal), Puerto Rico (Jomar Torres Roman), Russia (Emil Kunakbayev) and Turkey (Ismail Koyuncu).
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Above: Apprentice Jockeys [L to R] Ismail Koyuncu, Gustavo Villalbe, Ruberlei Viana, Jomar Torres, Conor Hoban, Brandon Duchaine, Zoe Vande Velde, Ben Thompson, Isis Magnin, Andrea Fele, Emil Kunakbaev, Ommar Lakjal Below: Merzal (FR) and Isis Magnin go to post
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AK Adour (FR) and Ben Thompson
Takaamul and Ismail Koyuncu were the first to show and remained prominent with Merzal for Isis Magnin, Burj Khalifa for Zoe Vande Velde and Aakif with Andrea Fele. These four were clear entering the back straight. By the home turn only Merzal had held his position and he had been joined by Hanoof and Ommar Lakjal and Namrood under Emil Kunakbaev, however they swung wide, leaving a gap up the rail. This was expertly exploited by Ben Thompson who urged his mount AK Adour, the lowest rated of the field, up the inner of Merzal to victory, ahead of Haanoof who took second, with those three clear of the remainder. This was a fine ride by Thompson who had secured his place in the final when winning the first race of the series at the Kentucky Horse Park in May on Sam Vasquez’s Es Mi Cielo. That had
been the young apprentice’s first ride abroad and his first ever ride on an Arabian racehorse. Speaking after the final Thompson said. “The trainer [Ahmed Al Mehairbi] warned me I would have to work quite hard and push the horse and it proved the case, but I was prepared. It is great to even be here on such an occasion. To win is just fantastic.” Matthew Hyland representing Australia’s Racing Victoria said. “That was great. We were delighted to get invited 12 months ago to participate and we were absolutely stoked to actually win one of the series races in Kentucky. Then tonight’s win just caps it off. This makes it really easy to promote the kids at home and helps them to get every opportunity they can. This is the best way they learn, we believe.
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Above: Runners entering the first bend Below: Faisal Al Rahmani's AK Adour (FR)
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“Ben said the horse travelled well from a good draw and he tried not to use the stick, as he’s been told that Arabians don’t run well for it! I’ve been on four or five of these trips now and each apprentice that I take, when we leave they are excited, maybe a bit nervous, but when they get home, they get off the plane and say it’s the best thing they’ve ever done. “Ben’s a really fortunate apprentice because he gets a lot of education and schooling from our system in Victoria, but there are a lot of apprentices from other parts of the world who don’t have that level of support - so it is great for those guys to have access to the Australian, UK, USA and South African models. “It gets everyone from around the
world involved, not everyone is fortunate enough to have funding for their schools, so it gives the ones who are less fortunate from the lesser countries an opportunity to share information and tutors. The workshop on Saturday was great. We think that this could be expanded in the future when we all come together. For the ones that don’t have access to the racing simulators, they gain a real opportunity to tap in to what some of the more fortunate apprentice’s experience. "It all comes down to the funding and we reckon our programme [in Australia] is one of the best. It is government funded, we’re fortunate they see it as important, the education of young people and our results speak for themselves.”
AK Adour (FR) and Ben Thompson THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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HH SHEIKHA FATIMA BINT MUBARAK LADIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (IFAHR) Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan's Najm Alemarat FR) and Astrid Wullschleger
The HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) held over a mile, followed. The 14 riders came from Denmark (Sabrina Gammelgaard), France (Justine Mercier), Great Britain (Rebecca Smith, Page Fuller, Ann Stokell), Hungary (Alexandra Bihari), Ireland ( Lisa O’Neill), Japan (Aoi Kinomae), Morocco (Bouchra Marmoul), Oman (Azhar Al Wardi), Sweden (Josefin Landgren, Anna Pilroth), Switzerland (Astrid Wullschleger) and the USA (Sandee Martin) and included five professionals.
Molahen El Alhan and Sandee Martin was the clear leader in the early stages from Da’Areen and Justine Mercer and RB So Rich and Azhar Al Wardi. Tracking them were RB Smokin Rich and Bouchra Marmoul in company with Delishess and Ann Stokell. Molahen El Alhan extended his lead, but turning in to the home straight the gap had diminished to four lengths and the gelding looked vulnerable to challengers.
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Najm Alemarat FR) and Astrid Wullschleger with trainer Eric Lemartinel
Astrid Wullschleger sent stablemate, Najm Alemarat to the front in the last 300m to score by a length and a quarter from the fast finishing Haizoom and Rebecca Smith. Molahen Al Alhan kept on a further length behind in third. "I had a perfect race actually,"she explained." Because we jumped quite fast; the race was run at a good pace and in the end he won well and made a nice job of it. It is the first time I have ridden in a country like this and I hope I can continue to do so." Britain’s highest placed finisher, Rebecca Smith, was delighted by her experience. “I rode Sand On Fire to win in Sam Houston, Texas for Scott Powell to qualify to ride here tonight. I got involved with the Sheikha Fatima series through Sarah Oliver of the Amateur Jockeys Association who was looking for riders to represent Great Britain. Thanks to Lara and HH Sheikh
Mansoor and HH Sheikha Fatima who have put on such a great series, so many girls have had the opportunity to compete, professionals and amateurs who have ridden on the Flat, over Jumps and in Arabian races in the UK. “Before the race I studied the horses form, though I was limited to know about the other horses, but I looked at every horse in the race and I came and independently walked the track a few times. It’s a flat tight track, a bit like Redcar or Catterick maybe, obviously it’s right handed. I ran round it the other day and it reminded me of Market Rasen, which is of course a jumping track in the UK. They’ve obviously been watering, a lot of the girls thought this morning that it would ride softer than it walked, but I think it is good ground, I don’t think any of the horses on form had trouble with the track.
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“I had an idea of how to ride an Arabian horse, even though I’ve only ridden one once before, by talking to the girls and guys who have ridden them a lot. I made really good friends with Kelsey Purcell over the last nine months and she’s been so helpful, so I think you have to listen to the horse, regardless of whether it is an Arabian, a Thoroughbred or a pony, I had a good draw and I ridden the race a 100 times in my head before I arrived here so to just try and win was the main thing. To win the qualifier in Texas was fantastic and to be second here tonight in the World Championship to Astrid, who is a professional, was brilliant. “I came to ADIHEX in September, which gave me a huge insight into the whole Global Arabian Horseracing Festival. I knew a little bit about Arabian racing from articles and
racecards in the Racing Post, but I’d never had an experience like this before. “When I was in Sam Houston I really loved it and from talking to some of the other girls like Stefania Gandola, who only rides Arabian horses, I would really like to take out an Arabian Racing Organisation license next year if I can get it to fit in around my current job as an Assistant Trainer, because I really think I would enjoy it. I’ve really been looking forward to today, I’ve been down to the track to watch some of the horses training this week and I’m really quite interested in Arabian racing now. I work for Micky Hammond in Middleham, North Yorkshire, which is all Thoroughbreds. We don’t really have any Arabian racing up North at the moment and I think that’s maybe something that should be looked into.
Becky Smith in the Great Britain silks THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Clockwise from top: Najm Alemarat (FR) and Astrid Wullschleger; Astrid Wullschleger and Lara Sawaya; Delishess (US) and Ann Stokell Molahen El Alhan (AE) and Sandee Martin go to post
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“Before I got involved with the series I’d suffered a big injury – dislocated my knee and ruptured the ligaments - so I had extensive surgery and a lot of rehabilitation. I was told I probably wouldn’t ride again and definitely wouldn’t race ride again! But that was out of the question, so we worked along the lines of getting me back in the saddle. The Injured Jockeys Fund and the Amateur Jockeys Association were very helpful during the twelve months I had off.
all the girls I rode with in Texas and it is also great for the British girls to get together as at home, when you’re riding, you don’t really have time to socialise. "Another plus is meeting people from other areas of racing and the media which gives you incredible networking opportunities and I’m just so grateful for the chance to be involved and also to learn more about Arabian racing.”
“It’s obviously very difficult to get back to the point where you left off, as obviously you are another year older and there are new kids coming through to take the rides that could have been yours, so it was really good for me PR wise to be invited on this trip. There was a piece in the Racing Post after which local trainers offered support and rides on the back of that. So I think that the Sheikha Fatima series is a great opportunity for lady riders to get their name out there. “Lara is so fantastic, it’s all over the world now. Us English girls are quite fortunate that we do have Ladies races through the AJA, but a lot of these other countries don’t. The Racing Simulator session we had on Saturday morning was great. My friend has one and I’m on it all the time at home, but a lot of these kids had never even seen one before, let alone having a go on one and to do so with the fitness and technique coaching as well was just brilliant for them.
Becky Smith and Haizoom (FR)
“The opportunities for everyone involved in the series are fantastic, I’m still a little bit overwhelmed to be honest. I have kept in touch with nearly THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Above: Great Britain representative and 2015 ARO UK Champion Arabian Lady Jockey Page Fuller Below: All the jockeys parade as part of the pre-finals ceremony
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One World, 6 Continents
January 16, Al Flaij, Oman 26, Sportingbet Park, Australia
May 09, Ling�ield Park, UK 31, Sluzewiec, Poland
February 22, St Moritz, Switzerland
June 06, Stockholm, Sweden 28, Dundight, Netherlands
March 07, Sam Houston Park,Texas 13, Manama, Bahrain
July 05, Pleasanton, CA August 17, Ostend, Belgium
April 10, Casa Anfa, Morocco 17, Toulouse, Hippodrome France
Nov 08, Finals, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
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Coordinated By
in Cooperation with
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Of�icial Partner
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SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAYHAN JEWEL CROWN Group 1 PA Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Kalino (GB) and Olivier Peslier just hang on from the fast finishing Sahabba (FR) and Jean-Baptiste Hamel
The feature event, the World’s Richest Arabian Horserace – the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Gr1 PA to be run over a mile was the final race on the card. A prize fund of €1.2 million Euros was on offer, with €720,000 to the winner and place
money all the way down to sixth. The international invitational contest had attracted some of the top names in Arabian racing worldwide and the 16 runner field had a further six reserves, so sought after was the prize.
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Manark (FR) in the parade ring
Heading the field on ratings was this year’s Dubai Kahayla Classic winner Manark for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His talent was evident at three, when winning the Group 2 Juvenile contest at Newbury on Dubai Day, though he had missed his four year old season before coming back into training last year with Gill Duffield. He showed enough when third in the Group 1 Harwood International at Doncaster to be transferred to Dubai for the winter with Erwan Charpy. Always a buzzy horse, he disappointed on turf over 5f, but different tactics and a change of surface made all the difference for a comfortable win in the Group 2 Bani Yas, before making all for his first Group 1 success in the Kahayla. Though the form pick, there were
obvious reservations on his first start of the season and back on turf. The remaining six UAE runners all had the same disadvantage of having their first runs of the Gulf season, Abhaar, a magnificent looking colt for HE Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan was unbeaten in five starts and had won on his debut on this card last year. The United States had a strong hand with the evergreen So Big Is Better, who was closest to him on ratings, just ahead of Paddy’s Day, who he had beaten on his latest start in a Grade 2 in September. Also with something to find with those two was RB Rich who had been third on that occasion, with the filly, RB Frynch Broad adding to the American contingent.
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Above: Kalino (US) and Olivier Peslier strike for home Below: Classy horsemanship from Travis Wales crossing the line on So Big Is Better (US) after the saddle slipped on the home turn
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Above: Thomas Henderson on Al Mouhannad (FR) watch the replay Below: Kalino (US) and Sahabba (FR)
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Kalino (US) and Olivier Peslier
Also fit from their European campaigns were the multiple Za’Beel Stakes sprint winner Al Mouhannad, Sahabba, a Group 3 winner at a mile and Kalino, who has been disappointing, despite being runner up to Al Mourtajez in Deauville in the summer. Having won the Kahayla Classic from the front, it was no surprise to see Dane O’Neill employing similar tactics on Manark here, blazing a trail ahead of So Big Is Better, Kalino and Thakif. Kalino soon joined him by halfway and the field was soon strung out by the strong pace. Probably lacking race fitness, Manark cried enough by the home bend,
where there was drama for So Big Is Better whose saddle slipped and Travis Wales did well to keep the partnership intact to the line. Kalino however, was travelling sweetly for Olivier Peslier and was two lengths clear of Sahabba and Thakif with a furlong to go. The line could not come too soon for him though, as Sahabba was gaining ground with every stride. A photo finish was called showing Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Kalino had prevailed by the shortest of heads in what was a suitably thrilling finish to the World’s richest Arabian race.
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Afterwards trainer Alban de Mieulle commented. “In the Qatar Arabian World Cup at Longchamp, both times he was unplaced - so I think he doesn’t like the track, though we knew had some ability. The drop back to a mile, and I think he prefers soft ground, which helped him win today. We have also added a shadow roll to the cheekpieces to make him concentrate in front and I said to Olivier ‘If you can go, go, don’t wait for the other one’. When you have the best jockey, it is also easier!” "I get on very well with Arabian horses.” Peslier commented. “ I know this horse, he is great, at a mile he is very good. He is a tough horse with a good action and when we started, no
one wanted to go in front; I got bumped after 100 metres, so I can’t move too quickly because my horse was not comfortable, so I preferred to wait, switch off, and go outside. Then I got him relaxed and galloping on the bridle. In the straight we accelerated and after that he fought well. I was afraid of the second because I knew she was very fast, so that was why I was prepared to go early as I knew my horse would just keep galloping and he just did enough. “After this there is Qatar of course, but if you have the opportunity to come here, to the Kahayla Classic - if we are invited? So we’ll see, but for now, we will just enjoy the celebration.”
Olivier Peslier gives his goggles to Hamdan bin Mansoor Al Nahyan after the race THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Trainer Alban de Mieulle, IFAHR Chairman Sami Al Boenain and Olivier Peslier
Sheikh Mansoor Festival Executive Director Lara Sawaya said. “It’s been a hugely successful year for Arabian racing and I am delighted in the progress we have made in helping to promote Sheikh Mansoor’s vision. “We have welcomed over 600 representatives and organisations from the world of Arabian racing and have achieved great recognition for the sport and Abu Dhabi as the capital of Arabian racing” The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of
Youth and Sports Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Yas Channel, Omeir Travels and Racing Post.
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
One World, 6 Continents
Belgium Ghlin 11 May 10 June 22 September
Switzerland Avenches 19 September
Denmark 15 August, Copenhagen France 13 February, Pau 03 June, La Teste 02 July, Dax 22 Sept. Bordeaux
The Netherlands Duindight 19 April 24 May 26 July 13 September 25 October
Norway 01 August Poland Służewiec 26 July 20 September
Sustained By
Sweden Jägersro 12 May 08 October
UK Hereford 07 June (6 races) 04 July (6 races) 05 September (6 races) 22 September Ling�ield Park USA Colorado-Arapahoe Park 24 May 05 July 09 August California 15 Aug. Humbolt Fair 26 Sep. Stockton 03 Oct. Fresno Texas 17 Oct. Lone Star Park , Dallas 07 Nov. Retama Park San Antonio
Nov 08, Finals, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Coordinated By
in Cooperation with
Sponsored By
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Of�icial Partner
Of�icial Carrier
33
JAQUES CHALOM DES CORDES First UK Exhibition
'Arab mare and foal'
Jacques Chalom des Cordes is a truly interesting man, a French artist and scholar, an equestrian par excellence and a lover of the countryside. In 1968 he founded the French Association of Purebred Arabian Horses, which he breeds at his property near Arles. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday and has a considerable reputation in France, exhibiting regularly in Paris and as far
afield as Tokyo, though this is his first exhibition in Britain. His work is bold, colourful, accessible, and his love of horses shines through. An exhibition of paintings is also a new departure for Sladmore, which is the world’s leading gallery for animal bronzes and is currently celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.
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Jacques introduced the gallery founders Harry and Jane Horswell and later their son Edward, to the genius of Rembrant Bugatti, the great animal sculptor, when he mounted an exhibition of the sculptor’s work at his father Samy Chalom’s gallery in Paris in 1967. He has been a lifelong friend and mentor to the current director Edward Horswell, who plans to hold more exhibitions of his work. The exhibition of paintings and drawings runs from 2 December to 31 January 2016 at the Sladmore Gallery, 57 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6LX www.sladmore.com
Above: "Bay Horse in a Green Landscape' Below: 'Horse and Cow in a Field by a River'
Jacques Chalom des Cordes
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Shadwell Arab Stallions Europe: AL JAKBAR 2003 Al Sakbe - Essaada AL SAOUDI 2000 Nuits St Georges - Fatzica MADJANI 2000 Tidjani - Salama NO RISK AL MAURY 2002 Kesberoy - Nectarine Al Maury
USA: CHNDAKA 1990 Dormane - Malika Fontenay KAOLINO 1998 Dormane - Cary de Carrère NIVOUR DE CARDONNE 1995 Manganate - Pistache du Cassou
Madjani.
Triple Kahayla Classic winner Now sire of Stakes winners HANDASSA (Gr.2 PA) and RB FRYNCH BROAD (Gr.2) and winners BON BAISER DE FAUST, RB MOOSE, NAAR, BADJANI DU CROATE…
Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. Contact: Marion Lachat Tel: +44 (0)1842 755913 Fax: +44 (0)1842 755189 arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk Haras de Saint-Faust Tel: +33 (0)5 59 83 05 16 contact@haras-saintfaust.com
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Facebook.com/ShadwellArabian www.shadwellarabian.co.uk
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Great Success For DIAR in Texas Pamela Burton
Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) is expanding its Arabian racing support around the world. On 13 November 2015 DIAR sponsored four Arabian Stakes races while enjoying Texas hospitality at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. This new series of races is being held in the US for the first time and Shadwell was the major sponsor on this occasion. DIAR and Shadwell share the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
13 November 2015 Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie, Texas, USA In these races, prize money was awarded to tenth place with 60% to the owner of the winner, 20% second, 10% third, 6% fourth, 4% 5th, 6-10 $750 each. EASTER MAN trained by Jerenesto Torrez and owned by Betty and Joe Gillis won the DIAR Texas Lone Star Futurity for colts and geldings three
yrs+ to take home 60% of the $20,000 prize money in the 6 Furlong (1200m) contest. Easter Man (Burning Sand x Angel Proof) with Ivan Arellano up settled well on the inside then made his bid at the top of the stretch giving Uptown Dannys Boy a run in that could not be stopped, with RB Madjyk Man in third.
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Above: Easter Man (US) and Ivan Arello Below: Jewll AA (US) and Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez
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Thess Is Awesome (US) and Travis Wales
The fifth race on the card featured the Dubai International Arabian Races Texas Open Arabian Stakes three Yrs + with prize money of $30,000 awarded to tenth place with 60% to the winner. THESS IS AWESOME (Dahess x In Awe by Monarch AH) proved himself awesome indeed on the 1 1/16 mile (1700m) dirt track. The Dahess son had Travis Wales up, fresh from his Abu Dhabi ride on So Big Is Better on 8 November. This was the first 2015 win for the five-year-old for delighted owner-breeders Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff of Cre-Run Farm. Sand Victor was second with RB Brilliant in third. Thess Is Awesome is trained by Lynn Ashby. JEWELL AA under took the lead home to win the www.shadwellarabian.co.uk 6 F Stakes (1200m), Texas Lone Star Futurity. Prize Money $20,000. New to Jewell AA jockey, Abel Romo Molina, urged the filly on in the stretch and she responded to lead home
second place Lady HaHa. This promising Burning Sand three yr- old is trained by Jerenesto Torrez and owned by Betty and Joe Gillis. This win makes 3 wins for 5 starts in 2015 and she has never been out of the money. Pams Masquerade was third. In the final DIAR race, the $30,000 Arabian Fillies and Mares, Shadwell Arabian Stallions Texas Distaff Stakes it was DC WILLEYS SONG in the winning circle for the one mile (1600m) race. Making it two wins for the evening for regular jockey Travis Wales, DC Willeys Song settled well off the pace and found her stride by the far turn. The mare’s steady run in the stretch proved too much for Dhaan, overtaken in the last strides. Dream Pearl was third. DC Willeys Song (Doran SBFAR x Wibwilcca) is trained by Ken Danyluk and owned by Jon & Krista Henningsgard. This win makes her 2015 record 4 wins in 8 starts.
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The event was attended by Shadwell Chairman and guest of honour, Mr Mirza Al Sayegh, Shadwell Thoroughbred Director, Richard Lancaster and Shadwell Farm Director Rick Nichols from Kentucky. In addition, members of the DIAR committee Mr Masoud Saleh, Mr Abdullah Al Ansari and Mr Mohammed Taha from Al Adiyat Magazine. The US was represented by Denise Gault, Arabian Racing Cup Chief Steward and Shadwell Arabian Stallions representative (USA), Kathy Smoke, Arabian Jockey Club President and Ed Wilson, Texas Arabian Breeders Association President. The Mayor of Grand Prairie, Ron Jensen and his wife Rebecca were also welcomed to Lone Star Park by the General Manager, Scott Wells, who entertained the group with his own cowboy poetry. Arabian owners and enthusiasts came from Delaware, Maryland, Oklahoma, California, New Mexico, Utah, and
farther points to enjoy great racing and dinner. The DIAR races, in association with Shadwell Stud (UK) and under the guidance of Dubai’s HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has a goal to put in place a program of Arabian racing across the world. This new initiative from the Dubai International Arabian Races aims to develop the sport in countries where it is its infancy as well as continuing to support events in areas such as the UK and France where it is better established. Texas was the last DIAR race of the 2015 series. The 2016 DIAR race programme is still under review but following the success of this initial visit, it is likely that the US will secure a place in the fixture list going forward. Photos: PK Majeed More event photos: www.facebook.com/DIARaces/ www.horsereporter.com/
DC Willeys Song (US) and Travis Wales
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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FAREWELL TO SANDRA EICHENHOFER
Sandra Eichenhofer's most significant winner Angriefer
It is with much sadness that we mark the passing of German Apprentice Jockey, Sandra Eichenhofer who tragically failed to recover from injuries sustained in a race riding fall in the ninth leg of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) in Brazil on October 26 2015. Aged just 23, she took out her license this year and had already amassed six wins from just 50 rides. Our thoughts are with her family and friends and to all who attended the race meeting at Sao Paolo last month.
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"SBCJBO ! "#$$ % & '! & $ - '#"!* .# &#( 'SFF XJUI ZPVS NBHB[JOF TVCTDSJQUJPO "EEJUJPOBM DPQJFT BWBJMBCMF BU 64 FBDI
% %('!(* #$$ 2 0:220 2 %( !,# $ ;/%(&,<#(# # = $ !8/%, THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Lisa Miller Fine Art
Original Arabian horse paintings and prints for sale at: www.thepaintedhorse.co.uk. Commissions available. Email: lisa@thepaintedhorse.co.uk or Tel: 01994 453545
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB 08-11-2015
Sheikh bint Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Group 1 PA 4+ 1m Good 1. KALINO (US) 6 ch h Kaolino (FR) Virlaxy (US)
HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Jockey World Championship 4+ PA 1m3f Good 1. AK ADOUR (FR) 6 ch h Akbar (FR) Petit Class (FR) T: Ahmed Al Mehairbi O: Faisal Al Rahmani
T: Alban de Mieulle O: Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani B: Trackside Farm J: Olivier Peslier
2. SAHABBA (FR) 5 b m Nizam (GB) Djesabelle (FR) 3. THAKIF (FR) 7 ch h Mahabb (AE) Sheena (FR) Dist: sh, 5.5
B: Xavier Cauhape J: Ben Thompson
2. HANOOF (FR) 5 ch m Quazar (FR) Shamyl (FR)
Another winner for
3. MERZAL (FR) 6 b h Bibi De Carrere (FR) - Mizzna (FR) Dist: 1.25, 3.25 HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Jockey World Championship 4+ PA 1m Good The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat
1. NAJM ALEMARAT (FR) 6 ch g Dormane (FR) - Fryga (US)
Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society,
T: Eric Lemartinel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports
O: HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates
B: HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism
J: Astrid Wullschleger
Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National
2. HAIZOOM (FR) 4 b f Bibi De Carrere (FR) - Habaib (FR)
Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al
3. MOLAHEN EL ALHAN (AE) 5 b g Al Nasr (FR) - Florine De Carrere (FR) Dist: 1.25, 1
Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves SuitesAbu Dhabi by Jannah, Yas Channel, Omeir Travels and Racing Post.
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TOULOUSE 28-10-2015
French Arabian Breeders Challenge Classic Group 2 PA 4+ 2200m Good to Soft
French Arabian Breeders Challenge Poulains Group 2 PA 3yo 1600m Good to Soft
1. FAHR (FR) 6 gr m Nizam (GB) - Fifth (FR)
1. ABA'ATH (QA) 3 gr c Amer (AE) Redjila (FR)
T: Suc. J.F. Bernard
T: Thomas Fourcy
O: Al Shaqab Racing
O: Al Shaqab Racing
B: Earl Berguerie
B: Al Shaqab Racing
J: Gregory Benoist
2. SIR BANI YAS 5 gr h Amer (AE) Nassem El Baher (FR) 3. LORAA (FR) 5 ch m Mawood (FR) Aleefa (FR) Dist: 1.75, nk
2. ZIYADD (FR) 3 b c Bibi De Carrere (FR) - Mizzna (FR) 3. LIGHTNING BOLT (FR) 3 ch c Munjiz (FR) - Oleya Du Loup (FR) Dist: hd, 1
French Arabian Breeders Challenge Pouliches - HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Cup Group 2 PA 3yo 1600m Good to Soft 1. MABROOKA (FR) 3 ch f Mahaab (FR) - Shamayl (FR) T: D. Guillemin
French Arabian Breeders Challenge Sprint Group 2 PA 4+ 1400m Good to Soft 1. GHAZWA (FR) 5 b f Zawam (IQ) GHarnooga (IQ) T: Damien de Watrigant O: Dr Mohammed Al Nujaifi
O: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed
B: Dr Mohammed Al Nujaifi
B: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed
J: Jean-Baptiste Hamel
J: Theirry Jarnet
2. WOROOD (FR) 3 ch f Akbar (FR) Starmania (FR) 3. SHAKRRA (FR) 3 b f JBibi De Carrere (FR) - Mizzna (FR) Dist: sthd, 4.5
J: Julien Auge
2. MEEYUR (GB) 4 gr f Mared Al Sahra (GB) - TM La Belle Proper (US) 3. NOMAAS (QA) 5 ch g Hatteen (AE) Raleuse De Faust (FR) Dist: 1, 2.5
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T H E
A R A B I A N
R A C E H O R S E April 2015
Issue No.
T H E
A R A B I A N
R A C E H O R S E
HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Hollywood 2015
Issue No.5
3rd July 2015
T H E
Issue No.6
25th July 2015
T H E
A R A B I A N
Issue No.8
September 2015
T H E
A R A B I A N
A R A B I A N
Issue No. 10
November 2015
T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE
RACEHORSE
RACEHORSE
RACEHORSE
DIAR Prep Races
Dubai International Arabian Races Preview Edition
Sultanate of Oman Raceday
Abu Dhabi 2015
Ton Up for Steve Harrison at Hereford
Jewel Crown
UK Season Preview Part II
The only FREE, regular digital publication with dedicated coverage of all the Arabian Racing Organisation meetings and single races in the UK, plus coverage of pattern races overseas - available worldwide through the digital publishing platform issuu.com Can be viewed online, or via a smart phone or tablet using the free to download ISSUU application - subscribe for free, by clicking on the 'follow publisher' link on the website, so you never miss a copy. All back issues are still available to view online, even after the latest edition has been published. Interested in advertising? The first nine editions were seen by over 50,000 viewers worldwide. For a media pack call: 00 44 7782 349047 or email equinecreativemedia@gmail.com
www.issuu.com/thearabianracehorse www.equinecreativemedia.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 11- online - January 2016
ARO SEASON REVIEW SPECIAL ARO Annual Awards Dinner - report and pictures ARO Championship Winners 2015 - A Season in Pictures 2015 Season Statistics Shadwell Super 7 - full table of results
Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Photographs from ARO 2015 Season, plus Doha, Poland, Deauville, Saint-Cloud, Longchamp and Abu Dhabi can be viewed and purchased at: www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com
THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
One World, 6 Continents
Nov. 8, 2015
Sustained By
Coordinated By
in Cooperation with
Of�icial Partner
Of�icial Carrier
Sponsored By
Please Note… -No nomination, entry fee or declaration fees to pay. -International transport charges will be met by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Festival Committee.
Owners ,Trainers and Jockeys expenses will also be met by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Festival Committee.
Further details : Lara Sawaya : larawathba@hotmail.com Pat Buckley : adrc@eim.ae Nominations forms : hilary.youdale@emiratesracing.com