Issue No.2
1st May 2015
T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE
HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards UK Season Preview Part II
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T H E
A R A B I A N
RACEHORSE Issue 2 - 1st May 2015 3
News
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HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Full report from Hollywood, including an interview with Lifetime Achievement Award winner - Denise Gault
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Shadwell Super 7 Competition Free to enter competition for the UK racing season sponsored by Shadwell Stud
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UK Season Preview Part Two HH Sheikh Zayed Bun Sultan Al Nayhan Cup at Lingfield Bird's Eye View - Wolverhampton Preview New Trainer Profile - meet Stephane Leveque, ARO's newest registered trainer
Produced by equine creative media Stable Flat, Moreton Manor Stud, South Moreton, Oxon, OX11 9AH equinecreativemedia@gmail.com 00 44 7782 349 047
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NEWS DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN RACES SPONSORSHIP BOOST FOR UK ARABIAN RACING For nearly three decades His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been a successful and dedicated supporter of Arabian Horseracing both in the UK and internationally. This week, on behalf of their patron, Dubai International Arabian Races is delighted to announce that a sponsorship deal to support even more Arabian races in the UK has been reached with the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO). Dubai International Arabian Races have taken up sponsorship of 15 races across the UK including the Shadwell Arabian Derby (Group 1 PA) which will now be run as part of Shadwell Day at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse on Friday 25th September. In addition they will be sponsoring the ARO Season Finale at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday 20th September 2015. Funds have also been put forward to support both the ARO UK Breeders Scheme (for UK owners/ breeders) and the ARO UK Owned Horse Registration Subsidy Scheme.
Racehorses are properly supported and can now continue to work towards the further development of the sport. Sheikh Hamdan is always keen to broaden Arabian Racing’s appeal and to ensure it is a sport that people and horses can compete in at every level. It is for this reason that we set up the Dubai International Arabian Races and why we have centred our support at grass-roots level.” Genny Haynes, ARO’s Director responded: “On behalf of the Arabian Racing Organisation, I am delighted that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum has extended his sponsorship of UK Arabian Racing. ARO is incredibly grateful for this support as it will be invaluable in providing opportunities for both the grass roots competitors and Group 1 horses alike. The sponsorship scheme for UK breeders recognises the need to support this side of the industry and the lasting benefits of this scheme will be seen on the racecourse for many years.”
Sheikh Hamdan’s representative, Mirza Al Sayegh said: “His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a wonderful supporter of Arabian racing and takes his position as patron of the Arabian Racing Organisation seriously. As a result, he has made this very generous sponsorship contribution to ensure that the UK owners and breeders of Arabian THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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This sponsorship comes in addition to the continued support by DIAR already in place for 2015. This includes four preparation races in June and July to give trainers an opportunity to prepare their horses and encourage them to run them at the flagship event of the programme, the Dubai International Arabian Races on Sunday 26th July at Newbury Racecourse. As in previous years, this event will include free entry for race-goers and showcase three Grroup 1 (PA) races.
Newbury, Thursday 23rd July * FREE Arabian racing at Newbury Sunday 26th July Handicap Stakes
The full DIAR UK fixtures:
Huntingdon, Sunday 20th September * HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Gold Final Handicap Stakes * Dubai International Arabian Races Silver Final Handicap Stakes * Shadwell Arabian Stallions Bronze Final Handicap Stakes * Shadwell Maiden Stakes * www.diaraces.com Handicap Stakes * www.shadwellarabian.co.uk High Rated Handicap Stakes
Wolverhampton, Saturday 2nd May *Dubai International Arabian Races supporting UK Arabian Racing Maiden Stakes *Shadwell Arabian Stallions Handicap Stakes *Shadwell Graduation Stakes Taunton, Sunday 17th May *Shadwell Arabian Stallions Maiden Stakes *Dubai International Arabian Races Handicap Stakes *www.shadwellarabian.co.uk Handicap Stakes Newbury, Thursday 11th June *Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes
Newbury, Sunday 26th July * DUBAI INTERANATIONAL ARABIAN RACES: full day of Arabian racing including three Group 1 PA races Bath, Friday 31st July * DIAR Season Finale on Sunday 20th September Handicap Stakes
Newmarket, Friday 25th September * Shadwell Arabian Derby (Gr.1 PA) For full details of all the races sponsored as part of this programme visit the Dubai International Arabian Races website: www.diaraces.com or www.aroracing.co.uk.
Chepstow, Friday 12th June *Shadwell Arabian Stallions Premier Handicap Stakes Newbury, Thursday 25th June * DIAR at Newbury Racecourse 26th July International Stakes Newbury, Thursday 9th July * DIAR at Newbury Racecourse 26th July International Stakes THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
Shadwell Arab Stallions Europe: AL SAOUDI 2000 Nuits St Georges - Fatzica AL JAKBAR 2003 Al Sakbe - Essaada MADJANI 2000 Tidjani - Salama MONSIEUR AL MAURY 1998 Djelfor - Melusine Al Maury 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
Success around the world
BON BAISER DE FAUST 2nd Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes - Gr.1 PA (Chantilly) HANDASSA 3rd Doha Cup - Gr.1 PA (Deauville) Other winners: France MANDANY KANJANI ZEMBRA AINHOA MADJANIS Sweden and Denmark MAHANY DE PIBOUL UEA MADJANTHAT SNS NUJOOD USA RB FRYNCH BROAD RB MOOSE MADJANTHIS TU FOR THE MONEY RB FRYNCH ME Morocco WIFI DE FAUST MADJANI DE L’ATLAS Qatar WEST DE FAUST
Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. Contact: Marion Lachat Tel: +44 (0)1842 755913 Fax: +44 (0)1842 755189 arabians@shadwellstud.co.uk
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Facebook.com/ShadwellArabian
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BHA CHANGES TO SKULL CAPS & BODY PROTECTORS Jockeys participating in ARO races and those who also ride under Amateur rules in Thoroughbred races are reminded that the changes to the skull cap and safety vest standards, originally brought in, in September 2014 will be enforced from 1 May.
shall be an offence to bring a modified safety vest onto racecourse property. On and after this date, any rider who does not have a SAFETY VEST carrying the EN 13158: 2009 WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO WEIGH OUT.
In a statement issued by the British Horseracing Authority , they reminded jockeys that: “Racesafe have fulfilled all of their outstanding orders made up to the first week of April (a week after the BHA Rule came into place). There is no reason why Jockeys cannot comply with 1 May being the new date for the introduction of the new Standards under Rule. [It is] also worth remembering that riders can wear a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Vest as long as it meets the EN 13158: 2009 Standard – Level 3 have been available across a number of equestrian sports for a number of years now.” Category A riders received six months’ notice of the rule change.
A safety vest must not be modified in any way or attached to the horse or any equipment carried by the horse. Safety vests must be in a serviceable condition. It
In addition, for anyone who has not ridden under Rules in the UK since last summer, the revised SKULL CAP specification must be adhered to: (BS) EN 1384: 2012*, PAS 015: 2011 or CSN EN 1384: 2012*; and - The skull cap must not have a chin cup, cradle or draw lace. - The chin strap must pass under the jaw and be attached to the harness by a quick release buckle. - The skull cap must not have metal hooks. The skull cap must be of the correct size for the Rider and must be correctly fitted and fastened. The face harness must be correctly adjusted and the chin strap fastened at all times when the Rider is mounted on a horse. *BSEN 1384: 2012 and CSN EN 1384: 2012 will be removed as acceptable standards on and after 1 January 2017.
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ZAYIN STUD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT BRITISH BREEDERS
number of wins and placed runs, variety of trips, consitency and exceptional performances.
Paul Simmons confirmed last week that his Zayin Arabian Stud will continue to sponsor the Zayin British Bred Arabian Awards, which will be expanded in 2015 to include the following categories:
The winners in each category will recieve a cash prize and a trophy.
Best British Bred Mare or Filly Best British Bred Stallion or Colt Best British Bred Gelding
Horses owned by Zayin Stud will not be eligible. 2014 WINNERS British Bred Stallion: TOP TRIP ( 7 h Phariz x Tikis Trip)
Best British Bred Juvenile
British Bred Mare: WHISPER ( 11 m The Wiking x Sucha)
Best Vetran ( open to British and nonBritish bred Arabians aged 13 or over)
British Bred Juvenile: JALDI KARO (3 g Jehol De Cardonne x Merwah )
The winners will be decided by a panel of judges, and horses will be assessed on the
www.zayinarabianstud.co.uk
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H.H. SHEIKHA FATIMA BINT MUBARAK DARLEY AWARDS 2015 Once again, Arabian racing's top female achievers from around the globe and America's own seasons champions were honoured in a fabulous ceremony at the prestigous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Above left: Stefania Gandola with Catherine de Robert Labarthe on the red carpet Above right: Denise Gault receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lara Sawaya Left: The Dolby Theatre Stage
The 28th Annual Darley Awards were held for the second consecutive year in the Dolby Theatre, a Hollywood landmark synonymous with the Academy Awards or ‘Oscars’ ceremony. They are the pinnacle of the Arabian Racing Cup’s season and honour the high achievers of the American Arabian racing community. Established in 1983 by Dr Sam Harrison, the Arabian Racing Cup (ARC) is a not for profit corporation run by its Board of Stewards, committed to promoting the national and international breeding and racing of Arabian horses. THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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Since 2012 the ceremony has been able to reach an international audience when the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival began sponsoring the event. This led to the creation of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley Awards, recognising the achievements of women in Arabian racing. It was no great surprise to see Valiant Boy SBFAR (FR) (Darweesh x Thumb Print) named 2014 Darley Horse of the Year and also gaining the Older Horse or Gelding crown as well. It is a title he had previously won in 2012, when he was also awarded the Darley Four-Year-Old Colt or Gelding prize. Bred and originally raced in France by HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan he is unbeaten in seven starts over his last two seasons in America. Now trained by Liz Merryman, his owner, Guy Neivens also scooped the Best Owner category. In a 21 race career, Valiant Boy SBFAR’s wins include back to back victories in the Group 1 President of the UAE Emirates Cup Stakes over 1m½f, as well as five other Group victories.
In the four-year-old category, Rosebrook Farm’s RB Champagne Taste (USA) (Majd Al Arab x Djenzel) was top male, whilst Cre Run Enterprises’ Our Princess (USA) (Nivour de Cardonne x Monarch’s Princess) was top filly, having been unbeaten in her five starts last term. Quarter Moon Ranch’s Ms Dixie (USA) (Burning Sand x Dixie Darlene), who had made the headlines when winning two Group 3’s in less than 24 hours in August, was awarded the Older Mare trophy for the second year running. Kirsten Swann who had topped the domestic jockeys table, was delighted to win Best Jockey. “Arabians are so honest. I love them.” She said. She is a regular pilot for Lynn Ashby, the Best Trainer award winner, for whom this was a record seventh title win, but her first since 2002. Another repeat scorer was Dianne Waldron, winner of her third Best Breeder Award, saying Arabian breeding and racing was her passion.
By the end of last year, the seven year old gelding had amassed over $300,000 in prize money. His latest outing yielded a creditable late finishing second to Manark (FR) (Mahabb x Mendra) in the Kahayla Classic in Dubai at the end of March. Racing manager Sharon Clark accepted the award on Neivens behalf, remarking what an honour it was to be around the horse. Mark Ashby’s Lazur Hess (USA) (Dahess x Rzoe Lute) took the three-year-old colts and geldings award, whilst Love To Dance (USA) (Our Machine x Shall We Dance BW) took the fillies’ equivalent for Mark K. Powell.
Valiant Boy SBFAR in the pre-parade ring at Meydan before the Group 1 PA Kahayla Classic in March this year
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The ceremony moved on to celebrate the global achievements of women via the fourth HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Denise Gault, honouring her contribution to the development and promotion of the Arabian racing industry. She spoke to THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE afterwards: Congratulations on receiving your Lifetime Achievement Award - how did you first get started in Arabian racing? I was first introduced to the Arabian breed and to racing them in 1979, as the horse manager for a very large cattle ranch in Colorado. The owners had seen the movie, The Black Stallion, and decided they wanted all the cowboys to ride Arabians. That was a challenge in itself to get them to switch from their trusty Quarter Horses, but eventually all fell in love with the Arabian breed, including myself. Then the owners heard about Arabians racing in
parts of the Western US and decided to take one of the Arab fillies used for cattle work and put her in race training. She raced for 2 seasons, held her own and even had to run against one of the all time greats, Samtyr. I was hooked from then on, and went on to start my own race breeding program. You have bred Darley Champions and nominees, [aside from Race Street] what is your current involvement with Arabian bloodstock? Currently, I own a piece of Darley Champion Older Horse, Sudden Mischief, who I bred and who has just recently landed in Chile to stand at stud for two years. I also own a broodmare in partnership. She is a Virgule A Maury daughter, and the longest running mare in US history. She raced 92 times in over 8 years and retired sound at 11 years of age. We are breeding her to (of course) Shadwell studs, Madjani, Chndaka, and now back to Madjani.
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What triggered your decision to set up Race Street Management with your husband Randy? Back in the mid 1980's there was a lot of curiosity, which sparked excitement, about Arabian racing in California, yet there very few people who were experienced in Arabian racing. So it seemed like a good idea at the time to start "educating" (for lack of a better word) future fans about the ‘who, what, when, where, and how's’ of Arabian racing. Randy, being my financial guru, set up the company structure and named it Race Street, a take-off on his work in the financial world on Wall Street. Dr Sam Harrison, founder of the Arabian Racing Cup, and Monty Roberts, notable horseman and trainer, and well known horse whisperer, were my mentors, and it's been ongoing since 1987 with our tag line "your guide to the world of Arabian racing". One of your clients is HH Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Arabian Stallions, they do not have Arabian horses racing in America, so what was the attraction for them? During a conversation with Richard Lancaster back around 2000, he mentioned it would be great if the US breeders could use some new blood. Shadwell had a couple of sterling race stallions getting ready to retire, and breeding the French to American speed mares could be just the ticket to the future. That, along with the sizeable broodmare pool in the US, sparked me to grab on to that idea immediately. Soon thereafter we put together a plan and Chndaka and Falina Des Fabries were the first two to be
imported. Two years later, Nivour De Cardonne was imported, followed by Kaolino. In 2009 we added Madjani, No Risk Al Maury and Al Saoudi via their frozen semen, to round out a fantastic stallion roster.
No Risk Al Maury(FR)
You have also served on many of the boards and committees involved with Arabian racing, what are the biggest challenges facing Arabian racing in the US today and what do you think can be done to meet those challenges? Too few horses, too few breeders, too few owners, and too few young people...I believe every country has the same challenges. There is opportunity to race at tracks around the country, just not the horses to fill the venues. We need the next generation to step in and move the industry forward, but there is lots of competition for young people's time, attention, and money. Somehow we must take fresh look at how we market our sport. In today's world it's got to be exciting, fun, sexy, and even heartwarming (think mares with foals at side). Another thing, the thoroughbred breed has been extremely successful with syndications and partnerships, and the
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Arabian breed needs more of these arrangements and opportunities for people to get involved on a manageable scale. You visit Dubai International Arabian Races when you can, what do you enjoy about Arabian racing outside of the US? And what, if anything, could American Arabian racing learn from other countries, or vice a versa? I have to say Dubai Day in Newbury is my favourite of all international racing events. With its’ history steeped in racing, the spectacular English countryside, and London's urban grandeur, what's not to love?! Certainly, travelling to all beautiful, exciting parts of the world for the sport I love is absolutely fantastic. We've always been recognized as THE international breed, and now in the past 5 years we've become a close knit, likeminded community, thanks to HH Sheikh Masoor's Global Festival and specifically the World Conferences. When we get together we share our frustrations as well as our successes, and in doing so have become comfortable with each other, both on a personal level as well as on the professional and organization stage. You have also sat on the Darley Awards committee, can you tell me about the Awards history and what a difference the involvement of Lara Sawaya and HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has made? The Darley Awards are the most iconic benchmark for US Arabian racing, and next year will be our 29th anniversary. No
matter at what level you race or how long you've been breeding or racing, there is no one in the US who has not dreamt of winning the "Golden Horse". Now, with the addition of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Darley Award, the attention has been magnified. When Lara approached us 4 years ago to team up with HH Sheikh Mansoor's Global Festival, it was a dream come true for the Arabian Racing Cup. Like all organizations, the ARC, the oldest US national Arabian racing organization, had survived a few tough years during the economic debacle of 2008, and we Stewards were looking at ways to reenergize the Cup program. With Lara and HH Sheikh Mansoor's vision and HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak's pledge of support for international women in Arabian racing, the world has now joined in this celebration. It has been a great and rewarding partnership. And finally, what does winning this award mean to you? I've been blessed with winning both the "Golden Horse" (the US Darley trophy) and now, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Award. The honour of receiving HH Sheikha Fatima's Darley Award for Lifetime Achievement is twofold: Firstly, to have my peers choose me as the US nominee for this award was an honour in of itself, and quite frankly, I was overwhelmed. Secondly, at the Awards ceremony to hear my name called as THE Darley winner truly took my breath away. Hearing the applause and a few familiar hoots and hollers from the crowd was deeply moving. I surprised myself at how much emotion I felt, and it felt great!
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Above: Loraa (FR) [far left] winning the Group 1 PA Qatar Total Arabian Trophy at Longchamp in October Below: Djainka Des Forges (FR) and Harry Bentley win the Group 1 PA Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes on Dubai Day at Newbury
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Best Breeder was awarded to Catherine de Robert Labarthe, breeder of the top-rated older horse on international classifications, Djainka Des Forges (FR) (Kerbella x Djamour Des Forges). Djainka Des Forges was also awarded the Best Older Mare title, she scored two impressive Group 1 victories last season in the Hatta International Stakes at Newbury and the Arabian World Cup at Longchamp. Best Four-Year-Old went to Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed’s Loraa (FR) (Mawood x Aleefa) trained by Jean-Francois Bernard. A winner of the fillies’ Group 1Qatar Arabian Trophy at Saint-Cloud at three, she won three of her four starts last year, when exclusively campaigned at Group level. The last of these was the Group 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy at Longchamp won in a tight finish ahead of Taraf (QA) (Burning Sand x Gethaabah) and Aden (GB) (Burning Sand x Mayada). The Best Three-Year-Old category was awarded to Sedrati Mohammed’s Youjiza (MOR) (Munjiz x Yousra), who had been kept busy with seven wins from 13 starts in her juvenile year. Turkey’s Deniz Kurtel was named Best Owner, with an impressive 63 winner and 51 seconds from the 2014 season; whilst Best Trainer was again won by the Netherlands’ Karin van den Bos, who had a 30 per cent strike rate. Following Rachel King’s victory in 2014, for the second successive year, the UK produced the winner of the Best Jockey category with Stefania Gandola. Stefania had had a remarkable domestic season, finishing second in the overall Jockeys Championship, and winning both the Ladies and Novice Championships. Describing it she said, “2014 was nothing
like I had ever expected. I went from one week riding my first double, to the next riding my first treble. She continued. “Overall it was a massive achievement. This year I hope to ride better, have a chance in some of the bigger races and to give it my all. We have a great team at home [with trainer Peter Hammersley] and lots of support from my family and friends, so I am in a great position to give it my best shot for 2015.” “When I first found out I had made the top five nominees, I felt a great sense of achievement, though actually travelling out to Hollywood was quite nerve wracking. I didn’t know anyone and leaving my daughter Evie, to go out of the country for the first time, was quite a big step for me personally. “It was a great experience though. I got talking to a few of the other girls and some of the trainers and breeders, with whom I’m still in touch now. “The whole night was very surreal, turning up to the Dolby Theatre and thinking ‘this is actually where the Oscars are held, and I could be sitting in the very seat of an Oscar winner!’ It’s a lot to take in, in a short space of time. There were people everywhere, taking photos, interviewing and filming. You get a real taste of the ‘celebrity’ lifestyle. “When the time came for the ‘Best Jockey’ award, in my mind, I really did not expect to win, so to hear my name called out was a massive shock, but I was so proud to be representing the UK. Going back stage through the Hall of Fame and looking at all the photos of celebrities who have won Oscars was awe inspiring, thinking to myself “these sort of things don’t happen to people like me.”
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Gandola has learned that she will be the UK representative in the HH Sheikha Fatima Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race on 9 May. Speaking about her selection she said, “I think the Sheikha Fatima Ladies race series is a great opportunity for women to experience racing around the world and is a massive boost for women in racing. I’m really looking forward to representing the UK at Lingfield, it will be a big day for me.” Australian Nadine Frampton won the Best Photographer Award, with America’s Denise Hearst, publisher of Arabian Horse World magazine collecting Best Journalist. Fanny Hubard-Salmon, with over 20 years of experience reporting worldwide, won the Best TV Presenter category. The field of Endurance riding was also honoured, 22 year-old Marijke Visser from the Nertherlands gained the Best Rider Award, whilst there was a Best
Spirit Award for the UAE Endurance team and two more special awards for HE Lulwa Awadhi and Dr. Wadoda Badran for their support of women in sport. Closing the evenings proceedings Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nayhan Global Arabian Horse Racing Flat Festival, Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairman of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFHAR), again thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahayn, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for their far sighted vision and directives.
Stefania Gandola and LB Armani at Hereford THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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She also marked the sad demise of Susanna Santesson, who had tragically passed away en route to the Awards by making the following announcement. “Under the directives of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, two races will be staged in the name of Susanna as a mark of respect to her great contribution to equine sport. The first will be held in Warsaw during the upcoming World Arabian Horse Racing Conference in May and the other will be staged in Abu Dhabi on 8 November.” The following evening the 2015 HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Annual Darley Awards Gala Dinner took place at the Beverley Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. In her opening address, Lara Sawaya thanked the previous nights’ award winners and guests for their love of the Arabian horse and credited HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, for her initiative and support of the international awards, encouraging women who work in the field of Arabian horse racing. Also attending was the UAE Consular General to the USA, Abdullah Al Subosi, he spoke of the excellent partnership between the UAE and US in trade and commerce for both countries. The highlight of the evening was the Arabian Racing Cup Stallion Auction, offering nominations to the following stallions: Dahess, General, Grilla, Majd Al Arab, Mahabb, Madjani, Munjiz, Nivour De Cardonne, TH Richie and TM Fed Texas. The auction raised a total of USD $71,800 in support of the ARC’s racing and breeding incentive projects, the sale topper was a bid of $40,000 to secure the Munjiz nomination by Lara Sawaya.
“excited to continue the Arabian Racing Cup tradition and we are once again honoured by our main sponsor, the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival for their participation in this most prestigious event.” The full list of UK nominees were as follows: Best Female Owner LINDA CROSS Best Female Trainer BEVERLEY DEUTROM Best Female Jockey STEFANIA GANDOLA Best Female Breeder JENNY PEYTON Best Mare SPIRITED GAME Best 4 year old Filly JUMERIA PALM Best 3 year old Filly SALAAMA Best TV Presenter LAURA KING (Dubai Racing Channel) Best Journalist PENNY SILVESTER (ITV) Best Photographer DEBORAH BURT Life Time Acheviement CAROL LEGG Best Endurance Rider NICKI THORNE
Darley Award photographs by Pamela Burton and Morhaf Alassaf Valiant Boy SBFAR by Sally Duckett
AJC Chief Steward, Denise Gault, commented that all of the stewards were 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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SHADWELL
SUPER THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE is delighted to announce the free to enter ‘Super 7’ competition, generously sponsored by Shadwell Arab Stallions.
In the case of a deadheat points will be awarded as follows: win - 8 points, second – 4 points, third – 2 points. Up to two entries per person are to be emailed to: equinecreativemedia@gmail.com No entries will be accepted after midnight 1 May 2015.
Entrants are invited to select a team of seven horses to race in UK ARO races from 2 May to 25 September with the following criteria: * no unraced horses * at least one four year old * up to two overseas trained horses maybe selected
Shadwell Arab Stallions will present the winner with either a Gentleman’s watch and cufflinks or a Ladies watch and a bracelet at the ARO Dinner Dance in 2016.
Points will be scored as follows: 10 points for a win 5 points for second 3 points for third Bonus + 2 points for a Listed or Group win THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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UK SEASON PREVIEW PART TWO
AL Hibaab (FR) and Paul Hannagan at Longchamp
The HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Cup is a global series of races which began in January in Australia and will end in November in Abu Dhabi. Run as part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, this year the UK race takes over the sponsorship of the Hawthorn Hill International Stakes - with an increase in prize money to ÂŁ70,000, as befits its Group 1 status. This also marks a welcome return to Lingfield for the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) who last raced there in 2010.
It will be the eagerly awaited first Group 1 of the UK season and has attracted a strong field of 17 at the first entry stage. This includes five previous Dubai Day winners and six horses rated over 100, headed by Al Hibaab (FR) (Al Sakbe x Ietlato De Carrere), the 2014 Group 1 Dubai International Stakes winner. Gill Duffield’s charge has not been the easiest to train, but is capable of a good performance first time out, having won the Listed President of the UAE Cup over this trip at the Curragh in 2013. He showed he can handle the Polytrack, following up his Dubai Day
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win with a victory in the Group 2 International IFHAR Trophy in Istanbul in September. Closest to him on ratings are the overseastrained mares Samima (FR) (Dahess x Oleya Du Loop) and Ghazwa (FR) (Zawam x Gharhooga). Trained by Karen van den Bos in the Netherlands, Samima’s best UK efforts have been on Dubai Day. Firstly, when a neck second to the subsequent 2015 Kahayla Classic winner Manark, in the Group 2 juvenile and then when finishing second in the Group 1 Hatta last year. That was her first start in the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s colours, when she was six lengths adrift of Djainka Des Forges. This form was upheld at Longchamp when she was a similar distance behind Djainka Des Forges when fifth in the Arabian World Cup, though she had previously beaten her in the Group 1 Qatar Total Arabian Trophy as a four-year-old. Must be a leading contender, however surprisingly, her trainer has only scored twice in her last 25 UK forays.
Ghazwa (FR) at Longchamp
Though foaled and trained in France, Ghazwa (FR) (Zawam x Gharhooga) is a product of Dr Al Nujaifi’s Iraqi bloodlines. Both her wins have come over 7f, including
the Group 3 French Arabian Breeders Challenge at Toulouse beating UK Derby winner Nahee (FR) (Bibi De Carrere x Djezika) and dual Zabeel Sprint winner Al Mouhannad (FR) (Nizam x Al Ryme). Trainer Damien de Watrigant also has an impressive 32% strike rate from his last 25 runners in the UK. Jean-Francois Bernard’s three maidens, Al Nashmi (FR) (Majd Al Arab x Noreen), Kardoos (FR) (Saklawi Jadrane x Mahaba) and Silex Al Maury (FR) (Akbar x Sensitive Al Maury), are all for different owners. He has a similar percentage to de Watrigant with his UK runners, so his choice must be respected. Kardoos’s best performance was when four lengths third in the Group 3 Breeders Challenge at Toulouse to the unbeaten Mister Ginoux (FR) (Amer x Nacree Al Maury), with Al Nashmi, less than a length behind in fourth at this trip in October. Silex Al Maury was bought from his breeder Rene Koch in the autumn by Valetin Bukhtoyarov, following a fourth to top French juvenile Al Mouwaffak (FR) (Azadi x Morgane De Piboul). Campaigned over slightly further, this will be his first start at a mile, though unlike his stablemates, he has the benefit of two runs this spring to set him straight. Recent Russian import Vlastelin Kolec (RU) (Newmarket x Velvichia) is a leggy individual whose tally of 7 wins from 17 starts have all been on dirt or polytrack. Two of those were at a mile, including a Group 1. Last raced at the end of August, it will be interesting to see how that form translates over here for new connections. Georgina Ward’s Toutatix (FR) (Ambiorix x Belle Abbesse) and the Adam Newey pair, Shadiya (Khoutoubia x Sing Me A Song)
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Syrah Gris (GB) at Doncaster
and Syra Gris (Khoutoubia x Akara De Syrah) are all previous Dubai Day Premier Handicap winners. Shadiya hasn’t won since that victory in 2012, whilst Syras Gris looks vulnerable giving weight away. Toutatix is lightly raced for his age, so possible there is still more improvement, however both trainers capable of getting their horses fit for a bold show, if some of the higher rated runners don’t turn up. Second in the trainers championship last year was Peter Hammersley and he fields Zayin Zachilles (Kaolino x CS Comete) and Delishess (USA) (Dahess x Polish Rye). A stiff task on ratings for Zayin Zachilles, but it will be interesting to see what Delishess has to offer this year, Forta Stud having swapped their UK runners between trainers this season. Delishess had won a fillies’ Grade 2 in her native US over 1m½ f on dirt, but failed to translate that success in four starts for Gill Duffield last year. Arguably her best performance was her last on the Tapeta at Wolves, so not without a chance if fit enough.
Likely to make the most of her age allowance is last year’s impressive Group 2 juvenile winner Salaama (Mahabb x Qosheeyya). Still very green when winning that event, she steps up to a mile here and providing she has trained on, could be difficult to peg back. Shares her sire with Kahayla Classic winner Manark, so chance she will appreciate the all weather surface too. Gill Duffield’s third entry Radames was well down the field in this series last year when it was a Listed event at Newbury over further. The concern would be that he seems at his best in small fields, so a watching brief advised if he turns up here. Beverly Deutrom’s Karar (AE) (Dahess x Laila)won the HH Sheikha Fatima Apprentice race at Newbury on the disqualification of the winner, but looks out of his depth in this. Stablemate Lahoob clearly has his own ideas about the game, but took the President of the UAE Cup at the Curragh on his first start last term and finished behind Delishess at level weights on his last at Wolves. Likely to find one of the opposite sex too good,
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though should be fit enough and warrants respect. Steve Blackwell’s consistent Spirited Game (Vert Olive x Keen Game) was the Al Awal Stud leading UK owned mare last season. Hard to tell if it was the Windsor victory or the Tapeta that saw her finish down the field in the Gold Final at Wolves, but big step up from handicaps to Group 1 company on her seasonal bow and others preferred. Potentially a cracking race in which the fairer sex could easily come out on top, Salaama makes obvious appeal, but comes from a stable who doesn’t rush their horses and this may be too soon to take on the older generation. Samima clearly has strong credentials on paper, though with the exception of that juvenile run behind Manark, all her Group efforts have been over further and she could get found out, dropped in trip. Ghazwa has been allowed to progress at her own pace, but with few miles on the clock, she looks the pick of the French raiders. Of the rest, naturally the top rated Al Hibaab must be feared and both he and Lahoob have scored in decent company on their seasonal bows at this distance. Whilst the wild card has to be Vlastelin Kolec, suited by the conditions, but it’s difficult to evaluate his Russian form. Declarations will close at 11am on Wednesday 6 May, see www.aroracing.co.uk for the full list of runners. This will be the only UK pattern race to be run on the All Weather this season and it takes place alongside the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Series race run as part of the Lingfield Derby Trials Day
card for Thoroughbreds. Due to a generous increase in sponsorship to £25,000, this race continues to be the highest value handicap run under British Horseracing Authority regulations for Arabian racing. It is also the only race confined to Ladies during the ARO calendar and is open to both professionals and amateurs from around the world, allowing them the valuable opportunity to learn from each other. The UK will be represented by Stefania Gandola, last years’ Champion Lady and Novice rider - fresh from her Darley award winning experience in Hollywood.
2013 Altesse Kossack (NL) and Marta Pisarek led in by Stefania Gandola
There is a chance she may get to ride a horse she knows well as the 15 entries include the 2013 winner Altesse Kossack (NL) (Marwan x Azedine A), Zayin Zachilles (GB) and Kermit The Frog (FR) (Kerbella x Go With The Flo) – all from the Peter Hammersley stable. The ten riders will be allocated their horses at a draw to take place in the Weighing Room at Newbury Racecourse on Wednesday 6th May. Trainers will be notified via the ARO website following the draw.
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BIRD'S EYE VIEW - WOLVERHAMPTON PREVIEW GARY CAPEWELL 1.00 Dubai International Arabian Races supporting UK ArabianRacing Maiden Stakes 3+ (PA) 1m A field of unraced horses, and with no form clues on offer it's perhaps best concentrating on the Gill Duffield quintet. The Champion trainer has won the opening maiden of the season 5 times in the last 7 years and has saddled the one-two on two occasions. In truth, a victory for any of the 5 wouldn't come as a surprise. It should also be noted that stable jockey Phil Collington will obviously have had the pick of the quintet. Even though he doesn't always get it right, the selection is Aghsaan (GB) with Elyassat (FR) a close second pick based solely on breeding, though the fact he wears a hood on his racecourse debut tempers enthusiasm slightly.
interesting to see how she progresses. Top Trip (GB) is a three time winner but all from mark's in the 40's and it will take a career best effort to win this particularly on his seasonal return. He has no great record fresh and has only beat one horse home in two runs here in the past. So the two to concentrate on may well be LB Farrah (GB) and Shuwaiman Al Kebir (GB) who are both maidens. They finished second and third here respectively (separated by half a length) over 6 furlongs on the final day of last season. Shuwaiman Al Kebir has a fair record on his seasonal debut but does seem suited best by a slightly shorter trip than todays so LB Farrah gets a narrow vote to get her head in front for the first time.
1.30 Shadwell Arabian Stallions Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-50) 1m1f It's highly likely that there is better to come from the maiden Callymay (GB) this season. She shaped on more than one occasion last year as though she was capable of winning races and with another winter on her back, it will be
LB Farrah (GB) and Teresa Gavin going to post at Windsor
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2.30 Forta Stud Restricted Maiden Stakes 3+ PA 7f Of the two that have raced Attila De Rouaisse (FR) sets the standard. He raced in the corresponding event last season and finished fifth. There may well be more to come from him this term and he could put his previous racecourse experience to good use. However with a rating of 65, it would be somewhat of a surprise if one of the newcomers didn't go close on their debut. The paddock will provide further clues but having won three of these restricted maidens in the past two seasons (one with a newcomer) Peter Hammersley's runners are both interesting. The one that appeals most on paper is Zayin Zodiac (GB) and he is a token selection. 3.00 AHS Trainer Award Winner 2014 'Jenny Peyton' Handicap Stakes 4+ PA 1m1f Kiraa (FR) hasn't won for a while but is now 9 pounds below her last winning mark. She likes it here and has won on her seasonal debut in the past so is not discounted. Al Mamoon (AE) hasn't been seen out since August, but has dropped to his joint lowest career mark and has a good record here. Senor Dublcheck (GB) is a genuine handicapper but might need a slight drop in grade before he can win again, he usually needs a run or two to get him spot on anyway. Vindetta (GB) was brought along very gradually last term and ended the season with a decent 5th against much more experienced
handicappers over this course and distance, she should prove more than capable of winning races of this mark. The selection though is Kermit The Frog (FR) who has been gelded over the winter. He defied a two year absence to win at Hereford last season over two miles before showing his versatility winning here over 6 furlongs three weeks later. The latter effort came quite quickly after that long absence and he didn't seem to perform as well. There should be better to come from him this campaign and can reward connections for there perseverance.
Kermit The Frog (FR) winning at Hereford last year under Stefania Gandola
3.30 Shadwell Arabian Graduation Stakes 3+ PA 1m El Salaam (GB) is an interesting and well bred debutant he should be capable of winning races. However he will be have to be well above average to beat Bon Baiser De Faust (FR) who is making his debut in the Uk having previously been trained in France where he showed some very useful form in Group company.
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He was rated in the top 20 three- year olds in the end of year ratings last year and it will be something of a surprise if he can't make a winning Uk debut. 4.30 AHS Premium Scheme Award Winner 'LB Armani' Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-80) 1m4f Noble Athlete (FR) is as tough and genuine as they come, he's now back down to his last winning mark and he has a fantastic record at this track winning on four occasions and hasn't finished out of the frame here in 9 runs. Parma T (NL) is making her UK debut having run with great credit in Europe
- an opening mark of 80 maybe a little harsh however. Zayin Zachilles (GB) is still open to progress this season and won on his seasonal bow. That said he remains a few pounds above his last winning mark and a career best will be needed. Sharaf (FR) was a little disappointing last season but a step up in trip here may help him. The same can also be said of Oriental Myth (FR). She doesn't exactly look thrown in off a mark of 80, but is open to any amount of improvement and the step up in trip looks sure to benefit her. She can shed the maiden tag at the fourth attempt.
Oriental Myth (FR) and Phil Collington THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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"supporting Arabian racing since 2012"
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Stephane Lévêque
Newmarket’s Arabian racehorse population is set to grow with the arrival of Stephane Lévêque who has recently taken out his ARO license. He will shortly be moving to larger premises on Newmarket’ s Hamilton Road with his wife, Thoroughbred trainer and practising vet, Ilka Gansera Lévêque. The new yard has thirty stables, including a smaller yard where Lévêque can house the Arabians. He explained. “If we were in France, we could have the horses [Thoroughbreds and Arabians] in a mixed yard, but because we are in England, we can’t. Having set up here with the Thoroughbreds, it would be too much to take on, moving back to France. So we are shortly going to move to a larger yard, where we can keep them separate.
It was on a recent visit to Abu Dhabi that he identified the need for more Arabian racing trainers in the UK. “This is a really exciting move for me," he said. "I am looking forward to combining my years of experience with both Arabians and Thoroughbreds for the best results.” Lévêque’s parents had a few Arabians and when he graduated from agricultural college he completed his jockey apprenticeship in France before coming to Newmarket to spend a year working with Gillian Hay. He soon progressed to Dubai to work for Erwan Charpy and later, he joined Godolphin’s Thoroughbred operation as a work rider and returned to Newmarket. He successfully completed the British Horseracing Authority Trainers Course in 2009.
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“Whilst I was at Goldophin we started our own business and began to expand. The new yard will be a significant investment and we will have to work hard to attract more owners. “The facilities in Newmarket are obviously very good, I think that it will be an advantage to have the Arabians on this side of town because there is more space, more variety in the tracks available and of course they are used to seeing Arabians because Mrs Duffield trains on this side too.” Storm Troupour (USA)
Racecourse Side where Lévêque is based, has three different Polytrack gallops, the Cambridge Road (1m3f), Rubbing House (9f), Hamilton Hill (5f) plus the Southfields Round (a 6f eco track oval), in addition to the wide variety of turf gallops. The Flat Gallop, which is the first gallop to open in March, is complemented by the Summer Gallop (2m) when the Flat becomes too firm in the summer. There is also the Watered Gallop (1m) and the Peat Moss Gallop (2m). Lévêque continued. “Arabians have to be fit, but you need to train them in a different way than you do a Thoroughbred - which are often over trained! We have a nice paddock which we will separate for turn out at the new yard, it is a big advantage to get them out for an hour or two every day. Arabians always like to think that they are in charge, we have to work on the happiness side more than anything else.” Due into quarantine this week, Leveque’s first charge will be the four-year-old colt Storm Troupour (USA) (Nivour De Cardonne x ES Ornetta) in training for his breeder Kathryn Smoke. Smoke is President of the Arabian Jockey Club (AJC) in the United States. This is not her first foray into UK ownership, having
previously been involved with the GGGB Partnership who raced Pacific Athbah (USA) in 2014. The format of US Arabian racing today does not accommodate turf or a test of stamina which Smoke feels Storm Troupour is ideally suited by on breeding. His dam is a three parts sister to HF Olympia (USA) the dam of Orgia Fata (USA) (by Chndaka) who won the Polish Triple Crown a few years ago. Smoke is understandably excited by this new adventure. “With all the great people I’ve met from England it just seemed the right thing to do - at the right time - with the right horse. We’re so pleased that Stephane and Ilka have made it possible to send an Arabian to them.” Lévêque concluded. “We would aim for a dozen in training, hopefully if we can do well with Storm Troupour, it will attract more horses, unfortunately it is a little bit late this year, as by the time he gets to the track, half of the season will have gone. However we hope by the end of the season the horse will do the talking for us.”
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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 3 - online - 16 May Wolverhampton Full report and pictures from ARO's first full fixture Go West! Taunton Preview
HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan Cup Lingfield hosts the first Group 1 of the season, plus the UK leg of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFHAR)
Dubai International Arabian Races Shadwell Stud's Marketing Manager, Rachael Gowland, discusses the plans for this years meeting, plus the new series of preparatory races and bonus scheme.
www.lgbloodstock.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE
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