The Arabian Racehorse Issue 25 by The Arabian Racehorse

Issue No.25

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

Athbah Stud Homebred Success

DEBORAH BURT HonSEA

Sculptures in Bronze - Commissions Welcome Award Winning Fine Art Sculptor "Supporting Arabian Racing Since 2012" www.deborahburt-sculpture.co.uk

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T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE Issue 25 - 2017 3

News ARO Chelmsford; Shadwell Super 7; HARC News; DIAR Europe

Wolverhampton Winners Report and pictures from the third UK Arabian Racing meeting of 2017

Hope Farm Handicap Chepstow

French Derby Report from Chantilly

UK DIAR Prep Series Report and pictures from Newbury

Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes Report and pictures from Newbury

DIAR Preview Part 1 - Athbah Stud Visit to the Stud's new Newmarket base

Results Wolverhampton, ARO single races and Chantilly

Produced by equine creative media Flat 1 Hamilton Stables, Hockham Road, Compton, Berkshire, RG20 6QJ

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 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

NEWS ARO LOOKS FORWARD TO CHELSMFORD CITY The Arabian Racing Organisation is delighted to welcome the Wathba Stallions series to Chelmsford City Racecourse on Saturday 15th July. This is the first of three full Arabian race meetings to be held at the Essex track this season, with a further two fixtures on 12th August and 16th September, which also come under the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival banner. The Wathba Stallions series offers welcome support to the sports grass roots with seven race card, including two maidens and a range of handicaps to cater for all grades. This has attracted 41 runners, including the

2016 Champion Arabian Racehorse and Mare - Callymay, and the 2015 Arqana Sales topper Mont'D'Or. He made his UK debut at Wolverhampton last month, when finishing third in the Arabian Racehorse Maiden Stakes, to Mith'haf Athbah. He faces a Group 2 winer in Rasaasy and Karlos Du Cayrou, who won on his UK debut in May and was placed last time out, also at Wolverhampton.

2015 Arqana Sale-Topper Mont'D'Or (FR) and David Turner - full brother to Kahayla Classic winner Manark- who runs at Chelmsford this Saturday THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL ARABIAN RACING

CHELMSFORD CITY SATURDAY JULY 15

SEVEN PUREBRED ARABIAN RACES Part of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival - returning to Chelmsford City on

Saturday August 12 & Saturday September 16

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Callymay (GB) and Simon Walker [left], winning the Bronze Final (Division 2) at Chelmsford last season, runs in the Wathba Stallions (0-60) Handicap Recent Doncaster winner Saleemah (FR), seen here after finishing third on her debut at Chelmsford last season, runs in the 0-80 Wathab Stallions Handicap

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Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation Racing Operations Executive said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a pleasure to host the Wathba Stallions Series again this season. ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya. Our full meetings have always been very well received at Chelmsford City by the local racegoers and the staff, and it promises to be an exciting afternoon of racing.â&#x20AC;? For further information on ARO entries, decalrations, results, photographs and video links of races throughout the 2017 UK Arabain racing season click onthe link below: www.aroracing.co.uk/racing-data-2/

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SHADWELL

SUPER The 2017 Shadwell Super 7 Horses to Follow Free To Enter Competition is now fully underway. Results are to Friday July 14. The team of seven horses, must include at least one three or four year old, no unraced horses (as of 21May) are permitted. The horses must be selected from the ARO list of registered runners which found via the ARO website. Points are scored in all ARO domestic races from May 21 to September 23, as follows: 10 points win 5 points second 3 points third Bonus points: 2 for a Group win and for a 1 Premier Handicap win. In addition any selected horse that wins a DIAR bonus at Dubai International Arabian Races on July 30 will earn an extra 10 points and at the Season Finale, Gold, Silver and Bronze Final winners will earn an extra 5 points. In the event of a dead heat in any contest the points will be split.

This season the winner will receive an exclusive Shadwell watch and the runner-up a luggage set comprising of a cabin bag and handbag. After Taunton, Wolverhampton and eight single races, including two Premier Handicaps with bonus points, the top ten on the leaderboard are as follows: James Owen Debbie Burt 1 Debbie Burt 2 Mark Buchan 1 Mark Buchan 2 Gary Capewell 1 Jeeny Owen Brian Wallace Enrico Querci Teresa Kinsey 2

61 59 56 55 55 51 50 45 44 41

The leading horse on points with 21, is Nicki Thorne's Difaa, a son of the Shadwell stallion, Jiyush.

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FIRST HOMEBRED SUCCESS IN HARC MAIDEN AT WOLVERHAMPTON The Arabian Racing Organisation’s (ARO) third full fixture of the UK Arabian season run at Wolverhampton on Saturday was a great success and included a first homebred winner for the Owen family in the Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) maiden. Ridden by multiple Champion ARO jockey, Simon Walker and trained by James for his parents, Herbie and Jenny, Insignia (out of Waterlilly) is their first homebred winner and a first winner for his sire Istfahan. James also trains their other HARC homebred, Istafamouze (Istfahan x Flittermouse), who has been placed over a mile this season.

Speaking afterwards Owen said: “It’s lovely to train a winner for my parents and Insignia is the first winner they’ve bred. He should win again and these HARC races are ideal for him. Depending on the handicapper, he could go to Chelmsford or Bath next month.” Jenny Owen talked of the breeding saying: "Istfahan, the sire of Insignia, had raced and we had him on free loan as a sire. He was by Aurelian, by Ben Rabba who has sired Tevis Cup winners, but we are the only ones to have foals by him."

Insignia (GB) and Simon Walker win the HARC maiden by four lengths THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Hamdaany Zaid Almaha (BH) and Ellie Mackenzie, who finished third in the Come Racing With ARO (0-35) Handicap

In second was Psynbad (Psynergy x Zahnisha Gold) who had been third to 2016 UK HARC Champion, LB Farrah in the first HARC race of the season at Taunton last month. In third was Winscott Red Eagle (Eaglescliff x Fantasia Spring), who has now been placed in four of his nine starts, including in the first UK HARC only race last year at Chelmsford. In other HARC news, also placed in the opening race, the Come Racing with ARO (0-35) Handicap, was another HARC approved horse in Hamdaany Zaid Almaha (Jellaby Al Garraf x Hamdanieh Damaghah), with the aforementioned Istafamouze in fourth.

win of the Owens’ homebred Insignia demonstrates we cater for all levels of competition. Insignia’s win exemplifies the aims of the Club in encouraging the small owner-breeders into the sport with their traditionally bred Arabian horses.” She concluded: “ARO welcomes the HARC initiative, currently we have 14 horses registered under the HARC banner and our next HARC race will be run at Huntingdon on 23rd September, as part of our Season Finale.” www.harchorses.com

ARO Racing Operations Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “Arabian racing keeps going from strength to strength in the UK this season and the THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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DIAR IN SWEDEN Bro Park racecourse in Sweden was the destination for the latest round of DIAR prep races on Tuesday evening, with the François Rohaut-trained Sha'hir landing the feature Group 3 PA DIAR Stockholm Arabian Cup. The athletic son of Amer was ridden close to the pace by Mickael Forest and readily asserted in the straight to run out an easy winner. “He was very impressive,” said Rohaut. “It is unlikely that he will head to Newbury, as I feel I have better horses at home for July. He will go to Deauville with the rest of the Newbury horses and we will see what happens. You never know, he might end up going, who knows? We will decide

closer to the time.” Rohaut also saddled Rawah to win the first race on the card, the DIAR Arabian Fillies and Mares Turf, who, like Sha’hir, carried the colours of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani. Rohaut was not the only trainer to saddle a double on Tuesday night, Pia Höiom also got in the act with Ishraaq, who struck in the UAE Embassy Trophy, and Bashair, winner of the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Sprint.

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The first three home in each of the four Arabian races qualify for the bonus scheme at Newbury on Sunday 30th July. If a qualified horse wins at Newbury, they will land a bonus on top of the stated prize money. Tom Pennington, Nominations and Marketing Manager at Shadwell, said: “This is the second year we have staged DIAR prep races in Sweden and I would like to say a big thank you to the connections of the runners for their continued support, especially when they have come from as far and wide as France and Holland. “These races play an important role in encouraging participation at Newbury and it’s good to hear several trainers say they will be making the trip in July.”

Francois Rohaut at DIAR Newbury

Rawah(GB) at Goodwood in 2016 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

DIAR IN FRANCE

trained by Julian Smart.

La Teste de Buch in France was the setting for three DIAR prep races on Tuesday 4th July. Run as part of the thoroughbred card, the first prep was the Shadwell -Prix Bengali D'Albret, for three-year-olds over 1400m.

The exciting four-year-old colt is a full brother to HH Emir's Sword winner Mared Al Sara and Dubai International Stakes winner Mu'azzaz, he had also won the HH Emir's Sword in February and this was his first run since arriving in France from Qatar. He finished over a length ahead of Mblesh, a recent Listed winner in Rome and Al Mouwaffak, who appears to be recapturing his form after a years' abscence from the racecourse.

The race was dominated by fillies and won in fine style by debutant Wadeeaa. Owned by Yas Horse Racing Management, the Thomas Demaulte trained filly was two and a half lengths ahead of Ajaayib (a Mahabb half sister to Muraaqib), who was clear of Monfarid, (a colt from the first crop of TM Fred Texas) in third. This was followed by the Shadwell Coupe de Sud-Ouest des Pur-Sang Arabes, a Group 3 over 1900m. This contest had attracted some classy individuals including the eventual winner Ebraz for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and

Smart commented:"I was concerned going in to the race, as he only had five weeks of training after his holidays from the Emir's Sword, so he can only improve now! "He did it very well and I was very happy with him. To be fair to the horse, he wan't blowing as much as I though he would after the race either!"

Julian Smart with Ebraz (GB) at Saint-Cloud last autumn THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

The feature race was the Group 2 Shadwell Criterium des Pouliches, also run over 1900m. This provided a great boost to the sponsors as it was won by their homebred filly, Jamaheer. Almost two lengths separated her from Karimah, who had won a Group 2 in Toulouse in October, whilst Diva Du Paon was a further length adrift in third. Reportedly a talented, but somewhat quirky filly, she had been placed on her debut in a Listed contest, though it had taken a further five starts to break her maiden. However the penny seems to have dropped and she followed up well in La Teste. A half sister to the Group 1 winner Handassa, she is trained like her dam, by Damien de Watrigant. She could well become the third of Ziva's offspring to be successful at DIAR, come July 30th.

Damien De Watrigant

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DIAR IN HOLLAND The final round of DIAR Prep races took place at Duindigt, Holland, on Sunday under clear skies. The card was headed by a pair of Listed PA races, the first of which – the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes over 2150 m – went the way of imposing grey My First General. The Alban de Mieulle-trained fouryear-old will head to Newbury in three weeks. A target at Newbury will be set for the colt in the next few days. Swedish raider Jaldi Karo beat Lightning Bolt in a pulsating finish to win the second Listed PA race on the card, the Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes.

Swedish trainer Maria HagmanEriksson said after the race that she expects to take the six-year-old to Newbury for DIAR day. A race is yet to be decided. Kim Augenbroe also made a worthwhile trip from Sweden, picking up the first race – the DIAR 2017 International Sprint Stakes – with Sheimah Qardabiyah. The seven-yearold mare will be one of two horses from Augenbroe’s yard coming to Newbury. Jamas DA., who ran out the easy winner of the No Risk Al Maury Stakes, is also set to make the trip to Newbury in three weeks’ time for Belgium-based owner-breeder-trainer Peter Deckers. Shadwell Stud director Richard Lancaster was in attendance at Duindigt and said: “Today’s races have been hugely competitive and full of quality. It is fantastic that owners and trainers have brought their horses from all over Europe, their support is greatly valued. It is also good news that the winner of each of the four races are coming to Newbury. We look forward to the day with great anticipation and excitement.” www.diaraces.com

Sheimah Qardabiyah (FR) in the parade ring before the Za'abeel International 2016 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

A R A B I A N R A C I N G O R G A N I S A T I O N

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) runs a programme of full Arabian racedays supported by single Arabian races on Thoroughbred fixtures from May to September. Racing with ARO allows owners and breeders to particpate at all levels, proving their bloodlines through competition. CONTACT ARO LTD FOR MORE DETAILS

'THE SOLE AUTHORITY FOR ARABIAN RACING IN THE UK' www.facebook.com/ARORacing twitter.com/ARO_Racing

+ 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 6 3 5 5 2 4 4 4 5 T H Ei nAfRoA@BaI rAoNr aRcAi Cn gE .Hc Oo R. uSkE

www.aroracing.co.uk

WOLVERHAMPTON The third full fixture of the UK Arabian season was a great success, with doubles for trainers James Owen and Phil Collington, and jockeys Simon Walker and Will Pettis

Mith'haf Athbah (GB) and Will Pettis finish six lengths clear in The Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden stakes

As well as the doubles, James Owen also had four seconds which puts him back ahead of Phil Collington in the Trainer Championship, though they both have eight winners apiece. There were also first wins for jockeys Ciaran Jones and Jessica Cooley and a first homebred winner for Owens’ parents in the Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) maiden. Owen scored with French import Dolfina D’Ibos in the Reg Smith, Kingdom of Bahrain (0-50) Handicap

under Cooley and later in the card with Insignia. Insignia also formed the second leg of Walker’s double, as he had won the restricted maiden with Lou Raynal (another Arqana purchase), owned and trained by Beverley Deutrom. Speaking on behalf of Deutrom, Brian Taylor said:"He ran well at Newbury last year over 6f, but we're pleased with the way he's done that today. I would imagine he will go to Dubai Day now."

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Two Arqana sale graduates break their maidens at Wolverhampton: above, Dolfina D'Ibos (FR) and Jessica Cooley, who also gained her first win under ARO rules. Below, Lou Raynal (FR) winning under Simon Walker on his reappearance.

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Of his winners Owen said: “Great to get a win with Dolfina D’Ibos, who I bought at the Arqana sale last September. We’ve changed her routine and she’s in the right grade now. It’s also good for Jess, she had a few placed rides for Gill Duffield, but this is her first win on an Arabian. She gets on well with her and is good value for her 5lb. Dolfina D’Ibos will go to Chepstow in a week’s time and Jess will keep the ride. “It’s lovely to train a winner for my parents and Insignia is the first winner they’ve bred. He should win again and these HARC races are ideal for him. Depending on the handicapper, he could go to Chelmsford or Bath next month. As for the four seconds, it’s frustrating, but the horses are running well and they all got beaten by better horses.” Though keen in the early stages,

Cooley had her mount well in touch and took the lead inside the final quarter mile and the mare kept on well to win by a length and a half from Zayin Zamurai. Cooley commented:" She travelled well, James said to sit in fourth and when we went into the lead she really enjoyed it, being out in front. "Hopefully I will get some more rides with ARO this season, it's worth it as it helds keep me fit. I've had 10 under rules with the thoroughbreds so far and I work for Alan Bailey in Newmarket,"

Collington’s wins came with Mith’haf Athbah in the Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden and Halib Des Forges in the 0-95 handicap, the feature race of the day, both ridden by stable jockey Pettis. Abdul Moniem Ahmed, Techinical

Simon Walker and Insignia(GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

A double for Team Owen: Insignia (GB) with owner-breeders, Herbie and Jenny Owen[above] and Dolfina D'Ibos (FR) [below]

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Will Pettis and Halib Des Forges (FR) with Phil Collington

Manager for Athbah Stud was present to witness Mith’haf Athbah’s win saying: “That was an impressive performance from Mith’haf Athbah, I was so delighted to see him come back so strongly on his return to Europe and to regain his confidence after his last two runs in Group 1 company.

he said: “It was a confidence booster for him too, as he’s been working well at home, he just needed to get his head in front and we hope to build on that now. Dubai International Arabian Races will be next for him, we just have to decide on which race - he got the mile and a half well, but does show a lot of speed.”

"He is an honest horse that would give his soul to win, which I admire and respect. Most significantly I was so pleased for his proud owner and breeder HRH Prince Abdul Aziz bin Ahmed, to see his plans come to fruition on the racetrack.”

There was also another win for Ellie Mackenzie, who is Racing Welfare’s Arabian Jockey Ambassador this season. She clinched victory in a photo finish on Gelliwen, trained by Jenny Lees for HH Sheikha Maryam bint Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Collington was also pleased with the way Mith’haf Athbah had won saying: “There are lots of options available now and he is a Group class horse without a Group penalty.”

MacKenzie was delighted saying: “She’s just a fantastic mare, so tough, she’s a joy to ride. It’s great to have another win, helping to publicise the work of Racing Welfare, I have been speaking to Rachel Cawley there about what we can do at our next ARO meeting to promote them further.”

Of Halib Des Forges, his winner for HH Sheikh Hamdan in the 0-95 Handicap

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Above: Will Pettis and Halib Des Forges (FR) winners of the feature race, The Arabian Racin Organisation (0-95) Handicap Stakes Below: Collington, Pettis, Mith'haf Athbah, Ria Tillet and Abdul Moniem Ahmed, winners of The Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden Stakes

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Ellie Mackenzie and Gelliwen (GB) just hold on from Zayin Indian Fuego (GB) and David Turner in the Experience Arabian Racing (0-60) Handicap Stakes over 1m2f

Lees was very pleased with Gelliwen saying:"She's grown up well, because the first time I brouht her racing, I thought it would be the last! She loves Ellie too. Spreading my team from last year around other stables has worked really well, as it was too much for me to do them all with the travelling I do now." Recording a hat-trick since his return to the UK was the Royal Cavalry of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tameh, ridden by David Turner. The Said Bin Bati Al Badi trained colt is clearly still ahead of the handicapper and he feels the colt is suited by the mile trip and All Weather surfaces and will step him up in class again next time. Ciaran Jones had his first win, courtesy

of surprise outsider Taer Al Hurr in the first race. Making all on the Yucel Mehmet owned and trained gelding, he eased his mount down at the finish to record a two and three quarter length victory. A delighted Mehmet said: "We're very pleased with him, he's worked well all week and a big thank you to Ciaran as he's been coming down to ride him, to help settle him down. He's been known as a bolter, but we've got him to the point now where we can get him to the gallops wihtout breaking into a sweat. "Michaela's changed the way we feed him, we've had him scoped and tried to turn him around, so we were quite confident today. Ciaran rode him to

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Tameh (OM) and David Turner complete their hat-trick of wins since the grey returned to the UK, this time in the Sponsor With ARO (0-80) Handicap Stakes

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Mehmet concluded: "It's Ciaran's first winner, he goes over to the Royal Cavalry to ride out for them as well as me, he's a nice lad, always turns up on time. He's just started with (thoroughbred trainer) Paul Cole, who I rent my yard from. He'll go all over to ride out, he's also been to Paul Blockley, Jo Hughes and David Evans too." ARO Racing Operations Executive Gemma Cobb commented: “Arabian racing keeps going from strength to strength in the UK this season. It was fantastic to see horses of the calibre of Mith’haf Athbah running here today, balanced with the win of the Owens’ homebred Insignia, which demonstrates we cater for all levels of competition. “ARO is also delighted for Ciaran Jones riding his first ever winner on

Taer Al Hurr and for Jessica Cooley. Though Jessica has had a couple of wins under rules, the opportunities for amateur riders is limited on the Flat and Arabian racing can provide valuable experience for young jockeys trying to progress their careers. The success of three former ARO Champion Lady jockeys in recent weeks underlines this, with Rachel King’s Listed win in Australia for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Page Fuller winning this seasons’ National Hunt Lady Amateur’s Championship and Joanna Mason’s win in the Queen Mother’s Cup at York on Saturday.” She continued: “We thank the team at Wolverhampton for all their hard work on a very hot day and to our sponsors, the Heritage Arabian Racing Club, Amanda Smith Photography and the Arabian Racehorse Magazine for their support.”

Ciaran Jones celebrates his first ever winner on Taer Al Hurr (IQ) in the Come Racing With ARO (0-35) Handicap Stakes THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Hope Farm (0-70) Handicap Stakes Chepstow

Conquer (GB) and Joanna Mason just hold on to beat Vindetta (GB) [rail] and Noble Athlete (FR) [out of picture]

Hot on the heels of Jenny and Herbie Owen’s first homebred success with Insignia at Wolverhampton, his half brother Conquer kept his head in front where it matters in the Hope Farm (0-70) Handicap at Chepstow yesterday. Both horses are trained by their son James, who is currently just heading the ARO Trainers Championship, which he won last season. Settled in behind the leaders by

Joanna Mason, the five-year-old gelding travelled smoothly up the far side rail to take it up inside the last quarter mile. Still showing signs of greenness, he idled once in front, however he just held on under pressure from a fast finishing Vindetta under Mike Palmer. Early leader, Noble Athlete, ran his usual solid race, staying on bravely to take third for James Bowen, with Owen’s other runner Dolfina D’Ibos in fourth.

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Joanna Mason and Conquer (GB) going to post and after winning

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Jenny Owen, Joanna Mason, Conquer and James Owen

Owen couldn’t be more pleased saying: “He was broken in late last season and he ran a few times, showing enough promise to think he would improve. I thought he would win at Wolverhampton first time out, but he was a bit fresh, too keen to the start, and didn’t finish off his race. Then he ran well at Taunton, beaten by a well handicapped horse and last time at Wolverhampton, I didn’t think he got the trip, he’s got plenty of speed, though I actually don’t think he likes the All Weather very much. He travelled well today, but he’s still a big green baby really.” He concluded: “Hopefully now we’ll go to Newbury for the 0-75 Handicap on Dubai Day, where a strong seven furlongs will suit him well.”

Jenny Owen was clearly delighted with Conquer's win saying:"We kept these homebreds for James to train. They were bred out of an older broodmare, Waterlily, but we lost her, and another Flittermouse, [dam of Istafmaouze] within two months of each other. We have some younger mares, including CV Tulee, the dam of Alcea Rosea, who is the on ly one to have a foal this year." Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation Racing Operations Executive said: “We’re delighted for the Owens’ with two homebred winners in less than two weeks, which is a great reward for their patience.”

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QATAR DERBY DES PUR-SANG ARABE Gr.1 Chantilly, France 18th June 2017 2000m Group 1 PA Good Following on from Alsaker's photo finish triumph in 2016, the Royal Cavalry of Oman scored by a narrow margin again, this time with the homebred colt, Nafees, trained by Charles Gourdain and ridden by Olivier Peslier.

However Azhar did not go down without a fight and it was only in the last few strides that Nafees got his head in front. The pair finished two lengths clear of Bandar and Dahham, in third and fourth respectively. This is the fourth win in a row for the four-year-old colt, who broke his maiden at Mont de Marsan in early October before following up in the Group 2 French Arabian Breeders Challenge at Toulouse. He made a winning reappearance in the Group 3 Prix Dormane, ahead of Bandar, Al Mounteze Monlau and Ahzar in April at La Teste de Buch.

Nafees (FR) and Olivier Peslier win at Chantilly

Alafreet and Faleh Bughenaim made most of the running, with Al Mounteze Monlau and Ahzar in behind. Peslier and Nafess travelled sweetly in mid-division, making their move round the outside as the field passed the 400m mark. In a matter of strides they were challenging Azhar and PierreCharles Boudot, with Bandar and Dahham asserting up the rail.

Nafees is the first foal of Vivamaria, by Azadi. Vivamaria, a daughter of Njewman, raced 10 times in France winning over 2200m and placed three times from 1900m to 2100m. She also finished fourth in the Prix Nefta and the Criterium des Pouliches, both Group 2 races. Trainer Charles Gourdain also has Nafees three-year-old half brother, Haramil, by Amer, in training.

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UK DIAR PREP SERIES 2017 Newbury

Mith'haf Athbah (GB) and Adam Beschizza win at Newbury DIAR At Newbury, 30th July International Stakes 1m2f

Athbah Stud’s homebred colt Mith’haf Athbah made it two wins in two weeks when coming home a clear winner in the Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury, 30th July International Stakes at Newbury. The five year old grey, ridden by Adam Beschizza and trained by Phil Collington came home two lengths ahead of his other runner, Aghsaan for HH Sheikh Hamdan. Awzaan, also in His Highness’s colours and trained by James Owen, was a further two and

half lengths away in third. Trainer Phil Collington had been hoping for a good run from his horses, Mith’haf Athbah had come out of his Wolverhampton run well, and he was keen to see Aghsaan back on Turf. Afterwards he said: “Obviously Mith’haf Athbah was the form horse in the race and with his next target being at the end of July, early August, this was an ideal opportunity for him to run. He did it well. I’m delighted with Aghsaan, she’s back to her best. She loves it here and on good to firm too, we just don’t want any rain for Dubai Day now.”

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Phil Collington, Adam Beschizza, Mith'haf Athbah, Ria Tillet and Abdul Moniem Ahmed

This is the last of five Preparatory Races, held in the run up to the highlight of the UK Arabian racing season, the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) at Newbury Racecourse, which this year will be on 30th July. Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation Racing Operations Executive said: “This promised to be a strong contest and it didn’t disappoint. It was a great performance from Mith’haf Athbah and we look forward to his next run, hopefully on DIAR.

Series Bonus Scheme, any of the first three home in this prep race that subsequently win one of the bonus races on DIAR, will receive additional prize money, which is a very welcome incentive.” She continued: “The final entry stage for Dubai International Arabian Races will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 19th July, this is for the handivaps and any supplematary entries for the international races. Declarations will be due on Wednesday 26th July, with jockey declarations on Thursday 27th July.”

'Thanks to the DIAR Preparatory Race THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST - PHOTOGRAPHER - SCULPTOR SUPPORTING ARABIAN RACING SINCE 2012 proud sponsor of THE DEBBIE BURT - EQUINE CREATIVE MEDIA PROGRESSIVE CONDITIONS STAKES NEWBURY 13 JULY 2017 WWW.EQUINECREATIVEMEDIA.COM THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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Alazeez (GB) and Dane O'Neill win at Newbury

Alazeez had the perfect preparation last night for the forthcoming Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) meeting when coming home a ready winner of the Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes run at Newbury. The four-yearold son of Madjani, ridden by Dane O’Neill, finished two and a half lengths clear of Lou Raynal, with Al Raha and Zayin Zodiac behind. Both Alazeez and Lou Raynal had been Group 2 PA placed at the Berkshire track, but Alazeez showed he possessed the greater class for trainer

James Owen and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Afterwards, Owen, who had earlier scored at Newmarket with Bivouac, in the Newmarket Town Plate, said:”It was nice to bring Alazeez here today, it fitted in to his programme quite well, being just over two weeks before the Za’abeel International Stakes. That would be his most likely target on Dubai Day, having won over six furlongs at Chelmsford. I just feel he would need cut in the ground here on Dubai Day to be seen at his best, as he appreciated it today.

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Best Turned Out Winner - Al Raha (FR) , above with trainer Stephane Leveque and below going to post with Saleem Golam

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British homebred Zayin Zodiac (GB) going to post with John Fahy Arqana Sales Graduate and Group 2 placed, Lou Raynal (FR) with Simon Walker

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Dane O'Neill cruises home on Alazeez (GB) The winning team - James Owen with Alazeez (GB), groom, Antonia Peck and Assistant, Mitchell Hunt

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“It’s great to get a turf win for him and a win here at Newbury, it hasn’t been my luckiest track, though I did have a winner here last year. He had a nice easy time there, they’re not bad horses that finished behind him, though it’s probably not best for him to lead, he was pricking his ears in front, but we just didn’t want it to be tactical and we wanted to learn a bit today. Dane has given us a few pointers that we can move forward with.” Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive commented: “That was a great performance from Alazeez, hopefully he can progress from this, to a win on Dubai International Arabian Races on July 30th. The race was framed to give opportunities for consistent young horses like Alazeez. Holding the race at the same track as DIAR, mirrors our

previous DIAR Prep Races which were held here with the same 17 day margin, in 2015 and 2016. “We are extremely grateful to Debbie Burt, as this is her sixth year of sponsorship with ARO. She has always made a point of sponsoring in a different grade and distance each season, in order to give as many of ARO’s participants the opportunity to win one of her bronzes. This consideration has been appreciated and is reflected in how well her races have been supported over the years.” Debbie Burt extended her thanks to all the connections of the runners in her race, with everyone receving free downloads of the pictures and a cash award for the groom of every horse. www.equinecreativemedia.com

Dane O'Neill and James Owen receiving their mementoes from Debbie Burt THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

ATHBAH STUD DIAR Preview Part 1 A visit to the new base for Athbah Stud near Newmarket, who have some exciting young horses entered in the forthcoming Dubai International Arabian Races

Mith'haf Athbah( GB) and Will Pettis go to post at Wolverhampton for the Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden

Athbah Stud is owned and founded by HRH Prince Adbulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The stud have had Arabian racehorses representing them in the UK since 2009. Having previously had horses with Bill Smith and Gill Duffield, their current UK trainer's are Philip Collington (who took over from Duffield at the end of 2015), based in Newmarket, and Peter Hammersley, in Warwickshire. In addition, they have horses in training in France with Philip Sogorb, in the UAE

with Erwan Charpy and in Qatar with Ibrahim Al Malki. Both Collington and Hammersley have been successful in the UK with horses running in the Athbah colours. Hammersley with Cheikh Roque and then Khattaf Athbah, with back to back wins in the DIAR juvenile preparatory race at Newbury. Whilst Collington got off the mark for the stud with Dossar Athbah in 2016 and this year produced another DIAR prep winner in Mithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;haf Athbah (who had he known previously whilst at Duffieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s).

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Above: Athbah Stud Technical Manager Abdul Moniem Ahmed with Debbie Burt

and Philip Collington receiving their trophies for The Arabian Racehorse Maiden Stakes won by Mith'haf Athbah (GB) Below: Peter Hammersley and John Fahy after Khattaf Athbah (GB) won the DIAR Juvenile prep at Newbury in 2016

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Above: Yearling fillies - Bayan Athbah (AF Albahar x Keen Game) with Holly Adams, Hannelore Gossage, Hashdajh Athbah (Jalnar AL Khalediah x Bzeu Bzeu Al Maury) with Ria Smulovic and Jamrah Athbah (Burning Sand x Djanet Monlau) with Connor Greaves. Below: Broodmares - Djanet Monlau (Dormane x Osaka Dermonjoi) dam of Wolverhampton winner Shomoos Athbah; Keen Game (Bengali D'Albret x Kenithra), dam of Mehdaaf Athbah, Kamal Athbah and Spirited Game

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Assaln Athbah (2016 c Majd Al Arab x Modjatt Athbah) with Hannelore Gossage

The stud's Technical Director, Abdul Moniem Ahmed explains:â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Prince has so many visions for the future of Athbah Stud. He would like to compete with the aim of one day being one of the leading Arabian racehorse owners in Europe. We are moving slowly towards our target, every year progressing with our breeding and I think we are going in the right direction.â&#x20AC;? Athbah Stud moved to Dullingham, just on the outskirts of Newmarket in 2015. Set in approximately 100 acres, they have 32 boxes, which are currently home to a select band of broomares and youngstock, capably looked after by Stud Groom Hannelore Gossage and her Assistant Ria Smulovic. Moniem continued:"I think Athbah has really just started to achieve good results with their homebred horses. We have two good trainers in the UK in Philip and Peter,

and a wonderful stud in Newmarket. "Every horseman knows that Newmarket is the home of horseracing and I think the Prince was very careful how he selected the property. Newmarket is a beautiful place and an excellent place to raise horses." Gossage has been in charge since the horses relocated in 2015, she explains:"I started off in Germany and came to the UK to work on Thoroughbred Studs, including Kirtlington Stud, where I was Yearling Manger and then I went to Shadwell.

"Again, that was with Thoroughbreds, but of course they have Arabians there too and I was promoted to Arabian Manager, for the barren mares and mares and foals. I briefly went back to Thoroughbreds, but then this position was advertised and so that's how I arrived here."

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Above: Manade (FR) (Dormane x Super Nana), dam of Dossar Athbah (by Amer) with her colt by Dahess. Below: Mares and foals in the large, well fenced paddocks.

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Above: Yearling fillies Below: Bodour Athbah (2015 f Munjiz x Bzeu Bzeu Al Maury) with Ria Smolovic

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Above: Rad'dah Athbah (2015 f Munjiz x Djanet Monlau) with Holly Adams Below: Jaazmah Athbah (2015 f Jalnar Al Khalediah x Keen Game)

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Though she had experience of AI procedures at Shadwell, getting up in the middle of the night to check the mares and a further three times during the day in that first year was challenging and now they all go to West Kington Stud in Wiltshire to be inseminated. Once they are safely scanned in foal, they stay for 42 days before returning home to Athbah Stud. With Mehdaaf Athbah finishing second in the Group 1 Qatar World Cup last year and Mith'haf Athbah beaten a neck in the Group 2 Qatar Derby over the winter, there has been lots to look forward to in the European season. Mehdaaf has already been second in a Group 2 on his reappearance and more recently, only a neck behind Muraaqib in the Group 1 President of the UAE Cup in May. Since his return to the UK Mith'haf Athbah is unbeaten, readily getting off the mark in the Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden Stakes on the Tapeta at Wolverhampton and following up in the DIAR prep for that meetings' feature event, the Dubai International Stakes, over

the same course and distance at Newbury. He beat Aghsaan and Awzaan that day, both have been Group 1 placed and along with Awzaan, is the joint highest rated UK trained entry. Of his Newbury DIAR prep win, Moniem said" He was born and raised in England and though he has been racing abroad, I feel that Mithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;haf Athbah is happy to be home. He is still green and developing in his racing and his confidence. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure he will continue to improve." Gossage is already a familar sight on the UK racecourses when Athbah have runners, she explains:"It's fantastic to see the horses racing and of course, having all the other offspring of Mehdaaf's dam, Keen Game here, means very exciting times ahead. "It's is great to see how the horses run on the track and consider what we might improve here with the breeding. We hope the young horses here may be even better than the ones to race so far. His Highness has a lot of input, and we can see how the horses are improving."

Mehdaaf Athbah (GB) and Pierre-Charles Bourdot (third from left) running on for second place in the 2016 Qatar Arabian World Cup THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Bahr Athbah (2015 c AF Albahar x Lily Rose). His dam Lily Rose (FR)(by Kairouan De Jos) ran twice in France in the Athbah colours, trained by Sandrine Tarrou.

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Akhzam Athbah (2015 c Munjiz x Sifflet Al Maury) His dam Sifflet Al Maury was laterly trained by Gill Duffield and was fourth in the Gr 1 Harwood International Stakes to Tabarak. Bred by Rene Koch, when trianed in France by Jean-Francois Bernard, she won her first three starts and was placed twice in the Gr3 Prix Nevadour before her sale to Athbah Stud. She was also third in the Gr1 Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Juments at Longchamp.

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Above: Yearling colts Below: Nayar Athbah (2016 c AF Albahar x Sifflet Al Maury) with Ria Smulovic

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Shomoos Athbah (GB) winning at Wolverhampton on her debut under Will Pettis

All the team at Athbah are really looking forward to Dubai International Arabian Races, both Mith'haf and Medhaaf have entries in the Group 1 Dubai International Stakes, whilst Shomoos Athbah looks the best of their three-year-old fillies in the Group 2 Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes. By Burning Sand, she is a first foal of the Dormane mare Djanet Monlau (herself Group 2 placed at Newbury) and made a good impression when winning on her debut at Wolverhampton. Sadly she broke Athbah Stud's winning sequence in the DIAR juvenile prep, but was far from disgraced in third, beaten less than a length by Anfaas and Bariq.

basis with the welfare and racing programmes of his horses, we often have two to three hour meetings. He is a horseman and he loves them, he wants to be part of every decision regarding them." Certainly with Group placed horses such as Mehdaaf Athbah and Mith'haf Athbah to represent them on the track this season, and a host of well bred youngsters coming through, his goal of being a major player in European Arabian racing cannot be too far away.

Moniem, who also goes to as many race meetings as possible, is full of praise for the Prince and his hands-on approach saying:"The Prince is involved on a daily THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Wolverhampton,UK (AW) Saturday 17 June GOING: Standard

1.00 pm Come Racing With ARO (0-35 )Handicap Stakes 1m6f 1. TAER AL HURR (IQ) 12 ch g (Sheridhan x Al Karta) T: Yucel Mehmet O: Yucel Mehmet J: Mr Ciaran Jones B: Dr Al Nujaifi 2. Blueberry Hipolyte 3. Hamdaany Zaid Almaha Dist: 2.75, 1.5 Time: 3.35.08 8 Ran

2.30pm ARO Annual Review Restricted Maiden 6f 1. LOU RAYNAL (FR) 5 b g (Kerbella x Doriane Du Clement) T: Ms Beverley Deutrom O: Ms Beverley Deutrom J: Mr Simon Walker B: EARL,Raynal,Garrelon,Sabatier 2. Crahck 3. Our Dream Dist: 4, 11 Time: 1.21.61 7 Ran

Another winner fed on

1.30pm The Arabian Racehorse Magazine Maiden Stakes 1m2f

3.00pm Reg Smith, Kingdom of Bahrain 0-50 Handicap Stakes 1m4f

1. MITH’HAF ATHBAH (GB) 5 gr c (Amer x Karouj) T: Phil Collington O: Athbah Stud J: Mr Will Pettis B: Athbah Stud 2. Al Faaris 3. Mont D’Or

1. DOLFINA D’IBOS (FR) 4 b m (Mahabb x Starbella D’Ibos) T: James Owen O: James Owen J: Miss Jessica Cooley B: M.Louis Rouzad,M.Stephane Sarre 2. Zayin Zamurai 3. Jamaahir

Dist: 6, 7.5 Time: 1.11.07 8 Ran

Dist: 1.5, 4.5 Time: 3.02.75 11 Ran

2.00pm Experience Arabian Racing (0-60) Handicap Stakes 1m2f 1. GELLIWEN (GB) 10 b m (Phariz x Gelma Du Voday) T: Jenny Lees O: HH Sheikha Maryam bint Maktoum Al Maktoum J: Miss Ellie Mackenzie B: Mrs Jenny Peyton 2. Zayin Indian Fuego 3. Johara Bint Shuwaiman Dist: sh hd, 5 Time: 2.15.80 9 Ran

Another winner fed on 3.30pm Arabian Racing Organisation (0-95) Handicap Stakes 1m4f 1. HALIB DES FORGES (FR) 5 ch g (Mahabb x Djosera Des Forges) T: Phil Collington O: HH Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum J: Mr Will Pettis B: Mlle Catherine de Robert Labarthe

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2. Baume De Breuil 3. Almareekh Dist: 1.75, 7 Time: 3.02.43 4 Ran 4.00pm Heritage Arabian Racing Club Maiden 1m2f 1. INSIGNIA (GB) 6 gr g (Istfahan x Waterlily) T: James Owen O: Mrs Jennifer Owen J: Mr Simon Walker B: Mr & Mrs H Owen 2. Psynbad 3. Winscott Red Eagle Dist: 4, 12 Time: 2.19.82 4 Ran

Another winner fed on 4.30pm Sponsor with ARO (0-80) Handicap Stakes 1m 1. TAMEH (OM) 6 gr h (Dahess x Rhoda Du Paon) T: Said Al Badi O: Royal Cavalry of Oman J: Mr David Turner B: Royal Cavalry of Oman 2. Munbaher 3. Karlos Du Cayrou

T: James Owen O: Mrs Jennifer Owen J: Miss Joanna Mason B: Mr & Mrs H Owen 2. Vindetta 3. Noble Athlete Dist: nk,1.25 Time: 1.46.61 9 Ran

Another winner fed on Newbury, UK

Thursday 29 June GOING: Good to Firm (good) 5.20 pm DIAR At Newbury, 30th July International Stakes 1m2f 1. MITHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;HAF ATHBAH (GB) 5 gr h (Amer x Karouj) T: Phil Collington O: Athbah Stud J: Mr Will Pettis B: Athbah Stud 2. Aghsaan 3. Awzaan Dist: 2,2.5 Time: 2.18.91

Dist: 5, 2.75 Time: 2.01.90 12 Ran

Chepstow, UK (Turf)

Monday 26 June GOING: Good to Firm

1.30pm Hope Farm (0-70) Handicap Stakes 1. CONQUER (GB) 5 ch g (Istfahan x Waterlily) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

10 Ran

Newbury, UK

Thursday 13 July GOING: Good 4.50 pm Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes 1m 1. ALAZEEZ (GB) 4 ch g (Madjani x Zormania) T: James Owen O: HH Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum J: B: Shadwell Estate Company 2. Lou Raynal (FR) 3. Al Raha Dist: 2.5,2.5 Time: 1.50.75 (hand time) 4 Ran

Another winner for Another winner fed on

Alazeez (GB) and Dane o'Neill draw clear of Lou Raynal (FR) in the Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Progressive Conditions Stakes

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 26

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN RACES PREVIEW Part 2

CHELMSFORD WINNERS

Looking ahead to the ARO flagship meeting at Newbury on July 30th

Report and pictures from the Wathba Stallions Meeting at Chelsmford City. Plus the Royal Cavalry (0-50) Handicap from Bath

Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media Photographs from ARO 2015, 2016 & 2017 Seasons, plus Chantilly, Doha, Deauville, Longchamp, Saint-Cloud, Abu Dhabi and Dubai VIEW and PURCHASE at: www.equinecreativemedia.smugmug.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

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