Arabian horses go head-to-head
This summer, Dubai International Arabian Races, the Arabian Racing Organisation and Newbury Racecourse will stage the most prestigious Arabian racing event in the world
UNDER the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, patron of the Arabian Racing Organisation and the Arab Horse Society, the flagship event of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) series will be held at Newbury Racecourse on Sunday, 29 July.
There are eight races on the card for horses of all abilities.
The spectacular day of racing — which includes the best runners from all four corners of the globe - is headlined by three Group
One Purebred Arabian (PA) races, the first of which is the Jebel Ali Racecourse Za’abeel International Stakes. The six-furlong contest was won in 2017 by Lwsail, a multiple stakes performer in Europe. Barnamaj finished second in 2017 before travelling to the UAE later in the year, where he claimed a victory at the highest level at Meydan, Dubai’s premier racecourse.
In the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Hatta International Stakes, a Group One PA contest for fillies and mares, the remarkable Sylvine Al Maury made sensational back-to-back victories in 2016 and 2017. Retired to stud after an outstanding racing career, her title is now up for grabs by a new champion filly.
The feature race, the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Group One PA), was won last year by multiple stakes performer Lightning Bolt, who also landed the prestigious UK Arabian Derby in 2016. His victory last year followed a fine second place finish in a DIAR prep race in Holland earlier that month, meaning his connections collected a tidy bonus of £3,000. Those lucrative bonuses are up for grabs once again this year.
Throughout the day, racegoers will have a great opportunity to learn more about racing and the Middle Eastern culture. There will be entertainment for the whole family with a falconry display, henna artists, an art workshop, face painting, plus a pair of Equisizers for all budding jockeys of any age who wants to try their hand at impersonating Frankie Dettori.
To cap it all off, entry to the racecourse is free for everyone. There is great fun to be had, plus chances to win amazing prizes, including holidays to Dubai and a brand new car.
For further information please visit newburyracecourse.co.uk
‘Entry to the racecourse is free for everyone’