Monday, Jul 25, 2016

Newbury: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, has urged the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) to respond proactively to help deliver better results for Purebred Arabian horseracing in the future.

Shaikh Hamdan, one of the world’s most prominent, pioneering and influential owner/ breeders of race horses, has together with other members of the Al Maktoum family made an increasingly significant contribution to British racing in general since the late 1970s.

Shaikh Hamdan is a passionate supporter of the Arabian racehorse and his foremost ambition has been to educate the race-going public about the breed and to encourage a wider range of participation from horse enthusiasts around the world.

“I think the authorities must work harder to promote Purebred Arabian racing, otherwise it will not be taken seriously,” Shaikh Hamdan said during the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR), that he has patronised and supported for 35 years.

“Many people are of the opinion that Arabian racing is just a hobby. It is not. Arabian racing cannot be compared to thoroughbred racing, but it has its own appeal which is why we are committed to promoting the breed in Britain, Europe and around the world. But the DIAR cannot do it alone.

“I think the Arabian racing authorities must tackle the issue themselves and not just rely on the support and sponsorship of individuals. They must create a long-term plan to take the sport forward.”

The DIAR is the biggest Arabian race meeting in Britain and Europe. It features five international races and three Group 1 events, which has impressed Shaikh Hamdan.

“This race meeting is the only one of its kind in the world,” said Shaikh Hamdan. “Where else will you find three Group 1 races on the same card?

“I think the DIAR Organising Committee have done a great job to develop this race meeting but the Arabian racing authorities need to work out a better programme of races and sponsorship schemes to support the sport at all levels of development.”

For the first time in the DIAR’s history, the Organising Committee headed by the dynamic Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s office, introduced a series of prep races which were held in Italy, France, Holland and Sweden. The series was a huge success and resulted in a record 26 international runners making their way to Newbury on Sunday.

The series also received a major boost when first timers Italy saddled a historic winner with Urge Di Gallura, winner of the Group 2 Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes.

“I think this a great result for Arabian racing and hopefully it will encourage greater participation from overseas runners,” said Shaikh Hamdan, who pointed out that there is no lack of interest from the general public.

“In 2005 when the King George was held at Newbury Racecourse as Ascot was being developed, about 11,000 racegoers came to the event,” said Shaikh Hamdan.

“A few days later Newbury hosted the Dubai International Arabian Races and there were 15,000 people in attendance. So you see people are attracted by the Purebred Arabian. So we can achieve the results if we work hard and in the right direction.”

By Leslie Wilson Jr Racing & Special Features Writer

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