Racing International

DIARD - Dubai International Arabian Race Day

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:56:00 GMT

Three-year-old chestnut filly Salaamah FR struts her stuff in Newbury Racecourse's
Winner's Circle after winning the Emirates Equestrian Federation International
Stakes (Group 2) for owner Sheikh Monsoor Bin Zayed.   Photo Racing International

A record of over 16,000 enthusiastic racegoers attended the Dubai International Arabian Race Day at Newbury Racecourse July 18 in perfect weather.

Dubai Summer Festival organisers provided wonderful carnival-type play facilities for children of every age and extensive food and beverage selections for the happy, relaxed crowd.

It was an informal raceday with many forming picnic groups in front of the stands as they did at Dubai's old Nad Al Sheba racecourse.

Many are repeat guests who know the Arabian horses well and availed themselves of the Tote betting windows for a record turnover.

Missing this year was the sponsors' corporate marquee and the Arab skin painting specialists who served delicious Middle Eastern coffee to their 'free' clients.

The 'Colourful Camels' and 'Horses', designed by children at nine local schools was one of the most popular attractions of the day followed by the 'Best Dressed Ladies' and 'Best Child's Hat'.

Every attendee had a chance to win the Toyota and other prizes awarded after each of the eight Arabian races.

The races themselves were of the first order with a quality card equal to any at Ascot or Newmarket. The horses race under Rules. The only difference from predominant UK racing is that the horses are Arabians not thoroughbred.

The Darley and Godolphin Arabians were the orginal horses bred to create the modern thoroughbred.

Arabian horses start racing at three as they mature later than thoroughbreds. They tend to be smaller than thoroughbreds and are not quite as fast, but are probably smarter. They certainly have more character and are more independent than most thoroughbreds.

Despite first-class entires from all over Europe and the Middle East, British trainers won six of the eight races with French trainers winning both Group sprints (photo of Salaamah above).

The Emirates Airline Premier Handicap Stakes was won by Jamaahir (Makzan FR) by a neck to Dakaran (Kamah UY) in a killer jockey battle with popular Sarah Doyle prevailing over Rachel Kneller.

Welsh owner-trainer Delyth Thomas was thrilled saying "He's such a lovely horse and tries so hard. I can't quite believe he's won, but I think it would have broken my heart if he had been second yet again; it's a dream come true to win here and Sophie rode a superb race."

Jamaahir was bred by Shadwell Estate Company Ltd owned by DIARD's Patron Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Meydan International Stakes produced the first of trainer Julian Smart's two victories with jockey Alan Munro.

Smart regularly trains Arabians for Qatar's HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani and campaigns them worldwide.

Six-year-old grey Mu'azzaz (Amer) seemed to tire in the final stages of the 1m 2f race, but was galvanised by Munro to win by 2-1/4 lengths.

The Emirates NBD Hatta International Stakes (Group 1 PA) brought the first Group 1 success for Nokomys' breeder Jane Haddock.

Trainer William Smith was happy to share the spotlight with Ms Haddock for what was probably the most popular victory of the day.

Owner HRH Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Ahmed Al Saud was so confident he attended the race and accepted the trophy himself for his Athbah Stud Limited.

Nokomys (Amer) is very well known and loved in Britain. It seemed that almost everyone there wanted her to win.

The plucky mare had the 1m 2f race in hand and was overtaken by Al Anqa (Amer).

There were gasps and the strangest feeling came over the stands.   As if we were of one mind, the crowd willed her to fight back and willed her home to her success.

Plucky eight-year-old Nakomys with her proud British trainer William Smith, jockey
Sam Walker and breeder Jane Haddock.                     Photo Racing International

HRH Prince Abdu Aziz Bin Ahmed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia accepted victory for his
Nokomys with Gary Dugan, Sulaiman Al Mazroui and Saif Al Mansoor (left to right).

The Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Group 1 PA), second Group 1 of the day, was won by another smashing grey Jaafer (Amer) trained by Julian Smart and ridden by Alan Munro.

The handsome six-year old demonstrated his extraordinary turn of foot to stalk and devastate the second and third, Adjinn D'Aroco and Jalab Al Khalidiah, by three lengths in the 1m 2f race.

This is a horse with great style and charisma who impressed me at the Dubai World Cup day when he won the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Group 1).

Jaafer takes his winning lap round the Dubai World Cup paddock after winning the
Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic 2010.                        Photo Racing International

The Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes (Group 2) for three-year olds only over 7f was won by chestnut filly Salaamah (Njewman FR) who was trained by France's Damian De Watrigant for owner-breeder HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nayyan from Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The ten were an impressive group of juveniles with Salaamah's two victories and a place out of three starts setting the standard.  Jockey Jean-Baptiste Hamel gave her a flawless ride for a winning purse of £7,500.

(Her photo heads the article above.)

The Jebel Ali Racecourse Premier Handicap Stakes, 1m 5f, brought the first of two victories to British trainer Gillian Duffield and her owner-trainer HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Shadwell France SNC).

Jockey Sarah Doyle won her first race for Sheikh Hamdan on the youngest horse in the race, four-year-old chestnut gelding Takaamul (Djebbel FR) by a 1/2 length.

Duffield was "pleased he's lost his maiden tag after being consistently second."

The Al Hai Group Zaabeel International Stakes (Group 1 PA) was France' second sprint victory of the day.

Awesome Nashwan Al Khalidiah KSA (Tiwaiq KSA) led the race from the start and won easily by three lengths.

He is trained by Jean-Francois Bernard for Al Khalediah Farm and was ridden by Jean-Baptiste Hamel for £9,000 winning prize money.

Jean-Pierre de Gaste, President of the Association Francaise du cheval Arabe de Course, attended to cheer on the French contingent.

The Jumeirah Group Handicap Stakes, 1 mile, brought the Duffield-Sheikh Hamdan combination back to the Winner's Circle with the four-year-old bay stallion Menwaal (Chndaka) outracing the favourite - his stablemate Laqataat (Bengali D'Albret FR) by 1/2 length.

Ever-honest Duffield commented "He's a very nice colt and won that well especially on only his second start and should have further improvement in him. Laqataat is a very nice mare but threw her chance away in the final furlong by drifting across the track."

In the end, Arabians race the same way thoroughbreds do enhancing and messing their chances in the same ways. Laqataat should have won.

Many thanks to Paul Simmons for both pre-and-post analysis.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Age Of Aquarius Saved For Stud

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:50:00 GMT

Wonderful stayer Age Of Aquarius' injuries to his joint ligaments were serious enough for Ballydoyle to retire him.

After stall rest, the son of Galileo IRE will be put out to pasture for further recovery and then take up his stud career at Coolmore.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Illustrious Blue

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:46:00 GMT

What was a thrilling victory for locals when Arundal's handsome seven-year-old Illustrious Blue (Dansili) won the Artemis Goodwood Cup (Group 2), 2m, by 1-1/4 lengths, was spoiled for many.

Favourite Age Of Aquarius IRE (Galileo IRE) led the race at a ferocious pace across the demanding, undulating course until his leg gave way.

I promptly burst into tears (considering how raw my feelings were after the death of Godolphin's three-year-old Film Story on Tuesday).

Age Of Aquarius has ruptured his off-fore (right-front) ligaments and may not race again. Just so he survives.

Tactic (Sadler's Wells USA) also suffered unspecified injuries on the very dry and fast ground.

Trainer William Knight will aim Illustrious Blue at the Melbourne Cup.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Borderlescott

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:43:00 GMT

Several other winners are the popular Borderlescott (Compton Place) in the Audi King George Stakes (Group 2), 5f, in a brilliantly-timed ride by Kieren Fallon.

Borderlescott, the oldest winner of the Stakes, was injured in the race and will be out for the season.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Eastern Anthem

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:39:00 GMT

Stunning beauty Eastern Anthem IRE (Singspiel IRE out of English Oaks winner Kazzia GER) aced the Moet Hennessy Fillies' Stakes, 1m6f, by 2-3/4 lengths in fast time of 1.25s.

The six-year old is trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni for Godolphin and was given a perfect ride by Richard Hills.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

It's Official: Harbinger World's Top Horse

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Harbinger, with France's leading jockey Olivier Peslier on board, is led into
Ascot's Winner's Circle by jubilent Highclare Thoroughbred Racing manager
Harry Herbert (left). Photo David Hastings

For once I am not seething at the Racing Post handicapper Sam Walker (see Goldikova article: Females Just Cannot Win) who sometimes makes the oddest, convoluted decisions.

He and the British Horseracing Authority agreed to give Harbinger (Dansili) the Top Of The Class rating of 135 for his awesome 11-length victory in Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1).

It was the same rating I proposed just after the race in my column.

Not only does the RP rate him as Europe's top Turf horse, it rates him as the world's top horse with USA colt Quality Road (Elusive Quality USA) on 130 for Dirt.

Workforce retains his Epsom Derby 129 on Turf, Paco Boy gets the 128 Turf credit for the race Goldikova won - the Queen Anne Stakes - and Fame And Glory was dropped a point to 127 on Turf for the Epsom Coronation Cup.

After Canford Cliffs Group 1 Sussex Stakes victory over Rip Van Winkle on Tuesday, one would expect CC to be raised from 126 on Turf.

Kinsale King, Rachel Alexandra, Super Saver and Zenyatta are the next highest US horses at 124.

In complete contrast to the RI and BHA, Timeform has rated Harbinger at 142 - two points higher than Sea The Stars.

No comment. It would not be polite.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Japanese Duo For Breeders' Cup

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:23:00 GMT

Japan's Red Desire (Manhattan Cafe JPN) will leave Japan mid September to compete in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl Invitational at Belmont Park October 2 as a prep for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf November 5.

Her outstanding record has been marred in her last two races - one in Tokyo and the Dubai World Cup - due to bleeding.

Her trainer Mikio Matsunaga thinks she will overcome her problems in the States.

Espoir City JPN (Gold Allure JPN), winner of six of his eight starts, will compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic November 6 at Churchill Downs.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Canford Cliffs

susan trevelyan-syke — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:38:00 GMT

Ballydoyle's four-year-old Rip Van Winkle IRE (Galileo IRE) looked fit and in control of the Group 1 £300,000 Sussex Stakes until the close when three-year-old wonder horse Canford Cliffs IRE (Tagula IRE) dug in and overtook last year's winner by a head.

Trainer Richard Hannon said CC is the finest horse he has ever trained.

His star will race in either the Prix Moulin at Longchamp or the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Unfortunately, Ballydoyle's Beethoven made sure Premio Loco USA ((Prized USA) could not get closer than 3 lengths to the leaders.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Japanese Horses Targeted For Arc

susan trevelyan-syke — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:34:00 GMT

The winner of Japan's 2000 Guineas, Victoire Pisa, and four-year-old Nakayama Festa are travelling early to France in order to acclimate to the usual heavy ground of the Arc de Triomphe October 3.

Victoire Pisa will compete in the Arc prep Prix Niel on September 12 and will be ridden by jockey Yutaka Take.

Hope they will have better luck with Take than connections of Deep Impact and White Muzzle had.

They would be wise to hire a French jockey.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Harbinger: World's Top Horse

susan trevelyan-syke — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:28:00 GMT

Harbinger won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Group 1 at
Ascot by 11 awesome lengths. Photo David Hastings

Harbinger (Dansili) showed great promise last year at three until he sustained a niggling injury at the end of the season.

Fortunately, he was in the patient and gentle hands of England's leading trainer Sir Michael Stoute who has earned the trust of the horse's owners Highclare Thoroughbred Racing owners.

His stunning victory in Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes indicated that the colt was on his way to the big career his talent had promised. See Royal Ascot

Yet no one could have anticipated his blowout in his first Group 1 race, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, 1m 4f, on Turf.

Sir Michael's seven-length Investec Derby winner Workforce (King's Best USA) was favourite with a strong supporting cast of Ballydoyle's Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco IRE (Galileo IRE), Youmzain IRE (Sinndar IRE) and chestnut filly Daryakana FR (Selkirk USA) for HH Aga Khan.

For most of the race on fast ground, Colm O'Donoghue kept control of the race for second favourite Cape Blanco from the front.

Workforce, with Stoute stable jockey Ryan Moore on board, was well positioned to challenge at any time.

Both Youmzain and Daryakana dawdled in the rear leaving them with too much ground to make up at the finish.

French master jockey, Olivier Peslier, was thrilled that Moore chose Workforce; he kept his mount Harbinger handy throughout.

Both Cape Blanco and Harbinger travelled better than the others all through the race.

Harbinger just seemed to be waiting for a signal and, when Peslier moved forward in the saddle, the horse raised his knees, dug in and took off.

In one of those mind-blowing hands-and-heels performances, Harbinger outdistanced Cape Blanco by 11 lengths and broke the course time record at 2'26"78s.

Youmzain was 3/4 lengths behind impressive Cape Blanco, Daryakana a length behind and finally Workforce another length behind.

Workforce was in trouble early on and did well to be so close to the others.

His connections have found nothing wrong with him so far, but are convinced something was wrong with the colt.

He did not look as strong as he did at Epsom in June. It is possible that the big colt is going through a growing stage leaving him a bit weaker than usual.

The world's "perennial critics" took advantage of his flop to insist that his Derby victory in record time was a fluke or one-off.

They said the same of Harbinger last year and, bless them, they are suggesting that he cannot duplicate his King George form again.

Meanwhile Harbinger is 2.1 or 7.4 favourite for the Arc de Triomphe overtaking the very worthy Fame And Glory (Montjeu IRE).

Harbinger is the best horse in Europe and any rating less than 135 would be an insult.

Is he another Sea The Stars? No, but he is damn good and has not peaked yet.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Females Just Cannot Win

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:53:00 GMT

The magnificent French-trained mare Goldikova was left off the early RP 2010 ratings' lists.

Despite correcting their error, she is only rated at 126 on Turf.

Byword, the colt she beat in the Prix D'Ispahan, is credited with the win in the list and is rated 126 for it.

She beat Paco Boy in Royal Ascot's Queen Anne Stakes yet he is credited with the victory and rated at 128 for it.

She beat both of the boys with a tail flick.

Is she being penalised for the fillies' allowance?

So much for the ratings!

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Rachel Alexandra Scores Again

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:49:00 GMT

The ease and authority of Rachel Alexandra's three-length victory over a small field of females in the ungraded $400,000 Lady's Secret Stakes, 1-1/8 miles, at Monmouth Park July 24 re-established the filly near the top of US horses.

The Racing Post handicapper rates RA at 124 second to colt Quality Road's 130 on Dirt.

Her great rival Zenyatta is rated 123 for the Apple Blossom on Dirt and 124 on AW for her victory in the Santa Margarita Handicap.

Kinsale King is tied with Zenyatta at 124 for his Golden Shaheen during the Dubai World Cup day.

Rachel looked magnificent and unfazed by the 104-degree heat when it was time for her and jockey Calvin Borel to pass the race leader Queen Martha.

Her unyielding critics took their typical swipes that she did not have the charisma of winning with large margins as she did last year.

Her trainer Steve Asmussen said "I loved her composure, how she acted" and is looking for two more prep races before she tackles Z in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Dirt.

The likeliest next race will be the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at Saratoga on August 29.

Dreamers are wishing for Zenyatta to skip the Clement L Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar August 7, where her trainer has concerns over the track conditions, and join Rachel Alexandra at Saratoga.

Not everyone is disappointed with Rachel. She has moved into third place in the latest NTRA National Thoroughbred Poll after her Monmouth victory behind Quality Road and leader Zenyatta.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Lord Shanakill

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:45:00 GMT

One of my favourite horses, Lord Shanakill USA (Speightstown USA), surprised his owner Maura Gittins by winning the Betfair Cup (Group 2) at 7f for his new trainer Henry Cecil. The four-year old defeated the fast-closing Cat Junior by a neck in a thrilling finish after being hard driven by jockey Tom Queally.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Double Oaks For Snow Fairy

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:58:00 GMT

The winner of Epsom's Investec Oaks, Snow Fairy IRE (Intikhab IRE), easily won the prestigious double Group 1 - the Irish Oaks, 1m4f, on Sunday July 18, at the Curragh.

She emulated British-bred Sariska (Pivotal) double victory last year.

Though punters were relieved that the favourite Rosanara FR (Sinndar IRE), second in the French Oaks, missed the event because of the heavy ground.

It is difficult to image that any competitor would have troubled the magnificent filly Snow Fairy who took the race by eight lengths.

Racegoers are speaking of her as a possible successor for trainer Ed Dunlop's much-missed mare Ouija Board (Cape Cross IRE).

Godolphin's supplemented outsider trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, Miss Jean Brodie USA (Maria's Mon USA), was second and Anne-Marie O'Brien's Lady Lupus IRE (High Chaparral IRE) was third by 3/4 lengths.

Snow Fairy's jockey Ryan Moore said the race was a bit rough in the early stages until he got a centre position and she didn't appear to like the ground.

However, once he asked the filly to move, she took off imperiously.

Owner Christina Patino and Dunlop will consider the Yorkshire Oaks as one of Snow Fairy's future races, but she has a 16.1 quote for the Arc de Triomphe and could compete in any mid-distance race.

Her style of winning on the heavy ground she disliked and her recovering quickly when she stumbling in the gutter at Epsom on good ground show a very progressive filly.

Maybe Dunlop does have our next Ouija Board.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Godolphin Takes Two German Group 1s

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:54:00 GMT

Finally, Godolphin found the right Group 1 races for their heavily-campaigned Campanologist USA (Kingmanbo USA) and Buzzword (Pivotal).

Three-year-old Buzzword, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, defeated Germany's brave Zazou (Shamardal USA) by 1-1/2 lengths in the Idee Deutsches Derby, 1m4f, for three-year olds at Hamburg.

Buzzword rode just off the pace and seemed untroubled throughout the race. When his jockey Royston Ffrench made his move for the lead, Buzzword was ready for Zazou's challenge.

This was Buzzword's first victory since a Group 3 last September, but he made history for Britain.

Buzzword is the first ever British-trained winner of the Deutsches Derby.

He and Mark Johnston's Monterosso IRE (Dubawi IRE), ridden by Frankie Dettori, had been supplemented for the race.

I cannot help but think that Monterosso, who placed sixth, failed in the Deutsches Derby and Irish Derby as result of being raced too soon and too often.

The day before, five-year-old Campanologist took the Grosser Preis Von Hambourg (Group 1), 1m4f, for three-year olds plus against admirable competition.

Frankie Dettori said his horse was in grand form and merited his Group victory.

They defeated Wiener Walzer GER (Dynaformer USA) by 3/4 lengths and Quijano GER (Acatenango GER) by a head.

Mark Johnston's Jukebox Jury was fourth by a head and Allied Powers by the same. Burma Gold was nine lengths behind.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Hungary's Sprint Star Overdose Has Recovered

susan trevelyan-syke — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:52:00 GMT

British-bred Overdose (Starborough) has finally returned to racing after a 15-month hiatus due to a training injury which occurred in the UK in his preparation for the 2009 Darley July Cup.

Josef Roszival, trainer of the 'Budapest Bullet', entered the five-year horse in the 10,000 Euros Listed Race, 5f, at Bratislava, Slovakia, to help the horse gain confidence.

He won his 13th out of 13 starts by a 1/2 length before a jubilant crowd.

Hopefully, he will race in Western Europe again and take on the Australians in Hong Kong including Sacred Kingdom.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

America's New Turf Star

susan trevelyan-syke — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMT

Paddy O'Prado USA (El Prado IRE), the likeable grey colt who had a good chance in the Kentucky Derby if only the ground was muddy, found his specialty -Turf.

He was third in the Kentucky Derby to Super Saver and never came into his own on Dirt.

Saturday, he was the favourite in a field of seven three-year olds competing in the Grade 2, $600,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs in New Kent, VA, after winning two graded Turf races: the Palm Beach and Colonial Cups.

He easily defeated Interactif after shooting through a rail opening in the 1-1/4 mile race winning by 1-1/2 lengths.

Trainer Dale Romans said "I couldn't think of taking him off it (grass) for now."

He will next race August 21 in the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes on the Arlington Million undercard at Arlington Park.

Gio Ponti now has a three-year-old competitor who, hopefully, will be campaigned internationally,

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Temple Meads Scooped Weatherbys Super Sprint

susan trevelyan-syke — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:36:00 GMT

Shock of the day! Richard Hannon's horses only won two of the seven races and not the big race.

In fact, none of his six entires placed higher than tenth in the Weatherbys Super Sprint for two-year olds, 5f on Turf.

After only one winning start in his juvenile career, Temple Meads (Avonbridge) lived up to expectations as favourite by cutting down the side of the course to engage the early leader Bold Bidder (Indesatchel IRE) in the final furlong and passing him to win by 1 length with consumate professionalism.

Jockey Richard Mullen said TM is a mature colt for his age and tempermentally solid.

Though he had problems which kept him from Royal Ascot, his trainer Ed McMahon had him spot on today.

He is a credit to his sire and breeder Whitsbury Manor Stud.

Any big bidders for the colt who only cost owner John Fretwell £16,000?

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

Al Aasifh Stole The Rose Bowl

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:45:00 GMT

UPDATE: Godolphin's Al Aasifh IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) won the Rose Bowl Sprint for two-year olds. Frankie Dettori rode his handsome colt to a 1/2 length victory over Richard Hannon's Cape De Rio (Captain Rio) with Ryan Moore on board.

Since trainer Saeed bin Suroor has been found guilty by the British Horseracing Authority of using a banned substance for the third time in a year, all his horses will be tested for the next year.

Chabal's victory in the Bet 365 Classic Trial on April 20 has been revoked.

Racing International http://www.racingint.com

DIARD - Dubai International Arabian Race Day

susan trevelyan-syke — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:24:00 GMT

Newbury Racecourse MD Stephen Higgins (left)with HE Mirza al Sayegh (centre), Director of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin
Rashid Al Maktoum's Office, announce sponsors of DIARD at pre-event press conference.

His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the office of His HighnessSheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced that the OrganisingCommittee of the Dubai Summer Festival would again sponsor the DubaiInternational Arabian Race Day (DIARD) to be held from 12 noon onSunday, July 18, as part of Newbury Racecourse's three-day race meet(July 16-18).

This year is the 28th annual Dubai International Arabian Race Day andthe seventh as part of Newbury's three-day fixture.

Sheikh Hamdan is the founder of this European showcase of Arabian racingand he is Patron of DIARD.

The event is organised out of his Dubai office with Newbury Racecourseand the Arabian Racing Organisation which is headquartered at Newbury.

Sponsors will underwrite free entry to the racecourse for the expected20,000 guests.

Racegoers will receive entry gifts, over a 1000 giveaways, Arabentertainment, prize draws and a Mega Draw to win a new Toyota IQ fromOctagon Toyota.

The racecard includes an entry form for many prize draws after eachrace, such as, mobile phones.

On offer are two luxury holidays to Dubai at the exclusive JumeirahGroup hotels, return flights courtesy of Emirates Airline andpersonalised airport transfers by Alpha Tours.

Additionally, Jumeirah Loundes Hotel in Knightsbridge offers a luxurystay.

Jewellery designed in the United Arab Emirates will be presented to thewinner and runners-up in the Best Dressed Lady competition and gamesconsoles will be presented to the winning children in the BestChildren's Hat contest.

Nine schools will participate in the popular Colourful Camels communityart project with the winning school receiving £2,000 in first placeprize money.

After the event, the Dubai Summer Festival will award £20,000 in cashprizes to the media which best represent Arabian racing and itsthoroughbred counterpart to the public at large.

Derek Thompson, of Channel 4 Racing, will comment throughout the day onArabian racing and he will be assisted in the trophy presentations byPhilip Brannen of Sportsguide Media.

The racecard includes four Group races out of eight races with a totalprize money of £129,000.

The Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Group 1), 1m 2f forfour-year-olds and upwards is the feature race offering prize money of£40,000.

Shadwell Stud, one of DIARD's major sponsors, is owned by SheikhHamdan. His Arabian horses regularly compete in the race and in most ofthe world's major races.

The sponsored races are

2:05 pm   Emirates Airline Premier Handicap Stakes
               7f for four-year olds and upwards £12,000

2:35 pm   Meydan International Stakes
               1m 2f for four-year-olds and upwards £10,000

3:05 pm   Al Hai Group Zabeel International Stakes
           (Group 1) 6f for four-year-olds and upwards
             £18,000

3:35 pm   Emirates NBD Hatta International Stakes
             (Group 1) 1m 2f for four-year-olds andupwards
             Mares and filliesonly £18,000

4:05 pm   Shadwell Dubai International Stakes
               (Group 1) 1m 2f forfour-year-olds and
             upwards £40,000

4:40 pm   Emirates Equestrian Federation
   International Stakes (Group 2)
             7f for three-year-olds only £15,000

5:10 pm   Jebel Ali Racing Club Premier Handicap Stakes
             1m 5f for four-year-olds and upwards rated
        65-105 £10,000

5:40 pm Jumeirah Group Handicap Stakes
             1m for four-year-olds andupwards rated
           50-90 £6,000

I would like to thank form expert Paul Simmons for generously providing the following excellent background on the eight Arabian horse races.

Dubai International Arabian Race Day Preview Tips (Newbury, 18th July 2010)

by Paul Simmons

1^st race –The Emirates Airline PremierHandicap Stakes 0-75 over 7 Furlongs:

A difficult race to predictwith several having seriouschances including lightly raced unexposed maidens like Maghazi and SyrahGris,recent smart handicap winners Dargali, Flashcat, Wikkara and PinkieTuscadero.That said the winners of this race tend to follow a similar format withthelast two winners both being well weighted relatively unexposed maidens.The selectiontherefore is second season maiden handicapperMiswadah who was a third in this event last year(beaten ahead and a neck) on only her fourth ever run off a mark of 68 which sherunsoff again, she was third to Pinkie Tuscadero over this trip at Herefordon herseasonal debut, she is now 2 lbs lower and that race will have put herspot onfor this and she will take all the beating. Dangers come from near topweightDargali who looked extremely impressive in disposing of Flashcat(Sakeena SkyZayin well beaten in 4^th) at Huntingdon over this trip(Flashcatfranked the form when winning at Fakenham over this trip beating SyrahGris 2^nd,Sabden 3^rd and Jamaahir), connections also won this eventlast year.Whilst the Adam Newey yard have a good record in this race withconnectionswinning it three times in the past, of his 4 entries the best looks tobePinkie Tuscadero who looks revitalised this term, 2^nd to WFALeopardover 6 furlongs at Wolverhampton in May she got the better of a titanicbattlewith Nasheet over this trip at Hereford off a mark of 67 and although 5lbshigher looks capable of playing a hand in the finish; stablemate Wikkaraisunbeaten in 2 starts this term from 8-9 furlongs winning last time by aheadfrom Star Valentina.

2^nd race –The Meydan International Stakesover 1 Mile 2 Furlongs:

A fascinating addition tothis race meeting and thetentative selection is Mu’Azzaz from the powerful JulianSmartyard, a winner back in the UK in 2008 over 9 furlongs he has since wonin Qatarin February this year over 11 furlongs in the Musheires Cup, whilst hisplacedefforts include 3^rd in the Group 1 UK Derby and 4^thinthe Qatar Derby, he looked smart when coming 3^rd to NashwanAlKhalidiah at Newmarket over 8 furlongs in a Group 2 event (beatTidarbret) andlooks capable of taking this event. Dangers come from Bill Smith’sGenuinely AtRisk who looked smart last term winning twice over 7 furlongs and thistripwhere he beat subsequent dual winner Tidarbret, he won well on hisseasonaldebut at Wolverhampton over 8 furlongs (beating Mi Temps De Piboul) andshouldbe there at the finish. Whilst Mi Temps De Piboul was fourth over courseanddistance last year (G1 Hatta) and also won her maiden over this trip atFossLas, she’s been in good form this term including beaten less than alengthbehind the smart Tidarbret over 8 furlongs at Wolverhampton. Tidarbretwon theBreeders Cup last year and has won twice this term from 8-10 furlongs atHuntingdon and Wolverhampton and wasn’t disgraced when 4^th toNashwan in a Group 2 event last time out and deserves to take hischance.

3^rd race –The Emirates NBD HattaInternational Stakes (Group 1 Mares only) over 1 Mile 2 Furlongs:

The selection is dual Groupwinner Nokomys whohas runner up in this event for the last two years and has been insuperb fromthis season including winning the President of the UAE Cup at TheCurragh overa mile (beating subsequent Group 1 Coupe De Europe winner Raqiyah) andthengoing down by a neck to Adjinn D’Arocoover course and distance last month and will be hard to beat this yearin thismares only event, she can gain her first Group 1 victory. Opponentsincludelast years French Breeders Cup winner Al Anqa who also landed the ZayedArabianCup in Germany before chasing home Raqiyah in the Group 1 Qatar Derbyover thistrip, she has since been placed twice in France including when 2^ndto Muqatil Al Khalidiah in a listed race in Holland last week. WhilstIftekharASF looks to be a smart recruit to the ranks having won twice includingtheLocal Bred Arabian Oaks over this trip and then following up in the AlZubaraCup over 1 Mile 1 Furlong in Qatar.

4^th race –The Shadwell Dubai InternationalStakes Group 1 over 1 Mile 2 Furlongs:

HH Sheikh Hamdan’s smartrecruit Adjinn D’Aroco looks capable of taking this eventforchampion trainer Gill Duffield, he was a class act in France last yearwinningthe Prix Toustem and running 5^th in the Group 1 UK Derby, andhelooked right back to his best when beating Nokomys and Al Janoob overcourseand distance last month and will be hard to beat in his current form.Jaaferlooked amazing when winning the Group 1 Kahayala Classic at Meydan inMarch andran a superb race when 2^nd to Nashwan Al Khalidiah over aninsufficient mile in a Group 2 event at Newmarket last time out and is atoughhorse to pass. Whilst Jalab Al Khalidiah was a classy performer inFrance lastyear and won the Prix Djerba at La Teste over this trip before followingup inthe Group 1 Shadwell Manganate at Deauville, he wasn’t disgraced inMarch when5^th to Jaafer in the Group 1 Kahayala Classic and won withsomeauthority when landing the Group 3 Coupe De Sud Ouest at Bordeaux overthistrip in May. The Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Quorman Des Vialettes is adecentperformer but may find this trip a touch on the sharp side, he wasbeaten lessthen 2 lengths when 4^th to Manaal over course and distancelastFriday in a Premier Handicap.

5^th race –The Emirates EquestrianFederation International Stakes (Group 2 for 3 yrs old only) over 7Furlongs:

The French trained runnershave a great record in this eventand the selection is Monsieur De Watrigent’s smart juvenile filly Salaamahwho has won 2 of her 3 starts in France this year including thePrixDjebella over 7 furlongs in April in Toulouse and the Fedora over 7furlongs inMay, she has experience and class and should land this competitiverenewal.Julian Smart has supplemented two impeccably bred individuals Aaber andDjeldora for Al Shahania Stud, preference is for the latter who is fullsisterto Group winners Djelmane and Djabaril and who’s breeding suggests thistripwill suit and is likely to be mature enough to make her presence felt.WhilstPrince Dormant ran with promise when 4 lengths second to Al Hasem over 7furlongsat Fakenham against older horses and can make his experience count. HHSheikhHamdan’s Balik D’Albret is impeccably bred and was an encouraging 5^thon his debut at Fakenham over this trip.

6^th race –The Jebel Ali Racecourse PremierHandicap Stakes 0-115 over 1 Mile 5 Furlongs:

Gill Duffield has won thisrace numerous times in the pastfor HH Sheikh Hamdan with Al Mannsoub winning last year and Aljaarehbeforethat, once again these connections have a strong team. The selection is Moshahedwho looked good when winning his maiden over 10 furlongs last term andwon amatch with stablemate Qariem De Faust over 1 mile 4 furlongs at Herefordandcan win from his low weight and receives 20 lb from top weight.Theoreticallyis a Grade 2 winning racehorse in USA where he took the Bob MagnessMemorialDerby last year, he has been running with credit since including 4^thto Jalab Al Khalidiah in a Group 1 in France, 5^th to Generalin theGroup 1 Qatar World Cup and this year 5^th to Jaafer in theGroup 1Kahayala Classic; this step down in trip and class could see him winningagain.Deolali was an impressive second in this race last year and 4^ththeyear before, he ran a week ago when 5^th beaten less than 3lengthsto Manaal over 10 furlongs and should be sharper for the run and can becountedon to land a place again.

7^th race –The Al Hai Group ZaabeelInternational Stakes (Group 1) Over 6 Furlongs:

Nashwan Al Khalidiahis a talented performerand won the Group 1 UK Derby back in 2008, he beat Emmamer when winningtheGroup 3 Damas Group race over 7 furlongs in France in May and looked tohaveplenty of speed when winning the 8 furlong Group 2 event at NewmarketfromJaafer on the 7^th and can use his smart turn of foot to landyetanother Group 1 victory. Threats come from the Royal Cavalry of Oman’ssmartKarte D’Or who won the Prix Jacques Fabre in France before showingimpressivesprinting credentials when powering home at Fakenham from Kalikeauba andJoybell over 8 furlongs. Whilst Altobello won the juvenile race herelast yearin awesome style and was third to Nokomys over a mile at The Curragh,beforecoming 6^th to Nashwan over amile last time out and will appreciate this step down in trip. Hidalgowon overthis trip at Wolverhampton and was a good second to Zayin Barakaldo overthistrip at Kempton Park and may sneak a place. Nimr has won 3 times inQatar sinceDecember including the Wadi Al Sail Cup and was 4^th toQuaolina inthis race in 2008.

8^th race –The Jumeirah Group HandicapStakes 0-90 over 1 Mile:

Another race that has beenfarmed by the powerful GillDuffield yard over the years including last year when winning with Riko,thisyear the selection is HH Sheikh Hamdan’s lovely mare Laqataatwho looked to have a smart turn of foot wheneasilywinning her maiden over 7 furlongs at Fakenham in June, the selection ofjockeyPhil Collington and will be hard to beat. Stablemate Menwaal also lookedapotential star when winning his maiden at Wolverhampton over 1 mile 2furlongsand can’t be discounted. Whilst Nasheet was just touched off over 7furlongsbehind Pinkie Tuscadero, and smart multiple winner Whisper, who has wonfrom 6– 12 furlongs (easy winner at Fakenham in June), has an excellent chancegetting a stone from top weights.

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