Issuu

Issue No.5

3rd July 2015

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE

DIAR Prep Races Ton Up for Steve Harrison at Hereford

T H E

A R A B I A N

RACEHORSE Issue 5 - 3rd July 2015 3

News Dubai International Arabian Races Early Closing Entries;Dormane; Veronique Briat; Qatar Trophy;

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster talks about HH Sheikh Hamdan's involvement in Arabian racing

Hubert de Watrigant - A Passion For Horses Leading equestrian artist's solo show at the Osborne Studio Gallery, London

DIAR Prep Races Newbury, Chepstow, Duinguit

Qatar Arabian Derby Report and pictures from the Group 2 PA at Chantilly

Hereford Review Full report and pictures from the first Wathba Stud Farm Cup meeting

Bird's Eye View - Hereford Preview

Shadwell Super 7 Competition Leaderboard

Results

Produced by equine creative media Stable Flat, Moreton Manor Stud, South Moreton, Oxon, OX11 9AH

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

DIAR EARLY CLOSERS SHOW RENEWED VIGOR FOR FIXTURE Entries for the early closing features of the Dubai International Arabian Races flagship day at Newbury on Sunday 26th July show a renewed vigour for the fixture. The Dubai International Arabian Races committee and the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) have been delighted by the number of entries. The feature race, the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr.1 PA) and the Fillies equivalent, the Dubai Duty Free Hatta International (Gr.1 PA), both maintain their strength from previous years with 21 and 24 entries respectively. Amanda Smith, Racing Manager for ARO commented on the increase in entries for the Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes (Gr.2 PA) and the Emirates NBD International Stakes: “It is very encouraging that the 2 races that showcase future talent have increased numbers of entries from 2014. The Emirates NBD International Stakes is a perfect ‘stepping stone’ for horses that are yet to win a Group race, so we hope to see some of these horses progress to pattern races in future years. The Emirates Equestrian Federation International Stakes (Gr.2 PA) for 3 year olds is also a key race for juvenile Arabians which often offers clues for the future. A perfect example is the 2015 Kahayla Classic (Gr.1 PA) winner MANARK (owned by the day’s patron His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum) who is a previous winner of the Emirates Equestrian Federation race.”

The entries also give an indication of the considerable quality of potential runners at the UK’s premier Arabian race day, and enthusiasts and punters alike will do well to take note of some of the eye-catching entries. Owned by the Royal Cavalry of Oman, VULCAIN DU CLOS has won some valuable conditions races on the continent as well as being competitive in Group company. Sired by the recently deceased Shadwell stallion MONSIEUR AL MAURY it would be particularly fitting if he won the Emirates NBD International Stakes on a day patronised by HH Sheikh Hamdan. Winner of the valuable Qatar Total Arabian Trophy (Gr.1 PA) in Longchamp last September, LORAA is owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansoor and represents the stable of the late Jean Francois Bernard. She followed up her Longchamp victory with an unlucky second to fellow Dubai Duty Free Hatta International Stakes (Gr.1 PA) entrant RAWAH, trained by Francis Graffard for HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani. If both mares appear in the final declarations, we will have a scintillating re-match to look forward to. Another tantalising prospect for the day is the 6 year old mare AL MOUHANNAD, trained by Mr Baillet in France, who is bidding to make it a hattrick of consecutive wins in the Gr.1 PA Jebel Ali Racecourse Zaabeel International Stakes.

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The first Arabian horse in UK training for champion Qatari trainer Jassim Ghazali, RASI is hoping to prove he can hold his own as a 4 year old against older horses if he is declared for the day’s feature race the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr.1 PA). He will have to take on last year’s Shadwell Dubai International winner AL HIBAAB amongst others if his trainer chooses to run him. This is not however a 2 horse contest; competition also comes from trainer Julian Smart in the form of AL MAJH'HOOR who finished third in Doha’s feature race of the year The Emir’s Sword. He is also entered in the Jebel Ali Racecourse Zaabeel International Stakes (Gr.1 PA) but that race would represent a considerable drop in trip for the Qatari raider. Richard Lancaster, Shadwell’s Stud Director was delighted with, not only the consistent number of entries in the feature races but the spread of potential horses for the DIAR feature day on 26th July: “The Dubai International Arabian Races are designed to encourage people to “have a go” at running their horses at a higher level, introducing new countries in to the mix of the DIAR experience and challenging them to travel to the UK to compete on this stage for the sport of Arabian racing. To that end, I am really pleased to see horses from the UK, France, Qatar, The Netherlands and Belgium all aiming to participate in this great spectacle. The DIAR committee put a great deal of effort in to schemes such as the warm up bonus races and in to picking new countries to introduce in to the DIAR family and it is very rewarding to see that it is starting to pay off. On behalf of the DIAR committee, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us this year by entering horses and encourage them to run them – not only to enhance the enjoyment of enthusiasts and first time

race-goers on the day but to highlight the sport for the truly great spectacle it is.” Gates open at Newbury Racecourse on 26th July at 12noon and entrance is FREE for all race-goers. There is also the opportunity to register in advance for an exclusive chance to win a trip to Dubai courtesy of Emirates Airline and Rotana Hotels & Resorts at: http:// www.diar2015.com As well as top –class international racing, the day features a large range of family activities and competitions, full details of which will be updated on the DIAR website in the lead up to the event. The showcase day at Newbury is supported by a series of international warm up races in the UK and Holland. Each race acts as a preparation for a key race on 26th July. Horses that are placed in the preparation races and go on to win at Newbury on 26th July will be awarded a bonus amount of prize money in addition to their winnings of the feature race. For more details of the DIAR bonus races and prize fund visit: www.diaraces.com. A full list of entries for the feature races can be found at: www.aroracing.co.uk .

Al Hibaab (FR) winning the Dubai International Stakes in 2014

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DORMANE - FRANCE LOOSES TOP SIRE The death of one of France's leading sires at the age of 31 was announced last month.

through his many stallion sons including Dariya, Kaolino, Parador and the brothers Chndaka and Darike.

A product of the famous Haras de Mandore, owned and trained by JeanMarc de Watrigant, Dormane (FR) (Manganate x Mandore) won six of his eight starts at three and four years including the Dubai International Stakes, then run at Kempton Park.

He could also get top fillies too, such as the winner of the UAE Cup/UK Arabian Derby, Kiss De Ghazal, and will undoubtedly continue to be influetial as a broodmare sire through the likes of Ziva and many others.

A great success at stud, he is a sire of numerous Group 1 performers, including two Kahayla Classic winners in Bopp Moon and Kaolino. He will continue to shape the course of Arabian racing as a sire of sires,

One of his last crops includes Carsa Du Ginioux, in training with Damien de Watrigant, and as yet unraced. She is a three year old half sister to current star Mister Ginoux. Only time will tell, but she is certainly bred to keep his name in the spotlight.

MICHELLE McCULLAGH SEA

Will be exhibiting with the Society of Equestrian Artists as part of 'The Art of Arabian Racing' Dubai International Arabian Races Newbury 26 July 2015 www.mccullagh.co.uk

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Véronique Briat

Véronique Briat at Shadwell Stud [c. Trevor Jones]

The arabian racing world was also rocked last month following the announcement of the loss of Véronique Briat, Director of the French Arabian Racehorse Association (AFAC) in a tragic accident. Prior to joining AFAC in 2011, she had worked abroad in the USA and UK, including many years at Shadwell Stud - who responded to the news by naming the Group 3 PA Priz Razzia in her honour, to be run at La Teste de Buch later this month. AFAC Chairman Yves Plantin paid tribute on the IFHAR website, "when our Association was looking for

someone who could become head of the Association, her profile seemed obvious. Besides the fact that she had worked in the States and in England for many years, she had a strong knowledge of horseracing and in particular, of Arabian horseracing. She showed versatility and strong involvement in her job. Her action happened to be beneficial for the Association and its members. She represented the Association in France and abroad. Véronique Briat also manged the publications and recently moved into the digital age. We are all very affected by her death."

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Al Shaqab duo head nominations at Forfeit stage Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mourtajez and Mister Ginoux head a total of 46 nominations that stand their ground at the forfeit stage for the £400,000 Group 1 Qatar International Stakes for Purebred Arabians, (formally listed as the Harwood International) the first leg promises to be a very exciting of the inaugural Doha Triple contest. It will be wonderful to Crown. see an Arabian race form part of the 2015 Qatar Goodwood Mister Ginoux enhanced his Festival and I look forward to the already high reputation by winning Supplementary Entry Stage on 22 the Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang July.” (Gr2 PA) at Chantilly two weeks ago, taking his unbeaten run to The Qatar International Stakes five for trainer Thomas Fourcy, which is the UK’s richest ever who also trains top-rated Al Arabian Race will be run as the Mourtajez. seventh of eight races on the fifth and final day of the Qatar The former is among a number of Goodwood Festival on Saturday, 1 International horses that will now August. have their ratings re-assessed, having run since the original nominations, although all ratings will again be evaluated by the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR)after the supplementary stage on 22 July. Arabian Racing Organisation Racing Manager Amanda Smith said, “I am very pleased with the quality and quantity of horses that have stood their ground in what

Mister GInoux and Julien Auge win the Qatar International Trophy Gr1 PA in Doha in February this year

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HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Shadwell Stud's Director Richard Lancaster talks about HH Sheikh Hamdan's involvement with Arabian racing.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum with Djeldor De Bozouls at Newbury

Please can you tell us about HH Sheikh Hamdan’s initial involvement with Arabian racing? It must be over 25 years ago since we started racing Arabians; Sheikh Hamdan bought four or five English bred Arabians and it was just at the time when the French were coming over and winning the Dubai International at Kempton and suddenly the foot was taken off the brake. We were very lucky as the first horse we bought was Bengali D’Albret and that really set the tone for everything. In the Gulf at that time, things were just starting too, there was a lot of interest. We won our first Kahayla Classic - though we haven’t yet managed to breed one; they’ve

all been bought in France [Richard Lancaster makes the final recommendation on purchases for Sheikh Hamdan] where I’m helped by Gerald Larrieu of Chantilly Bloodstock, he comes from the South West of France and he’s close to the form there. Our first winner in the Kahayla Classic was Nivour De Cardonne, then Bopp Moon, both with Keiran McLoughlin; Kaolino followed and then Madjani, three years on the trot, all trained by Gill Duffield who has been such an integral part of the operation both here and in the UAE. There’s been a bit of a gap to Manark winning this year; it was the icing on the cake really as it was a very welcome surprise and brilliantly done by Erwan Charpy and Dane O’Neill.

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Sheikh Hamdan has also had some very good horses which haven’t won the Kahayla Classic, such as No Risk Al Maury and Monsieur Al Maury. No Risk was a tough horse; his trip was really a mile though he did win the Dubai International - that was sheer class seeing him through. So you can see the passion that Sheikh Hamdan has had over the years. With those horses we’ve tried to locate them in the right places so that breeders can take advantage of them once they are retired to stud. Do your bloodstock purchases differ after 25 years of racing and breeding? I think there has been a change in the type of horse Sheikh Hamdan buys; their shape and some of the bloodlines too. I think the industry has drawn a line under the initial pedigree issues [WAHO, Amer etc], so as long as nothing else changes, I think we can be competitive. We have a lot of good families on the dam side. In those early

days we were paying quite humble prices for these good horses. We’ve had to move with the flow and pay more and over the last 3-4 years we have started to rely more on home-breds of which Al Hibaab is by far and away the best we’ve produced recently. As far as the breeding operation goes, initially, obviously we had to rely on buyins but there are signs now that we are progressing and catching up. When we started we were also trying to use entirely our own stallions, but we are now using Munjiz and Mahaab. Salaama [by Mahaab] is out of a daughter of Volna who I bought in Russia, (not Tersk but that area); that was quite an expedition! The breeding side of things has taken me to some pretty obscure places; I remember travelling by mini bus from Warsaw to the then Soviet Russian boarder to buy breeding stock and a group of us travelled to Aleppo in Syria on one occasion too - it’s certainly been an adventure!

Ted Durcan and Salaama (GB) with HE Mirza Al Sayegh at Newbury THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Manark (FR) and Dane O'Neill at Doncaster

Your breeding stock rotates between the UK and France...

you stand seven stallions in the UK, France and America, that’s quite a ccommittement?

It’s not ideal, having the stock so far away for a portion of the year and it does have its problems. In the ideal world the Arabians would have their own farm but it is difficult and expensive to set up an operation specifically for them because they have such different needs to Thoroughbreds. Most don’t race till they are 4, so you have a longer period of nurture; they can’t just be chucked out in a field because they are sharp horses which need to be developed and you can’t keep colts together as they start fighting! They are also extremely good doers so you run the risk of them getting fat if you just leave them out in the paddocks.

The stallions are an interesting side of the business too; we stand horses in France so that the French can have access to them, as we’ve been lucky enough to buy them there.

Hopefully with how we have it organised now between here and France, we can get the balance right to aid their development towards racing and for breeding afterwards.

It’s always very sad when you lose a stallion, especially one that was showing potential from limited books of mares. Monsieur Al Maury was a very good racehorse for us and Gill Duffield, winning the Gr.1 President Cup as a 5 year old.

Unfortunately Bengali has not bred anything as good as himself and although it’s early days for Madjani, he had his first stakes winner at Duindigt recently in a Listed race so we are delighted with his prospects. All the No Risk Al Maury progeny look outstanding and the breeders seem happy with them, although they probably wouldn’t be early types, he took a bit of time himself.

Since the loss of Monsieur Al Maury, currently THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Al Jakbar (FR) has made a promising start with two wins from his first three UK runners

It is possible that we will consider relocating one of the French based horses to the UK next year if there is a demand for them (Al Saoudi or No Risk Al Maury). We also have two promising potential stallion prospects that are currently in the UAE; obviously Manark as a Kahayla Classic winner would have appeal wherever he stood. Manark is a very good looking horse, he’s a Mahaab horse from a French line; Mahaab and Munjiz, are expensive, so they’re not for every man’s pocket but we’ve always tried to be reasonable so we would hope he would make a stallion one day. We also have Sivit Al Maury, a son of Akbar, so it is also possible that he could be a suitable replacement. It is difficult to say at this point as no decisions have been made with regard to which horses will be retired; once we know more about that we will be able to make provision for replacing Monsieur Al Maury.

It has been a little bit difficult to promote the stallions to any affect in the UK which is part of the reason we stand a good number in France. There used to be really quite a lively Arabian owner – breeder community in the UK when we set out with the likes of Mrs Ratcliffe, Georgie Moore and Mary Bancroft who bred for showing but were also passionate about racing. We tried to stand the stallions here in England in the beginning, to try and help breeders to develop a momentum like they have in France but at the moment, I worry that a lack of enthusiasm to breed here is working against us. I would love to see more people in the UK get involved in breeding and racing and we need to find new ways to encourage more people. We desperately need a solid and progressive approach to Arabian racing in order to encourage people to invest in the breeding.

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At the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference, Breeders Premiums were a popular topic, what are your thoughts?

Thoroughbred Breeders Association will ended last month, could that style of organisation ever work for Arabian breeders?

In France, the breeders’ premium seem to work well because of the Pari Mutuel and the money there, they have a wonderful advantage – I sometimes look to see what some our horses accumulate in prize money (and breeders premiums) in France and it adds up to decent amounts of money. When you’ve got a French homebred and you’ve got the substantial breeders prize as well, horses such as Najlaa and Handassa pay their way. They are at a considerable advantage; it makes the world of difference if you are successful.

In this country, I don’t know; how many Arabs are being bred now, not just racehorses, but Arabs for all disciplines? In order for an organisation to have the same impact in the Arabian world as the TBA does for the Thoroughbreds you not only have to have big support from a large number of passionate breeders, but also a consistent international organisation to control things. This would need an organisation to work with IFAHR with elected board members who are prepared to find new breeders and lobby government and promote the breed worldwide.

Your term as the Chairman of the

Filly by Kaolino THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Should we have professional trainers? That is something that I feel should be put right. In France, Holland and other European countries, Arabians are not considered second class citizens; they are trained by professional trainers and are allowed to be housed in professional Thoroughbred yards. That is not to say that amateur trainers should be discouraged as they are the grass roots of the sport and should be commended for their efforts with few facilities. If professional trainers were able to train Arabians it might just provide that cross over that we need to boost the sport in to the main stream. In order to achieve this of course, the sport would probably have to fall completely in-line with BHA racing regulation. Another hot topic at the Conference was handicapping, do you think there is a better option? Races such as ‘a winner of one race’ are an option, but then look what happened the other day at Wolverhampton, we ended up with two runners. The simple truth is, in the UK, without Julian Smart and the Royal Cavalry of Oman, most horses are rated below 70; the options for high rated horses are very limited which of course makes it difficult for horses like Salaama, she’s too high in the handicap, in an ideal situation we wouldn’t have run her at Lingfield [in the Group 1 Sheikh Zayed Cup] she would have gone into a nice little race and got a bit more experience but those stepping stone races just aren’t there. ARO must look at the handicapping situation – it is ridiculous to handicap on 3

Richard Lancaster with HH Sheikh Hamdan's retained professional jockey Paul Hannagan and Damien de Watrigant who trains for HH Sheikh Hamdan in France - where he is also allowed to train Thoroughbreds alongside Arabians

year old form. Horses develop between 3 and 4 years old. Handicapping should come in at 4 years old. Also, the handicapper should not be afraid to drop horses when they lose their form. I am not sure what the answer is, but we need to start exploring options; we need a progressive system, we should be able to move our horses up the levels and open up more competitive racing for the smaller owners at the same time.

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And the Racing Calendar in general? I’ve just discovered that they are going to triple the prize money for the smaller owner in the UAE, principally in Abu Dhabi, next year and therefore all the smaller owners are encouraged to get involved and for new people to have a go. Here everything seems to be moving in the opposite direction. I honestly think it ridiculous to have a conditions race at Goodwood of £400,000 when you look at the prize money at grass roots (the disparity!), have a race for 100k and then 300k goes to grass roots. The Goodwood race should never have been allowed to happen so soon after the fixture at Newbury – it was a serious mistake of race planning.

lacking and I worry about the number of big international races that there are now. They need to try and find a way to bridge the gap with prize money so that you win a race and you’ve at least covered some of your costs; then you might get more people interested. The numbers of owners in Thoroughbred racing are dropping off all over the world because people are no longer prepared to consistently lose money. The way I see it at the moment, you have a conditions race made up of Sheikh Hamdan runners and nothing else. We have to put 2 or 3 runners in to make sure that they get a race. What we tend to get, if one of ours comes out and wins a race easily is that everyone assumes it is a superstar; they never get a chance after that because of the handicapping system.

It’s the middle and bottom end that are

A one-two-three for HH Sheikh Hamdan at Taunton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

How did Sheikh Hamdan’s involvement in Dubai Day begin? Sheikh Hamdan is passionate about Dubai Day, he has invested a great deal of money in the event over the years. Dubai Day was instigated in conjunction with Mrs Ratcliffe and the Arab Horse Society; in the early days, it started off at Kempton and moved to Newbury (when they were putting in the AW). Mark Kershaw [former ARO director] was at Newbury at the time. It’s always been a complete day of Arabian racing and we’ve built it up and increased the prize money for the Dubai International and the Hatta – the Hatta was there to encourage fillies and mares to run, a chance for them to prove themselves before going off to be brood mares.

and nine years respectively. It is a year round project for Sheikh Hamdan with the focus for him, and our trainers, being to prepare and run our horses on his favourite day. That planning starts in January and all the trainers are aware that that day is where he wants to see his horses run. It is a great day of Arabian racing now, with I feel, something for everyone. I hope that we can start to build up our Dubai International Arabian Races programme throughout Europe to continue to promote international runners at the meeting. It is a real challenge for everyone involved to bring it together but Sheikh Hamdan always looks forward to the day so it makes the effort worth it when he enjoys the day. And the Kahayla Classic?

The Zabeel was there for those horses that had speed and the 3 year old race only came in later on. I’m still not in favour of pushing three year olds. Occasionally you get a good one which goes on [Manark] but most of the best ones come through at four and that’s always been our aim, to look after these horses for longevity. Bengali D’Albret raced until he was eight or nine, though he started in France as three year old; Madjani and No Risk raced until eight

It is absolutely right and very important that the Kahayla Classic remains the blue riband event of Arabian racing. It is run in the Middle East and on the biggest day of racing in the region, being the first race on Dubai World Cup night. I think that the Kahayla Classic and the Dubai International are still two of the races that people will want to aim at with their Arabians.

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HH Sheikh Hamdan has won the Kahayla Classic seven times since 2000 and I am very proud that I have been involved in the acquisition of all five of the winning horses. Unfortunately, we haven’t managed to produce a homebred winner to date but we’re working on it! And now you are sponsoring the finals at Huntingdon as well... We are supporting the UK ARO finals at Huntingdon this year for the first time and the Dubai International Arabian Races committee have really thrown their full support behind it. It is a bit unfortunate that it falls on the same weekend as the Newmarket Open Day (20th September) but we hope that we will give the British Arabian racing community a good season finale to enjoy and we are working closely with ARO and Huntingdon Racecourse to

attract as many visitors as possible to the event. It is such an easy place to get to from all directions and with some extra attractions it will be interesting to see how it goes. Everyone involved needs to step up to the plate and help support Sheikh Hamdan’s generosity, these events also help to spread an understanding of Arab culture which is very important. We will hopefully engage with local schools and families from East Anglia to come and enjoy a day’s racing and learn something at the same time about Arabian racing. BHEST have already kindly leant their support by offering to bring the Equisizer with them so if we can continue to build on that education theme, I think it might progress to be quite a useful resource for the industry in terms of opening the sport up to new people.

Ashraaf (FR) winning on finals day last year at Wolverhampton THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

And also the last race of the season, the UK Derby... It is very positive to have that sponsored by Shadwell as part of Shadwell Day at Newmarket Racecourse on 25th September. The day features two Group 2 races and three Listed races for the Thoroughbreds and is our main race day in the year. I think it is a good opportunity to give the sport some crossover appeal. The Rockfel Stakes replaced the Fillies’ Mile which was moved to Future Champions Day, leaving us without a Group 1 feature on the day. I think it is nice for Sheikh Hamdan to have that race; it’s towards the end of the season which is the right time to have your four year old championship. I hope we can get the Europeans to come, I know it’s only a week from the big races at Longchamp, but it’s a good opportunity for a four year old at that time of year, so hopefully we can provide a good showcase for Arabian racing and maybe develop things next year. Photos of HH Sheikh Hamdan courtesy of Shadwell Stud.

Richard Lancaster with HH Sheikh Hamdan at Newbury at Dubai International Arabian Races

Najlaa (FR) second in the 2014 UK Arabian Derby at Newmarket THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Dubai International Arabian Races SUNDAY 26TH JULY 2015 NEWBURY RACECOURSE Featuring 3 Gr.1 PA Races

Best dressed lady competition

Holiday giveaways

Henna painting

Win a car competiton

Children’s hat competition

Gates open12noon. First race1.50pm. ●

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FREE ENTRY (www.diar2015.com) INTERNATIONAL RACING FREE PRIZE DRAWS COMPETITIONS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ●

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www.facebook.com/DIARaces twitter.com/DIA_Races

For more information: www.diaraces.com

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HUBERT DE WATRIGANT A PASSION FOR HORSES

'Rouge'

They say you should never meet your heroes, but I’ve been lucky enough to meet two of mine, both at the Osborne Studio Gallery in the heart of Belgravia in London. Last year it was the great race caller and

racing journalist Sir Peter O’Sullevan, who is also an honorary chairman of the gallery. A week ago, it was the internationally renown French equestrian artist, Hubert de Watrigant. Neither disappointed.

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Above: 'Peloton' (The Pack). Below: 'White Horse'

If you love racing and Arabians in particular, but know little about equestrian art, the name will be familiar as de Watrigant is uncle to Nicholas and Damien. Born in 1954 in Landes, to a family immersed in racing for generations, he is self-taught, exhibiting his work since 1976. A year later he won a drawing prize in Rome and began to show his work in earnest. He first exhibited at the Osborne in 1996 and is the most important artist to be represented by this gallery, a leader in the field of Sporting Art. He has exhibited worldwide and private collectors include Her Majesty the Queen, HM the King of Morocco, HH Sheikh Mohammed al Thani, Mr & Mrs John Magnier and the Wildenstein and Niarchos families. His style is figurative, but his experimental techniques in a variety of mediums

have been described as ‘impressionist’. In addition to his paintings and drawings, he worked with Hermès for a number of years producing designs for their scarves, including ‘Horse Ballet’, ‘Jump’, ‘Racetrack Sketch’ and ‘Plaza de Toros’.

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In the catalogue foreword, Sir Peter O’Sullevan describes him as “an artist of truly outstanding talent.” He continues. “An early passion for studying horses in his father’s stables developed into a lifelong obsession. Heading to Paris from the family home in South West France, Hubert supported himself in a variety of occupations before being able to devote himself entirely to his dream of painting full time. “Oil, gouache, watercolour, acrylic and ink, on surfaces ranging from canvas to racecards, help him create the fervour and excitement of his subjects. Each painting speaks of de Watrigant’s deep appreciation and knowledge of his métier, and yet they are fearless, passionate and unexpected.”

Above: 'Arabian' Below: 'Couvertures Bleues'

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Of his work de Watrigant says “I don’t focus on the main events and principal actions, I prefer to linger on details. At the racecourse, I am more interested in the jockey adjusting a stirrup or the lad waiting with his horse. I have a tendency to pick up my binoculars when others put them down.” The exhibition of 50 paintings and drawings, was timed to coincide with Royal Ascot and runs until the 10th July. The Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8JU www.osg.uk.com

Above: Hubert de Watrigant in his studio Below: 'Apres Le Poteau' (After the Finishing Post) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Dubai International Arabian Races Preparatory Race Series In a new initiative for 2015, DIAR committee introduced a series of preparatory races designed to encourage participation on July 26th at Newbury - highlight of the UK Arabian racing season.

Tawaazun (FR) and Dane O'Neill impress at Newbury

Shadwell Arabian Stallions International Stakes (DIAR) 4yo+ Fillies and Mares 1m2f Good to Firm Newbury 11 June The first of the Dubai International Arabian preparatory races series was run at Newbury over the same course and distance as both the Group 1PA Dubai Duty Free Hatta International and the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes. Any horse placed in the first three in any of the prep races, that

subsequently win the corresponding race on Dubai Day will receive a prize bonus. The five fillies and mares lining up for this contest included Salaama who had won the Group 2 PA juvenile on Dubai Day last year. Stepping up to this trip for the first time, she had not been disgraced on her seasonal debut in Group 1 company at Lingfield. She was also reunited with Ted Durcan who was on board for that Group 2 victory last season.

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Also representing HH Sheikh Hamdan was Tawaazun. A dual winner two seasons ago, she shaped with promise when just beaten a head in a conditions event at Newmarket last term, but had not been seen out since. She looked well in the paddock beforehand and was a short priced favourite at the off. Delishess has not found life easy since continuing her career in England, including on her seasonal bow when finishing behind both Salaama and Spirited Game. She was a Grade 2 PA distaff winner in her native United States and more was hoped for, back against her own sex. Spirited Game had been a game and consistent handicapper last season, but not surprisingly, had found things

tougher at Group 1 level on her seasonal bow and though not likley to win, was expected to give a good account. Nekhen Taoui, is a lightly raced half sister to Group 1 winners, Djet Taouy and Ameretto. After two starts in Holland, her best effort in the UK was when fourth in the UK Arabian Derby on her final start last term. Tried in a visor here, she quickly went to the front and was perhaps a little too free in the first time headgear. Delishess settled in behind, ahead of Tawaazun and Salaama. Spirited Game reared in the stalls as they opened, giving away plenty at the start and had to be content at the rear of the field.

Salaama (GB) and Ted Durcan finish ahead of Delishess (US) and Steve Harrison THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Nekhen Taoui faded quickly after 7 furlongs, handing the lead to Delishess, however Tawaazun was poised to take control of the race. With a furlong and half to go, Dane O’Neill pressed the button and Tawaazun stretched away, impressively putting ten lengths between her and her rivals in a matter of strides. Salaama stayed on for second but she was unable to shake Delishess who showed improvement in third. Speaking after the race her trainer Gill Duffield said. “She’s a beautiful filly and she showed so much last year. She

ran a cracking race at Newmarket [when second to Taraf and ahead of Al Hibaab] and then had a very bad colic the day after, which was why she didn’t run again. "She did it so nicely today and she’s in the Hatta on Dubai Day.” An imposing daughter of the recently deceased Shadwell sire Monsieur Al Maury, and Magie De Faust (a group 2 winner over course and distance), Tawaazun certainly caught the eye with this performance and merits respect in next months’ contest.

Tawaazun (FR) led back into the winners enclosure THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Shadwell Arabian Stallions Premier Handicap Stakes (DIAR) 4yo+ 1m4f Good to Firm Chepstow 12 June The second of the Dubai International Arabian preparatory races series was run at Chepstow the following evening as part of the racecourse’s popular ladies night. The stands were filling fast as the nine runners entered the paddock and the forecast heavy rain never materialised - though there was a light drizzle, the ground remained good to firm. The nine runner field included Azizi, the winner of last year’s Rotana Hotels and Resorts Premier Handicap, the race for which this was a prep. Strongly fancied to win, he headed the handicap with Vastelin Kolec. Imported from Russia, he had good form including a Group 1

win, but had failed to shine at that level on his UK debut at Lingfield last month. As well as Azizi Gill Duffield had two other runners, Jumeira Palm and Maazin who both had similar profiles, though Maazin had been beaten over this trip previously. Forta Stud’s attractive filly Aurora Forta was making her handicap debut. She had been second in the juvenile Group 2 on Dubai Day behind Salaama, before disappointing at a higher level in France. Showing further promise on her reappearance this season, when a not disgraced second behind Bon Baiser De Faust at Taunton, she was of some interest trying this trip for the first time. Also representing the Peter Hammersley stable was Zayin Zachilles. Ultra consistent, he is effective at this trip and further.

Vastelin Kolec (RU) and Daniel Muscott go to post THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Page Fuller and Kamikaze (GB) cross the line

Karar had picked up a premier handicap last year, following the disqualification of the winner, Gelliwen, but had failed to progress. However he had caught the eye when running on for fourth at Taunton on his most recent start. Gelliwen also lined up here, but she made little appeal from out of the handicap. Kamikaze had scored two premier handicaps at Newbury last year over a mile and a mile and a quarter. Carrying a penalty for his win five days previously, he was effectively racing off his highest ever mark and had questions to answer, having been last on his only attempt at this trip. Zayin Zachilles set off in front, from

Vastelin Kolec, with Kamikaze wide and Karar on the rail. The early pace was steady and Kamikaze soon settled in behind Zayin Zachilles, with about eight lengths covering the field by the halfway point. Entering the home straight, Kamikaze drew level with the long time leader, Zayin Zachilles, with half a mile to run. Dane Oâ€™Neill set to work on Azizi as the pace increased, though his stamina was assured. Kamikaze was still travelling sweetly for Page Fuller, as the whips were raised on the rest of the field. Zayin Zachilles failed to pick up with the increase in tempo and he started to fade.

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Vastelin Kolec was running on well for pressure and for a moment looked dangerous, but Kamikaze had a bit more to give and bravely fought off the challenge of Azizi, who was just pipped for second by stablemate Juemiera Palm on the line, with Maazin running on for fourth, ahead of Vastelin Kolec. Speaking after the race his delighted jockey Page Fuller said. “He’s just unreal. Perhaps he just appreciated better horses to run against. He’s always been such a difficult horse to work out. We got a nice tow off of Zayin Zachilles, so he settled well and

he seems to have grown up a lot more this season. He's been much better in the paddock this season too. “I wasn’t planning to be in front that early, but he took me there and we just kept going. I had to hold on to him until the rising ground and I could see Azizi coming up behind me and I was thinking that is the horse that won the big race at Newbury and I just asked him for more. It was magic. “It’s been going well this season. It’s nice that trainers are using me and ring me for rides, so we’ll just have to see how it goes from here.”

Smiles all round as Malcolm Greenaway leads Kamikaze (GB) and Page Fuller in, with trainer Adam Newey behind THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

DIAR Prep races - Netherlands, Duindigt 14 June, Firm

Samiima FR) [yellow cap centre] leads the field home

The DIAR Prep race series also included three new races held at Duindigt, designed to encourage further international participation on 26 July and with the same bonus in places as for the UK prep races should a placed horse go on to win on Dubai Day. Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes Listed PA 4yo+ 1800m There were some familiar faces in the Listed event over 1m1f. Karin Van Den Bos’s Samima made it a pillar to post victory, though only by the shortest of margins, ahead of another Royal Cavalry of Oman owned runner in Vulcain Du Clos.

Gill Duffield’s representative, Radames, who had finished ahead of Samima in the Group 1 PA Sheikh Zayed Cup at Lingfield last month, tracked her until halfway, then faded quickly and this effort is probably best ignored. Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes Listed PA 4yo 2150m Poulain Kossack , a gelded half brother to Phraseur Kossack, set a steady pace in front and as they entered the home straight the field spread across the track and there were many with chances. HH Sheikh Hamdan's Handassa hit the front and kept on going for a two length victory ahead of Gerard Zoetlief’s Paramour T and Dr Al Nujaifi’s Hurra.

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Handassa (FR) in second place behind Poulain Kossack (red cap)

Trained by Francois Rohaut, Handassa is a half brother to Dubai Day stayers winners, Azizi and El Raawry and was placed in the Group 1 PA Doha Cup at Deauville behind Al Mourtajez last August. This was also a first winner at Listed level for his sire Madjani.

No Risk Al Maury Stakes (DIAR) 3yo+ 1300m With Zafina refusing to load, nine runners for the sprint contest included two of Margreet De Ruiter’s homebreds in Darifa and Rodin. Darifa had been runner up to Toutatix in last years’ Emirates Airline Premier Handiap on Dubai Day, whilst Rodin had been placed on his two UK runs this season. Phraseur Kossack went to the front, with Manuella Daverio-Scharfenberg's Bulus Al Aziz ahead of Choumouk Qardabiyah and Fareeda. Bulus Al Aziz took it up in the last quarter mile and though challenged by Dr Al Nujaifi’s Fareeda, recorded a comfortable two and quarter length victory at the finish.

HE Abdallah Hamdan Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands with Handassa (FR) , Francois Xavier-Bertras and Richard Lancaster

Photos - Annie Damhof www.annie-damhof.com

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Al Mahj'Hoor (GB) was sent off as favourite

Dubai International Arabian Races At Newbury Racecourse, 26th July International Stakes (DIAR) 4yo+ 1m2f Good to Firm Newbury 25 June

Harry Bentley, recently appointed as stable jockey to Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani was booked for the ride, but he was stuck in traffic and had to be replaced by Sam Hitchcott.

With five of the seven runners rated over 100 it promised to be an interesting and informative contest, with plenty of pointers for Dubai Day on 26 July. The top two in the market were last year’s Group 1 PA Dubai International Stakes winner Al Hibaab for HH Sheikh Hamdan and Gill Duffield, who had to give a stone to Al Mahj’Hoor.

Also running for Smart was Abhar, a three parts brother to Qatar World Cup winner Areej and Dubai International Stakes winner Asraa Min Albarq. This winter in Doha, he won the Group 2 PA Qatar Derby by a neck from Al Mahj’Hoor and then was three and a half lengths fifth to Mister Ginoux in the Group 1 PA Qatar International Trophy as part of the Emir’s Sword Festival in February.

The Julian Smart trained colt had been running well in top company without winning, posting a career best when third behind Al Mourtajez and stable mate Djainka Des Forges, in the Group 1 PA Emirs Sword in Doha in February.

The last of the Smart entries was Ba’Sil, a twice raced brother to Al Atique, who had won the Group 1 PA QREC Harwood International Stakes at Doncaster last September.

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The remainder of the field included the mares, Delishess and Spirited Game, who had been third and fifth respectively in a similar conditions event over course and distance two weeks previously and another lightly raced four year old, Zayin Zachilles. Tadhg O’Shea set the pace with Ba’Sil, ahead of Abhar on the rail, with Al Mahj’Hoor alongside. Steve Drowne had Al Hibaab tucked in behind them, in company with Spirited Game, with Delishess behind and Zayin Zodiac in the rear. Having been tried in a visor and cheek pieces, Delishess was now sporting blinkers; however the mare was a bit free, stumbling entering the bend, and it was all Steve Harrison could do to keep the partnership intact. Despite the mishap, she was still fighting for her head with three quarters of a mile to run, Zayin Zodiac passed her briefly, but she made up the ground, sticking to the inner as they entered the straight.

Up in front, little had changed; Al Mahj’hoor went wide to take the lead at three furlongs out, whilst Abhar was pressing Ba’Sil on the rail. The four year old was still a bit green and Richard Mullen had to switch and bring Abhar round his stable mate to take second, however Al Hibaab was still to make his move, tracking Al Mahj’Hoor down the centre of the course. With just over a furlong remaining Al Hibaab laid down his challenge and it was an impressive performance to draw clear of Al Mahj’Hoor carrying a Group 1 penalty to win by two and a half lengths. Almost two lengths back in third, Ba’Sil just kept Abhar at bay by a neck, but in receipt of over a stone, he looks unlikely to maintain that advantage come Dubai Day, even with a four year old allowance. He had made it a soundly run race throughout though and the time of 2.16.22 was very respectable on the ground.

Al Hibaab (FR) scores, two and half lengths ahead of Al Mahj'Hoor (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Gill Duffield with Helen Smith leading in Al Hibaab (FR) and Steve Drowne

Delishess was a long way behind in fifth and is still struggling to make an impact with her US Grade 2 win hampering her progress. The American form does not seem to have translated and she deserves some respite from the handicapper to get competitive in the UK. The race may have come too soon for Zayin Zodiac, but he was thrown in at the deep end here. Spirited Game has been highly tried all season and with her limitations exposed from three furlongs out, her sporting connections will need to lower their sights. She is a game and likeable mare who is entitled to win again. A delighted Gill Duffield commented. “Giving away a stone and more to some of them, I chuffed with him

because the ground is fast and when he won the Dubai International Stakes last year it was very soft ground, so I thought maybe that’s what he likes and this would be too quick for him. “It was the way he did it, he hasn’t beaten ordinary horses, he’s beaten good horses. He’s hard to train, you can’t feed him a very high protein or starch diet, he just can’t tolerate it. He spends all day out in the paddock, that’s the only way we can keep him right and when he is right, he’s very good. But we never know from one week to the next - it is hard with him. He’d have to go straight to Dubai Day now. It’s the Boss’s day, that’s what we train them for.”

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THE ART OF ARABIAN RACING

'In The Hood' Lisa Miller ASEA

The Society of Equestrian Artists Exhibition 26 July - Preview - Dubai International Arabian Races, Newbury 1 August - 5 October -National Horse Racing Musuem, Newmarket For further details, or view work online:

www.equestrianartists.co.uk www.diaraces.com Registered Charity: 29472 THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Qatar Derby Des Pur-Sang Arabe Group 2 PA - Chantilly Al Shaqab's Mister Ginoux maintains his unbeaten record with a half length victory at Chantilly

Mister Ginoux (FR) goes to post under Gregory Benoist

Run at Chantilly, following one of Franceâ€™s most glamorous racing occasions, the Prix de Diane, the race promised to be one to savour as the ten four year olds included the Thomas Fourcy trained, unbeaten stablemates, Al Mouwaffak (FR) (Azadi x Morgane De Piboul) and Mister Ginoux (Amer x Nacree Al Maury)who had never met before. Al Mouwaffak had won the Group 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy for Colts at Saint-Cloud last season before being

snapped up by Al Shaqab. He then won the first leg of the revised European Triple Crown â€“ the Group 2 HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan Cup (Prix Carthage- Hannibal) on his reappearance in some style. Mister Ginoux had won the Group 3 French Arabian Breeders Challenge for Colts at Toulouse before racing in Doha, Qatar, over the winter. This culminated in an impressive victory in the Group 1 Qatar International Trophy against older horses.

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Clockwise from above: Mahess Du Soleil (GB) and Vincent Cheminaud; Kareem (KB) and Julien Grosjean lead Silvine Al Maury (FR); Tadgh O'Shea and Gidwa (GB) - a half sister to Djainka Des Forges by Amer

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From the left: Mahess Du Soleil (GB) leads Gidwa (GB)and Al Mouwaffak (FR), with Mister Ginoux (FR) poised to make his move nearest the camera, Sylvine Al Maury (FR) behind

Also lining up were Gidwa (GB)(Amer x Djamour Des Forges), unbeaten in three starts in Doha and a half sister to stable superstar Djainka Des Forges. Sylvine Al Maury (FR)(Munjiz x Savavit Al Maury), beaten a short head in the Group 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy for Fillies at Saint-Cloud in the Autumn for owner-breeder Rene Koch, had since been purchased by the Royal Cavalry of Oman. Subsequently she had won a Group 3 and a Group 2, both at Toulouse, for her new owners. Gerard Zoeteliefâ€™s filly, Prada T (NL) (Djendel x Pascha Z), who had sprung a surprise winning the Group 1 AFAC European Cup at Longchamp against older horses last month, was another runner who warranted respect.

As they entered the home straight, Mahess Du Soleil (GB)(Dahess x Dormah De Brugere) was leading from Gidwa, with Gazwan (GB)(Amer x Arc De Ciel) on the rail trying to get out for a run. He had Prada T to his outside, with Al Mouwaffak wider still. Gregory Benoist had Mister Ginoux covered up behind Al Mouwaffak, but was travelling smoothly. With 300 metres to go he made his move, bringing the colt wide around his stablemate, though Sylvine Al Maury was also making her challenge down the centre of the track. These two went clear of the rest, however Mister Ginoux kept the filly at bay by half a length. Gazwan stayed on for third, ahead of Prada T and Al Mouwaffak.

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Speaking to the Gulf Times after the race, his trainer Thomas Fourcy said, “We have looked after this colt. He has proved his quality once again today. He had never raced against Al Mouwaffak, who had a difficult race today.” Mister Ginoux was a €160,000 yearling purchase at the Arqana Arabian sale in 2012 by Mandore International Agency for Al Shaqab. By Amer, he is the first foal of Nacree Al Maury. A winner of the Group 3 Prix Damas at Toulouse, she is a full sister to multiple group winner No Risk Al Maury. Photos © Alex Cairns Contact - alex.cairns1@gmail.com Twitter - @ACHorseRacing Facebook - facebook.com/ thewinningpostblog

Above: Gregory Benoist, Thomas Fourcy and family and Rupert Pritchard Gordon (manager of Al Shaqab racing in France) Below: Mister Ginoux (FR);

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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

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ARO Ltd, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ 0044 (0) 1635 524 445 info@aroracing.co.uk THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

HEREFORD REVIEW AROâ€™s first of three HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival sponsored meetings at Hereford produced a well supported card of seven Arabian races, with a number of well related runners making their debuts. Glorious sunshine maintained the ground at good to firm and the portable fences had been left out from the recent point-to-point fixture. This meant the runners kept to the inside line, rather than drifting across to the stands side at the finish, as is often the case at this track.

long way clear of the remainder of the field. Stephen Gregory had taken Koline ahead of Niscar Diamond Jubilee and Mike Palmer had to keep at him to stay in touch with Koline. By the time they entered the home straight, he was staying on again and despite hanging slightly to the left, got up on the line to take second by half a length from Koline.

The meeting opened with the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Restricted Maiden Stakes over 1m1f. Race conditions were framed to support British owners with fewer than five horses registered with ARO and the field included two onceraced half siblings to winners later in the card. As it transpired, neither Just The Ticket (Jiyush gelded half brother to Kamikaze) or Niscar Diamond Jubilee (Madjani half brother to Amyzing Zayin) broke their maidens; however the last named certainly improved on his debut effort and will be one to note in similar company next time. On paper this had looked like an ideal opportunity for ATTILA DE ROUAISSE to finally get off the mark and so it proved to be, as he recorded an easy 13 length victory. David Turner took the initiative right from the start on this strong son of the recently deceased Dormane, keeping a few lengths clear of Niscar Diamond Jubilee and Koline.

David Turner and Attila De Rouaisse (FR) record a facile victory, 13 lengths ahead of Niscar Diamond Jubilee [grey colours, cheekpieces, to the right of picture] and Koline [out of shot]

By halfway the gap had widened to four lengths, with the second and third a THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Will Pettis and Kamikaze (GB)

The 7f Wathba Stallions (0-75) Handicap looked an interesting little contest, with three recent winners taking their chances. No one was keen to go on and it was left to HH Sheikha Fatima Ladies World Championship winner, Man Of Dreams to set the steady pace. The remainder were all in close attendance with barely two lengths covering the five runner field. Debut winner, Zayin Zodiac and hardened handicapper KAMIKAZE settled in behind as they entered the bend, Gelliwen was handy and Kermit The Frog, who needs to be produced late, was a few length adrift at the rear. Entering the home straight Jay Harris had raised the tempo on Man Of Dreams and Stef Gandola had to work very hard to get competitive on Kermit The Frog who stuck to the inner. Zayin Zodiac drifted to the left loosing

valuable lengths and gifting second place to Kamikaze who had maintained his position on the rail. Kamikaze responded well, producing a strong burst of speed to get up to win, however Man Of Dreams grittily stuck on and was possibly coming back to the winner in the dying strides. The Leggâ€™s handsome grey only went down by a head. That pair were three lengths clear of the stablemates Kermit The Frog and Zayin Zodiac. Sent off as favourite, Zayin Zodiac was undoubtedly a little disappointing, but can be forgiven this effort, on only his second start and his first on turf. He was making up the lost ground at the finish and was merely beaten a short head into fourth. This was also a day to remember for Will Pettis as it was his first win from only three rides under ARO rules.

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HH Sheikh Hamdan's Aghsaan (GB) and Phil Collington

Of the six runners lined up for the Wathba Stud Farm Cup Maiden Stakes over 1m1f, five were making their debuts. The four very well bred fillies and mares from the Gill Duffield stable included two half sisters, Sanaabek (by Jehol De Cardonne) and Sunbulla (by Monsieur Al Maury), who were also half sisters to current stable star, Al Hibaab (by Al Sakbe). She also ran Naar, a Madjani half sister to Tawaazun and AGHSAAN who had been second on her debut and was fancied to go one better here. The remainder also included the diminutive Southpaw, a son of the well-known handicapper WFA Leopard, who had raced under ARO rules for 10 seasons. Phil Collington and Aghsaan set the

pace, ahead of Naar and Johara Bint Shuwaiman, with a gap to Sunbulla ahead of Southpaw and Sanaabek. By half way, Johara Bint Shuwaiman was under pressure to maintain her position ahead of Sunbulla, with Sanaabek closing from the rear. Rounding the home turn Collington extended his lead on Aghsaan, with Steve Harrison giving chase on Naar with Sunbulla and Sanaabek three lengths behind. Alessandro Guerrini brought Sanaabek wide of Sunbulla to challenge entering the straight, but the grey ducked away from the whip and eventually unseated. Meanwhile positions remained unaltered in front and Aghsaan was eased down for a two and a half length victory over Naar and Sunbulla.

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There was further incident in the next, the Wathba Stallions (0-60) Handicap, over the same trip, as Al Mamoon refused to line up and took no part in the race. AMYZING ZAYIN, who had looked like a perennial maiden until front running tactics were employed here on her penultimate start last term, chose to set the pace again. These tactics clearly suit this headstrong mare best and though she had been beaten over this trip in the Silver Final at Wolverhampton, that race had come at the end of a long season. Top Trip, who also likes his own way out in front tried to go with Amyzing

Zayin, but couldnâ€™t match her pace and Steve Harrison had the whole field off the bridle by halfway, as they blazed a trail in front. Page Fuller vainly gave chase with Whisper ahead of her stablemate Vindetta, but though Harrison had to resort to the whip, they had built up a lead that couldnâ€™t be eaten into and she finished with her ears pricked. Harrison has forged a remarkable partnership with this mare and it was fitting that she should give him his one hundredth winner.

Steve Harrison and Amyzing Zayin (GB) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

Teresa Gavin and LB Farrah (GB)

Held over 1m4f, the Wathba Stud Farm Cup (0-50) Handicap started in front of the stands giving added interest to the crowd. It was the biggest field of the day with nine runners assembled and Crown Of Salona was fancied to maintain his good run of form. Yaqueen, a three parts sister to Aghsaan, set the pace, but from out of the handicap she was not fancied to emulate her here. In second was LB FARRAH, who had shown useful form without winning, she was stepping up to this trip for the first time. Yaqueen who had travelled well in the hands of Page Fuller cried enough at halfway and with the field tightly bunched, there seemed plenty with chances. LB Farrah went on ahead, with the

more fancied runners breathing down her neck - Crown Of Salona came wide on the bend to challenge whilst Ultimate Force stuck to the rail. Senor Dublcheck was also poised to make his move but his run has to be timed to precision. LB Farrah kept on gamely up the straight and had enough in hand to keep Senor Dublcheck at bay by half a length. A further two lengths away in third, the lightly raced Ultimate Force has shown more now in handicap company, though fourth placed Callymay was again disappointing. A daughter of dual UK champion stayer Sambist, it is perhaps not so surprising that LB Farrah relished the step up in trip and this gave owner-trainer-jockey, Teresa Gavin her first win as a trainer.

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Despite being the smallest field with only four runners, the hottest maiden of the day was the 7f Wathba Stallions Maiden Stakes. Bred by Mandolynn Hill Farm, who stand his sire Kaolino, Katonahotinroof MHF had shown plenty of promise on his debut last season, running on late for second and only beaten a length. He looked magnificent in the paddock and fitted with a visor, he was sent off joint favourite with Gill Duffield’s Mazaaya. Making up the field were two debutants, Jennys Lees’ Majid Bin Krayaan, who shares his sire with stablemate Shuwaiman Al Kebir and another Sheikh Hamdan runner, AL KABEER, a gelded son of Al Jakbar. Matt Johnson set a good pace on Al Kabeer, a length ahead of Majid Bin Krayaan, with Katonahotinroof MHF on the rail and Mazaaya tucked in behind. Majid Bin Krayaan quickly fell behind at

halfway, he can only benefit from the run and will do better in time. At the head of affairs, Johnson and Al Kabeer had their lead challenged on both sides entering the straight, Mazaaya on the stands side and Katonahotinroof MHF up the rail. It looked as though Katonahotinroof MHF would gain the advantage and Simon Walker had his head in front for a few strides but Al Kabeer would not give up, rallying strongly, he just chinned Walker’s mount in the photo. Mazaaya was not disgraced two lengths away in third and there will be other opportunities for her. This was an excellent performance from the three year old, albeit receiving an age allowance and the time was only just over a second slower than the following feature race over the same trip.

Katonahotinroof MHF (GB) and Al Kabeer (GB) duel to the line THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

The Wathba Stud Farm Cup (0-95) Handicap Stakes was just as exciting and also went to a photo. Three of the five runners in this event had won their seasonal debuts last term, Vent De Faust, Jaldi Karo and, at the top of the handicap, Toutatix. He had won the Emirates Airline Premier Handicap on Dubai Day, though had been a little disappointing in two subsequent runs. Jaldi Karo had to be led into the start and still gave away a few lengths to the rest, led by Vent De Faust and Phil Collington. Tracked by Ashraaf for the same stable, the field soon closed entering the bend, with Jaldi Karo running free in first time headgear and with a slipped saddle his chance was gone. However Vent De Faust was not

getting an easy lead, Collington kicked on, with Steve Harrison hard at work on Ashraaf, though none were travelling as well as Simon Walker on Toutatix, a shade behind in third. The whips were raised on the Duffield pair as Walker brought Toutatix between them and in the last half furlong they fought three abreast to the line. Though not quite as close as the maiden, Ashraaf denied Toutatix by a head, with Vent De Faust a half length back in third. This was a brave effort by Toutatix giving weight (and two years) away, but Ashraaf also franked the form of the maiden, as it was he who had beaten Katonahotinroof MHF ast season.

From left to tright: Phil Collington and Vent De Faust (FR), Simon Walker and Toutatix (FR) and Steve Harrison and Ashraaf (FR) THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

When the penny finally dropped. Amyzing Zayin (GB) gets off the mark at the 17th attempt with Steve Harrison at Hereford last September

This meeting turned out to be a day of firsts – first ARO win for novice jockey Will Pettis and a first win as a trainer for Teresa Gavin. Also, significantly for a stud who has just lost a promising stallion in Monsieur Al Maury, the first UK winner, and in fact a double, for Shadwell Arabian's young stallion Al Jakbar with Aghsaan and Al Kabeer. However star of the day had to be Steve Harrison who joined an elite club in Arabian racing, riding a total of 100 winners and just for good measure, he rode a double to finish the meeting on 101. He began riding Arabians in 2002, scoring his first victory on Anwar Wahid for Georgina Ward, riding out his claim in his first season. Speaking at the close of the day Harrsion said. “It’s unreal and on

Amyzing Zayin too! But it is a massive weight off my mind to get the hundred. This is my fourteenth season. I’m forty now and I’ve been in thoroughbred racing for over twenty years. I had a few rides as an amateur when I was in my early twenties and didn’t really get anywhere. "Then I started with the Arabians and I had a fantastic first and second season with Georgina. I was also riding out for John Mackie (licensed Thoroughbred trainer) at the time and when he saw I was riding winners against top jockeys like Willie Supple, he suggested I take out my Amateur license again, so I rode my first winner under rules for him and had a further six for Reg Hollinshead. I really enjoyed myself, but the rides began to dry up and I only ride in Arabian racing now.

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Harrison explained how he got involved with horse racing. “I was into sport as a kid, football, cricket, and so on, but never really that good and it was my granddad who got me interested in racing through his gambling. But the riding was all off my own back, I got a few riding lessons and a girl that worked with my Dad, was a nanny for John and Mary Mackie; so I got involved that way and learnt to ride by sitting on horses walking back from the gallops when they’d worked, this was at his yard in Church Broughton in Derbyshire. He’s still there now. He continued. “I’ve been a stalls handler for nearly 10 years now, it’s a brilliant job and it allows me to do other things such as this. Though these days I’m involved with Peter Hammersley’s stable, it’s been good to ride for HH Sheikh Hamdan recently, to ride quality horses is wonderful. Paul

[Simmons] has some nice horses this year, I’ve been able to watch Paul’s horses develop, he’s breeding better horses now, so I was delighted when Zayin Zodiac won first time out and though things didn’t go his way today, I’m sure there’ll be more races in him.

A winner for HH Sheikh Hamdan. Awzaan (FR) and Steve Harrison at Wolverhampton in May

Another win for Team Hammersley - Zayin Zodiac (GB) at Wolverhampton. Left to right: Peter Hammersley, Paul Simmons, Joe Walsh, Steve Harrison and Steph Gandola THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

"The most winners I’ve ridden on any one horse was on Hidalgo with seven, so it was a brilliant moment to win his final race on him at Wolverhampton last season; though I’m not far behind on Zayin Zachilles."[five wins to date] Peter Hammersley, trainer of Amyzing Zayin was delighted by Harrison’s success. “Steve’s my stable jockey and he’s been with me for four seasons now. He’s been brilliant, he has so much input into each of the horses and when he gets off a horse at the end of a race he can tell me so much about it. The hundred winners was his goal from last season – he didn’t quite make it

last year – but he made a brilliant start this year. “He was talking about retiring over the winter, but I think the 100 winner target kept him going. He rides out four times a week for me, so he gets to know all the horses before they go on the track which helps a lot. We’ve got some very nice horses this year and Paul [Simmons] thinks the world of him. I think that was another reason for him to keep going this year. It’s just fantastic, he really deserves it.”

Signing off in the best possible way. Hidalgo (GB) makes his last race a winning one at Wolverhampton on finals day last year, beating Aljawaaher (FR) by a head.

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BIRD'S EYE VIEW - HEREFORD PREVIEW GARY CAPEWELL 1.30 Wathba Stallions Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-55) 7f Much could depend on whether previous course winner Top Trip is granted a soft lead. He won earlier this season but has yet to win off a mark in the 50's. Vindetta is down in grade and is surely capable of winning races but the cheek pieces which seem to have prompted a little bit of improvement in her the last twice are now left off.

Naar (FR) second here last month

Shuwaiman Al Kebir isn't out of this but all his best form is when fresh. So a chance is taken on Kiraa back to a more suitable trip, at a track she's won at before and runs for the first time in this grade.

1.00 Wathba Stud Farm Cup Maiden Stakes 3+ PA 7f Two interesting newcomers in the shape of Maidaan and Habeebah and a paddock check will be essential. Zamhareer wasn't knocked about in a good conditions race on his debut and he is likely to improve for that and could go very close. But there was also a lot to like about Naar's racecourse debut. She was a little green early on over slightly further than this, but the penny dropeed late on. She's likely to be more street wise this time around and could be tough to beat.

Kiraa (FR) and Simon Walker

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Nekhan Taoui (FR) goes to post with Matt Johnson at Newbury

2.30 Wathba Stud Farm Cup Restricted Maiden 3+ PA 1m1f Secret Sentinel and Samir are interesting newcomers, particularly the latter and a paddock check is advised. Whilst Kallista shaped very promisingly on her racecourse debut and is capable of winning races, that may come in handicap company. Nekhen Taoui has an official rating of 93 and although she's been highly tried so far in her career in the UK, it would be disappointing if she couldn't win a maiden of this nature. 3.00 Wathba Stallions Handicap

Stakes 4+ PA (0-80) 7f Syrah Gris has paid for his consistency but he's now back below his last winning mark - which came over this course and distance two years ago. Parma T is dropped in grade and could go close if reproducing her UK debut effort, but she was disappointing last time. Zayin Zachillies has won over course and distance but most of his best form of late as been over further than this. Though Man Of Dreams is off a career high mark and his form often tapers off in the second half of the season, this does look a good opportunity for him to win again at a track he clearly likes.

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for this yard here last time. They are quickly dispensed with and he's surely capable of better than we saw on that occasion. A step back down in trip may well help Oriental Myth (headgear also removed) where as it might not help stable companion Sharaf who won over further last time out (headgear again now left off). The stables' other runner Vent De Faust steps up in trip which looks sure to suit. He was closing all the way to the line when third here recently over 7 furlongs and could be tough to beat.

Callymay (GB ) and Matt Johnson

3.30 Wathba Stud Farm Cup Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-40) 1m1f Tiger Lily makes her handicap debut and looks sure to do better in this grade, similar comments apply for Amira Bint Goudah. Yaqeen is the likely pace angle and couldn't be discounted if on a going day. The stable companions Florys Folly and Djazira could also figure. But this could be the day Callymay gets her head in front she wasn't beaten too far in a slightly higher grade here last time out.

4.00 Wathba Stallions Handicap Stakes 4+ (0-90) 1m1f

Vent De Faust (FR) and Phil Collington, third here last time

Jaldi Karo wore blinkers on his debut THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

4.30 Wathba Stud Farm Cup Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-65) 1m4f Handicap debutant Koline is interesting, particularly if reproducing her debut effort but she does have to prove she stays. Katwalk won on her seasonal debut five seasons ago. That victory came off todays mark and she's won here before, but in recent years she's needed a run or two to get to peak fitness. Gelliwen is a course and distance winner but needs to bounce back from a poor run - albeit in much better company. Whisper is the pick, she won here last season over course and distance off a 10 pound higher mark and has ran well twice this season.

Whisper (GB) and Page Fuller

Lisa Miller Fine Art

Original Arabian horse paintings and prints for sale at: www.thepaintedhorse.co.uk. Commissions available. Email: lisa@thepaintedhorse.co.uk or Tel: 01994 453545

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SHADWELL

SUPER All change after our first visit to Hereford and three single prep races for Dubai International Races. Dual succes for Kamikaze has shot Alex Cairns into the lead and brought Gary Capewell's team two into second place. Alex Cairns:

Bon Baiser De Faust Salaama Al Hibaab Kamikaze Shuwaiman Al Kebir Whisper Zayin Zachilles

20 5 15 20 10 10 10

Gary Capewell 2: Katonahotinroof

72 5

Salaama

Vindetta

Mazaaya

Kermit The Frog Kamikaze Bon Baiser De Faust

10 20 20

Steve Blackwell:

Bon Baiser De Faust Callymay Kermit The Frog LB Farrah Spirited Game Top Trip Zayin Zachilles

20 5 13 13 0 10 10

Jenny Hogan 2:

Bon Baiser De Faust Attila De Rouaisse Kiraa Whisper Shuwaiman Al Kebir Oriental Myth Gelliwen

20 18 5 10 10 3 3

Kaolino (FR) sire of Kamikaze (GB) whose back to back wins in less than a week have shaken up the leader board THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

HEREFORD 7-6-2015

Wathba Stud Farm Cup Restricted Maiden Stakes 3+ (PA) 1m1f Good to Firm

Wathba Stud Farm Cup Maiden Stakes 3+ PA 1m1f Good to Firm

1. ATTILA DE ROUAISSE (FR) 5 b h Dormane (FR) - Afamanga (FR)

1. AGHSAAN (GB) 4 ch f Al Jakbar (FR) - Sophie Du Loup (FR)

T: Ms B Deutrom

T: Mrs G M Duffield

O: David Spencer-Butler

O: HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

B: Mr Morin-Galle & Mr Delpech

B: Shadwell Estate Co.

J: Mr D.Turner

2. NISCAR DIAMOND JUBILEE (GB) 3 ch c Madjani (FR) - Jumah (GB) 3. KOLINE (GB) 6 b m Vert Olive (FR) Kolver (GB) Dist: 13, 0.5

J: Mr P. Collington

2. NAAR (FR) 5 ch m Madjani (FR) Magie De Faust (FR) 3. SANAABEK (FR) 5 ch g Jehol De Cardonne (FR) - Ietlato De Carrere (FR) Dist: 2.5, 1.5

Wathba Stallions Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-75) 7f Good to Firm 1. KAMIKAZE (GB) 7b g Kaolino (FR) On The Wing (GB)

Another winner for

Wathba Stallions Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-60) 1m1f Good to Firm

T: Mr A. S. Newey O: The Almost All Partnership B: Miss S. Davidson & Mr A. S. Newey J: Mr W. Pettis

2. MAN OF DREAMS (GB) 7 gr h Nizam (GB) - Dante's Dream (GB) 3. KERMIT THE FROG (FR) 7 b g Kerbella (FR) - Go With The Flow (GB) Dist: hd, 3

Another winner for

1. AMYZING ZAYIN (GB) 9 ch m Concord (FR) - Jumah (GB) T: Mr P. J. Hammersley O: Mr P. Simmons B: Zayin Arabian Stud J: Mr S. Harrison

2. WHISPER (GB) 12 b m The Wiking (US) - Sucha (GB) 3. VINDETTA (GB) 6 gr m Nivadour Cardonne (FR) - Viny De Passerat (FR) Dist: 3.5, 8

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Wathba Stud Farm Cup Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-50) 1m4f Good to Firm

Wathba Stud Farm Cup Handicap Stakes 4+ PA (0-95) 7f Good to Firm

1. LB FARRAH (GB) 6 gr m Sambist (RU) - Simeon Safira (GB)

1. ASHRAAF (FR) 4 ch c Madjani (FR) Tashreefat (GB)

T: Miss Teresa Gavin

T: Mrs G M Duffield

O: Miss Teresa Gavin

O: HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

B: Ms L Huggins

B: Shadwell France SNC

J: Miss Teresa Gavin

2. SENOR DUBLCHECK (GB) 9 gr g Bengali D'Albret (FR) - Mais (GB)

2. TOUTATIX (FR) 6 ch g Ambiorix (FR) - Belle Abbess (FR)

3. ULTIMATE FORCE (FR) 7 ch g Tornado De Syrah (FR) - SA Floris (FR)

3. VENT DE FAUST (GB) 6 ch g Al Saoudi (FR) - Irabelle Blazet (FR)

Dist: 1,2

Dist: hd,0.5

Wathba Stallions Maiden Stakes 3+ PA 7f Good to Firm 1. AL KABEER (GB) 3 ch c Al Jakbar (FR) - Zormania (FR) T: Mr James Owen O: HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum B: Shadwell France SNC J: Mr M. Johnson

2. KATONAHOTINROOF MHF (GB) 4 b c Kaolino (FR) - Morning Lyght (US) 3. MAZAAYA (FR) 4 ch f Madjani (FR) Aljawza (GB) Dist: shd,2

Another winner for

Another winner for The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare with The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers and sponsored by Invest AD, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE's General Women's Union, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2015, Dr. Nader Saab Switzerland, Al Wathba Center, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Yas Channel, Omeir Travels and Racing Post.

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NEWBURY 11-6-2015

NEWBURY 25-6-2015

Shadwell Arabian Stallions International Stakes (DIAR) 4yo+ Fillies and Mares 1m2f Good to Firm 1. TAWAAZUN (FR) 6 ch m Monsieur Al Maury (FR) - Magie De Faust (FR) T: Mrs G M Duffield O: HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum B: Shadwell France SNC

Dubai International Arabian Races At Newbury Racecourse, 26th July International Stakes (DIAR) 4yo+ 1m2f Good to Firm 1. AL HIBAAB (FR) 7 ch h Al Sakbe (FR) - Ietlato De Carrere(FR) T: Mrs G M Duffield O: HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum B: Shadwell France SNC

J: Dane O'Neill

2. SALAAMA (GB) 4 ch f Mahaab (AE) Qosheeya (GB) 3. DELISHESS (US) 6 gr m Dahess (GB) - Polish Rye (US) Dist: 10, 7.5

J: Steve Drowne

2. AL MAHJ'HOOR (GB) 5 gr h Mared Al Sahara (GB) - Dixie Darlene (US) 3. BA'SIL (GB) 4 gr c Amer (SA) Somra (FR) Dist: 2.5, 1.75

Another winner for

Another winner for CHEPSTOW 12-6-2015 Shadwell Arabian Stallions Premier Handicap Stakes (DIAR) 4yo+ 1m4f Good to Firm 1. KAMIKAZE (GB) 7 b g Kaolino (FR) - On The Wing (GB) T: Mr JAdam Newey O: The Almost All Partnership

1. MISTER GINOUX (FR) 4 gr c Amer (SA) - Nacree Al Maury (FR) O: AL Shaqab Racing

J: Miss P Fuller

2. JUMEIRA PALM (GB) 5 gr m Monsieur Al Maury (FR) - Tamani (GB) 3. AZIZI (FR) 7 b h Monsieur Al Maury (FR) - Ziva (FR)

Another winner for

Qatar Derby Des Pur-Sang Arabes Group 2 PA 4yo 2000m Good

T: Mr T Fourcy

B: Miss S Davidson & Mr A Newey

Dist: 1.25,0.5

CHANTILLY, FRANCE 14-6-2015

B: Earll Champ Gignoux & Mlle. E. Bellaud J: Gregory Benoist

2. SYLVINE AL MAURY (FR) 4 b f Munjiz (FR) - Savavit Al Maury (FR) 3. GAZWAN (GB) 4 gr c Amer (SA) Arc De Ceil (FR) Dist: 0.5, 1.75

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE Issue 6 - online - 25th July

Hereford Meeting Review Report and pictures from the second HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival meeting Dubai International Arabian Races Full preview of all the days events at the forthcoming Arabian Racing Organisation season highlight

Plus three single race reviews from Newbury, inlcuding the last of the DIAR Prep races Feeding the Mare and Foal An occasional series on equine nutrition from Jane Buchan

www.lgbloodstock.com THE ARABIAN RACEHORSE

One World, 6 Continents

January 23, Sportingbet Park, Australia February 08, St Moritz, Switzerland March 07, Sam Houston Park, Texas April 17, Toulouse, France

June 06, Stockholm, Sweden 28, Duindight , Netherlands July 05, Pleasanton, CA August 17, Ostend, Belgium 23, Sluzewiec, Poland September 19, Los Alamitos, CA

May 09, Ling�ield Park, UK 31, Sluzewiec, Poland

October 28, Toulouse, France Nov 08, Finals, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club

Sustained By

Coordinated By

in Cooperation with