Dubai: The Ajman Stud-bred A J Aryana claimed a slice of sporting history when she was declared champion foal for fillies at the 11th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.
The five-month-old Purebred Arabian show horse wowed judges with her style and strong breeding lines to win from two foals owned by Dr Ghanem Mohammad Obaid Al Hajri, Rahafa Al Hawajer and Arwa Al Hawajer.
The honours among the colts who were born in October or later, as stipulated by the rules of the competition, went to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Al Qasimi’s Jassas Al Bidayer.
Dr Ghanem also saw Mandela Al Hawajer and Mesk Al Hawajer being voted second and third best in what was a competitive category.
The championship for foals was being held for the first time at the DIAHC following the success at other events around the region.
Al Aryam Auroro, owned by Saeed Rashed Musabeh Salem Rashed Al Shamsi topped the Racing Mare (Geldings) category with a high score of 40.33 points.
The Racing Males event saw As’Sabhan W’Rsan score 39.17 points to secure first place in the division for Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.
The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which boasts prize money of $4.6million, has brought together some of the world’s best Purebred Arabian horses who are judged for their beauty, agility and heritage.
Meanwhile, the 10th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF), which is run alongside the DIAHC, showcased the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East.
Additionally, events are also providing several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery, Heritage Village and Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses on Saturday, among others.
Launching internationally at Dubai International Horse Fair are exhibitor Racewood’s Interactive Jumping Simulator and RS Racetrainer.
“The equipment saw interest from a variety of customers from the show jumping and cross-country industry,” said Bill Greenwood, Managing Director and inventor of the new technology.
The jumping simulator can be used by beginners and professionals alike and offers the rider the most realistic and interactive riding experience in a safe and controlled environment.
The simulator aims to perfect the rider’s technique skill and positioning due to sensors on the head, saddle, neck, bit and leg, which mimic the exact movement of a real horse.
The RS Racetrainer is an unmotorised gym trainer used by jockeys to improve technique, increase stamina and lose weight and can be interactive using a smart phone or iPad or tablet device.
The Dubai International Horse Fair 2014 is being held in Halls 7 and 8 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 2pm for the afternoon session and 8pm for the evening session.
Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
