Dubai: Direct Aid For Africa (Dafa), a charity founded by ex-Newmarket trainer Barney Curley in 1996 and keenly supported by leading jockeys Frankie Dettori and Tom Queally, will be the worthy beneficiary of this week's Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot.
Both Dettori and Queally are set to battle for the jockey's championship, which carries a lucrative purse of £25,000 (Dh143,435), and will donate at least £12,500 to Dafa from their earnings should either of them win.
Five-race face-off
Since its inception Dafa, with the support of its benefactors including His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has made a significant improvement to the living conditions of the destitute and marginalised in Africa.
Queally and Dettori will face off in five prestigious races for the honour of being crowned top jockey in the Qipco British Champions Series this Saturday.
The winner will be presented with a specially crafted trophy and a cheque for £25,000 for the charity or charities of his choice after the final race. Both jockey are currently locked together on five victories apiece after the 30 races run so far.
Ambassadorial role
Dettori, who has played an ambassadorial role for the inaugural series, said he was looking forward to the high-profile meeting given its charitable connection.
He said "I think it's been a long time coming. There are five great races to look forward to at the best track in the world on a nice autumn afternoon with some of the best horses in the world running.
"I think I'm lucky enough to be riding in them all — it's a dream come true for me.
"It's an achievement to keep all the best horses in Britain and we need to provide the opportunities for them to run and something needed to change."
Commenting on Champions Day, the Italian added: "You have everything covered with stayers, sprinters, the girls and then the milers in the QEII, and the Champion Stakes with £1.3 million in prize money."
Dettori, who is the retained rider for Shaikh Mohammad's Godolphin stable, is set to partner leading contenders Opinion Poll in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup which opens the race programme and the highly-regarded Dubai Prince in the Qipco Champion Stakes.
Praise for horse
He also rides Meeznah, owned by Dubai businessman Saif Ali and Saeed Al Tayer, chairman of the board and CEO of Meydan, in the Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes.
Commenting on his chances he said: "I'd say I would be riding Dubai Prince. He's a really lovely horse with lots of potential and is open to plenty of improvement as he's only run once this year. He had an injury earlier in the year, but he's come back and ran really well at Newbury.
"It should be an exciting race and a great day at Ascot."
