Dubai: Al Basti Equiworld is a major supporter of the UAE’s equine industry principally through its sponsorship of races, equestrian events, racing personnel and promotions. The ‘Best Turned Out Horse’ Award Competition at Meydan Racecourse is one to be followed.

Over the years the competition has grown into a hugely popular event, not just among the hundreds of grooms who take care of the fine horses that race in the country, but also among the trainers, jockeys, horse owners and even spectators.

Before each race, as the horses are led around the Parade Ring by their respective grooms, a panel of judges headed by Arun Menon, General Manager of Al Basti Equiworld, rate them on their overall appearance, condition, grooming effort and finer details like artistic and aesthetic presentation of the horse. Points are awarded and the horse with the highest score is declared the winner with the winning groom picking up a prize cheque for Dh500, Dh650 or $1500 on the Dubai World Cup Day.

To promote racing in Meydan and enhance spectator attendance Al Basti Equiworld also sponsors a Lucky Draw for the race goers. On every race day at Meydan Racecourse, each racegoer has a chance to win from seven prizes a cash up to Dh 2000 from the draw of free coupons distributed at the entry gate to the racecourse.

“We at Al Basti Equiworld are honoured to be associated with Meydan Racecourse and the Best Turned Out Horse competition,” Menon said.

“What makes this event stand out is that every single groom working in racing has the chance to be recognised for the efforts he puts in to ensure that his horse is presented in the best possible way.

“It is something that gives us great pleasure. The one thing that I appreciated about this competition is that it gives us the opportunity to give something back to the horse racing community,” he added.

“I am surrounded by a diverse team, all enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly people, both at Meydan and at the Al Basti Equiworld office.

“We have learnt to love and support horse racing and the people involved in the sport, through our patron Mr. Malih Al Basti, who has always encouraged us to develop and make a difference socially.” Arun acknowledged.

Since its launch in 1998, Al Basti Equiworld has pioneered the introduction and distribution of a number of internationally-renowned equine products to the UAE including horse feeds and supplements, hay, shavings and pharmaceuticals.

Al Basti Equiworld also undertakes charitable work bringing the equine racing industry closer to the society, around the world.

In 2014 Al Basti Equiworld became a major supporter of Greatwood an organisation in UK that utilises ex-racehorses to rehabilitate and educate children and young adults with special needs.

Al Basti Equiworld established a classroom facility at the Wiltshire-based charity that allows Greatwood to expand its teaching programmes which are specifically designed to educate children and develop life skills in young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Al Basti said of the initiative: ‘I was introduced to Greatwood and was immediately impressed by the work they are doing with horses and children. The charity is unique both in its approach to education and the rehabilitation of former racehorses no matter how severe the need.

“I am delighted with the way the classroom looks and hope it will help Greatwood to enrich the education of young people for many years to come.”