Dubai: Some of the best Purebred Arabian showhorses in the world will be seen in action at the $4 million (Dh14.69 million) Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC), to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from March 20-22.
A one-of-a-kind beauty competition, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary, the event is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance. The event will showcase some of the finest Arabian horse breeds in the world with the estimated value of each horse ranging around $1 million to $2 million.
This year’s championship promises to be bigger and better than previous years with horses from over 24 countries expected to vie for top prizes in the three principal classes — Seniors, Juniors and yearlings, where both male and female horses compete in separate categories.
The Gold champions in the Senior category will receive a top prize of $250,000 while the winners of the Junior division will collect $200,000. The juvenile winners will be awarded $50,000.
Last year’s big winner was the eight-year-old grey stallion from Saudi Arabia’s Khalediah Stables, Baanderos, who is owned by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Polish-bred and owned Emandoria won the prestigious Senior Female category.
Competitions will also be held in three other categories — Racing Championship, Endurance Championship and Ridden Class.
The DIAHC, which is one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind in the world, will be held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, the largest equestrian exhibition in the region that caters to everyone in the equestrian world from trade to consumers.
The event also brings together the region’s leading equestrian equipment companies, owners, breeders, stables, clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, professional and leisure riders and horse enthusiasts.
It showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. Attractions also include a dressage performance, pony showjumping and an art gallery exhibition.
