Newbury, England: Goodwood, one of Britain’s most prestigious racecourses, could make racing history should a proposal to stage a Purebred Arabian meeting on its hallowed turf become a reality.

Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said that talks have been initiated with the racecourse management and that he was hopeful the plan could come to fruition in the not too distant future.

“Shaikh Hamdan began promoting Purebred Arabian racing in England, and across Europe, 33 years ago, when the first race of its kind was held at Kempton Park — and it was a success,” he said.

“But his ambition is to grow the sport even more, particularly in Britain.

“Shaikh Hamdan has always been extremely passionate about horse racing — as an owner, breeder and promoter — and it is his vision to make the world take notice of the Purebred Arabian.”

Al Sayegh revealed that, should Goodwood replace Newbury as hosts of the Dubai International Races — the 2014 event being held here on Sunday — it would help raise the profile of Arabian racing and provide it with a new impetus.

“I suggested to Lord March, who manages Goodwood estate for his father [Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond], that we would like to stage an all-Arabian meeting at the racecourse one day,” he said. “Shaikh Hamdan, who was also present, was straightaway interested and so was Lord March.

Logistics

“He recommended that we look at the logistics and prerequisites of staging a meeting of this nature and meet again to discuss it in detail.

“So yes, we are interested in Goodwood and we will do our best to continue to develop the Dubai International Races in Britain and around the world.”

Al Sayegh also revealed that Shaikh Hamdan was very keen to host a similar Arabian meeting at Ascot, but that it did not materialise.

“We tried very hard, but then again Ascot is a Royal venue and has its own time-bound traditions and conditions,” he said.

“The Jockey Club and the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) have supported us for the last three decades and without their help Arabian racing could not have flourished in Britain. But the Jockey Club also has a condition regarding the prize money for Purebred Arabian racing, which should not exceed a specified limit. And if you don’t offer big prize money you will not attract the best Arabian horses.

“But we are working on this in a bid to support Shaikh Hamdan’s extraordinary enthusiasm to develop Arabian racing internationally,” added Al Sayegh.

“Ultimately, it’s all about flying the UAE flag and to promote our nation worldwide and this is what we are focusing our efforts on.”

Competitions

Al Sayegh also highlighted the social events and competitions that have helped make the Dubai International Races a big success.

“Schools in West Berkshire have received equipment and funds worth more than £15,000 ever since the camel painting competition was launched in 2009,” he said.

“It is an exciting art project for primary schools, which encourages children to express themselves through art and provides teachers with an opportunity to engage with students in a wide variety of subjects, including languages, geography and culture.”