Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, was honoured for his support and long term commitment to Arabian racing with the Outstanding Achievement in Arabian Racing Award at the 50th annual Horserace Writers & Photographers Association (HWPA) Derby Awards Lunch, held in London on Monday.

The event, which took place at the Lancaster London, is sponsored by Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and it is following their initiative that an award recognising achievements in Arabian racing has been included.

As Patron of the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO), the sole authority for the sport in the UK, Shaikh Hamdan has been at the forefront of Purebred Arabian racing for more than 30 years. His continued support, both in the UK and worldwide, spans racing, breeding and sponsorship.

Shaikh Hamdan is also the patron of Europe’s biggest single Arabian race meeting, the Dubai International Arabian Races, held each year at Newbury.

In 2016 he secured his thirteenth ARO Owners’ Championship with 20 wins, which included three at Group level.

On the global stage, Shaikh Hamdan’s AF Mathmoon won this year’s Dubai Kahayla Classic (PA Group 1), the opening race of Dubai World Cup night at Meydan Racecourse.

Also recognised for their achievements this season were 16 times Champion Arabian Jockey, Simon Walker, leading Arabian owner-trainer Delyth Thomas and the highest ever rated Purebred Arabian racehorse, Al Mourtajez.

ARO Chairman Charles Gregson commented. “We are delighted to see Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, our Patron, honoured in this way and we are very grateful to both the QREC and HWPA for recognising Arabian racing at this annual event.”

The separate National Hunt and Flat awards for Trainer of the Year and Jockey of the Year at the HWPA Derby Awards were amalgamated into Trainer of the Year and Jockey of the Year in 2012.

Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby was named the International Trainer of the Year, an award decided by the International Racing Bureau. Appleby, who has had a fruitful time in Australia lately, won ahead of David O’Meara, Sir Michael Stoute and Roger Varian

Aidan O’Brien, after a stellar Flat season, was voted HWPA Trainer of the Year, with the other nominees being Laura Mongan, Willie Mullins and Colin Tizzard.

Jim Crowley, Stobart Champion Jockey for the first time in 2016, gained the Jockey of the Year award, in front of Josephine Gordon, Richard Johnson and Ryan Moore.

Coolmore, whose horses are mainly trained by O’Brien, was judged the Owner of the Year. The other nominees were Jean Bishop, Ontoawinner, Strecker & Burke and Susannah Ricci.

2016 HWPA Derby Awards

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Arabian Award — Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

International Trainer of the Year — Charlie Appleby

Owner of the Year — Coolmore

Jockey of the Year — Jim Crowley

Trainer of the Year — Aidan O’Brien