Newbury, England: Top class Arabian horse racing combined with British culture, quality entertainment and strong sponsorship combine to make the Dubai International Races, an annual feature held at the UK’s Racecourse Newbury, a truly memorable event.

And this year is no exception as the historic Berkshire venue on Sunday opens its doors to the 2014 renewal of an all-Arabian card that boasts the richest prize money, £158,000 (Dh974,000), that the discipline has to offer.

Arabian racing has been flourishing in the UK for more than 30 years thanks to the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and the support of the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO).

Originally run at Kempton, it is now well established at Newbury, which is widely regarded as the home of Arabian racing in the UK. The ARO headquarters are also based at the facility, which is more than 100 years old.

The Dubai International Races also owe their success to the many racegoers who make their way to Newbury to witness an attractive eight-race extravaganza that is regarded as the “Champions Day” of Arabian racing. This is no wild boast as the programme includes three Group 1 races that attract the best runners from across Europe.

In addition, the meeting boasts free admission, a host of family attractions, free prize draws and giveaways that light up the occasion.

Right from the start, the international jockeys, trainers and connections are greeted by crowds determined to enjoy the party and lend their support to the Arabian racehorse.

Sunday’s event is free to all and Dubai-based sponsors will be offering free gifts to every racegoer, with the prizes on offer including trips to Dubai, pearls, watches and a new car.

“A Celebration of the Arabian horse in Art”, curated by the Society of Equestrian Artists, will be on show throughout the day in pavilions next to the Pre-Parade Ring, while Henna artistes will be on hand to demonstrate their skills and will be joined by face painters and a roaming magician to keep younger racegoers entertained in between races, the first of which is scheduled to be run at 1.50pm local time (4.50pm UAE).

Youthful input

Local schoolchildren will also be parading their artistic skills in the annual camel-painting competition, a charity initiative that hopes to raise funds to benefit schools in the area. Activities in the winner’s enclosure will include a best children’s hat competition, with the top prize being a new iPad. In addition, a best dressed lady competition with prizes of exquisite jewellery from exclusive UAE designers will be at stake.

‘Selfie’ competition

For the first time this year a “selfie” competition will be conducted, with the winner set to go home with an iPad.

In the day’s finale, one lucky racegoer will be presented with the keys to a brand new Suzuki Alto car in the free-to-enter “Mega Draw”.

Action on the track is of the highest level, with some of Europe’s best and most successful Purebred Arabians competing for the rich prizes.

The eight races are headed by the £50,000 Group 1 Shadwell Stud Dubai International Stakes, which is named after and supported by Shaikh Hamdan’s successful breeding operation.

NAIP, who sponsor the concluding National Academy of Indian Payroll Handicap Stakes, have extended their support of the event this year and will present a cash prize of £200 to the groom responsible for the best turned out horse in each race.