Nine runners to line-up for Zayed the First Arabian Cup

Abu Dhabi: Nine runners are in the hunt for the Festival of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Zayed the First Arabian Cup, the feature event on the opening night of racing at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club here tonight.

Barag, Baher and Dahes, all owned by Shaikh Mansour tackle the Rod Simpson-trained pair of Jazeerat Alsadyaat and Le Gusta Bailar in the eight-furlong race for horses rated 0-80.

Royal Class, Dahes, Firstwan, CS Patriarch and Rachidia complete the field which wears a very open look coming at the very start of the season for Purebred Arabians.

The feature race is being held to commemorate Zayed the First's centenary year (1909-2009) and is being organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) in co-ordination with the Breeding Stables of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan based in Normandy, France and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Sorouh Real Estate, IAL Art Logistics and Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2010 are supporting the festival.

Mohammad Khalafi Al Mazroui, the director-general of ADACH, said: "It is a great way for the UAE's racing season to start in Abu Dhabi with Zayed the First Arabian Cup which will be the feature event."

"After the tremendous success and response to our association with the four races held in Europe, ADACH continues in celebrating the two symbols — the Arabian horse and the leadership of Zayed the Great."

Huge boost

Lara Sawaya, director of the Festival said: "The Festival of His Highness Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Arabian flat-horse racing is a huge boost to... UAE racing. Apart from enjoying the racing action, fans and the public will become aware of the exploits of Zayed the First.

"The Festival of His Highness Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Arabian flat-horse racing has made a huge impact ever since it was launched last season and was held in famous race courses in Europe," Sawaya said.

The Emirates Equestrian Federation race for fillies kick-starts proceedings with other races for Purebred Arabians and one for thoroughbreds completing the card of six races, with the first race going to post at 5pm.