Sport | Horse Racing
Popular Purebred Arabian series returns to Chantilly
His Highness The President of the UAE Championship Derby for Purebred Arabian horses, in its 15th year, kicks off in Chantilly today.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:26 July 3, 2009
Abu Dhabi: His Highness The President of the UAE Championship Derby for Purebred Arabian horses, in its 15th year, kicks off in Chantilly today.
The series, organised in major European cities every year by the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), was first staged in 1994, with a race in Chantilly, in France, with the support of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and, coincidentally, this year the championship will mark a return to the historic French race course.
In a press release, EEF chairman Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: "A humble endeavour that started 15 years ago, has today reached a status that certainly makes us feel satisfied.
"What makes us swell with pride is the fact that, to mark the 15 years of success, for the first time, the races will be staged in the historical Ascot Racecourse on July 25, 2009. If Ascot Racecourse decides to host pure-bred racing for the first time in its history, it only goes to prove the importance of this noble creature."
Dr Shaikh Sultan added: "Pure-bred Arabian horses have been a part of our culture and heritage and when the Emirates Equestrian Federation [then UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation] embarked on this challenge, the aim was simple - to let the equestrian world know and understand the racing abilities of this noble creature.
"Today, after 15 years, we can proudly state that the His Highness The President of UAE races for pure-bred Arabians horses have not only dispelled the myth that they lack in flat-racing ability but has also spawned breeding operations and attracted new owners in Europe and Americas.
"Over the years, the His Highness The President of the UAE race series for pure-bred Arabian horses, has made a stop at some of the most historical and traditional racing centres in Europe and Americas and the results have been phenomenal. Racing fans have watched in awe as the pure-bred Arabians showcased their racing abilities and these races created as much excitement and thrill as the other race-horses," Shaikh Sultan said.
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