Dubai: Shadwell reinforced their long and fruitful relationship with Capannelle Racecourse in Rome by hosting an exciting eight-race card highlighted by two exclusive contests for Purebred Arabians under the banner of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR).

French-trained Meblsh claimed Sunday’s feature race, the Listed Premio Dubai International Arabian Races 2017, after producing a strong finish under Qatari rider Faleh Bughenaim.

The handsome five-year-old is owned by Al Shaqab Racing abd trained by Thomas Fourcy, who said: “This horse always showed quality and we are very happy with his win today.

“He will probably continue to travel to compete in other international Arabian races of this quality, probably in Italy again. We will see how he recovers from this race and we may consider going to Newbury at the end of July, along with other horses.”

Although Meblsh won easily, Bughenaim admitted that he did not ride him to the best of his ability. “The horse really surprised me — I gave him a very bad ride,” said the 26-year-old from Qatar. “I had him in a bad position, but he was brave and took the gaps when they opened. He is a very talented horse, with lots of quality.”

The Italian-bred pair of Nil Aziz and Nil Ashal finished second and third, respectively.

The first three finishes qualify for the bonus scheme, available on Dubai International Arabian Raceday at Newbury on Sunday, July 30, If one of the qualifiers wins at Newbury, they will land a bonus on top of the official prize money.

Vulcano By Bonorvesu won the second Arabian contest, the Premio Shadwell Arabian Stallions, a conditions race for three year olds, by a comfortable margin, to also book his ticket to the Newbury finale. Second placed Vento De Callura and Verdigo, who was third, also qualified.

In addition to the Arabian races, leading companies from Dubai, including Emirates Airline and Jebel Ali Racecourse, sponsored Thoroughbred races in the card.

The final race on the card, was named in honour of Shadwell stallion Mujahid, was won by Sunset Key, a three-year-old filly by Derrinstown Stud stallion Tamayuz who also supplied the winner of the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches on Saturday, Precieuse.