Dubai: Fourteen-year-old Franshar Park K Shar created history by winning Australia's first race for Purebred Arabians, the A$20,000 (Dh77,465) Shadwell Arabian Mile, one of the highlights of Shadwell Day at Caulfied Racecourse.

The winner, who is owned by Virginia Dodson, a keen Arabian racing enthusiast, won by 10 lengths from Blakes Heaven Bombora, a 10-year-old gelding who was making his racecourse debut having previously competed in endurance events.

Third place in the 1,600-metre race run on turf went to Halimas Esdikarn.

Franshar Park K Shar was ridden by lady jockey Loretta Beckman and trained by experienced Purebred Arabian handler Gary Robertson.

The Shadwell Arabian Mile is an initiative of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, to help promote Purebred Arabian racing in Australia.

The event was held in collaboration with the Melbourne Racing Club and the National Arabian Racehorse Association (NARA).

Shaikh Hamdan has been a long-time supporter of Purebred Arabian racing and has organised events in England, Ireland, France and Germany. But this is the first time that he has turned his attention to Australia, a country where he has enjoyed great success as an owner having previously won the prestigious Melbourne Cup (Group 1) with Al Talaq and Jeune.

Caulfied, one of Australia's most beautiful racecourses, was awash with flavour on the day. Emirati hosts and hostesses greeted racegoers at the entrance to the racecourse, which was all decked-up to celebrate the landmark day.

Several marquees had been erected at the racecourse where traditional Arabic food and coffee was served to the guests.

Absolute treat

Tony and Camille Thorneycroft, who attended the event, were so impressed that they tweeted: "It was an absolute treat to see Arabian horses racing at Caulfied today, Thank you to all involved in making this happen.

"Hope this can become an ongoing spectacle and could maybe incorporated in so picnic tracks as well."

Another racegoer, Jennifer Gibson, commented: "Caulfied is a beautif racecourse, no betting, no newspaper results. There was a tradestand with food and Emiratis greeting racegoers at the front entrance.

"The commentator was excellent and this added interest to the event. It was a fantastic experience."

The Shadwell Arabian Mile was held on a card featuring seven thoroughbred races, all of which were sponsored by Shaikh Hamdan.

The feature event of the day, the Listed UAE Galilee Series Final over 2,400 metres was won by Almodovar, while Vivid Vixen landed the Shadwell Farm Kentucky handicap over 1,800 metres.

Shaikh Hamdan-owned horses enjoyed twin successes on the day, which included a smart victory by Broadcast in the Nadeem Handicap. The winner was ridden by James Winks and trained by Peter Snowden.