Arabian racing takes centre stage in Toulouse

Abu Dhabi: The fourth World Arabian Horse Racing Conference, which is being staged under the directives of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, will be held in Toulouse, France, from June 4 to 9.

Lara Sawaya, director of the Shaikh Mansour Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and head of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing, said the fourth edition of the conference will be associated for the first time with speakers from the newly set-up court of law to handle legal aspects of racing’s pattern conditions.

The world forum culminates with the fourth round of the Shaikh Zayed Al Nahyan Cup (Listed) and the sixth round of HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) at Toulouse Hippodrome.

A large number of professionals associated with Purebred Arabian racing will gather in Toulouse to address the various issues concerning Purebred Arabian flat racing. Topics including training, veterinary and nutrition will be discussed.

Meanwhile, Galeries Lafayette has joined the festival and will be promoting the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference.

Sawaya said: “We are proud to hold such a major partnership with Galeries Lafayette in Toulouse, the capital of Arabian races and hosts of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference.

“The festival will host a special news conference on June 5 regarding the staging of the conference, which focuses on finding suitable solutions for the future of the Arabian horse, at the Pierre Budis Centre in Toulouse from June 6 to 8.

“Right from this moment, a major campaign will be launched through the Galeries Lafayette shop. Shoppers will be eligible to enter a special draw to win prepaid coupons to attend the finals of the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Abu Dhabi on November 10.”

Pearl Lager, marketing manager of Lafayette, said: “This is an exciting partnership that we are looking forward to building on.”

Commenting on two upcoming endurance races to be held in France, Sawaya said: “The 160-km CEI-O three-star Nation Cup ride will be held in Compiegne on May 24 and has attracted 80 riders from both sexes. The UAE will be represented by 20 riders including Ali Al Jahouri and Yousuf Al Beloushi.

“The 2013 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders will take place on July 27 in Tarbes, France, and will be sponsored by the festival along with Al Shaqab Stables.”

The Shaikh Mansour Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.