Arabian racing to debut in Peru

Dubai: An extraordinary request by the President of Peru has thrown open the doors for the country to host a prestigious Purebred Arabian race for the first time in its sporting history.

Alan Garcia, President of the South American country, invited Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, to stage a race for Arabians in Peru which met with Shaikh Hamdan's immediate approva.

Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the office of Shaikh Hamdan, announced that Peru will join an elite group of countries that include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay to stage Purebred Arabian races sponsored by Shaikh Hamdan.

"Through this initiative His Highness aims to further expand his support for Arabian races at the highest level," he said yesterday.

"Shaikh Hamdan has for long been a much-respected patron of Arabian racing the world over though his sponsorship of the Arabian series and Peru will become the newest country to benefit from his passion for the sport."

Al Sayegh revealed that Garcia had made the request to Mohammad Issa Al Qattam Al Za'abi, the UAE Ambassador to Argentina and non-resident ambassador to Peru, when he presented his credentials.

"The request was conveyed to Shaikh Hamdan, who immediately sent his approval for the Arabian races to be held in Peru," he said.

"Shaikh Hamdan is interested in staging Arabian races in Spain and Australia as well. Hopefully this will happen soon."

Dirt and turf track

Horse racing in Peru is staged primarily at the Hipódromo de Monterrico, a thoroughbred horse racing facility which was opened in 1960 in Lima, Peru.

Operated by the Jockey Club del Peru, it has a dirt and turf track.

The Hipodromo de Monterrico hosts four Group One races that comprise the Peruvian Quadruple Crown.