Festival helping Arabian racing grow in Europe

European owners and trainers of Arabian racehorses credited the growth of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival for breathing a new life into their flailing sport.

The three-year-old festival, which encompasses a full fixture of global Arabian races in its three categories of competition — The Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, the Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Fagentri and the Wathba Studfarm Cup — have sown its roots in Sweden when it made its debut yesterday in Malmo.

Organisers intend to grow with small-time local breeders all over the world to help develop the sport and preserve the traditions of Arabian racing. Owners and trainers are vocal in the projects success so far.

Frank Nibbering from Holland who owns and trains Bachi Bouzouk, one of the front-runners in the €16,500 (Dh86,099) group-three race for four-year-olds said: "Last year the festival sponsored just one race in Holland, now there are ten."

"Whereas before just seven horses raced now there are 15 per race, now we can really compare the horses against stiff competition not just locally but across Europe, even Sweden now."

Rejuvenated

"It's like something has been put in the ground from which we can grow. People who were quitting Arabian racing and selling their horses have bought them back. When there's nothing to win there are not so many people but this festival has rejuvenated the sport and more people are coming out to watch."

Nibbering admitted the money was a factor but the recognition was also important: "If you win today it comes on the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing (IFAHR) site. This is read all over the world. Even the organisation looks more professional due to the prestigious connection."

He added: "The festival may only sponsor two events from a 40-race season here in Sweden but the money put into those races will also filter to those other races. It doesn't matter where the money goes the sport is lifting off.

Going higher

"There aren't so many Thoroughbreds now in Holland because there's not the money surrounding the sport like in Germany. Now Arab horses are lifting the sport maybe higher than thoroughbreds due to this festival."

Diane Dorenberg, also from Holland who owns and trains Sartejano added: "The festival is very important because we are only small-time owners, breeders and trainers. This gives us the chance to travel and compete. This is a great initiative not just for racing but breeding."

Nibbering added: "Arabian racing would never have died because there would have always have been enthusiasts to keep it alive.

It is harder to train Arabians because they are not born racers like Thoroughbreds you have to respond to their attitude and work harder with them. The end result is ultimately more satisfying when you watch them succeed."