Dubai: What began on April 29 at Rome’s historic Capannelle racecourse is now set to culminate at the picturesque Newbury Racecourse in the south of England on Sunday.
Five months ago, Eman Du Loup won the Premio Taajer At Resnate to become eligible for a bonus prize at the 2018 edition of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR), the most prestigious all-Arabian race day at Newbury, UK’s headquarters for Arab horses.
The Rome starrer was the first of a series of 17 Prep Races designed to act as stepping stones to Sunday’s extravaganza. The program also visited the UK, France, Holland, Italy and Sweden during the summer with a series of Prep Races from grass root to Group PA level.
Following on from 2017, where DIAR sponsored 18 preparation races in Italy, Sweden, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, this year’s series proved a big success. The races were well supported by owners and the efforts of all DIAR partners resulting in a record participation of international runners at the showpiece event at Newbury.
This year’s race day looks set to repeat the feat with some of the best Arabian horses lining up to compete for a share of the £150,000 (Dh724,074) booty on offer in Newbury’s eight-race card.
All this would not have been possible without the untiring support of Arabian Racing’s biggest patron, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance.
As a result the 2018 bonus offers will ensure that horses that finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a Preparation Race and win one of the bonus races Sunday, will receive a bonus in addition to the official prize money of the race.
Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office and Chairman of the DIAR Organising Committee, commented: “Last year, we were very pleased to see so many racegoers and families attending our flagship event at Newbury as well as many owners and trainers from all of Europe and beyond.
“We are very grateful to the racing authorities from Italy, Sweden, France, the Netherlands and the UK for their support and help in promoting our race programme and our showpiece at Newbury.”
Newbury’s meeting is a day to remember for race fans and others alike with free entry, competitions and added entertainment.
Among the highlights are a contest for the best dressed, where the winner has the chance win a trip to Dubai.
Dubai International Arabian Races
Winners of the 2018 Preparation Races
April 29, Capannelle, Rome
Premio Taajer At Besnate — Eiman Du Loup
Premio Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes — Zoe Di Gallura
Premio Dubai International Arabian Races 2018 — Ramiz Al Aziz
June 14, Newbury, UK
29th July International Stakes — Al Chammy
Diar Premier Handicap Stakes — Mehdaaf Athbah
June 18, Stockholm, Sweden
The UAE Embassy Trophy — Suhaim
Diar International Fillies & Mares Turf — Al Raha
Diar Stockholm Arabian Cup — Al Mounteze Monlau
29th July International Stakes — Shomoos Athbah
29th July International Stakes — Ensiab
29th July International Stakes — Sharesa
July 3, France, La Teste De Buch
Shadwell Prix Bengali D’Albret — Al Ryma Monlau
Shadwell Criterium Des Pouliches — Belqees
Shadwell Coupe Du Sud-Ouest Des Pur-Sang Arabes — Taymour
July 8, Duindigt, Holland
Duindigt No Risk Al Maury International Stakes — Lightfeet
Shadwell Arabian Stallions Stakes — Hind
Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes — Lightning Bolt
