Strong Purebred Arabians to shine in Carnival
Series funded by Hamdan has helped create healthier breed
Dubai: If Purebred Arabian racing has made significant strides in recent years it can say a big thank you to races like the Al Maktoum Challenge series for helping boost its profile.
It is widely acknowledged that Arabian has never looked healthier than it does today and for that Arabian breeders, owners and trainer can show appreciation for the efforts of patrons like Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who has funded the series since 1994.
The Al Maktoum Challenge has had the privilege of kick-starting the Carnival since its inception in 2004 and it does once again when ten runners line-up to contest the $55,000 (Dh201,850) race run over a mile on the Tapeta. Among the quality field is No Risk Al Maury who won this race 12 months ago before going to finish as runner-up in the Dubai Kahayla Classic, the opening race of the Dubai World Cup meeting.
Historic effort
Trained by Gill Duffield, No Risk Al Maury made history when winning the Al Maktoum Challenge as it was the first race at the new Meydan Racecourse. Richard Hills, who was on board that occasion, will again be in the saddle. He said: "He has been working nicely and Gill is very happy with him.
"The 1,600-metre is ideal for his return to action and I am very hopeful."
Duffield, a four-time UAE Arabian champion trainer believes her stable star is in "great shape" and ready to run.
"He's been in full training and is doing very well. He looks to be in great shape, so we're pretty hopeful he can do well."
Among the main dangers are Fryvolous, winner of the Kahayla Classic in 2009, and the highly-regarded UAE-bred Dynamite.
Doug Watson saddles two strong contenders — Kandar Du Falgas, who was third in the Kahayla Classic last season and eighth placed Nirwan.
UAE-based French trainer Erwan Charpy is represented by Santhal.
