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Brilliant Miss Starlight steals the limelight

DUBAI - Miss Starlight, ridden by Hellier, came from nowhere to pip front runner Elle Shadow in the dying strides of the Al Maktoum Cup (Gr-3) for Purebred Arabians at the Hamburg Racecourse on Sunday.

The annual event is held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, to promote the Arabian horse around Europe and elsewhere.

The race was organised as part of the German Derby Festival which has attracted over 10 thousand spectators to the beautiful venue.

Ironically, the brilliant filly won a maiden and a handicap races before she was well beaten in a (Listed) contest at the Royal Ascot later last year.

Meanwhile, the race was attended by the UAE ambassador to Germany, Mohammed Ahmed Al Mahmoud, along with the Arab ambassadors and top officials of the Shaikh Hamdan Trophy for Purebred Arabians.

In the second race on the card, Nil Ishan Ibn Al Sakabe made virtually all to land the Emirates Airline Stakes in the hands and heels of A. Best.

The homebred son of Al Sakabe covered the 1‘400m distance in 1.38.74 before being eased close home.

However, according to Mirza Al Sayegh, chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, praised the strong support of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, that made the promotion of Purebred Arabian races without which the staging of the event would have not been possible.

“When you host a horse race or any other sports or business function, people come together and will never stop talking,” he said.

“The UAE has always been one of the most important countries with which UK has enjoyed cordial fraternal ties since long ago.

“The message of our leadership to the British people was well received and appreciated,” he added.

Al Sayegh appreciated the ongoing cooperation between the racing authorities in the two countries and called for increased and closer cooperation.

“Our effort is directed to bridge the gap between people and nations and in doing business,” he explained.

Al Sayegh also noted that they have started promoting the Arabian horse in Europe and nothing will stop them.

“We started promoting Purebred Arabian racing in England and Europe 26 years ago and have enjoyed quite a lot of success,” he said at Kempton Park racecourse.

Shaikh Hamdan, who happens to be among the highest profile horse breeders, had started the Dubai International Race Day 26 years ago, and is looking to continue the tradition.

“We would like to see more race fans here because the Arabian horse is very unique. “We will continue to do our best. Through events like Dubai International Race Day we want to promote and develop Arabian racing in England, and other European countries.

“We want the world to take notice of the Purebred Arabian. We would like to raise the prize money.

“The Jockey Club has a condition that the prize money for Purebred Arabian racing should not exceed a certain amount. But if you don’t offer bigger money you will not attract the best horse,” he said.