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Global Arabian Racing Festival

DUBAI - The support of Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to promote the interests of small breeders around the world and to promote Arabian race horses was appreciated by the chief of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing (IFAHR).

Speaking to newsmen on Saturday, Sami Al Boueni, IFAHR Chairman said: “There have been a lot of big races that have been promoted by many bodies in the region. But many small breeders had stopped their breeding as they felt neglected.

Now the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Racing Festival has revived Arabian racing at the lower levels and has also revived the market for these breeders and owners.”

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Communications Chief of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) announced the calendar of events of the Festival, which will run for the third year in a row.

“The Festival has made a global presence at the global arena and our strategy has been to focus on Arabian horse racing which has been our tradition.”

IFAHR and Dubai Equestrian Club Vice President Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab reiterated that the Festivals has added a lot to the horse breeding industry in the UAE amid the small owners in particular.

“The series has created a great momentum and a great expansion of Arabian horse racing,” the Dubai official said.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council pledged to support the activities of the Festival and its Secretary Talal Al Hashmi said,” This Festival and its events is a translation of our plans to support sport inside and outside the UAE, particularly equestrian sport.”

After the success of the first-ever Arabian Racing Conference held in Abu Dhabi last year, the Dutch Arabian Racing Association have come forward to stage the second edition in The Hague, The Netherlands in June this year, according to Margaret de Ruitter, a leading owner and trainer.

Shamma Al Ketbi representing the General Women’s Union said the move to stage the races for women jockeys was a huge boost to the initiatives of the women in the region.

Stephen Bowey of Invest AD and Ali Al Mulla of Areej Al Ameerat, both sponsors of the Festival also spoke and pledged their support to the cause of the UAE’s heritage sport and Purebred Arabian racing.