Zain Barakaldo stuns front-runners

Zain Barakaldo, M. Smith in the saddle, won the Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Arabian Horse Trophy at the Kempton Park racecourse on Wednesday.

The J. Green-trained came from the back seats to sprint home impressively and turn the table on front-runners Juhood and Ashwaaq to celebrate the 28^th anniversary of the trophy in great style.

Whips are cracking again as the Shaikh Hamdan Purebred Arabian Horse races kicked off at Kempton Park’s All Weather Racecourse on Wednesday.

Early, in the 6-furlong race it did not seem possible that unfancied Zain Barakaldo would end up in the winner’s circle and will be heading for the big race at Newbury later this month.

“The next destination for Zain Barakaldo will be Newbury,” said a delighted trainer J. Green later. “He’s an honest horse and deserves a line up there,” she added.

Meanwhile, Masoud Saleh, member 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 possible.

“They are things within things and wheels within wheels,” he said. “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.

Saleh appreciated the ongoing cooperation between the racing authorities in the two countries and called for increased and closer cooperation. Regarding the other activities which are held on the margin of the races, Masoud said every move is an important one. “We host many trade, heritage and cultural exhibitions. They will help in bridging the gap between people and nations and in doing business,” he explained.

Saleh also reiterated the words of Mirza Al Sayegh, director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office 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.

“The sky is the limit and our ambitions are endless,” he added.

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.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com