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Newbury: One of the most passionate patrons of Purebred Arabian racing has pledged to continue working to raise the profile of the sport and secure greater recognition for the breed.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said on Sunday that he will not give up on his aim to develop Purebred Arabian racing in Europe even though there are several 'obstacles'.
"We started promoting Purebred Arabian racing in England and Europe 25 years ago and have enjoyed quite a lot of success," he said at Newbury racecourse.
"But we can achieve even more provided we receive more support."
Shaikh Hamdan, who is one of the world's biggest owners and breeders of both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred race horses, was speaking after the Dubai International Race Day, a Breeders' Cup-style event for Arabians, that he created 26 years ago and has promoted ever since.
Unique horse
"We would like to see more race fans come to these races because the Arabian horse is very unique.
"They are very intelligent and make great race horses.
"We will continue to do our best thought events like the Dubai International Race Day to promote and develop Arabian racing in England, and other European countries.
"We want the world to take notice of the Purebred Arabian."
A record crowd of over 18,000 attended Sunday's races at the historic Newbury racecourse, which featured four Group 1 races and one Group 2.
Prize money topped £96,000 but Shaikh Hamdan said it was not enough to attract more international owners and trainers.
"We would like to raise the prize money.
"But the Jockey Club have a condition that the prize money for Purebred Arabian racing should not exceed a certain amount," he said.
"Unless you offer bigger money you will not attract the best horses."
Sunday's feature race, the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, has been compared to the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, which is one of the highest quality thoroughbred races run in the UK.
Like the King George, Arabian racing's Shadwell Dubai International Stakes presents the Classic generation an opportunity to complete with the best older middle distance horses.
Small field
But Sunday's race attracted five entries and none from France and Germany, where Arabian racing is reportedly flourishing.
Shaikh Hamdan admitted that the field was small but pointed out that quality of the horses running was certainly high.
However, he added he would like to have seen more European owners and trainers taking up the challenge and sending their best horses to Newbury.
He was also keen to introduce a three race series for Arabians, much like the now defunct World Thoroughbred Championship.
The DIARD was conceived by Shaikh Hamdan as a championship event for Purebred Arabians in the UK.
It was first run at Kempton in 1982 and celebrated its Silver Jubilee last year.
Greater prize money is needed to attract more international owners and trainers but the Jockey Club sets a limit for Purebred Arabian racing.
Are you a fan of horse racing? Do you think Purebred Arabian racing is in need of greater recognition? What, in your opinion, makes the Arabian horse truly unique? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com
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