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SAUDI HORSE BAGS UAE PRESIDENT CUP TROPHY AT NEWMARKET Nashwan Al Khalidiah ridden by Jean-Baptiste Hamel won the Abu Dhabi International Stakes at the Newmarket Racecourse on Wednesday, July 7, 2010. Eight runners went to the post in the race which was part of the His Highness The President of the UAE Championship Cup Series 2010, which is sponsored by the Emirates Equestrian Federation, with the support of Abu Dhabi Brand, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Etihad Airways. Wednesday’s races were attended by the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with several Sheikhs, dignitaries and senior officials from the UAE and other countries. Nashwan Al Khalidiah, seven-year-old male, chestnut from Al Khalidiah Stables from Saudi Arabia, beat off a tough challenge from some other contenders including Tahweek, Mu’azzaz, Jaafer and Thimaar. Tahweek finished second in this 1600-meter race and Mu’azzaz, owned by Qatari Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, finished third. The race had a purse of ₤ 30,000. Though all eyes were on Julian Smart-trained Jaafer, also owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and winner of the US $250,000 Dubai Kahayla Classic on Dubai World Cup meeting in Meydan in March, it failed make a mark. Nashwan Al Khalidiah had finished seventh in the Kahayla Classic (Group 1) after Jaafer scored a 5-length win over favourite No Risk Al Maury. The day which had eight featured races, also witnessed a class field for the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes for Thoroughbred fillies which was won by Music Show, who was superbly ridden by Richard Hughes. The day had a festive spirit with lot of cultural activities taking place under the supervision of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Abu Dhabi Women’s Union. A colourful display of things highlighting the UAE heritage and culture attracted a huge crowd. On the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who toured these tents, was inspired to pen a short poem highlighting the importance of horses and horsemen. Speaking on the sidelines of the races, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stressed the importance of Arab bloodline and said such races prove a point in showing the worthiness of the Arab horses in flat racing. UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al-Mutaiwee and Secretary General of Emirates Equestrian Federation, Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, presented the trophies to the winners. Al Mutaiwee said he was impressed by the Newmarket races which were a true reflection of UAE culture and heritage with a huge display of artifacts from the host country. While thanking President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers for their support, Al Mutaiwee also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan for their esteemed presence at the races. “These races boost the spirit of equestrianism and provide an ideal platform to promote the Pure-Arabian breed globally. The efforts of the organisers are praiseworthy as the United Kingdom one of the world’s top racing countries which also lays special emphasis to Purebred Arabian horses,” he added. Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi profusely thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Sheik Hamdan for their presence which only goes to ‘’prove the significance of the race”. He said that the race day particularly attracted a huge crowd who were awestruck by the enormity of UAE heritage and culture, which were on display in the tents. He thanked the Nermarket management for their support and hoped more European countries will jump into the fray to stage races exclusively for the Pure-bred Arabians. In the past, Newmarket Racecourses has been a keen supporter of the President of the UAE Cup Series for Purebred Arabian horses, which takes place annually in European cities throughout the summer. It is the first international series of this kind and continues to be regarded as the premier series for the breed. Newmarket itself has a rich racing history dating back to hundreds of years. After successful racing in Curragh in Ireland, St Cloud in Paris and Moscow in Russia and Newmarket, the series will move to Ascot later in July followed by a race in the US in October.   View Photo 1View Photo 2View Photo 3View Photo 4