The Arabian Racehorse Issue 1

T H E A R A B I A N

R A C E H O R S E

Issue No.1 22nd April 2015

French Breds Dominate in Doha and DubaiUK Season Preview Part 1

T H E A R A B I A N R A C E H O R S E

T H E A R A B I A N

R A C E H O R S E

3 News

4 French Breds Dominate in Doha and Dubai

Full reports of the HH Emir's Trophy InternationalFestival , Doha Triple Crown and the Dubai World Cupopener, the Kahayla Classic

16 Shadwell Super 7 Competition

Free to enter competition for the UK racing seasonsponsored by Shadwell Stud

17 UK Season Preview Part One

In support of the Shadwell Super 7 competition, some ofthe Arabian Racing Organisation regulars give their 'FirstTeam' selections

23 Farewell Susanna

Tribute to Fegentri Secretary General, Susanna Santesson

Produced by equine creative media

Stable Flat, Moreton Manor Stud, South Moreton, Oxon, OX11 9AH

[email protected]

00 44 7782 349 047

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I s s u e 1 - 2 2 n d A p r i l 2 0 1 5


N EW SQATAR RACING&EQUESTRIAN CLUB UKSPONSORSHIP

Changes in the senior personnel at Qatar Racingand Equestrian Club (QREC) have resulted in thenew management team reviewing their overseassponsorship commitments.

QREC, who have been one of the Arabian RacingOrganisation's (ARO) major sponsors at grass-rootslevel for the past five years, have decided todiscontinue all UK sponsorship, with the exceptionof the first leg of the Group 1 Doha Triple Crown,to be run at Goodwood in August.

ARO confirmed that they will be continuing withthe breeders' scheme, albeit with reducedpremiums, though are still in discussions withQREC regarding a revised scheme as part of theirnew sponsorship strategy.

ARO also confirmed that all races and prize moneywill remian as stated in the Part One Calendar.

Z A Y I N Z A C H I L L E S S C O O P SA H S AW A R D

The Arab Horse Society Performance Awardsrecognise performance horses in ridden disciplinesin three sections: purebred, part-bred and Anglo-Arabs. Awards are also made to individual winnersin each affilitated discipline, with free entry tohorses owned by AHS members.

The 2014 High Points Racing Champion Awardwent to ZAYIN ZACHILLES (Kaolino x CSComete).

"I am delighted my homebred colt Zayin Zachilleswon the AHS Performance Horse Awards - HighPoints Racing Champion, along with being 2014Reserve UK Champion Arab Racehorse," enthusedPaul Simmons.

"He has won four races now, from 7 furlongs to amile and six furlongs and has been consistentlyplaced. He has been a superstar for my stud and isa real flag bearer for Zayin breeding, and I amvery proud of him."

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FRENCH BREDS DOMINATEIN DOHA & DUBAIDEBBIE BURT

When, in January this year, the InternationalFederation of Arabian Horse RacingAuthorities (IFAHR) named ALMOUWAFFAK (FR) as the top rated threeyear old (on 116) and DJAINKA DESFORGES (FR) as the joint top rated olderhorse of 2014 (along with AL TAIR (GB))on 124, it was only the beginning of what hasbeen an impressive start to the 2015 seasonfor the ‘FR’ suffix.

Both the Group 1 events of the HH Emir’sSword Festival, the Qatar InternationalTrophy and the Emir’s Sword, went toFrench bred winners in MISTER GINOUX(FR) and AL MOURTAJEZ (FR). Thiswas soon followed by another impressiveGroup 1 success when MANARK (FR) ledfrom pillar to post in the Kahayla Classic inDubai. Even more remarkable was the factthat the first five horses home in that eventwere all foaled in France.

On the domestic scene, of the horsesregistered with the Arabian RacingOrganisation (ARO) to date, seven of the topten rated horses (95+) are also French bred,with Dubai International Stakes (Gr1)winner AL HIBAAB (FR) topping the tableon 117. In that top ten, only the President ofthe UAE Cup (LR) winner LAHOOB andthe Emirates Equestrian FederationInternational Stakes (Gr2) winner

SALAAMA represent Britishfoaled runners, though both carry Frenchblood on the dam’s side.

Given the history and commitment thatFrance has given to the breeding of thePurebred Arabian racehorse, this is hardlysurprising and despite other breeeders effortsaround the world, this dominance is unlikelyto be challenged in the foreseeable future.

Djainka Des Forges (FR) wins the 2014 Qatar Arabian World Cup ahead of Al Tair (GB)

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H.H. The Emir 24th International EquestrianSword Festival – Doha, Qatar

This year’s HH Emir’s Sword Festival not only provided three days of top class Arabian racing,but also announced the Doha Triple Crown - to be run in three countries, with a $1,000,000

bonus to the winner of all three races.

Al Mourtajez (FR) in the parade ring in Doha

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The Festival features three days of mixedArabian and Thoroughbred racing, plustwo Ladies Fegentri series races and matchraces for local Arabians. The Tuesday wasthe most relaxed of the three days and themain race of the day, the Gulf Cup forArabians bred in the Gulf States, went tothe leading trainer and jockey combinationof Jassim Al Ghazali and Harry Bentleywith ALMUJAHAZ (QA) (Hafid Du Bac xKerjam).

ALMUJAHAZ had been beset by tendonproblems, missing two seasons, but hadpreviously been a classy performer, withGroup wins in the Emir’s Trophy and theHeir Apparent Sword. Beaten on hisreappearance in the Qatar Gold Sword(won by TARAF (QA)), he nonethelessreturned sound and had been aimed at thisevent.

Speaking to the Gulf Times, Bentleyexplained “Jassim has done a great job in

bringing him back after he suffered aninjury. They went a good gallop and I wasdrawn one and I wanted to make use ofsuch a good draw. Once I came off thebend, ALMUJAHAZ was travelling sowell, I did not want him to go too soon.When I asked him to quicken, he did it sowell. He has got so much ability. He haswon on pure class.”

The Fengentri conditions race over 7furlongs for Arabians produced a one-twofor the Julian Smart team with HARIIR(GB) (Amer x Al Shahania Aseala), pilotedby Norway’s Dina Heggum, coming clearof HARRAN (GB) (Burning Sand x AzizaD’Aroco) for a three length victory. Qatarwas the first of the Middle Eastern racingnations to join the Fengentri series, whichhas been holding amateur riders’ racesaround the globe for more than 50 years.

“It is nice to see the Fengentri lady jockeyscome and ride here, especially in a Gulfcountry,” said Smart in his post raceinterview. “We could not have asked for abetter result than taking the first twoplaces.”

Heggumwas delighted with theexperience. “It is amazing to come to Dohaand win at the biggest race meeting. I hopeto be back here soon. It is a wonderful trackand a great place to ride.”

The feature race onWednesday was theGroup 1 Qatar International Trophy, with12 runners lining up for the mile contest.QUEENS RANSOM BFV (USA) (Chndakax SeraphWings) made the most of hisplum inside draw and took them along at agood pace ahead of ABHAR (GB) (Majd AlArab x Akie Croix Noir) and TMTHUNDER STRUCK (USA) (Majd Al Arabx Bonnett), with the remainder close inattendance.

Harry Bentley aboard Al Mujhaz (QA)

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In the final quarter of a mile, TadhgO’Shea made his move on ABHAR tochallenge the long time leader, but as thefield spread across the track entering thestraight there were many with chances.Julien Auge had rousted MISTERGINOUX (FR) (Amer x Nacree Al Maury)from his position at the back of the fieldand the grey colt responded well with athrilling turn of foot, sweeping wide andlate to the front, with only a furlong to go.

AL ANGA (FR) (Amer x Kerbelle Du Loop)was closing onMISTER GINOUX, despitemeeting trouble in running, but the linecame too soon and she was beaten by half alength, with stablemate ADEN (GB)(Burning Sand xMayada) three quarters ofa length back in third.

This was a fourth victory for MISTERGINOUXwhose previous wins includedthe Group 3 French Breeders Challenge atToulouse in the autumn and also a courseand distance success in the Qatar Derby inDecember. The only four year old in therace, he had made the most of hisallowance, but was nonetheless impressivein the manner of his win.

Al Shaqab’s Racing Manager HarryHerbert was full of praise for both the coltand his trainer saying. “I was not thatconfident with two or three furlongs to go,but it is amazing to see the turn of foot thehorse showed, but he had to do it the hardway. Al Shaqab has a great team and histrainer Thomas Fourcy’s success rate isstaggering”.

Mister Ginoux (FR) and Julien Auge cross the line ahead of Al Anga (FR)

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Above: Al Majh'Hoor (GB) in the paddock

Left: Runners going away from the stands

Below: Thomas Fourcy with Mister Ginoux(FR) and Julien Auge return triumphant tothe winners circle


The culmination of the racing festival is ofcourse HH The Emir’s Sword, a Group 1contest over a mile and a half on turf.Though only a small field of seven, itincluded DJAINKADES FORGES (FR)(Kerbella x Djamour Des Forges) winner ofthe Qatar ArabianWorld Cup and the jointtop-rated Arabian racehorse of 2014. Alsolining up for HH SheikhMohammed binKhalifa Al Thani were ALMAJH’HOOR(GB) (Mared Al Sahra x Dixie Darlene) andTARAF (QA) (Burning Sand x Gethaabar),in a bid to provide trainer Julian Smartwith a fourth win in this event.

The overseas trained runners were headedby the exciting ALMOURTAJEZ (FR)(Dahess x Arwa), unbeaten in his last threestarts in pattern company, including theGroup 1 Doha Cup at Deauville for hisyoung trainer Thomas Fourcy. Alsorunning in the colours of Al ShaqabRacing, but trained by Jean-FrancoisBernard, was FAHR (FR) (Nizam x Fifth)who had been fourth at Longchamp toDJAINKADES FORGES in theWorldCup. Representing Oman was RADDAD(GB) (Amer x Djemila), who had remainedin Doha after winning the Group 2 QatarGold Trophy, earlier in the month.

The field was completed by VETLANADEFAUST (FR) (Al Saoudi x Svetlana), theonly runner for Qatar’s leading trainerJassim Al Ghazali, who had just won thepreceding Thoroughbred Group 1 Emir’sTrophy for the second time withDUBDAY.

ALMOURTAJEZ was smartly away andsoon established an early lead over ALMAJH’HOOR and the remainder of thefield. Approaching the winning post for thefirst time, the grey son of Dahess duckedleft away from the rail, but maintained agood pace in front, with little change in theorder behind. Rounding the final bend,DJAINKADES FORGES appeared poisedto make her customary late challenge asher stablemate ALMAJH’HOORwentwide, allowing her up his inner. ThoughJulien Auge had other ideas, asking ALMORTAJEZ to quicken again and his coltalways had the edge. Richard Mullen washard at work on DJAINKADES FORGESbut could never get his filly closer than alength to ALMOURTAJEZ, though thepair drew clear of ALMAJH’HOOR inthird.

An impressive AlMourtajez (FR)strides out afterthe line underJulien Auge forThomas Fourcy andAl Shaqab Racing

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This was an exhilarating performance bya colt who had missed the ArabianWorldCup having hurt his back whilst rolling inhis stable, but he showed no ill effectshere.

Speaking after the race a delighted HarryHerbert, racing manager for Al Shaqabsaid “Of course Al Shaqab will try to havea horse for the Doha Triple Crown, Ithink it is a wonderful initiative to have aseries of valuable Arabian races, we willlook at our possible runners and thishorse may go to Goodwood later thisyear.”

“It’s magical to win here,” said ThomasFourcy, who has only been training fortwo years.

“He is a horse that likes to dominate, soJulien sent him to the front and hisstrength is his ability to keep quickening.He likes it when they come to him andthen he goes on again. The Qatar ArabianWorld Cup at Longchamp is the longterm target.”

Earlier, the morning press conference hadannounced the latest addition to theInternational Arabian racing calendar, withthe inauguration of the Doha TripleCrown, which boasts a $1,000,000 bonusto the horse that can will all three Group 1races.

The series will begin with the £400,000Qatar Harwood International Stakes to berun over a mile on the final day of theprestigious Glorious Goodwood Festival.The second leg will incorporate the€1,000,000 Qatar Arabian World Cup -already established as part of the Prix deL’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris – over

a mile and a quarter. The series concludeswith Qatar’s most valuable race, the QR3,000,000 HH The Emir’s Sword, over amile and a half.

The President of Qatar EquestrianFederation, Hamad Bin Abdulrahman AlAttiya said, “The Doha Triple Crownrepresents a major development in theglobal promotion of Arabian Racing linkingthree major festivals and strengtheningour alliance with European racing.

“We are delighted that our newpartnership with Goodwood provides uswith the opportunity to launch the seriesat one of the world’s most beautifulracecourses and one of internationalracing’s most highly regarded racemeetings.”

Genny Haynes, Director of the ArabianRacing Organisation, the sole ArabianRacing Authority in the UK, welcomed theinitiative saying, “It is extremely exciting tohave a race of this stature forming part ofthe UK Arabian Racing Calendar and welook forward to playing our part in thepromotion of this major new race series.”

Lord March, Chairman of GoodwoodRacecourse, expressed his delight at theirinvolvement with the new series saying,“Goodwood has a long held reputation forcombining heritage and innovation and weare looking forward to welcoming some ofthe world’s highest rated Arabians to raceon the Sussex Downs.”

With the notable victories of MISTERGINOUX and AL MOURTAJEZ, Al Shaqablook to hold a strong hand for the series,which adds an exciting new dimension tothe growth of the international calendar.

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MADJANISuccess aroundthe worldBON BAISER DE FAUST2nd Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes - Gr.1 PA(Chantilly)

HANDASSA3rd Doha Cup - Gr.1 PA(Deauville)

Other winners:FranceMANDANYKANJANIZEMBRAAINHOA MADJANIS

Sweden and DenmarkMAHANY DE PIBOUL

UEAMADJANTHATSNS NUJOOD

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MoroccoWIFI DE FAUSTMADJANI DE L’ATLAS

QatarWEST DE FAUST

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USA: CHNDAKA 1990 Dormane - Malika FontenayKAOLINO 1998 Dormane - Cary de CarrèreNIVOUR DE CARDONNE 1995 Manganate - Pistache du Cassou

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CC2817 Dubai Arab Roster for Jebel Ali RC:Layout 1 30/03/2015 15:02 Page 1


Now in its twentieth year, the Dubai WorldCup is a race meeting like no other. It mayhave changed racecourses and even racingsurfaces, but with six ThoroughbredGroup 1’s following the Gr1 PA KahaylaClassic, it is undisputedly a night ofhorseracing excellence. Previously run fora purse of USD $250,000, the increase toUSD $1 million puts the Kahayla Classic ona par with the Goldophin Mile, Dubai GoldCup and the Al Qouz Sprint forThoroughbreds.

There had been much speculation aboutDubai Racing Club’s decision to return todirt, taking up the original Tapeta surfacein May last year. Other work included

altering the drainage and also the camberof the track - 1.5% in the straight and 5.5%on the bends. The new surface, which is ablend of 90% sand and 10% silt and clay,was ready to be trialled in November atwhich point it was considered to be tooloose.

Given that there is comparatively littleracing at Meydan to other tracks, it wasinevitable that the track would take a longtime to settle. Dubai Racing Club’sExecutive Director Frank Gabrielexplained, “Little by little it has matured.Like any new track, it needs maturity.Maturity in track surfaces is achievedaround the world by Mother Nature.

Dubai Kahayla Classic GR1 PA – Meydan, Dubai

The world’s richest night of horseracing now totals a staggering $30 million in prize moneyand with a new sponsor in IPIC, the prize money for the Dubai World Cup opener has been

raised to a cool $1,000,000.

Manark (FR) and Dane O'Neill breaking the PA track record

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“We are in the desert, so watering capacityand rainfall is limited. It is more aboutharrowing and grading and the rightamount of water to get consistency.”

He continued. “The more horse traffic youhave the better, which is why each week itis getting better and better.”

Fifteen runners lined up for the KahayalaClassic, included the joint top-ratedArabian racehorse of 2014, DJAINKADESFORGES (FR) (Kerbella x Djamour DesForges). Starting as favourite, she wasbidding to give her trainer Julian Smart athird win in this contest and a second forHH SheikhMohammed bin Khalifa AlThani, for whom he also trained TARAF(QA) (Burning Sand x Gethaabar).

Smart had been unlucky with DJAINKADES FORGES, who was denied by lessthan a length when runner up to RABBAHDE CARRERE (FR) (Bibi De Carrere xMizzna) in last year’s event, and on thisoccasion she was again drawn wide.Interviewed in the Gulf Times, Smart said“I am very happy that two of our horses

have been invited to be a part of the line upfor the Kahayla Classic. It is not often thattwo horses from the same stable get invitedfrom outside the UAE.

“The major factor for me is that it will berun on the sand track. Our two fillies arevery good on the turf. However DjainkaDes Forges handled the Tapeta surfacevery well last year and they train on asimilar track at Al Shahania. If they travelwell and keep fit, we can expect a goodshow from them.

“I would not be too confident as we knowwhat happened in the HH Emir’s Sword.Djainka was beaten by a superior AlMourtajez. TheWorld Cup is a very specialday and the Kahayla is the first race

on the card. There will be a lot of pressurebut we will be up to the challenge.”

One runner for whom the new dirt surfaceheld no fears was dual Darley Horse of theYear, VALIANT BOY SBFAR (FR)(Darweesh x Thumb Print), who wasunbeaten in his last eight starts. Trainer Liz

Djainka Des Forges(FR) leadsstablemate Taraf(QA) in the pre-parade ring atMeydan

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Merryman had enlisted the skills of Hall ofFame jockey Joel Rosario, who had wonthe Dubai World Cup on AnimalKingdom, in 2013.

Speaking before the race, Merryman feltthat her charge was thriving, “I think hehas settled in really well and he had a nicebreeze onMonday. Now we will have tosee how he shapes up on the world stage.”

Other fancied runners included HHSheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’spair, VERSAC PY (FR) (Njewman x Elipse)andMANARK (FR) (Mehabb xMendra).Both were coming into the race on the backof successes: VERSAC PY had won thethird leg of the Al Maktoum Challenge,also a Group 1, over course and distanceand naturally was strong in the market.MANARK, was stepping up on his win inthe Bani Yas, a Group 2 over 7f. Theirtrainer, Frenchman Erwan Charpy, hadlong held dreams of winning the KahaylaClassic, having won the Gulf NewsMile onthe very first World Cup night back in 1996.

As the 15 runners left the gates, the Smarttrained duo of TARAF and DJAINKADESFORGESmade their way over from widedraws to track the leading group. This washeaded byMANARK, a horse who hasfound it hard to settle, but he quicklyestablished an uncontested lead underDane O’Neill. Close in behind was lastyear’s third, RAAZIQ (FR) (Munjiz xSheena) and BIGG N RICH (USA) (FalinaDes Fabries x Viraac), with VALIANT BOYSBFAR settled in mid division.

Travelling well within himself, MANARKcontinued to set the pace, however therewas obviously something amiss withVERSCAC PY, who never looked happyfrom the start and he was pulled upturning for home.

With MANARK gradually increasing thetempo in front, it was clear that many ofthe field were struggling, with VALIANTBOY SBFAR abandoning his position onthe rail to avoid tiring horses. O’Neill,meanwhile, pushed his mount clear of thefield, with Keiran Fallon hard at work inpursuit on RAAZIQ.

Only DJAINKADES FORGES andVALIANT BOY SBFAR were able to breakaway from the pack, in an effort to closefrom off the pace. However MANARK’slead never looked in danger, as hecontinued to draw further away from themfor pressure. Only the brave VALIANTBOY SBFARmade any impression,snatching second from RAAZIQ on theline, with the favourite DJAINKADESFORGES staying on for fourth.

Despite being eased at the finish,MANARK’s time of 2 minutes 16.30 secondsset a new record, smashing VERSAC PY’sprevious time by a clear 3 seconds on thisnew surface.

“It was pretty straightforward really,”explained Dane O’Neill after the race. “Weagreed to settle in front and it worked to atee. I thought there would be a lot morepressure on me, but I suppose a lot ofpeople had thought of him as a non-stayer,so they were probably just waiting for himto be shot at, out in front, but he’s all heartand Erwan has done a great job with thishorse.”

A delighted Charpy was full of praise forMANARK and his staff, “I really love thishorse. It was a challenge. Everybodythought we were crazy going from sevenfurlongs to ten with this buzzy horse, butall the team have done fantastic work. Itreally has been a team effort.

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Getting him to relax was the key towinning, going to the front unchallenged,he had an easy lead, the track was fast,which was probably what got Versac introuble - a very quick surface is difficult forhim, he’s an old boy with lots of wear andtear, so I just hope he is fine.”

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid AlMaktoum explained further. “Well this wasthe first time to try a mile and a quarter, allhis life it has been seven furlongs to a mileand when he ran at Doncaster, we tried toget him to settle and he pulled hard and hegot tired. Since he came here, we tried tosettle him in the Al Ruwais and he didn’tsettle, so we gave him three weeks, then lethim use his stride and he won, and againtoday.”

This attractive son of Mahabb had startedhis career in France in the care of DamiendeWatrigant. He showed early promise,easily winning on his debut over 6 furlongsand was then purchased by SheikhHamdan. Continuing his career for thesame handler, he won stepped up to 7furlongs, though found DAHORDEBRUGERE (FR) (Dahess x Dormadora)and DJEBELIA ALMELS (FR)(Dahess xKoheila Al Mels) too good on his next startin the Group 1 Qatar Coupe De France atChantilly over a mile.

Dropped in class and back over 7 furlongs,he won again at Dax, before coming over toNewbury to contest the Group 2International Stakes on Dubai Day. One ofthe most experienced juveniles in that race,he made all to give Paul Hannagan his firstUK Arabian racing win as retainedprofessional jockey to His Highness.

He was then a well beaten fourth on hisfinal start, returning to a mile for theBreeders Challenge at Toulouse. A setback

forced him to miss his four year old season,spending it instead at Shadwell’s Thetfordbase in the UK.

He made his return to racing last year forGill Duffield, finishing third in aWathbaCup conditions event at Hereford at a mile,and again third in the 5 furlong Group 3Clarendon Stakes at Newbury, behindADEN (Burning Sand xMayada) and ALANGA (FR)(Amer x Kerbelle Du Loup). Hefailed to settle when fourth in the Group 1Zabeel International to ALMOUHANNAD (FR) (Nizam x Al Ryme)and took a fierce hold in the Group 1 QRECHarwood International, giving himself nochance, back to a mile at Doncaster.

However he had shown enough to be sentover to race in Dubai this winter and madehis first start for Charpy in February, whenhe was well beaten in the 5 furlong Group 3Al Ruwais on Turf. Different tactics and achange of surface made all the differencefor a comfortable win in the Bani Yas,though it is not hard to see why there werestamina concerns for the Kahayla.

It has obviously been a considerable teameffort, across continents, to unlock thepotential of this talented performer;however, MANARK has certainly repaidhis owner’s patience and is now unbeatenat Group level from two starts on dirt.

Photographs:

Manark wins the Kahayla Classic - OmarAlhegelan / Gallop Magazine

Djainka Des Forges leads Taraf - Sally Duckett

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THE ARABIAN RACEHORSEis delighted to announce the free to enter‘Super 7’ competition, generouslysponsored by Shadwell Arab Stallions.

Entrants are invited to select a team ofseven horses to race in UK ARO races from2 May to 25 September with the followingcriteria:

* no unraced horses* at least one four year old* up to two overseas trained horsesmaybe selected

Points will be scored as follows:

10 points for a win5 points for second3 points for thirdBonus + 2 points for a Listed or Group win

In the case of a deadheat points will beawarded as follows: win - 8 points, second– 4 points, third – 2 points.

Up to two entries per person are to beemailed to:[email protected]

No entries will be accepted after midnight1 May 2015.

Shadwell Arab Stallions will present thewinner with either a Gentleman’s watchand cufflinks or a Ladies watch and abracelet at the ARO Dinner Dance in 2016.

7SHADWELL

SUPER16


UK SEASON PREVIEWPART ONEIn support of the Shadwell Super 7competition,THE ARABIANRACEHORSE asked some of the AROregulars for their 'First Team' selections:

JENNY HOGANARO Racing Administrator

DJET TAOUY (FR) (6 h Dahess xWinTaouy)Top competitor from France for the Groupraces, really tough and sound horse.

JAMAAHIR (GB) (10 g Makzan x TikisTiffany)Handicapper over a variety of trips in themid/low level and always runs well nomatter what the race.

KERMIT THE FROG (FR) (7 g Kerbella xGoWith The Flow)Improving and versatile horse who hasbeen given a chance by the handicapperand I hope we will see an even better horsethan last year.

LB FARRAH (GB) (6 m Sambist x SimeonSafira)Really nice type and has been carefullybrought on through the ranks. Should be agood mid-level handicapper this season.

KAMIKAZE (GB) (7 g Kaolino x On TheWing)Premier handicap winner who goes on avariety of ground conditions and should dowell in the medium distance races.

NASHMI (FR) (7 h Amer x Danie DuCassou)Another top horse for the Group races,consistent, sound horse.

SALAAMA (GB) (4 f Mahabb x Qosheeyya)Lovley well built filly who should becompeting at the top level. She is capableof winning against the colts and on the bigstage.

AMANDA SMITHARO Racing Manager

AURORA FORTA (UAE) (4 f AbuAlemarat x Bay Brulee)Very impressive runner up in the 3 year oldrace on Dubai Day, disappointing inFrance, but the race came at the end of along season and it’s a tough task for ayoung filly to stay on the top of her gamethat long. Has had the winter to rejuvenateand as long as she avoids carrying topweight in handicap races, she could be anexciting prospect.

DJAINKA DES FORGES (FR) (6 mKerbella x Djamour Des Forges)As runaway victor of the Shadwell ArabianStallions Hatta on Dubai Day, Djainka desForges was the most impressive winner ofthe day. She followed up by winning theQatar Arabian World Cup in Longchamp.This races is always very tough on horses

Kermit The Frog(FR) and Stef Gandola

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and she hasn’t quite shown the samedominance in her Qatar or UAE classicraces since. However, she is the joint toprated Arabian in the world for a reason andI am confident that, back in the UK, shecan show her ability again.

SALAAMA (GB) (4 f Mahabb x Qosheeyya)Ran twice and won twice in 2014, includingan impressive winner of the Group 2 racefor 3 year olds on Dubai day last year.Good to see her back as a four year old inher classic year and could certainly be oneto watch in the Shadwell Mares races thisyear.

SYNERGY (GB) (4 f Jiyush x Sing Me ASong)Not ready to run until the final meeting ofthe year in 2014, this colt looked to havepotential when running against some veryuseful Maidens. Once handicapped hecould be an interesting contender.

WHISPER (GB) (12 m TheWiking x Sucha)This mare always gives her best. She’sproved far more versatile than her brotherSuchaking and I am confident she willcontinue to be placed consistently in 2015.

VASTELIN KOLEC (RU) (5 h Newmarket xVelvichia)Really intersting to see a mix of Russianand French breeding. Superb form inRussia, but impossible to know how thatwill translate to the UK tracks.

ZAYIN ZACHILLES (GB) (6 h Kaolino x CSComete)This hardy, versatile handicapper wasunlucky to miss out on the title ofChampion Arabian in 2014. If he carries onwhere he left off last year he could be a safebet for some points this year.

GARY CAPEWELLARO Commentator

ASSY (QA) (6 h Amer x Margoula)Last years Emir's Sword winner who hasn'trun since, but is expected to appear inEurope this year. Has won his last 7 racesand this Qatari bred Arabian is effectivefrom a mile to 1m4f and will be a force tobe reckoned with in Group 1 company.

Salaama (GB) and Ted Durcan

Assy (QA)

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DARIFA (NL) (5 mMajd Al Arab xDjelflore)

Won a maiden at Newbury over 6 furlongslast season. Was then pitched intoHandicap company and only narrowlywent down against a much moreexperienced field. Could possibly havewon that day with stronger handling andfor a filly she has plenty of size and scopeto progress and is potentially wellhandicapped.

KATONAHOTINROOFMHF (GB) (4 cKaolino x Morning Lyght)

Ran in the final maiden of the season andlooked badly in need of the experiencementally. That said he flew home in theclosing stages and only went down by alength at the line. Only a three year old, sothere should be plenty more to come and itwill be disappointing if he can't bag amaiden before progressing to handicaps.

MAZAAYA(GB) (4 f Madjani x Aljawza)Ran in a very strong maiden on her debutwhen running fairly green, then second atWindsor when not getting the run of therace. Wonderfully bred and sure toimprove with experience and a step up intrip. Handicaps will soon be an option butpicking up a maiden en route looks adistinct possibility.

NASEEJ (OM) (5 m Dahess x TornadeRoyale)Gradually progressed in maidens last termwhen improving on each start. Then ran ina decent handicap at Windsor whennarrowly going down to a similar type. Theform was franked by the third winning on

the final day of the season. With normalprogression she could prove to be a fewsteps ahead of the handicapper.

SALAAMA (GB) (4 f Mahabb x Qosheeyya)Created a favourable impression whenwinning on her debut at Hereford. Thenwon very easily in Group 2 company atNewbury despite being very green andchanging her legs a few times in the closingstages. She looks to have a big future aheadof her and is bound to be sensiblycampaigned by her astute trainer. She hasa real star quality about her and it's hopedshe could go right to the top.

VINDETTA (GB) (6 m Nivadour Cardonnex Viny De Passerat)

Ran seven times in her debut season andremains a maiden. It took a while for thepenny to drop though and she ran her bestrace carrying a big weight on her final start.There could be more to come from her thisseason and the 7 furlong race at Newburyon Dubai Day could easily be a long termtarget.

Vindetta (GB) on her debut at Hereford lastyear under Page Fuller

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PAUL SIMMONSZayin Arabian Stud[who never tips or bets on his own Zayin horses]

AL HIBAAB (FR) (7 h Al Sakbe x Ietlato DeCarrere)Classy performer at the top level last year,winning the Group 1 Dubai InternationalStakes.

CALLYMAY (5 m Dahess x Raada)Well bred, but disappointed last year.Expected to do better this term as a secondseason handicapper.

KAMIKAZE (GB) (7 g Kaolino x On TheWing)Impressive winner of two premierhandicap last season and sure to continuegetting good results this.

KERMIT THE FROG (FR) (7 g Kerbella xGoWith The Flow)Two runs, two wins and has the rightattitude, should continue the progress thisseason.

RADICAL (FR) (6 g Dormane xWaywardFaery)Lightly raced and beautifully bred. Withtop trainer, should win this season.

SALAAMA (GB) (4 f Mahabb x Qosheeyya)Superb mare and potential Derby horse.Impressive winner of the Group 2 juvenileon Dubai Day.

VINDETTA (GB) (6 m Nivadour Cardonnex Viny De Passerat)Struggled last year, but half sister to Estivaland sure to improve this season.

DEBBIE BURTARO Press Officer

ALMOURTAJEZ (FR) (5 h Dahess x Arwa)Unbeaten in his last four starts, all inGroup company and ultra impressivewhen defeating Djainka Des Forges in theHH Emir’s Sword. Trainer states theWorldCup is the target, but hard to seeconnections bypassing a crack at the DohaTriple Crown in its inaugural year, eventhough a mile would appear to be on theshort side.

JALDI KARO (GB) (4 g Jehol De CardonnexMerwah)Eye catching debut win, ahead of threesubsequent winners, though form reversedwith two of those on next start over furtherin Group company. Has changed stablessince, but plenty of scope to improve andshould be a much stronger horse this year.

KAMIKAZE (GB) (7 g Kaolino x On TheWing)Scored at a mile and a mile and a quarterlast year in Premier Handicaps. Only out ofthe frame on his debut and in the Goldfinal on Tapeta. Likely to be well placed byhis shrewd trainer again this season andshould be a regular points scorer.

Al Hibaab (FR) and Ted Durcan winning theDubai International Stakes

2022


KERMIT THE FROG (FR) (7 g Kerbella xGoWith The Flow)Winner on both starts and clearly versatileas to trip and surface, winning at 6f on turfand 1m6f on Tapeta. Gelding may bringabout further improvement and his trainerhad a remarkable strike rate last term.

SPIRITED GAME (GB) (6 m Vert Olive xKeen Game)Al Alwal Stud Leading UK OwnedMare of2014. Kept busy during her debut year, sheprogressed well, though likely theWindsorwin took its toll when unplaced in her laststart in the Gold Final. Sound andconsistent, she should be making the frameagain this season.

TAWAAZUN (FR) (6 mMonsieur AlMaury x Magie De Faust)First foal of International Stakes winner,she scored twice at three, but was without awin in 2014. Ran well (in receipt of weight)when a close second to Taraf in theMajadini Conditions at Newmarket andstable perseveres this year.

ZAYIN ZACHILLES (GB) (6 h Kaolino x CSComete)Tough, likeable horse, turning out on nineoccasions in 2014 and runner-up in theArab Championship last year. Probablyneeds to be eased by the handicapper towin again, but capable of scoring pointsfrom the outset.

Spirited Game (GB) and George Blackwell go to post at Windsor

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Who we are…Who we are…Who we are…

The UK is a world leader in Purebred Arabian racing.

The Arabian Racing OrganisaƟon (ARO) runs a programme of full Arabian racedays, supported by a number of single Arabian races on Thoroughbred fixtures.

The UK is a summer base for top horses from the Middle East whose owners want to

experience the presƟge of running at some of the world’s best racecourses. The ARO season is also a proven training ground for young horses.

Prize money includes incenƟve schemes and bonus awards for UK Owners and Breeders.

The 2015 season starts at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Saturday 2nd May,

Free Admission!

CONTACT ARO LTD ‘T«� SÊ½� Açã«ÊÙ®ãù ¥ÊÙ AÙ��®�Ä

R��®Ä¦ ®Ä ã«� UK’

ARO Ltd, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ

0044 (0) 1635 524 445

[email protected]

THE ARABIAN RACING THE ARABIAN RACING THE ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION LTDORGANISATION LTDORGANISATION LTD


SUSANNA SANTESSON HASLEFT USMATS GENBERG

This morning Susanna Santesson shouldhave woken up with hundreds of horseracing friends in Beverly Hills, USA.Instead she fell asleep forever in a hospitalin Germany – much too young. Susanna’sabsence will leave a hole in the festivitiesduring the coming Darley Award weekend.She will in fact, leave a large hole in theracing world. Even for those who havenever heard her name.

Susanna was a person who spent her lifeworking for the parts of racing that is notso often seen in the major headlines of thesport. She was not involved in the milliondollar horses or the big deals. Still she wasmore important to racing than many of thepeople we read about daily.

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Susanna was the kind of person whomade people realize that racing isactually a sport. She spent her lifeworking in and for organizations thatcared for the enthusiasts. The peoplewho like herself do what they do out oflove – not money or honour.

She was secretary-general for Fegentri(the world’s amateur jockeyorganisation).

She was a very important part of theSheikha Fatima bint Mubarak LadiesWorld Championships.

She chaired the European Associationof Racing Schools, and wasinstrumental in the creation of theworld’s first global organisation forracing academies.

She held a number of positions inGerman racing.

She was always present at our meetingsof IFAHR.

She was one of the strongest supportersever of women in horse racing.

The list can go on forever.

Hundreds of young amateurs andapprentices have Susanna to thank forthem being able to leave their home turfand see the racing world. She travelledwith them everywhere and helped themcross language barriers and realise thatas long as you have your saddle in yourcarry-on luggage and can make theweight you will be fine.

Racing is racing.

Everywhere.

And Susanna will be there.

I last met Susanna Sunday night inDubai. Me and Catarina had dinnertogether with her at the terrace of theMeydan racecourse. The evening afterthe World Cup – we were more or lessthe only ones in the restaurant.

She said she was happy that we werethere, as eating alone was the only thingshe didn’t like about her constanttravelling.

We spoke about her health.She lookedtired and coughed. She said that it wasjust a cold that wouldn’t go away, butthat she would see a doctor.

We left the table and said that we wouldmeet again for breakfast in Los Angeleslater the same week.Two hours ago Ijust learned that this would not happen.

And that Susanna has taken off on thelongest journey of them all.

Mats Genberg – International ArabianHorse Racing Federation (IFAHR)Secretary & Chairman of ScandinavianArabian Racing Association

First published on the IFHAR website onApril 3 2015. Reproduced with permissionfrom Mats Genberg.

Photography - Nils Rosenkjaer & GALLOPMagazine 2015

24


Lisa Miller Fine Art

Original Arabian horse paintings and prints for sale at: www.thepaintedhorse.co.uk.

Commissions available. Email: [email protected] or Tel: 01994 453545


HH Sheikha FatimaBint Mubarak DarleyAwards 2015

The UK scoops the Best Jockey for the secondyear running with a win for 2014 ARO Ladiesand Novice Champion - Stefania Gandola

UK Season Preview Part II

Including a look ahead to the first Group 1 of theseason, the HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AlNayhan Cup at Lingfield

Wolverhampton season opener preview

Plus an exclusive interview with one of ARO'snewest registered trainers - Stephane Leveque

T H E A R A B I A N R A C E H O R S EIssue 2 - online - 1 May

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May 31 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan CupHH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship IFAHR

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship IFAHRat Sluzewiec Racetrack

May 28 - 30 World Arabian Horse Racing Conference at

May 27 Press Conference at Marriott Hotel

One World, 6 Continents

Of�icial Partner Of�icial Carrierin Cooperation with

Sponsored By

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Documents

The Arabian Racehorse Issue 1