Time to integrate Arab racing into UK programme

Today it is 30 years since the first Dubai International Arabian raceday was held. In those days it was staged at Kempton before being moved to its present location at Newbury. Inevitably, much has changed in that time, but Arabian horseracing in Britain is now approaching a crossroads.

In the past 30 years Arabian horseracing has brought a lot of pleasure to many people, both great and small. Sadly, as with thoroughbred racing, it has lost many of the traditional owner-breeders who were key in getting it established in the first place.

However, Arabian horseracing has remained the place where many people involved in racing have served their apprenticeship. Jockeys such as Jim Culloty, Tom Scudamore, James Bowen, Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle have progressed from Arabian racing to the professional thoroughbred industry. As have racing officials Di Clark (judge), Sulekha Varma (Hamilton clerk of course) and Peter Sporne (stipendiary steward).