Purebred Arabians to compete at Ascot for the first time since 2011

A new race for Purebred Arabians at Ascot has been approved by the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities Pattern Committee.

The £15,000 Listed race will be run over a mile at the Berkshire track on May 8, 2020 and will be sponsored by Shadwell Stud.

It has been almost ten years since Arabians made an appearance at Ascot, when the French filly Kiss De Ghazal won the 2011 President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby).

Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster said: “We’re delighted to be staging an Arabian race at Ascot and congratulate the team at Ascot for facilitating the race on one of their thoroughbred cards.

“This is an important time for Arabian racing and to stage a race at Ascot is a great way of raising the profile of the sport, a sport that is incredibly important to Sheikh Hamdan.”

Hamdan Al Maktoum, pictured here with Battaash, is a passionate supporter of Purebred Arabian racingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Genny Haynes, commercial and finance director for the Arabian Racing Organisation, who were behind the plans for the new race, said: “Naturally we are very excited to be returning to Ascot, with a race that will be open to international competitors. We are still in consultation with Ascot, Shadwell and the BHA to finalise the details, after which the full conditions of the race will be published.

“HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum is our most generous patron and was recently awarded with his 18th ARO Owners Championship after another successful season. His continued support of our programme, not only through race sponsorship, but his horses, trainers and stallions, is integral to our success, from the grassroots to the highest level.

“That he has chosen to increase his sponsorship with this race at one of the UK’s most prestigious racing venues further enhances the status and reputation of UK Arabian racing."

Haynes added: "Last season saw a significant increase in runners from overseas in our pattern races, which shows that the appetite for top class Arabian racing around the world continues to grow. We look forward to building upon this achievement in 2020.”

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