Dubai: An exciting day’s racing is in store for racegoers to the Gold Coast Turf Club in Queensland, Australia with the second running fof the Dubai International Arabian Races.
History was made twelve months ago when several thousand people, including many Purebred Arabian horse enthusiasts, attended the race meeting which was one of the principal attractions on Summer Surf Sprint Family Fun Day.
The event officially signals the start of Australia’s summer sports activites.
The Dubai International Arabian Races are run under the patronate of Shadwell Australasia and the National Arabian Racehorse Association (NARA).
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who owns the world-renowned Shadwell breeding operation, is the patron of the event.
Nine hopefuls go to post in the $30,000 Shadwell Arabian Stallion Plate, a weight-for-age race over 1800 metres, while the $20,000 (Dh73,500) UAE Arabian Plate has attracted a field of 11 runners for the 1400 metre contest.
Conderosa Millenium Silver, who finished a close runner up to Coolinda Park Dance With Me in the Shadwell Arabian Plate last year, is the start attraction. River Oak Moccona, who was third on that occasion also starts in Saturday’s race.
Jill Colwell’s Aloha Desert Jewel, who was fourth in the UAE Arabian Plate 12 months ago, looks to have strong claims in this year’s renewal.
NARA welcomed Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office who was accompanied by Abdullah Al Ansari and Masoud Saleh from Dubai.
Mark Kelly of Shadwell Australasia and Chris Kennard of Shadwell UK have also worked hard to ensure the success of the Shadwell events in Australia.
The off-course action includes the cultural UAE Marquee that attracts all to indulge in Middle Eastern food, displays of Arab Culture and Henna Tattoo demonstrations for the ladies.
In acctition gifts supplied by Shadwell will also be presented to race patrons on the day.
