Newbury, England: Shadwell has long been a devoted supporter of horse racing and Richard Lancaster, its stud director, was quick to point out the importance of giving something back to the community that helps sustain and grow the sport.

He paid special attention to the support the annual Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) has received over the years from the people around Newbury Racecourse in West Berkshire.

“The Dubai International Arabian Races is the only racing event that significantly impacts the local community outside the sport,” he said.

“Sunday’s event is an all-inclusive day and not just an exclusive day for Arabian racing. It has been well supported by the local community here and, without this kind of patronage, it would be hard to have sustained the meeting for such a long period of time.”

Lancaster also highlighted the commitment and passion of the Dubai International Arabian Races founder, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

“Shaikh Hamdan is passionate about horse racing and also respectful of the support it has received from the local communities,” he said.

“We must remember that this is the most long-standing race day dedicated to Arabian racing and the support that it has received illustrates the commitment and enthusiasm for Arabian horses as it involves everybody inside and outside the sport.”

Shaikh Hamdan has been at the forefront of promoting Arabian racing in the UK, and more recently in Europe, Australia and South America, for close to three decades.

Dubai International Arabian Races have also taken up the sponsorship of 15 races across the UK, including the Shadwell Arabian Derby (G1 PA), which will now be run as part of Shadwell Day at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse on Friday, September 25.

Of more significance is the sponsorship of the Arabian Racing Organisation’s (ARO) season finale at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday, September 20.

In addition it supports the ARO UK Breeders Scheme (for UK owners/breeders) and the ARO UK Owned Horse Registration Subsidy Scheme.