Newbury, England
Karen Van Den Boss demonstrated why she has won two Darley Awards by masterminding Dutch-trained Lightning Bolt’s sensational victory in the Group 1 Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, the showpiece race of the Dubai International Arabians Races (DIAR), the world’s biggest race meeting.
The winner was ridden with supreme confidence by French ace Olivier Peslier to score by half a length from 2015 victor Gazwan, the mount of UAE champion jockey Richard Mullen.
Motrag, ridden by Julien Auge, was four lengths back in fourth, with defending champion Muraaqib a well-beaten seven and three-quarter lengths away.
The popular Dutch trainer paid tribute to her horse, who was beating a high-quality field of Purebred Arabians headed by Muraaqib, who raced in the colours of the DIAR’s patron Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
Shaikh Hamdan created the DIAR in 1982 to boost Purebred Arabian racing and has won the feature race on no less that 13 occasions.
But this was not to be his day as Muraaqib struggled to display the form that has seen him win all four career starts including the UAE President’s Cup on his most recent start at Deauville, France.
“He’s a lovely horse and an absolute pleasure to train,” said Van Den Boss, one of the most highly regarded Purebred Arabian handlers in Europe.
“He trains on the beach in Holland and is so genuine. We came here hoping he would run well, particularly after he came through the prep-race programme.
“Olivier gave him a great ride and we’re absolutely delighted.”
Besides the £29,000 winner’s purse, Lightning Bolt, a five-year-old by top sire Munjiz, picked up a £3,000 bonus available to a horse who wins on the 18-race programme and follows up by winning at Newbury.
Shaikh Hamdan was present at Newbury and said that he was happy to see a crowd of close to 10,000 in attendance for the event that he has passionately supported right from its inception 36 years ago.
“This is what we created this race meeting for,” Shaikh Hamdan told Racing UK presenter Derek Thompson. “It is wonderful to see so many international horses participating but I would like to see more participate next year.
“It’s a great atmosphere here at Newbury and everybody appears to be having a wonderful time.”
Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office and the driving force behind the DIAR Committee, echoed Shaikh Hamdan’s comments.
“This is what we work for all year round, to ensure that Purebred Arabian racing has the perfect stage to showcase all its beauty,” he said.
“The racing has been fantastic and it’s great to see winners from across Europe. We created the prep-race programme to attract more international entries and it has yielded winners. Which is very pleasing.
“Hopefully more international owners and trainers will be encouraged to participate next year and the years to come.
“Shaikh Hamdan has pledged his support for the DIAR and we look forward to returning here to Newbury next year.”
