2012 marks the 30th Anniversary of Dubai International Arabian Raceday, staged under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance.
His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh confirmed an extra £30,000 in prize money would be made available to mark this important milestone in the race day’s history. A new record of £159,000 would be on offer at what is set to become the United Kingdom’s final and championship Arabian racemeeting of the 2012 season.
Racing action promises to be of the highest quality with no less than five international races, including three Group 1 events, a Group 2 for three year olds only and a middle distance conditions race for non-Group winners. This prestigious raceday is a highlight of the international racing calendar with top Arabian racehorses and their owners targeting this long-established European showcase.
Speaking at a press conference in July last year, His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh said, “His Highness Sheikh Hamdan is delighted with the success of Dubai International Arabian Raceday. It has done much to introduce new audiences to Arabian racing and through initiatives like the Colourful Camels competition has helped to promote a better understanding of UAE culture.”
Schools in West Berkshire, England have received equipment and prize money worth more than £15,000 since the Colourful Camels competition was launched in 2009.
In addition, a host of other promotional activities, competitions and free admission for Racegoers are set to be unveiled over the coming months. In 2011, prize draws to win various holidays to Dubai took place between races in the winner’s enclosure. The Best Dressed Lady and Best Children’s Hat competitions have become established favourites. Whilst, The Mega Draw, a free to enter prize draw unique to Dubai International Arabian Raceday, saw one lucky Racegoer leave Newbury Racecourse with the keys to a brand new car.*
*All prizes for 2012 to be confirmed by Sportsguide Limited.
Dubai International Arabian Raceday has featured on Newbury Racecourse’s summer programme since 2003 and with the free admission and a wide range of promotional incentives routinely draws large crowds.
Some of the Gulf region’s most influential organisations will join Shadwell in their support for the fixture. In the past supporters have included dignitaries from Emirates Airline, the Al-Hai Group, Emirates Equestrian Federation, Derrinstown Stud, Rotana Hotel Group & the National Association of Indian Payroll (NAIP).
His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh confirmed that the prize funds for all four Group races on Dubai International Arabian Raceday would increase to reflect the high international status attributed to this fixture. The feature race, The Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Group 1 PA), would carry a total prize fund of £50,000.
Entry Deadlines
Early closing entries finish on Wednesday 8 August at 12:00pm (GMT) and should be sent by fax to +44 (0)1635 230200 or by email on entries@aroracing.co.uk. The full race conditions, including details of the increased prize funds, can be downloaded below. International entry forms are also provided.
