Sheikh Hamdan (right), Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minsiter of Finance, attends an event in newbury. File photo

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

Highly regarded across the planet earth for his unflinching support of horseracing, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minsiter of Finance, has been championing for long to integrate Purebred Arabian racing into British racing.

Sheikh Hamdan’s efforts paid off finally as Purebred Arabian racing looks set for a historic ground breaking 2021 season in the UK.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) this week announced the next steps into the full integration of Purebred Arabian racing into British Racing.

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The steps to align the regulatory practices of Purebred Arabian racing with Thoroughbred racing were announced in December last year.

This initiated a period of further scoping work to be followed by a phased implementation by ARO with support from the Racing Foundation.

Coronavirus pandemic, which played havoc across the globe have forced a delay in its implementation, now a series of interim measures are being introduced for 2021.

Most significantly, existing BHA licenced trainers will be able train both Purebred Arabians and thoroughbred horses, from their current licenced premises, should they wish to do so.

There is no change for existing ARO (legacy) trainers who wish to continue training only Purebred Arabian horses in 2021, who should apply to ARO for a licence as normal. Those wishing to apply for a BHA licence in 2022 will be assisted in this process and should contact the ARO office for further details.

New Purebred Arabian trainers wishing to train in 2021 should also apply to the ARO office and will use 2021 to work towards fulfilling all the requirements of the BHA licencing process for 2022.

There will be no change to the administration of Arabian racing in 2021, which will continue to administered by ARO. ARO will provide the BHA and Weatherbys with all appropriate data relating to trainers, horses, stable staff and owners as and when appropriate or required.

Richard Lancaster, Shadwell Stud Directory, believes that this will forever change the face of Arabian racing.

“The announcement made last December that integration was to begin, was the most significant breakthrough for our sport since we started racing under the guidance of the BHA following our inception.

“It has always been the vision of our patron, Sheikh Hamdan, that Arabian racing would be fully integrated alongside the British thoroughbred racing industry.”

The giant step forward, and one that Sheikh Hamdan has been advocating for years, will officially integrate Purebred Arabians into the British horseracing industry and pave the way for a new generation of owners and trainers. 

This will doubtless help increase in the population of Purebred Arabian horse horses competing in the country, and its neighbours across Europe.

“This brings the UK into line with the rest of the world, where Arabians are routinely trained alongside thoroughbreds. Despite the challenges due to COVID-19, we continued to race, providing a shortened programme catering for all abilities from maidens to Group 1PA races. It was also encouraging to welcome new owners, trainers and jockeys to the sport in the UK, even with the new restrictions.

“Without Sheikh Hamdan's encouragement things would not have moved forward in this way,” said Lancaster.

“All those involved in Arabian racing in the UK are most grateful for his leadership and support in bringing this about.”

Sheikh Hamdan’s vision to bring Arabian racing into the mainstream began over 30 years ago when he created the Dubai International Arabian Races, an end-of-season finale that began its life in Kempton Racecourse in the UK, before finding a new home at Newbury, it’s current headquarters.

“We thank the BHA and the Racing Foundation in enabling this progress towards integration. We are also very grateful to all our participants, sponsors, the officials, racecourses and supporters for their commitment to Arabian racing this year and look forward to the 2021 season,” Lancaster added.