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His Highness The President of the UAE Championship Derby for
Pure-bred Arabian horses is entering 15th year this year. The
series, organized in major European cities every year by the
Emirates Equestrian Federation, started in 1994 with a race in
Chantilly in France with the support of Late Sheikh Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan. And coincidentally, this year the
Championship series will kick off in Chantilly on Sunday, July
5. |
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On this significant event, His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan
bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian
Federation, stated that the Championship for Pure-bred Arabian
horses, “ a humble endeavour that started 15 years ago, has
today reached a status that certainly makes us feel
satisfied.”
“What makes us swell with pride is the fact that to coincide
with the 15 years of success, for the first time, the races
will be staged in the historical Ascot Racecourse on July 25,
2009. If Ascot Racecourse decides to host Pure-bred racing for
the first time in its history, it only goes to prove the
importance of this noble creature.”
He further added: “Purebred Arabian horses have been a part of
our culture and heritage and when the Emirates Equestrian
Federation (then UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation)
embarked on this challenge, the aim was simple- to let the
equestrian world know and understand the racing abilities of
this noble creature.
“Today, after 15 years, we can proudly state that the HH The
President of UAE races for Purebred Arabians horses have not
only dispelled the myth that they lack in flat-racing ability
but has also spawned breeding operations and attracted new
owners in Europe and Americas.
“Over the years, the H.H The President of the UAE race series
for Purebred Arabian horses, has made a stop at some of the
most historical and traditional racing centres in Europe and
Americas and the results have been phenomenal. Racing fans
have watched in awe as the Purebred Arabians showcased their
racing abilities and these races created as much excitement
and thrill as the other race-horses.”
“At this juncture, we feel it is time to retrospect over the
development the country has witnessed. The UAE in general and
Abu Dhabi in particular have grown in leaps and bounds in the
last decade and a half with unprecedented development in all
sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, education, health,
tourism and particularly in sports.
“In parallel with this development, the Emirates Equestrian
Federation is playing a vital role in helping boost the Abu
Dhabi and at the same time preserving the heritage, culture
and customs of our beloved country.
“This past success in organizing races for Pure-bred Arabian
horses encourages us to aim further and higher and we look
forward to the future with great anticipation.
“Apart from the success on the equestrian front, other
benefits are the improvement in bilateral relationship between
countries and an increase in tourist inflow. |
