Aurora, CO – Three of America’s finest Arabian race horses are headed to Abu Dhabi for the world’s richest Arabian race: The EUR 1.2 million Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Group 1) on November 13, 2016 at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
“The United States plays a significant role in the global sport of Arabian racing,” says Kathy Smoke, president of the Arabian Jockey Club. “It is demonstrated by the invitation of these three superstar horses. We are proud to have them representing Arabian racing in the U.S.”
Paddys Day (2x Triple Jewel series winner), Sand Victor, and Thess Is Awesome are all multiple stakes winners that make up the elite group of invited horses to this historic race.
Deborah Mihaloff Kirshner, owner of Thess is Awesome, expressed equal enthusiasm. “Cre Run Farm is proud to have a horse qualify and be invited to the richest Arabian horse race in the world,” said Mihaloff Kirshner. “It is a dream come true to be able to showcase our breeding program on such a stage, and we are grateful to the sponsors for their vision of this race and their support of Arabian racing as a whole”
Sand Victor has impressed repeatedly this year in several Grade 1 contests, and is considered a live contender having been the only horse in the country to defeat Paddys Day twice this year. “I feel blessed and honored to be able to participate in such a prestigious event with Sand Victor,” said Terri Eaton, trainer of Sand Victor. “He is a very special horse with a big heart.”
As the current leading money earner of 2016 with $176,367 plus the $150,000 Triple Jewel bonus, Paddys Day enters the race already poised for Darley Horse of the Year for a second year in a row.
“We are extremely honored to be invited to the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi,” said Lori Powell, who along with her husband own and train Paddys Day. “What a unique experience it will be to run Paddy’s Day amongst the best Arabians in the World. We are thrilled.”
A total of 16 horses from around the world have been invited to the race, including six local horses from the United Arab Emirates and seven from Europe. Only one horse per owner is allowed in order to eliminate domination from any one stable. The race’s sponsor, the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Racing Festival, is paying the shipping costs and travel expenses of all horses and their owners and trainers.
The race is for purebred Arabian horses 4 years and up, being run at one mile on turf.
Viewing information will be found on the AJC Facebook page as the event nears. Visit www.Facebook.com/TheAJClub for all the updates.
