Lights FLASHING and their OFF!

What could be better than this? A gorgeous summers day, with blue skies and Gold Coast sunshine, Arabian racehorses, and dressing up for a day at the races – I was in heaven.

Love to dress up! – Carmel Rowley

Scheduled as the first two races at the Gold Coast Turf Club on the 7th of December, 2013 the Shadwell Arabian Plate and the UAE Arabian Plate had Arabian enthusiasts excited at the thought of their beloved Arabians hitting the race track in Queensland. All the horses carried set weight as they looked to pick up a share of the very generous purse of $25,000 per race. Both races were set over the distance of 1400 metres and each race had eight entries.

Aqaba Brown Dirt Cowboy

Pondering the bloodlines in the race book there was a large cross section of bloodlines. This indicates that Arabian breeders should think seriously about the future of Arabian Racing in Australia. Take up the challenge and give it a try. It possibly also proves that it’s not about bloodlines but the individual. I’m far from a racing expert but I do feel the key is a horse who tries his hardest and has plenty of determination and heart, wanting to finish the race strongly for you.

Coolinda Park Dance With Me with Conderosa Millenium Silver on her tail …

The two races held were professional and competitive. I have no doubt racing will become even more competitive in time. There appeared to be a lot of interest in the Arabian horses on the day.

Coolinda Park Dance With Me

The commentator was full of praise for the breed making one feel very proud for the horses, their owners and jockeys competing on the day. The Arabian people turned out en-mass and although I missed chatting to most of them it was wonderful to see such support. What a great group of people they are.

Alchimia followed by Ausden Price Mahal

In the first race the SHADWELL ARABIAN PLATE – Coolinda Park Dance With Me (Walidayt (US) x Dancing in the Dark, ridden by Daniele Walker, was victorious in an interesting tussle coming down the straight with second place getter Conderosa Millenium Silver (Arabesque Sterling Silver x Eastern Park Imagination). Coolinda Park Dance With Me cruised to the line amid the cheers of the crowd. Third place was River Oak Moccona (Kyremi Illustra x River Oak Nemesia). Race Time 1:37.73

Alchima

Winner of the UAE Arabian Plate, Alchimia (TS Al Malik x Mulawa Mascara) owned by Mulawa Arabian Stud and ridden by Daniele Walker (who did the hat trick for the day) broke out in front early and I wondered if she might run out of puff when challenged by second place getter Ausden Prince Mahal (Ausden Picasso x Mahalee). But she held on to win and appeared relaxed and confident the whole way. Third was Moondara Maya owned by Deb Watson. The beauty of this young mare in mid stride trying her heart out had me holding my breath and full of admiration. Race Time 1:37.98

Moondarra Maya – ever the patient lady!

For many of the horses it was their first start which also says a lot about the temperament of the Arabian horse. For me two races were hardly enough and I’m excited to think of the day when there will be more. Most of the crowd were just getting into their most vocal and it was all over. Let’s face it, you can’t go anywhere without Arabian people woo-wooing encouragement.

Conderosa Millenium Silver

Australia is honoured to once again to have the full support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Minister of Finance and Industry for the United Arab Emirates. The day was an unqualified success and a step forward for the Arabian breed. A unique opportunity is offered to Australian breeders to be a part of HH Sheik Hamdan’s vision to promote Arabian racing all over the world.

Deb Watson and Carmel Rowley