H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival

Official Website / CALENDAR 2012

Fatima Cup series reaches Newbury

The stage is set for the the fifth round of the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) race at Newbury Racecourse tomorrow, 18 of May [Friday].

"We are truly pleased to have this prestigious event held in UK," said Lara Sawaya, director of the Shaikh Mansour Festival and director of the IFAHR Ladies Racing.

Speaking to reporters at the Royal Garden Hotel, Sawaya said there are more surprises to come and the biggest of all would be announced on race day.

"The competition is no longer a battle for a cup to be presented at the end of every single race, but it's a world championship which brings amateur lady riders from around the globe together with a professional lady jockey to compete in a series of ten rounds culminates with the final leg in Abu Dhabi," she said.

Stephen Higgins, managing director of Newbury Racecourse, said: "We are grateful to be the home of the Arabian races in the UK and we are delighted to host this prestigious women's event. Frankel will be racing on the same day and a big crowd is expected to turn out to watch the world's highest-rated racehorse."

Genny Haynes, representing the Arabian Racing Organisation, thanked Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for his long-standing support that made it possible for them to promote the Arabian horse in the UK and the rest of the world.

Sultan Al Darmaki conveyed the greetings of the UAE ambassador to the UK and promised to make every move to ensure the utmost success of activities which promote the UAE.

Talal Al Hashemi, from Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said they are pleased to be part of the event, which promotes the UAE's history, culture and traditions.

Abdulla Al Muhairi reiterated the determination of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, as organisers of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, to live up to the challenge and take the event to new heights.

Meanwhile, Aseela Al Hashemi, who attended on behalf of the General Women's Union, thanked HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for the generous support and backing of women's sports.

Staff Report - Gulf News