Arabian horse racing in Australia

 Dubai International Arabian Races Trophy breaks new grounds by staging two Arabian races at the Morphettville Racecourse in South West Australia for the first time, as part of Shadwell Stud Australasia's sponsorship of a full card of Thoroughbred racing on Saturday.
The Arabian horse races have been made possible through the support of the DIAR programme whose patron is Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance.
"The Arabian horse racing industry is small but growing in Australia, with many drawn to the athleticism of the horses, as well as the excitement of the racing," said South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) Chief Executive Officer Brenton Wilkinson.
"Arabian horses are generally smaller than Thoroughbreds, but can carry large weights and have gentle temperaments, opening the door for a broader range of people to get involved in the sport as jockeys."
Mirza Al Sayegh, chairman of the organising committee commended the commitment of Shaikh Hamdan to promote Arabian racing all over the world.
"Shaikh Hamdan knows what it takes to develop Arabian racing in to a flourishing industry in Australia. And with the willingness and keen support we felt today from the officials of South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC), I would say, it's very much possible and we are glad to assist in achieving this goal," he said.
"I vividly recall that Arab racing started here six years ago with a minor but historical event held at Melbourne and fittingly sponsored by Shaikh Hamdan, who went on to sponsor a similar event in Gold Coast for many years, and today here in Adelaide," he added.
"I believe that Arabian racing has come a long way."
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