6th WAHRC ends on a positive note in Warsaw

posted on 01/06/2015

The H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival's 6th World Arabian Horse Conference, WAHRC, in Warsaw came to a close on Saturday with a lively workshop during which a series of announcements were made.

The workshop, conducted by Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA), Chairman of Ladies and Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR), and noted TV race presenter, Derek Thompson, produced a range of healthy exchanges between delegates.

Top of the list was the frustration of owners and breeders with regard to the rules and it was decided that a concerted effort will be made by IFAHR with regard to uniformity of rules to enable free movement of horses and other aspects dealing with Stud Books.

Ms. Sawaya urged the nearly two dozen-strong UAE owners and breeders to meet under the umbrella of the festival and find solutions to their problems, mainly those dealing with transportation of their horses but also with regard to handicapping.

A majority of the delegates opted for a three-member Handicapping body to rate the Purebred Arabian horses and the members decided to work towards it.

Ms. Sawaya urged the UK Arabian racing officials to try and ensure that Purebred Arabian races in the UK were included in live TV coverage.

The various Arabian bodies of the USA were urged to make a united effort in promoting Purebred Arabian racing and Ms. Sawaya announced a new race to be run during the annual H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Awards and the USA Darley Awards.

"We are happy to announce another big race event and this time it will be held on the side-lines of the H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Awards and the USA Darley Awards. It will be named after H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood," she said, adding, "This open race for Purebred Arabians will be held in Los Angeles and will carry a prize fund of US$50,000".

The members of IFAHR were urged to take a decision on the IFAHR International Agreement. The agreement allows each member country to choose what articles they accept, and in this way at least all trainers, owners, sponsors etc. will get a clear view on the situation in each country.

Ms. Sawaya said the IFAHR member-countries must take a decision on whether to sign in full or in part or not at all and she urged them to do this as soon as possible.

Finally, the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference pledged to do everything possible in a united effort to ensure the Purebred Arabian horse is protected and that Arabian racing is promoted effectively. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -