Breeding & Racing Magazine

Arab Outlet For UK Low-Raters

Lower-rated flat horses "who find themselves continually balloted out of UK races will have a surprise new outlet in 2006, after agreement between the British Horseracing Board & the Arabian Racing Organisation," reported racingpost.co.uk. The ARO has been given permission by the BHB "to include thoroughbreds within its race programme next year (which runs from May- October)". Open only to thoroughbreds & Anglo-Arabs (horses with a minimum 12.5% Arab blood) the 20 races will be exclusively for amateur riders; the contests "are set to be conditions-based in the 1st year, with Anglo-Arabs receiving weight from thoroughbreds on a regularly monitored basis". BHB racing director Ruth Quinn commented: "It is well documented that, with the existing funding & fixture limitations, there are a large number of lower-rated thoroughbreds repeatedly eliminated from races. This new agreement should provide an outlet for such horses, should their owners wish to take that route." The BHB's race-planning committee agreed thoroughbreds 3YO & up (who have not run within the last 3 months) will be eligible to take part in the new races.