The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage’s HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Racing Festival gets off to a start here at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club with a race scheduled in its very first meeting of the year.

Organised in association with the newly-named Al Wathba Stud Farm owned by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and sponsored by Sorouh Real Estate, the first of the races for 4-year-old Purebred Arabian horses owned by Private Owners only will be held on January 3, 2010.

A strong list of 22 have entered and this number will be pruned to 16 for the 7-furlong race which will be run on turf. The race which is open to maidens and horses that have won one race carries a total purse of Dh 35,000.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of ADACH, said, “We are delighted that this year’s HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Racing Festival starts here in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi has always been at the centre of providing support to Purebred Arabian horses that has been part of our culture and heritage. This race, open to horses owned by UAE private owners, gives them a chance to race and ensure their horses go on to compete at higher levels.”

Fahad Al Ketbi of Sorouh Real Estate, said, “Sorouh is proud to kick start their support in the very first race to be held in Abu Dhabi. Sorouh supports and promotes Arabic traditions and customs especially those related to Arabian horses like courage, loyalty, strength, and honesty. Through such sponsorships of purebred Arabian Horse races Sorouh can affirm its continuous support of equestrian sports.”

Ms Lara Sawaya, Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Racing Festival said, “This is the first race under the renamed banner of Al Wathba Stud Farm. This race series begins in Abu Dhabi and will later be held in the US, France, Germany and Holland.”

“The Al Wathda Stud Farm will be involved in many equestrian events and make its presence felt,” she added.

The His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Global Arabian horse flat-racing series is organized by The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) with support from the Bonyan International Investment Group, the Al Wathba Stud Farm, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2010 and Sorouh Real Estate.