Four U.S. Horses Headed to the World’s Richest Arabian Race

October 13 2015

Aurora, CO – Four of America’s finest Arabian race horses are headed to Abu Dhabi for the world’s richest Arabian race: The EUR 1.2 million Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Group 1) on November 8, 2015 at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

“The United States plays a significant role in the global sport of Arabian racing,” says Kathy Smoke, president of the Arabian Jockey Club. “It is demonstrated by the invitation of these four superstar horses. We are proud to have them representing Arabian racing in the U.S.”

Paddys Day (Inaugural Triple Jewel series winner), RB Frynch Broad, RB Rich, and So Big Is Better (Darley Horse of the Year in 2013) are all multiple stakes winners– some on international soil– that make up the elite group of invited horses to this historic race.

“The invitation and acceptance brought feeling of excitement, pride and moments of disbelief,” said Garrett Ford, owner of RB Rich. “We are honored to have RB Rich invited to participate in the Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi and be part of this historic moment for the Arabian horse. We are on cloud nine, how can we not feel giddy?”

Dianne Waldron, owner of RB Frynch Broad and breeder of RB Rich, echoed Ford’s sentiments. “Rosebrook is very privileged to have our homebred filly RB Frynch Broad invited to this most prestigious of all races… History will be made that day!” she said. “We are honored to be included in the short list of the best runners in the world.”
So Big is Better is a classic ambassador for Arabian racing. At 11 years old, he is racing against horses half his age. And yet he is considered a live contender, having recently won the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at Los Alamitos, defeating favorite Paddys Day.

His owner, Mark Powell – brother of Scott Powell, owner/trainer of Paddys Day – echoed these sentiments.
“What a great honor it is for So Big Is Better to be invited to the Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi,” said Powell, “especially competing against horses at least half his age.”

As the current leading money earner of 2015 with $112,160 plus the $150,000 Triple Jewel bonus, Paddys Day enters the race already poised for Darley Horse of the Year.

“We are extremely honored to be invited to the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi,” said Lori Powell, who is in partnership with her husband Scott, Jim Schleimer and Nicki Forbes-Robinson. “What a unique experience it will be to run Paddy's Day amongst the best Arabians in the World. We are thrilled.”

A total of 16 horses from around the world have been invited to the race, including six local horses from the United Arab Emirates and seven from Europe. Only one horse per owner is allowed in order to eliminate domination from any one stable. The race’s sponsor, the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Racing Festival, is paying the shipping costs and travel expenses of all horses and their owners and trainers.

The race is for purebred Arabian horses 4 years and up, being run at one mile on turf.

Viewing information will be found on the AJC Facebook page as the event nears. Visit www.Facebook.com/TheAJClub for all the updates.