Arab thoroughbreds making an impression

Racing commentator Mark Johnson, a director of ARO, said: "There was a point when the sport, as a 'teenager' became precocious and perhaps a little bit too successful for its own good, but now it has settled down. The AHS have become the policing side to check that an Arab is pure bred, while ARO concerns most of the leading players."

To illustrate the rise of Arab racing, the French Derby card at Chantilly this Sunday will contain two Group One Arab events, one of which is the French Arabian Derby - a race which has been won by top jockeys Olivier Peslier and Cash Asmussen.

There will also be an Arabian Breeders' Cup in America at Delaware over two days in October, and will include the Arabian Cup Classic - run over a mile and three furlongs and worth £70,000 to the winner.

More immediately, tonight's Newbury evening card kicks off with a valuable Arab handicap, and on Sunday 22 June they stage an entire Arab programme including the Dubai International. For those non-devotees, Arab horses are generally a hand (10.16cms) smaller than their thoroughbred counterparts and are a second slower over a furlong. The most handsome is the British-Turkish bred individual - a real Christmas-card type.

They are flighty sorts and usually a real handful, with not much neck and rather upright in front, running from five furlongs to two and a half miles.

The tail can appear broken and is carried high when racing, although Johnson points out that this look is on the way out and subsequent breeding is transforming them into little pocket thoroughbreds.

One thing hasn't changed, however - no infiltration from any other breed is allowed in their lineage.

Familiar racing names also crop up. Sarah Kelleway, sister of thoroughbred trainer Gay, is a leading handler. Gill Duffield, former wife of jockey George, is another top trainer and former Royal jump jockey Bill Smith has produced many Arab winners.

Jump jockey Ben Hitchcott is leading rider, while regular Flat pilots Seb Sanders and Gary Hind also seem to be enjoying their success in Arab racing. Richard Hills, Hamdan's No 1 Flat jockey, is often called upon to switch codes and partner his boss's top Arab hopes.

Gay Kelleway - a brilliant lady jockey in the past - has returned to this genre and is partnering runners for her sister, and leading jump rider Jim Culloty began his career as Bill Smith's Arab race rider.

There are 15 full meetings of Arab racing here during the season plus races on thoroughbred cards.

The little horses certainly have a big future, but the smart money is on the Arab game eventually rivalling its 'big brother'.