 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
In the heart of the UAE capital, a transformation is underway that could reshape the landscape of Purebred Arabian racing. The historic Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish itself as the global epicenter of Arabian racing, guided by the experienced hand of its new Executive Director of Racing, Dayle Brown.
The Emirati capital's premier horse racing venue, established in 1990 under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has entered a new chapter in its history. The iconic racecourse, having undergone extensive renovations throughout 2023, now operates under a new identity - The Abu Dhabi Turf Club - with a clear mission to elevate Purebred Arabian racing to unprecedented heights while maintaining its rich heritage. This transformation aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader vision to become a global equestrian hub, building upon the UAE's deep-rooted connection to Arabian horses that spans millennia.
"One of our primary visions is to grow opportunities for Purebred Arabians," Brown explains. "The club is looking to expand racing opportunities with extra race meetings for Purebred Arabians here in Abu Dhabi, while also adding Thoroughbred racing to create a more comprehensive racing programme." These developments come at a time when Arabian horse racing is experiencing renewed global interest, particularly in traditional strongholds across the Middle East and emerging markets in Europe and Asia.
The club's international outlook is reflected in its collaborative approach. "We will work with all the clubs nationally, regionally, and internationally to develop Purebred Arabian racing, as well as all stakeholders such as WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organisation), if it's in the best interest of growing the Purebred Arabian," Brown emphasises. This international cooperation has already yielded results, with the venue hosting several prestigious international racing events.
Addressing the fundamental goals of the institution, Brown states, "Firstly, its prominence should be providing racing opportunities and the opportunity for participants and people to engage in the sport. We'll work with all stakeholders to lift the prominence of Purebred Arabian racing." This vision builds upon Abu Dhabi's historical role as a guardian of Arabian horse heritage, while embracing modern developments in international horse racing and breeding programmes.
Brown's appointment represents a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's racing evolution. The former Chief Racing Officer of the Singapore Turf Club brings a wealth of experience spanning multiple continents and various aspects of the sport. A qualified Australian lawyer with an MBA, Brown's career also includes being CEO and holding various executive and consultancy roles across multiple racing bodies in Australia.
"I've worked in Australia, in a lot of different states and in many different roles," Brown reflects. "I've had CEO roles and head of integrity roles. So, I've seen racing from all different positions and angles. This experience allows me to support horse racing here in Abu Dhabi and the UAE by identifying opportunities of collaboration and brand building."
His experience in Singapore, particularly managing international racing events like the Kranji Mile, provides valuable insights into balancing local and international interests. "In Singapore, we learned that you need to maintain a delicate balance between catering to local participants who put in the hard work year-round and attracting international competitors," Brown explains, drawing on lessons that will prove invaluable in Abu Dhabi's global aspirations.
His appointment has been warmly welcomed by H.E. Eng. Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of ADTC and ADEC, who notes, "With Brown's wealth of international racing experience and invaluable knowledge, we look forward to introducing a new generation of audiences to the excitement of Arabian racing in Abu Dhabi."
Drawing on his extensive experience in racing administration across multiple jurisdictions, Brown sees significant potential for growth in the UAE racing landscape. With the changing dynamics of racing in Asia, including recent developments in traditional racing hubs, he believes Abu Dhabi is perfectly positioned to emerge as a key player in the international racing scene.
"There's a lot of opportunities that I can see here for Abu Dhabi and the UAE," Brown notes. "I've got a extensive understanding of how to elevate the sport at a national and international levels. And believe it’s important to understand the needs of trainers, owners and other racing participants. I look forward to working collectively with the ERA and governing body to achieve our goals as it is very important that we grow collectively."
 |
The prestigious UAE President Cup, a cornerstone of Purebred Arabian racing and one of Abu Dhabi Turf Club's signature events, continues to strengthen its prominent position on the global calendar. Under the guidance of Director General His Excellency Ali AlShaiba and Executive Director Dayle Brown, the race will now be held on December 15 with an enhanced prize purse of AED 8 million, further cementing its status as one of the world's most significant Arabian races.
This strategic scheduling of the UAE President Cup optimises its position in the global calendar, enhancing its already distinguished status among the world's premier Arabian racing events. The increased prize money to AED 8 million, combined with its carefully considered timing relative to other major international races, ensures the event will continue to attract the finest Purebred Arabians from around the world.
"The scheduling of the UAE President Cup on December 15 and the increased prize purse reinforces its position as a flagship event for Purebred Arabian racing and Abu Dhabi, working in tandem with the nation to provide an opportunity for people to race in the capital," Brown notes.
At the heart of Brown's strategy lies the prestigious UAE President Cup, which has been strategically repositioned to 15 December with an enhanced prize purse of AED 8 million. This move represents a clear statement of intent to establish the race as the premier event for Purebred Arabians globally, and one of the world's most significant Arabian races.
The 2024-25 season will feature 16 race meetings, comprising five Purebred Arabian races and two Thoroughbred races. This balance reflects Brown's strategic approach to growing both sectors while maintaining the emphasis on Arabian racing.
"We are looking to promoting both categories," Brown states. "The Purebred Arabian is our prominent brand. We are also giving the opportunity for the Thoroughbred owners, and the trainers to race here by putting two races at each race meeting. If a trainer felt that one race wasn't enough for them to nominate their thoroughbreds, now there are two opportunities to race that might encourage them to bring their horses to compete."
Brown's approach to development is systematic, focusing first on establishing strong local foundations. "I think, first and foremost, this season will be about consolidating from a national point of view, with all the clubs and all the people in the UAE. Then, you need to think about the next step in your growth phase from an international perspective."
"We're focusing first on strengthening local foundations before expanding internationally. This ensures sustainable growth across the region."
The timing appears opportune, as Brown observes, "Given Macau and Singapore have closed, there's a big opportunity for the UAE to step into this space and provide growth for participants. We're positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of this evolution in global racing."
The Abu Dhabi Turf Club is introducing significant innovations to enhance the race day experience, drawing inspiration from successful international models while maintaining its unique identity.
"This season, we're having a garden area with a variety of events, hospitality and entertainment options," Brown reveals. "We're creating the experience for a new customer. We're trying to say Abu Dhabi wants to be known for having great racing experience. A mix of entertainment for experts and the community.”
Looking ahead, Brown's metrics for success are clearly defined. "We want to increase our attendance first and foremost. We want to look at increasing our metrics around people entering horses into races in Abu Dhabi. As participation increases, there's the opportunity for them to race more. Then it encourages people wanting to be an owner and wanting to race a horse."
The appointment of Dayle Brown marks a significant moment in Arabian racing's evolution. With his combination of commercial acumen, regulatory experience, and strategic vision, Abu Dhabi appears well-positioned to achieve its ambition of becoming the global home of Arabian racing.
"Growth for the benefit of the UAE as a collective is very important," Brown emphasises. "It has to be as a collective, because we all have to work with each other and collaborate."
As the 2024- 2025 season starts, there's a palpable sense that this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the story of Arabian racing. Under Brown's stewardship, the future of the sport in Abu Dhabi looks brighter than ever, with a clear path forward to establishing itself as the premier destination for Purebred Arabian racing excellence.
The sun now rising over the Abu Dhabi track illuminates not just a renovated facility but the dawn of a new era in Arabian racing, where tradition meets innovation, and local heritage connects with global ambitions.