Al Shahania Farm: A Tale Of Passion & Dedication

This is the domain of Dean Lavy, a man whose soul is woven into the very fabric of these magnificent creatures. For 37 years, he has poured his lifeblood into shaping champions, each foal a testament to his unwavering passion for the Arabian breed. 

Imagine a young boy, barely a whisper in the Kentucky bluegrass, suddenly awakening to a world of snorting nostrils and wind-whipped manes. That boy was Dean, his heart thrumming to the rhythm of hooves on dirt. Horseback became his language, the paddock his cathedral. It was here, in the verdant cradle of the "horse capital of the world," that Dean's destiny – and the legacy of these Arabian steeds – bloomed. 

This is not just a story of a man and his horses; it's an epic saga of dedication, a life entwined with the Arabian breed's boundless grace and fierce spirit. Dean Lavy is not just a manager; he's the maestro, the sculptor, the dreamer who breathes life into equine dreams. In the whisper of sand beneath hooves, in the glint of a champion's eye, you'll find Dean's heart beating, a testament to the timeless bond between man and horse. 

FROM TRACK TO HEART: THE WINNING BLEND OF COMPETITION & CAMARADERIE 

When asked about the motivation behind his long-standing commitment, Dean explained that it is all about the competition and challenge. "You always have to look to do new things, be creative, and at the end of the day, you want to win," he said. In addition to the drive for success, Dean emphasised the love and passion for animals as the core driving force that keeps him and others going in this unique industry. 

Dean Lavy is more than a witness in the shifting sands of the Arabian horse racing world. He's seen dynasties rise and fall, new blood surging through the veins of the once-exclusive sport. The East, a fiery phoenix, has risen from the ashes, with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi fanning the flames of passion. Even the cobbled streets of France echo with the thunder of hooves, which proves that Arabians bred in the Arab world defy borders and boundaries. 

This crucible of competition, where fresh fire meets seasoned steel, excites Dean. His spirit leaps with each challenger, each new owner who dares to dream of champion dust in their nostrils.  

"If you go back 10 years ago, especially when it comes to places like Doha, there weren't many people around. And now it's extremely challenging. And there are so many more people involved in the industry. So, I think that is a big change, in a good way. In a very good way. Sometimes it, you know, takes away from us winning, but you know, that's what the industry needs," he says. 

At the heart of this oasis of champions lies Sheikh Mohammed, a visionary who planted the seeds of Arabian racing in Doha's desert soil. His broodmares, queens of the stables, birthed dynasties with each whinny, their blood coursing through generations of victors. But Dean knows, with a heart honed by teamwork, that victory whispers not just in the wind, but in the united breath of every hand on the farm. From the calloused grip of the grass cutter to the gentle touch that soothes a newborn foal, each soul fuels the engine of triumph. 

INNOVATION & TRADITION: AL SHAHANIA FARM BLAZES AHEAD 

In terms of the farm itself, Dean mentioned that they are constantly evolving and improving their facilities. They recently installed a new dirt track and turf track to ensure they keep up with the times. Al Shahania Farm stands out in Qatar because it has numerous grass paddocks, which is uncommon in most places. Dean believes that it is essential for horses to have access to grass paddocks to simulate weather conditions and provide them with the opportunity to run and exercise freely. 

Dean emphasised that breeding Arabian racehorses is not just about producing winners but also about the love and passion for the animals. He thanked Sheikh Mohammed for generosity in allowing them to continue developing the farm.  

BUILDING CHAMPIONS FROM THE BONES UP 

Regarding identifying potential success in young horses, Lavy emphasizes the importance of conformation and physical attributes. 

"There are things you look for, obviously, when they're young, and conformation is huge. You see the shoulder angles, the hip angles, and the bone structure, to ensure they are correct and that they have a nice walk. All those things count from an early age. 

"But obviously, things can change. A lot of times, there's a horse you don't think has any potential and a year later, he's the best horse. You can see this. They're very humbling creatures for us. 

"The nice ones are born pretty nice, and they always strike your eye initially, but then being an athlete's a different thing. I mean, we have lots of very good-looking horses that can't run, or they're not fast enough. But typically, the best ones, some of the champions that I've been lucky enough to be around, look the part from when they're born to the end. I mean, they have a certain look, they have the look of a champion, he said emphatically. 

Lavy also discusses the factors that contribute to a successful breeding program. He believes that pedigree is crucial, especially in the Arabian horse market. Unlike in thoroughbred racing, where outcrossing can be successful, Arabian racehorses often come from good family lineages. Lavy mentions that they evaluate their horses based on the type of racing they want to do, considering the differences in racing style between Doha and Europe. He emphasises the importance of using proven stallions and broodmares to ensure success in breeding. 

NAVIGATING THE LIMITES LANDSCAPE OF BREEDING ARABINAS 

When asked about the challenges of acquiring new Arabian horses due to competition, Lavy mentions that it can be difficult since the Arabian horse market is relatively small. He states that they mainly use four to five sires from Europe and also have their own sires. Despite the limited number of sires, Lavy believes in sticking to what has worked for them and avoiding too many experimental outcrosses. 

"A lot of that depends on where the owner wants to be based and where he wants to run. So yes, it could be totally different. And then then even picking what kind of sires you breed do? Because if you want dirt, horses or sand horses, that's totally different than the grass horses usually," says the seasoned horseman.  

Lavy mentions that they are always looking for ways to improve and evolve. They have recently changed training and breeding strategies to adapt to the evolving racing scene. Lavy expresses optimism about their upcoming races and mentions two horses, Divine Princess and Methgal, who are expected to perform well. He highlights the importance of maintaining their success and mentions the challenge posed by Al Ghaithir, who has the potential to win the Triple Crown. 

SILK & SAND: A RACING FAMILY FORGED IN FIRE 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, is not just a titan of the racing world, but also a beacon of hope for its future.  

"Sheikh Mohammed (bin Khalifa Al Thani) is the same age as me and he's very driven, and passionate about what he's created over the years." 

At the heart of his remarkable journey lies a deep-rooted passion, one that has been meticulously cultivated and nurtured for generations. Today, this legacy finds fertile ground in the hearts and minds of his three young daughters, each as captivated by the magic of the turf as their father. 

Their enthusiasm is palpable, evident in their vibrant silks and the horses they own, proudly bearing their names in France. It is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, a flame that burns bright against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving world. 

"He's got three young daughters who are very interested. They all have their own colors, and they all have horses in their names in France. And one hope is that the family legacy continues." 

"Globally, you see a lot of big iconic operations over the years that get to a point where there's nobody wants to carry on with it and I hope that's never the case for the farms here in the GCC. There are a couple of good examples to look like Shadwell. Sheikh Hamdan's daughter has stepped into the leadership role and is doing a pretty good job with that. 

In the Middle East, the young guys are really into it. I see Bahrain, Saudi Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Qatar everywhere. They're out there at the races as little, tiny kids and want to be owners. They want to be trainers. And you see some of that in Europe and some in America, but not nearly like you're doing the Middle East. So, you always hope that with some of these big operations, the family continues that tradition," says Lavy. 

A TAPESTRY OF TRIUM & CONNECTION IN THE HORSE RACING WORLD 

When asked about the proudest moment in his career, Lavy expresses his gratitude for being a part of the horse racing industry. His eyes crinkle, not with the lines of time, but with a warmth that speaks volumes. Ask him about his proudest moment, and a sigh escapes his lips, carrying the scent of sun-baked hay and the exhilaration of the racetrack.  

"Pride?" he muses, the word tasting foreign on his tongue. "It's not about one trophy, one finish line." 

To him horse racing isn't a career; it's a tapestry woven with the threads of countless connections, each as precious as the silks his champion wears. He speaks of the industry not as a ladder to climb, but as a vast, welcoming tent where he found not just success, but a family. 

BEYOND THE FINISH LINE: 

In Dean's eyes, the racetrack isn't just a competition stage; it's a canvas where dreams take flight. And the connections he's forged, the hands that have helped him along the way, are the brushstrokes that paint his life's masterpiece. So, when he speaks of his proudest moment, it's not of a singular victory, but of the symphony of support that has carried him, and countless others, across the finish line. It's a testament to the human spirit, a celebration of the bonds that form in the shared pursuit of passion. 

Lavy's story is a love letter to the horse racing community, a testament to the power of connection, and a reminder that sometimes, the most significant victories are measured not in trophies but in the hearts we touch along the way. At the same time, Al Shahania stands triumphant, a testament to unwavering resolve and a legacy etched in pedigrees of gold.