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| Staff Writer |
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Helal Al Alawi, the owner and head trainer at National Stables in Al Ain, is mounting a formidable challenge for next month's UAE President Cup. Leading his assault is defending champion RB Kingmaker, bred by the renowned Dianne Waldron of Rosebrook Farm, whose programme has produced numerous stakes winners including RB Rich Lyke Me and RB Frynchh Dude. Fresh from a successful French campaign where he secured a Group race victory and multiple placed efforts at the highest level, RB Kingmaker's preparation has been precisely tailored for his title defence.
Meanwhile, the unbeaten sensation HM Alchahine, who recently dominated a conditions race at Abu Dhabi with a commanding rating of 122, will target the Abu Dhabi Derby. With the prize money increased to US$2.18 million for this year's renewal, Al Alawi's powerful string represents one of the strongest hands heading into the 15 December feature.
Al Alawi's journey to the summit of Arabian racing is a testament to his unwavering vision. "I started as an owner, bringing in different trainers to work with my horses," he reflects. "Then I saw that I could train them myself." This transition marked the beginning of a remarkable ascent that has seen National Stables emerge as a dominant force in international Arabian racing since its establishment in 2008.
The results speak volumes. Under Al Alawi's guidance, National Stables has accumulated an impressive string of victories in prestigious races across the globe. His runners have claimed major honours in France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Notable achievements include HM Alchahine's unbeaten record and RB Kingmaker's second-place finish in the Qatar Arabian World Cup.
"I choose my way to be at the top. I don't want to compete with beginners or the medium class. I love seeing good horses in front of me - I'd be happier if they're mine, but I love to see good horses."
Al Alawi's approach to acquiring talent is as meticulous as his training methods. His regular presence at France's prestigious Arqana and Osarus sales has become legendary, but it's his eye for talent that sets him apart. "If there are one hundred horses in front of you, and you are a real horseman with experience, you know where the good horses are," he explains. "I think I'm lucky to have this type of eye."
“We could buy horses from breeders,trainers,Arqana and other Arabian sales as well”,he shares.
This selectivity extends to his stable management. With approximately seventy horses under his care, including twenty-three current racers, every animal must earn its place. "I buy horses for specific targets," he emphasises. "If they have less quality for Group racing, I put them in the sales." This uncompromising approach to quality has helped maintain National Stables' position at the pinnacle of Arabian racing.
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As a leading figure in Arabian racing, Al Alawi has proposed several strategic enhancements to strengthen the sport's premier events. His vision for the UAE President Cup race day program is particularly focused on elevating the overall quality of racing while creating new opportunities for regional participation.
A key proposal involves optimising the UAE-bred race distance. Currently set at 2400m, Al Alawi notes this may not best serve the natural attributes of locally-bred horses. "UAE horses are predominantly bred for speed rather than stamina, with most excelling at distances of a mile or less," he explains. "While the current distance shows admirable ambition in supporting UAE owners and breeders, adjusting to a mile would likely result in more competitive and exciting racing that truly showcases our horses' talents."
“We, along with a group of experienced owners and trainers, proposed to the organising committee to revise the accompanying races of the President Cup, as most of these races do not allign with the significance of this prestigious day. The committee has positively responded to the proposal”,he reveals.
To enhance regional participation, Al Alawi advocates for introducing a dedicated GCC-bred race to the program. "This would create a valuable opportunity for our brothers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain to participate in this prestigious day," he suggests. "Such inclusion would not only strengthen regional cooperation but also elevate the day's international significance."
He also recommends repositioning the US$40,800 maiden races earlier in the season, particularly for three-year-olds, when promising young talents are ready to make their debuts. In their place, he suggests introducing feature races that better compliment the day's prestigious status, including a specialised mile-distance condition race or Group race dedicated to fillies and mares.
Looking beyond individual races, Al Alawi envisions broader initiatives to strengthen Arabian racing across the Gulf region. He proposes introducing a specialised mile-distance condition race or Group race dedicated to fillies and mares, addressing a gap in the current program. Additionally, he advocates for creating a dedicated GCC-bred race that would welcome horses from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, fostering greater regional cooperation.
His breeding operation, split between the UAE and France, continues to expand. For the coming season, Al Alawi anticipates introducing six new runners bred in the UAE and three to four from his French program. His latest acquisition, a full brother to HM Alchahine secured for a record price at the Arqana sale, underscores his commitment to excellence. "He is the highest-priced Arabian foal in Europe since 2017," Al Alawi notes with evident satisfaction.
Beyond the President Cup, Al Alawi has mapped out ambitious international campaigns for his stable stars. The Saudi Cup meeting's Al Manifa race, Qatar's Emir Sword festival, and the Kahayla Classic at the Dubai World Cup meeting are all under consideration. However, he maintains a pragmatic approach: "We will choose to go when the horses ask us to - if they are showing good performances and they are good in health, in training, then we will go to the next races."
The success of National Stables under Al Alawi's guidance represents more than just racing victories - it symbolises the evolution of Arabian racing in the UAE. From his early days as an owner to his current position as one of the sport's leading figures, Al Alawi's journey mirrors the growth and professionalisation of the industry itself.
As December's UAE President Cup approaches, Al Alawi's stable stands ready to compete at the highest level, while his vision for the sport's future continues to shape its development. In the competitive world of international Arabian racing, National Stables exemplifies what can be achieved when expertise, ambition, and patience combine with an unwavering pursuit of excellence.