The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship announces 25 per increase in entries for 2006

This year's event is shaping up to be a superb competition with 19 Champion and Reserve Champions from 'A' grade European competitions competing. Along with these horses there will be more than twenty further Champions or Reserve Champions from international competitions from Europe and the GCC region all vying for the Championship titles and top quality prizes.

This year's competition has attracted 295 entries. A number not seen by any Arabian Horse Show in this region - which reinforces the trust placed in the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and demonstrates that the event has firmly established itself as a high calibre Equestrian events in the region.

Mr. Ziad Galadari, the Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the event said:

'This year's event plans to be something quite spectacular and it is clear that it will just get bigger and better year on year. We have received tremendous response in every facet of the competition from sponsors to entries and it is so encouraging to receive this kind of support.'

Competitiors in this years competition are far spread with horses representing Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Netherlands, Oman. Qatar, Spain, UAE and the United Kingdom.

With this increase in entries comes also an increase in the value of prizes on offer for the Championship. It has been announced the event is now worth US $600,000. The most valuable Arabian horse championship to be seen.

ECAHO classes prize value is US$180,000 and for the ECAHO Championship the amount will be US$ 320,000. Luxury motor vehicles and valuable watches will be the gifts presented to the winners. This year a new category is launched for Foals, a non - ECAHO championship, for horses under one year old with prize money totalling USD 17,000 for each of the filly and colt Championships. Prize money for the Racing and Endurance Championships has also increased and totals USD 16,500 for each Championship.

Taking place from the 26th to 29th March 2006 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre the Championship is essentially a beauty contest for Purebred Arabian horses, and sees visitors from the regions Ruling Families as well as many other dignitaries, VIPs and horse enthusiasts.

Ziad Galadari continued; 'the quality of the horses participating just gets better and this year's competition looks set to be very exciting with such a variety of horses from all over the world competing it cannot fail to be successful, not only because this event is specific to Arabian Horses, but because it celebrates the authencity, beauty and agility of these horses.'

The Championship is open to the public free of charge.

Timings:

Sunday 26th 4.30pm to 8.30pm
Monday 27th 4.30pm to 8.30pm
Tuesday 28th 4.30pm to 8.30pm
Wednesday 29th 3.00pm to 9.00pm