The Melbourne Racing Club will host the inaugural Shadwell Arabian Mile over 1600m at Caulfield this Saturday.

Shadwell Estates principal Sheikh Hamdan has sponsored the $20,000 event as an incentive to kick start the sport in Australia.  It will be run at 2.40pm between Races 4 and 5.

Sheikh Hamdan is committed to establishing Arabian racing worldwide.  Last year, he sponsored races in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United Arab Emirates.  

Both Sheikh Hamdan and his brother Sheikh Mohammed own a number of high profile thoroughbred studs and among them are Shadwell (UK), Derrinstown (Ireland), Shadwell Farm (USA) and Darley (Australia).  

The Victorian Minister for Racing Denis Napthine launched the race at Parliament House on Wednesday.  

Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stud has achieved great success in Australia as owners-breeders of Melbourne Cup winners At Talaq and Jeune, Blue Diamond Stakes winners Nadeem and Reaan and Caulfield Cup winner Tawqeet.

The Shadwell Arabian Mile will be a non-wagering event.  A field of 11 horses has been accepted and it will be called by Brendan Delaney of Radio Sport National.