A beginners guide to… - ARO Racing

The Arabian Racing Organisation
Your Chance To
Be Part of the Action!
Racing With ARO
Information Pack
www.aroracing.co.uk

An Introduction…
ARO Racing in the UK provides competitive, exciting, predominantly amateur flat racing which is, above all, great fun
for participants and spectators alike. Racemeetings, run under the BHA Regulations for Arabian Horse Racing, are held
at some of the top racecourses throughout the country from May to October. The total prize money for 2010 was in
excess of £320,000 spread over a total of 107 races. For more details see page 5.
ARO fixtures fall into two categories:-
1. Standard Fixtures – usually 8 races, all restricted to amateur riders with a variety of race types (i.e.
maidens, handicaps and conditions races)
2. Single Races – held at Thoroughbred Fixtures, these are our Showcase Handicaps and Group Races where
amateurs have the opportunity to ride against professional riders.
All administration including registrations, entries and declarations are by handled by the Arabian Racing Organisation
(ARO), The Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ.
The Arabian Racing Calendar is published monthly throughout the season (starting in March) listing each
racemeeting and detailing all races held in the UK. This includes the specific weights and conditions for each race, as
well as other useful racing information, and can be used as a reference when making entries and declarations.
Each year a Fixture List is published which details the dates and venues of all ARO fixtures and Single Races. Please
see Appendix 1 for full details of ARO Fixtures in 2011.
Who can take part…
Owners
Almost anyone can apply for an Owner’s Registration, either as a sole owner or as a multiple owner in the form of
Partnerships and Syndicates. If you are unsure as to your eligibility please contact the ARO Office on 01635 524445.
What To Do Next…
Locate a trainer for your horse (contact the ARO office for a current list or go to www.aroracing.co.uk – Find
a Trainer)
If you need to purchase a horse this can be done through private sales, public auctions and through our
website (contact the ARO office for any advice or help if necessary)
Contact the ARO Office for the appropriate registration forms or download them on the internet at
www.aroracing.co.uk – Registration Forms (Registrations open from January 1 st 2011)
Choose your colours and include them on the registration form. Don’t forget to have the silks made!
Register yourself and/or your partnership or syndicate members and return the completed form(s) directly to
the ARO Office with full payment.
Go Racing!
For more information on what to expect on the day see Appendix 3, The Racegoers Guide.
Owner/Trainers or Owner/Trainer/Jockeys
Almost anyone can apply for an Owner/Trainer or Owner/Trainer/Jockey Registration. This enables you to train and
ride your own horse and/or any horses owned by a spouse or direct relative. You can also ride in races for other
Owners and Trainers if you wish. If you are unsure as to your eligibility, please contact the ARO Office.
What To Do Next…
Contact the ARO Office for the appropriate registration forms or download them on the internet at
www.aroracing.co.uk – Registration Forms
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If you need to purchase a horse this can be done through private sales, public auctions and through our
website
Register yourself as an Owner/Trainer or Owner/Trainer/Jockey and return the completed form(s) directly to
the ARO Office with full payment. You will also need to fill in a ‘Horse In Training’ form to register your
horse.
You will need to choose your colours and have the silks made up.
Study the Racing Calendar in order to choose a race in which to place entries (this will be posted or emailed
to you monthly throughout the season and is also available on our website at www.aroracing.co.uk)
Find a jockey or ride yourself (a list can be obtained from the ARO office or go to www.aroracing.co.uk – Find
a Jockey)
Declare your horse and jockey for the race you wish to take part in
Go racing!
For more information on what to expect on the day see Appendix 4 The Trainer’s Race Day Guide.
Trainers
Anyone who does not hold a British Horseracing Authority trainer’s licence is eligible to train with ARO. However, a
Trainer licensed in Great Britain or under the Rules of any Recognized Turf Authority may also register with ARO
provided that the Trainer does not run a thoroughbred horse in their name during the period of registration.
Holders of a British Horseracing Authority Trainer’s Permit can only train horses owned by themselves, spouse or
direct relatives.
What to Do next…
Contact the ARO Office for the appropriate registration forms or download them on the internet at
www.aroracing.co.uk – Registration Forms
Register yourself as a Trainer and return the completed form(s) directly to the ARO Office with full payment.
Register any horse/s under your care
See Racing Calendar in order to choose races in which to place entries (this will be posted or emailed to you
monthly throughout the season)
Find a jockey (a list can be obtained from the ARO office or go to www.aroracing.co.uk – Find a Jockey)
Declare your horse and jockey for the race you wish to take part in
Go racing!
For more information on what to expect on the day contact the ARO Office or see www.aroracing.co.uk – The
Trainer’s Race Day Guide.
Jockeys
Anyone over the age of 18 (or 16 with a guardian’s signature) who does not currently hold a professional rider’s
licence can apply for an ARO Rider’s Licence, including holders of a British Horseracing Authority Amateur Riders
Permit (Cat A & B) and Point-to-Point Riders Qualification Certificate.
Riders applying for their licence who have not previously race ridden, or have limited experience, may be required to
pass a Rider Assessment and if necessary, attend a one day seminar/assessment at either the British Racing School
(Newmarket) or the Northern Racing College (Doncaster). Showcase Handicaps and Group Races do have minimum
riding requirements, as riders will be competing against professional riders – please contact the ARO Office for more
information.
What To Do Next…
Contact the ARO Office for the appropriate registration forms or download them on the internet at
www.aroracing.co.uk – Registration Forms
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Register as a Jockey and return the completed form(s) directly to the ARO Office
Fill in your Medical Book once your licence has been issued by ARO (don’t forget to take it with you every
time to ride in a race!)
Contact trainers to try and get rides (contact the ARO office for current list)
Ensure your have all the equipment you need and that it all abides by the rules – See Regulations at
www.aroracing.co.uk
Go racing!
For more information on what to expect on the day see Appendix 5: The Jockey’s Race Day Guide.
Horses
Horses eligible for Arabian Racing fall into three categories:-
1. Pure Bred Arabs
2. Anglo & Part Bred Arabs
A minimum 12.5% Arab blood
3. Thoroughbreds
New to ARO in 2006, the current restrictions are listed in the Open Race section (page 4).
All horses must be registered in their relevant Stud Book, be parentage verified and hold a current passport issued by
the Stud Book Authority. They must also be fully vaccinated, and these vaccinations must be recorded in the passport.
What races can you take part in…
Distances
Races are run over various distances, ranging from 5 furlongs to 2 miles. All details are listed for each race meeting in
the Racing Calendar.
Races for Pure Bred Arabs
Maidens
These are for horses who have never won a race. All horses start their racing careers in these races so that the
handicapper can assess their ability. After their second run in a maiden race each horse is allotted a handicap mark
(Official Rating) so that they can compete fairly against more experienced and older horses.
Handicaps
These races are designed to bring together horses of varying levels of ability, with their Official Rating enabling them to
have an equal chance of winning, assuming they run to the best of their ability. Each horse carries a different weight,
based on their rating, which can range from 0 to 130, with the best horses being at the top of this scale. The rating is
used to calculate the weight carried in each race; the idea being that the better horses in the race carry more weight
than the poorer horses. Each rating number equates to 1lb in weight; for example, a horse with a rating of 55 will
carry 10lbs less than a horse in the same race which is rated at 65. The actual weight the horse carries is the
combined weight of the jockey and saddle, which can be adjusted accordingly by using different sizes/weights of saddle
and a weight cloth carrying lead.
Should a jockey/saddle combination be over the weight required that jockey would ride overweight with an
announcement of the amount over in lbs. After the race the horse’s rating is re-assessed and adjusted up or down
relative to its performance. A perfectly handicapped race would be one where all contestants cross the line in a deadheat.
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Conditions Races
The weights in these races are allotted by age and sex of the horse. Horse’s that have won races previously are likely
to carry a ‘win’ penalty. For a guide to weights please see page 5.
Group Races
These are International races where the top horses compete for the highest honours of the sport, and the allimportant
‘black type’, which is highly prized when these racehorses are used for breeding purposes. Group races are
usually run as part of a Thoroughbred fixture and therefore appear as Single Races in the Race Programme – see
fixture list for more details
Races for Thoroughbreds, Anglo Arabs & Part-Bred Arabs
Each ARO Fixture holds a minimum of 2 races open to Thoroughbreds, Anglo Arabs & Part-Bred Arabs. These races
are commonly known as the Open Race Series. To be eligible for these races, Thoroughbreds must:-
Have a flat rating of 42 or less
Have a National Hunt rating of 72 or less (over hurdles or chase)
Be aged 7 and over, without a BHA rating
Be aged 7 and over and unraced
Have been out of a licensed trainer's yard for over 30 days prior to the race
Have not won a race with a penalty value of over £3,500 since May 2009.
If you are uncertain of any of the above eligibility criteria, please contact the ARO Office on 01635 522445.
Alternatively, to query a BHA Handicap rating please contact a BHA Handicapper on 020 7152 0000
Open Race types
The Open Race Series is made up of a combination of Open Handicaps, Handicaps and Conditions Races, run between
6 furlongs and 1mile 6 furlongs. A horse must first run in 2 Open Races in order to be awarded an ARO handicap
rating. Up to that point it may run in certain Open Races (Open Handicaps & Conditions Races of which there a
number at the start of the season) but it must carry top weight of 11st 4lb (if running in an Open Handicap). The
weight range of ARO Handicaps is from 11st 4lb to 9 stone.
The following conditions apply in all races:-
The maximum weight carried will be 11st 4lb (including any Conditions Race penalties)
Anglo Arabs and Part Bred Arabs will receive a 21lb allowance in Conditions Races against Thoroughbreds
Mares receive an allowance of 5lbs in Conditions Races.
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Prize Money…
2010 prize money in was in excess of £320,000.
Purebred Arabian Races
Principle Pattern Races
UAE Derby
Ascot Saturday 23 rd July Group 1 (4 yrs old only) 1m 2f £50,000
Other Group Races
Newbury Tuesday 21 st June Group 2 (4 yrs old +) 1m 2f £3,000
Newmarket Thursday 7 th July Group 2 (4 yrs old +) 1m £30,000
Dubai International Arabian Raceday
Newbury Sunday 17 th July
Group 1 (4 yrs old & upwards) 1m 2f £40,000
Group 1 (4 yrs old & upwards) 6f £18,000
Group 1 (Mares & Fillies Only) 1m 2f £18,000
Group 2 (3 yrs old only) 7f £15,000
Main Qualifiers Series
The Athbah Stud Series
16 qualifiers, for horses rated up to 80, run over a variety of distances, are held throughout the ARO season, with an
anticipated prize fund of £900. The finals will be held at Warwick on Saturday 8 th October and are as follows:
Gold Final 1m 2f £5,000
Silver Final 1m 2f £2,500
Bronze Final 1m 2f £2,000.
Royal Cavalry Of Oman Qualifier Series
A series of 4 qualifiers, for horses rated up to 100, with a prize fund of £1,300.
The final, with a prize fund of £6,000, will be run as a Single Race at Newbury on Saturday 13 th August (Ladies Day).
Royal Cavalry Of Oman
Novice Rider Series
A series of 5 handicaps for horses rated up to 70, with a prize fund of £1,000.
Premier Handicaps
Additional races run on Thoroughbred cards are programmed throughout the season, with prize money up to £5,000.
Open Races
For Thoroughbreds, Part Breds & Anglo Arabs
The standard prize fund for Open Races is £400, although this can extend to a maximum of £1,000 depending on
sponsorship requirements. The end of season Open Race Championship at Warwick will have a prize fund of £1,000.
Guide to Weights…
The weights carried in any race will be those indicated in the conditions of the race, as set out in the Racing Calendar.
As a guide, the various categories are shown below in the following table.
Race Type Top Weight Bottom Weight
Arab Races
Maiden 10st 4lb 9st 13lb mares
Handicaps 10st 7lb 9st
Premier Handicaps 10st 8st
Conditions 9st 7lb (plus penalties) 8st 12lb
Group (penalties may be 9st 8lb
9st 3lb
added)
Open Races
Handicaps 11st 4lb 9st
Conditions
10st 11lb (plus maximum 7lb 9st 4lb (AA only)
penalty)
Anglo & Part Breds receive a 21lb allowance in Open conditions races. Additional
mares allowance 5lb.
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Penalties and allowances may also pply; for a more detailed explanation please Part 1 of the ARO Racing Calendar
(published in March).
Rider’s Claims
Any Jockey registered to ride with ARO who has won no more than four races under the rules any recognized Turf
Authority or Point To Point may claim an allowance of 5lb. However, no allowances are claimable in Group Races,
Premier Handicaps, Amateur Handicaps or Apprentice Handicaps. In Novice Rider Races (open to those who have not
ridden more than 5 winners under any rules at the beginning of the ARO season), riders who have not ridden a winner
may claim a 5lb allowance.
NEW for 2011
A TICKET TO RIDE!
For the first time in 2011, ARO is offering new members the chance to try before you buy at any one of our 12 ARO
fixtures this season (excluding Dubai International Arabian Raceday). Each new member is entitled to a total of two day
tickets for the rock bottom price of just £55 (+VAT) per ticket.
Your ticket to ride would include:-
temporary registration (Owner, Trainer & Jockey, including colours)
pre-paid race entry & declaration fees (ordinarily £65 alone)
a racing induction/riders assessment
Ticket valid for 1 race per meeting only. Please ensure that you apply in plenty of time in order that a racing induction
may be carried out before your intended raceday. For more information, contact the ARO Office on 01635 524445.
Photos courtesy of official ARO photographer GJ Multimedia www.gjmultimedia.co.uk
For more information on racing with ARO contact the ARO Office at:-
ARO, The Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 7NZ. Tel: 01635 524445. Email: info@aroracing.co.uk
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Appendix 1
2011 Provisional Fixture List
Dates & Racemeetings are subject to the BHA’s approval. Venues may change from those published here until
confirmed by the BHA in December.
Dates
May
Saturday 14 th
Sunday 22 nd
Saturday 28 th
June
Thursday 9th
Sunday 12 th
Tuesday 21 st
Sunday 26 th
Wednesday 29 th
July
Saturday 2 nd
Friday 8 th
Friday 8 th
Sunday 17 th
Saturday 23 rd
Sunday 31 st
August
Saturday 6 th
Saturday 13 th
Saturday 20 th
Wednesday 31 st
September
Sunday 4 th
Saturday 10 th
Saturday 24 th
October
Saturday 8 th
Racecourse
Taunton
The Curragh (IRE)
Wolverhampton (AW) – Bank Holiday w/e
Newbury – Breeders Cup
Fakenham
Newbury – Eve Group 2
Hereford
Kempton (AW) – Eve (tbc)
Wolverhampton (AW)
Newmarket
Newbury – Eve
Newbury (Dubai International Raceday)
Ascot – Arabian Derby (Group 1 PA)
Newbury
Hereford
Newbury (Ladies Day)
Nottingham
Bath (Group 3 PA)
Salisbury
Wolverhampton (AW)
Stratford
Warwick (Season Finale)
Racemeetings in bold
Single Races on TB Cards in normal
AW – All Weather track
Eve – Evening meeting
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Appendix 2
A Guide to ARO Registrations, Racing Fees and Prize Money in 2011
Registration Fees (Including VAT)
By 31st January
(15% discount)
From 1st
February
Owner + colours (£24.68) £105.00 £119.18
Partnership per person £32.13 £37.80
Company Ownership £267.75 £315.00
Owner/Trainer £153.20 £175.88
Owner/Trainer/Jockey £196.20 £226.28
Trainer £91.04 £107.10
Jockey £74.97 £88.20
Horses £80.33 £94.50
Authority to Act £16.04
Lease Agreement £18.51
Rule Book (Obligatory) £6.50
Information will be available in the following formats for all owners, trainers and jockeys.
Website Access FREE
All information is available from the website, including entries, declarations, results, re-opened races, racing
calendars, ratings, regulation book and all up to date news
Email Service FREE
This service ensures that all information is emailed to Members in a regular Thursday e-bulletin, including
entries & declarations, previews, results & reviews, re-opened races, weekly ratings, racing calendars, ratings,
Regulation updates.
Postal Service £45.00
All information is posted at the appropriate times, including entries & declarations, re-opened races, weekly
ratings, Racing Calendars, etc.
Registration Forms
If you would like to have registration forms sent to you in the post, you will be required to send a S.A.E. with a request
for the relevant forms. The new registration forms will be available to download from the website from mid
December. When you complete your registration form you MUST fill in which of the above services you require, as
no information will be sent in the post unless it is requested and the appropriate payment is received with the
registration fee payment.
All completed forms MUST be sent to the ARO Office no later than 14 days before the race meeting in which you
want to take part – this is a simple requirement in order that we may register you in time for entry. Please ensure that
all forms are completed fully and clearly as failure to do so will result in a delay in processing the forms. If you are
registering for the first time, & particularly if you are a jockey with limited previous experience, make sure you get your
forms to us as soon as possible as you may be required to past a Rider’s Assessment.
Racing Fees
Race Type Entry Fee Declaration Fee
Standard Race £18 £48
Series/Sweepstake Races £25 £48
Over £1000 races £28 £50
Premier Handicap £2,000+ £30 £60
Premier Handicaps £3,000+/International Races £40 £80
Group 2 and 3 races £50 £100
Group 2 £30,000+ & Group 1 races £50-80 £100-130
Stabling
To be advised in Arabian Racing Calendar.
Some entry & declaration fees are subject to change in relation to the individual race Prize Fund.
Race Type
Standard Race £400
Athbah Stud/ Royal Cavalry Qualifiers £900 - £1,300
'Single Race' Premier Handicaps £3,000 +
Group 2 Races £4,000 +
Group 1 Races £10,000 +
Average Prize Funds (Total money allocated to the race)
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Appendix 3
The Racegoers Guide to ARO Racing
If you haven’t been racing before, and are not sure what to expect on the day, or would just like to know more about
Arabian Racing, this Racegoers Guide will help ensure you get the most out of your visit, so that you’ll have a day you’ll
want to experience again and again.
Go Racing
Make sure you plan your day so that you, your family and/or friends arrive in plenty of time. On approach to the
course, follow directions to the Main Entrance and FREE Car Park; generally there will be Stewards available to ask the
way if you are not sure. Once at the admission gate, you will be offered the opportunity to purchase a Racecard, find
your way around and visit one of the bars, where hot and cold refreshments will be available from Gates Opening
times, which is usually 2 hours before the first race. Bars will also remain open ½ an hour after the last race so that
there’s no need to rush off and get caught in the traffic. You can expect between 7 and 8 races at each fixture, usually
with 30 minutes between races, allowing plenty of time for you to see the horses in the paddock for the next race,
choose the one you want to place a bet on, take everything in and even enjoy a bite to eat and a drink in the bar.
Racecard
This will make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action. It will give you all the information you need to know about
times of races, the runners and form for each horse, their jockeys and jockey’s colours. It also includes expert tips for
each horse, race previews and a betting forecast, which should help you make up your mind when choosing a horse to
place a bet on.
What to Wear
The preferred dress code for racing with ARO is relaxed casual. At most racecourses you will need to expect to
spend much of the time outside, viewing the horses in the paddock, placing your bets, cheering your winner home from
the stands, etc, so make sure you dress for the weather. Also, wear your comfy shoes as you will be on your feet for
most of the day!
Seeing the Action
In the Parade Ring
The horses will be in the Parade Ring for about 25 to 15 minutes before each race, so this is your chance to take a
close look at each runner and perhaps even choose your choice for a bet.
If you are unsure what to look for, follow these brief guidelines:-
Does the form guide in the racecard suggest that this horse has a good chance?
Does the horse look well muscled like an athlete and does his coat shine with good condition?
Does the horse look relaxed yet eager to get on with the race?
Once their jockeys have mounted the horses leave the parade ring and make their way out on to the track and down
to the post (i.e. to the start of the race).
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Putting a Bet On
Once you have had a look at the runners in the parade ring and have picked out which horse you would like to place a
bet on, make your way to the racecourse viewing stands to watch the race, where the bookies are generally situated.
You may want to look out for the best odds available, but as a general guide the shorter the price the better the
chance, for example, around 2-1 would indicate that the horse is expected to run well, whereas 25-1 or 50-1 indicates
that the horse has only an outside chance. If your price is 2-1, you can expect to win £2 for every £1 you bet, in
addition to your stake. The bookies will only be too happy to explain if you need any assistance. You will generally be
required to make a minimum £2 stake.
Watching the Race
Once you have placed your bet you’ll need to find a good position to watch the race, usually in or in front of the
Grandstand. Opposite the winning line is best, but it can also be fun to watch the action from much closer to the
course by standing against the rails.
Winner's Enclosure
After the race, you can head to the Winner’s Enclosure (normally at one end of the Parade Ring) to cheer the winner
in and see the winning connections receive their trophy.
Not only does Racing with ARO provide a great day’s racing action, but there is often family
entertainment and lots of facilities with hot and cold refreshments available, including a Bar
and often an Ice-Cream van.
Come Racing with
Your Chance To Get Close To The Action!
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Appendix 4
Trainer’s Race Day Guide
Written by Angela Colledge
Trainer & member of the Race Planning Committee
This guide has been written for first time owners or owner/trainers, and will explain what to do and expect at ARO
racedays.
Before You Set Off
It is a good practice to trot your horse up on a hard surface before leaving – you don’t want to drive 4 hours only to
discover your horse trod on a stone the day before and is now lame out of walk! Make sure you have everything you’ll
need for the day, the following checklist includes the essentials:-
Raceday Checklist
Passport/s
Stable Passes
Colours
Bridles.
Planning Your Journey
First of all, make sure you plan your journey and allow enough time for unforeseen eventualities, such as road works,
breakdown, etc, as there is nothing more stressful for you or your horses than having to rush. I always like my horses
to have 3 hours to rest after traveling longer distances; even the best travelers use themselves to some degree during
transport, but this is just a guide, everyone is different.
At The Racecourse
Booking Your Horse into its Stable
On approach to the racecourse, follow signs to the Racehorses Entrance. On arrival, go to the racecourse stables
office to book in, making sure you have your stable passes with you, as you will be asked to sign in and collect a
wristband. You must have this wristband on all the time when you are in the stabling area. You may also be asked for
your horse’s passport; a list will be posted at the stables office, so check this. If your name is on the list then the vet
will need to see your horse’s passport before they run. The vet can usually be found in the stabling area before racing.
You will be told your stable number(s) by the stable manager; you may then unload your horse and take it into the
stables. Having made your horse comfortable, you can now leave him to rest.
Declaring Your Horse
Armed with your colours, make your way to the Weighing Room (usually found near the paddock, this will be well
signposted). Go to the Declarations Desk where you will find a list of runners for each race. Once you have found the
race your horse is entered for, find your horse on the list, fill in and sign the declaration. This MUST be done at least
45 minutes before the race is due to be run (if in doubt ask an ARO Official who will be able to help). Also, check that
all the information on the declaration sheet is correct, especially any headgear you have declared for your horse. It is
also essential to check that the information on your horse appears correctly in the racecard, especially your colours. If
there are any errors speak to the Declarations Clerk or any other Official who is around.
Don’t forget to collect your complimentary racecard from the Declarations Clerk once you have declared.
Meeting Your Jockey
Now you need to find your jockey. You can either ask the ARO Official to go into the changing rooms and get him/her
for you, or if you’re not faint-hearted (lots of naked/semi-naked bodies) then you can go in yourself. On finding your
jockey introduce yourself, if you do not already know them, give them the colours, arrange with them whether you
want them to saddle the horse or if you will collect the saddle from the Weighing Room and do it yourself. If so, agree
on a time as they may be riding in the race before, and this will effect what time they weigh out.
NB. If you are an owner/trainer/jockey please refer to the Jockey’s Raceday Guide at this point.
Saddling and Parading Your Horse
You will need your horse ready to go into the Pre-Parade Ring (this is the smaller ring with the open fronted stables)
with its race bridle on 45 minutes before your race. E.g., for a 2-30 Race, be in the Pre-Parade Ring by 1-45. Always
turn yourself and your horse out to a high standard for the image of the sport and out of respect for the sponsors.
There is often a best turned out prize as well! You will notice that a lot of Arabian Racehorses have their manes
pulled; if like me, you like to leave them un-pulled, please plait the mane, as there is nothing worse for a jockey then
two feet of mane wrapped around the reins, and then having it whip you in the face for the duration of the race. Once
you are ready, pick an empty saddling box and saddle your horse, having arranged with your jockey whether he is
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coming out or you are collecting the saddle from the weighing room. (I would suggest you ask the Jockey to come out
if you have limited experience as they won’t mind saddling your horse for you. They would rather know it has been
done safely and properly). Once your horse is saddled, proceed to the Parade Ring proper when instructed to do so
by the steward or when you see other people going in. Your horse must be saddled and in the Parade Ring 15 minutes
before the off time. Make sure the handler leading the horse has comfortable footwear as they could be walking for up
to 40 minutes!
You may now go and stand in the middle of the Parade Ring and wait for the jockeys to come out. Make sure you tell
your jockey any little quirks your horse may have (like he is going to buck like a rodeo star!) and anything you do or
don’t want him/her to do during the race. When the bell rings it is time for the jockeys to mount; leg your jockey up,
and as you walk make sure the handler unclips the lead chain before you get out on the course. When instructed to do
so by the steward lead your horse out on to the course, let go and make sure to get out of the way of other horses
coming out behind you.
Watching The Race
Now you can go and find somewhere to watch the race from, or somewhere to hide, depending on your disposition!
After The Race
When the race has finished go back to where you lead the horse onto the course and collect him. If you are lucky
enough to finish in the first three/four (depending on the racecourse) go to the Winners’ Enclosure; if not your jockey
will unsaddle away from the Winners’ Enclosure, where hopefully he will tell you how the horse went. If he doesn’t,
ask, as it will be helpful for future races your horse may run in. Always thank the jockey.
If you are in the Winners’ Enclosure wait until you hear the tannoy say “Horses Away” before returning to the stables.
Otherwise go back to the stables when you are ready and give your horse a well deserved shower, small amounts of
water and walk him off for at least 15 minutes. It’s not a good idea to let him eat at this stage as he may choke. Once
your horse has completely recovered from the race you can put him back in the stable with ad-lib water.
You will need to go back to the weighing room and collect your colours from the jockey. You cannot pay the jockey
for the ride as it is an amateur sport, but you may want to give him something towards his travelling expenses.
Before Going Home
If your horse hasn’t broken out in a sweat he can have a hay net and you can now go home; however, if he has you will
need to walk him some more as it may be that you put him away to quickly. Hopefully you had a great day, win or
lose, you enjoyed it and will want to come back again soon.
Have a safe journey home!
Just A Few Extra Points To Bear In Mind
Arab racing, whilst fun, is still competitive, so make sure your horse is fit enough; riding a horse three times a week for
an hour will not be enough to get you competitive and it’s unkind on the horse as well. You don’t have to own an allweather
gallop, horse walker, etc. to do well; no doubt they would be of benefit but I have managed very well without,
as do most people.
It is also worth remembering that you have to run in two maiden races so that the handicapper can assess your horse’s
ability. Being realistic, it is unlikely that you will win or be placed in a maiden as these are normally won by higher class
horses, so don’t be too despondent. If you are fortunate to come across one of these, great, but if not, do not give up
at this point as you will now have your rating and will be able to compete against horses of a similar ability in handicaps.
This is where the fun really begins, so make sure you are there.
Don’t forget…
You’ve Got To Be In It To Win It!
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Appendix 5
Written by Sam Holdsworth
ARO Jockey
Jockey’s Race Day Guide
This guide has been written for first time jockeys, and will explain how to prepare and what expect on ARO racedays.
Arab racing is an amateur sport that almost any rider over the age of 16 (under 18s require a guardian’s signature) can
take part.
Obtaining Your Licence
New riders may need to send in a written reference from a Racing Industry Professional (eg. Licenced Trainer or
Jockey Coach or Huntsmaster), particularly if you have never ridden before. Fill in the Registration Form, enclose two
passport photographs of yourself and return it to the ARO Office and you are away.
How To Find A Ride
The easiest way to get started is to own or know the owner of a horse. Otherwise the runners are shown on the
ARO website at the entry stage which is 10 days prior to the weekend of the meeting, and it is a matter of ringing
round the trainers, whose numbers are available on website on the Find a Trainer page. Finding rides is competitive so
ARO has introduced a series of races only open to novice riders who have no more than 5 wins under any rules of
racing. In addition novice riders are given a 5lb allowance, which means that your horse carries 5lbs less than it should.
Riding Kit
This consists of the following:-
Saddle, leathers, irons, girths (48in for Arabs), surcingle, non-slip pad weight cloth and lead (not always available at the
racecourse so make sure you have your own), breast girth, racing breeches, tights, racing boots, polo neck, body
protector*, hat*, stick* (*see BHA requirements), elastic bands for colour sleeves, gloves, goggles.
Most can be borrowed short term or are available from Raceday on 01295 660059. The owner will provide colours
and a bridle.
Preparation
To do the job well you will need to be fit; the more work riding you can do the better, so find your nearest trainer and
ride out. Also make sure you can do the weight (9–11 stone).
On the Day (Approximate timing for a 2pm race)
12:15 Put kit in weighing room & show licence and Medical Book to Declarations Clerk
12:30 Walk course. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the track and starts.
1:00 Change
1:30 Weigh out (allow 10 minutes more if you have to saddle yourself)
When called To paddock
2:00 Race
After
Weigh in
Weighing Out
Every horse has an allotted weight to carry. Before each race you have to sit on the scales with your saddle, pad and
weight cloth. At one time you were allowed 2lb for your body protector but the scales at all racecourses have now
been recalibrated and so you must weigh out at the published weight. If in doubt, ask! Also, don’t forget to deduct you
allowance from your riding weight if you have one.
Weighing In
Normally those in the prize money +1 (in case of disqualification) are expected to weigh in. Occasionally the Clerk of
the Scales will call an all weigh – be sure to ask him or her on your way back to the jockeys changing rooms after the
race. It is very important that you weigh in or you may be disqualified and possibly fined.
Common Offences
It is worth reading through the BHA Regulations For Arabian Horse Racing before you start riding to familiarise
yourself with the rules. If the Stewards think you have broken a regulation at any point, they will call you into the
Stewards’ Room and interview you about the offence. Depending on what you have done wrong this can result in a
warning, a hefty fine or, in very extreme cases, referral to the British Horseracing Authority.
The easiest way round this is to know the rules well and make sure you stay within them.
Common riding offences are:
1. Excessive use of the stick – frequency, force, wrong hand
2. Not keeping straight (interference with other horses)
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3. Taking on the starter
4. Beating 3 times Champions Jockey, Simon Walker (although it is getting more common these days ).
Also
Don’t be scared to ask for help/advice; most jockeys are happy to help until the race starts. A useful book is J. Hislop’s
Guide to Flat Race Riding. Watch a few races to see which way people canter to the start, what happens at the start,
where you dismount, etc….
That way all you have to worry about is winning!
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Useful Contacts and Numbers
Industry Authorities
Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Tel: 01635 524445
Fax: 01635 230200
Website: www.aroracing.co.uk
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Tel: 020 7152 0000
Website: www.britishhorseracing.com
Arab Horse Society (AHS) Tel: 01672 521411
Website: www.arabhorsesociety.com
Racing Schools
British Racing School (BRS) Tel: 01638 665103
Website: www.brs.org.uk
Northern Racing College (NRC) Tel: 01302 861000
Website: www.northernracingcollege.co.uk
British Racecourses
The Racecourse Association (RCA) Tel: 01344 625912
Website: www.britishracecourses.org
Publications
Arabian Magazine Tel: 05600 707175
Website: www.thearabianmagazine.com
Equine Nutrition
Red Mills UK Tel: 01386 552006
Fergus Byrne Mobile: 07803 959520
Website: www.redmills.co.uk
Racing Colours
Treehouse Sporting Colours Tel: 01299 851625
Website: www.treehouseonline.co.uk
Equine Bedding/Feed
Shaw & Fox Hay & Straw Supplies Tel: 01491 682133
Racing Syndicates
BXPS Racing Contact David Paton on 07768 852595
Website: www.bxpsracing.co.uk
Samad Racing Contact Adam Newey on 07773 893288
Website: www.samadracing.co.uk
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Area Representatives
The following ARO members are available for you to contact if you would like any further information.
Midlands
Genny Haynes (owner, trainer, director) Leicestershire
haynes@le144qs.fsnet.co.uk
Lynn Brooker (owner, trainer)
Delyth Thomas (owner, trainer)
Claire Taylor (owner, trainer)
Rob Woollard ( jockey)
Paul Simmons (owner, press officer)
Anna Wallace (owner, trainer, jockey)
David Paton (owner, trainer, jockey)
Wales
Pembrokeshire
lb.brooker@tiscali.co.uk
Mid Glamorgan
Berkshire
rgw@ic24.net
South
Surrey
paulprszay@hotmail.com
W Sussex
awallace51@yahoo.com
Hampshire
info@bxps.com
07812 989699
01834 831588
07779 554108
01656 720254
07989 462130
01488 71807
07799 307662
01903 774884
07867 923642
01420 538676
07768 852595
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