Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) today confirm the purchase of The Arabian Racing Organisation Ltd (“ARO”). ARO is the sole Arabian Racing Authority in Britain, operating with the support and permission of the British Horseracing Authority (“BHA”), managing all elements of the integrity, fixture list and promotion of the sport.
The ARO team of Genny Haynes, Willie McFarland and Debbie Burt will continue to deliver the recently published 2023 fixture list, which will cover a programme of Arabian races across British racecourses.
As Britain’s largest racing group, ARC are long term supporters of ARO, hosting events at their numerous racecourses across the summer Arabian Racing season.
ARO Chief Executive Officer, Genny Haynes said, “We are delighted to confirm this deal with ARC, who have been fantastic supporters of ARO for a number of years, with the majority of our races run on ARC racecourses.”
“ARO is now in a position to develop new commercial revenue streams, with the aim of developing the sport’s profile within the UK. The future of our Arabian Group races is now secure, and our aim will be that these races host some of the World’s best Arabians, as well as provide a springboard for our domestic horses to progress. Equally, we look forward to working on the continued development of grassroots Arabian racing, which is an integral part of our domestic programme.”
“Our thanks must go to our sponsors HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, UAE President Cup, Emirates Breeders Series, Arabian Horse Organization, The Arabian Racehorse magazine, Equine MediRecord, Racing Welfare and partner racecourses for their ongoing support, as well as our former ARO Directors Charles Gregson, Bill Smith and Richard Weston for their invaluable work and vision in establishing the sport in the UK.”
Managing Director of ARC’s Racing Division, Mark Spincer, said, “As long term partners of ARO, we are delighted to take this step to help secure the future of the sport in Britain. Arabian races have sat alongside a number of our summer fixtures, and we look forward to working with Genny, Willie and Debbie to continue this and look for opportunities to grow the sport over the coming years.”
Twenty Arabian races, including four Group races, will take place on British Racecourses in 2023, with the season starting at Lingfield Park on Tuesday 9 May, and culminating at the same venue on Tuesday 26 September.
Since 2021 Arabian horses have been permitted to be stabled alongside Thoroughbred horses in stables licenced by BHA, meaning that British racehorse trainers are able to train Arabians alongside their existing bloodstock.
