The older horse classification begins this year with the German gelding Amor Amor (Nougatin – Aurore). The premier 4 year old from last season had three starts this year. He began the season with an easy win in the Comet Stakes, two months later placing third in the German Qatar Cup. His final performance was a win in the Europa Cup, with which he repeated his feat from last year. The horse ended his season at Służewiec in August – he could not participate in the Criterium Stakes, which from this year remains closed for foreign bred horses. This way the attractiveness of Polish Arabian horse racing is surely decreased…

The second place among the older horses belongs to Janów’s Sabat (Wojsław – Sarmacja), who returned to the track after a year’s pause caused by an injury. The pupil of trainer Dorota Kałuba took part in four races, winning three of them (Bandos St., Ofir St. and Kurozwęki St.). The stallion set a track record over a distance of 2400 m with 2’46”. In his last start (Europa Cup) he just secured the second spot, but not without effort. An injury eliminated him from further starts at the track.

Ghazallah (Ganges – Ghaza) also resumed training after a year’s pause caused by an injury. This season the stallion was trained by Adam Wyrzyk. The son of Ganges participated in five races, winning two. In the 1st group race (Druid Prize) he won leading from start to finish, setting a new track record over a distance of 1800 m with 2’02,7”. His second win came in the Michałów Stakes. It was also the stallion’s last start this season, as well as in his career. Just like Sabat, Ghazallah came across an injury, which will not allow this valiant stallion to return to the track. What should be consoling is that he commenced a breeding career in his maternal stud of Petronius Arabians.

Last year’s Derby winner Eliat (Eldon – Eleuzyna) raced five times this season and was out of frame only once (Europa Cup). He won the Figaro Stakes, placed a solid second in the Kurozwęki Stakes (behind Sabat) and Comet Stakes (behind Amor Amor) and a third place in the Ofir Stakes. The participation in the Europa Cup was the last start for this pupil of Andrzej Wójtowicz.

Amis (Ganges – Amina), in training with Adam Wyrzyk just like Ghazallah, had a very successful season. He was out of frame only once in 8 starts. He won thrice and at the beginning of the season squared the track record over a distance of 1600 m (bested three months later by the German HN Rana). He placed third in the Figaro Stakes and fourth in the Comet Stakes.

The following horses on the list are dependable participants of group races. The pupil of trainer Kluczyński, Predator (Etogram – Penetracja), won twice and placed second four times during his 12 starts this season.

Definitely the best seems to be the German Von (Tidjani – Verduronette). In his 7 starts the stallion won thrice, setting in May a new track record over a distance of 1400 m with 1’34,7”. He ended the season with a distant position in the Embargo Prize, a 1st group race.

Eliat’s stablemate, Elpas (Arzgir – Elema), participated in just four races this year. He won twice (in a 3rd and 2nd group race) and placed second in the Druid Prize (a 1st group race). He ended the season with a distant fifth place in the Criterium Stakes.

Eidos (Ganges – Eleina) is a third horse by Ganges in our classification. This 5 year old pupil of trainer Marcin Duplicki proved to be a rather dependable racehorse this season, winning two races.

The Top Ten closes off with Diadem (Egon – Duchess), for whom it was the worst season in his entire career. He began his starts with a win in a 2nd group race, but his further starts were far from successful.

HORSES 5 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE

1. Amor Amor 52.000 PLN + 4.800 €
2. Sabat 42.700
3. Ghazallah 26.940
4. Eliat 17.200
5. Amis 13.540
6. Predator 11.200
7. Von 9.975
8. Elpas 8.120
9. Eidos 7.475
10. Diadem 5.540

Just as expected, the best 3 year old from last season, Orgia Fata (Chnadaka – HF Olympia), confirmed her class also this year. The filly had a bit lesser form during the spring part of the season. In her first start, Comet Stakes, she placed third behind Amor Amor and Eliat and in her next start (Ofir Stakes) she came fourth. Only later did she present her abilities and valiant heart in full. She won consecutively in the Derby, Oaks and Criterium Stakes, thus becoming Triple-Crowned. However this year the win in the Criterium Stakes did not come so easily as last season. On the final meters a late attack was attempted by the premier 4-year-old Wadi Nur. However he was short by a head to beat the filly. With her starts Orgia Fata confirmed the class of her entire dam family, which dominated the American racing lines. It is worth mentioning that her grandam (Orgia), as well as her great-grandam (Orla), were also Triple-Crowned.

Second on our list is the German Barq (Barour de Cardonne – Sumaya), in training with Mieczysław Mełnicki. He placed fourth in the overall classification as a 3 year old. At the beginning of the season he scored two second spots in 1st group races: in a record setting race over 2000 m (Skowronek Prize) behind New Man and in the Bandos Stakes behind Sabat. Later he raced twice in Germany, placing far in the Qatar Cup and Dubai Frankfurter Partner Cup. He had a very good performance in the Europa Cup, where he could’ve just taken away the second spot from Sabat. In his next start, the Batyskaf Prize (a 1st group race) he lost after a fight to the German Ypselon. The colt’s biggest success was a win in the Emirates Deutsches Araber Derby. Barq ended the season with a fifth position in The President of the UAE Challenge Derby.

The hope of the Bełżyce team, New Man (Major – Njuschaah), had a very good first part of the season. He began with a win in the Skowronek Prize ( a 1st group race), setting (just like his parents) a track record over a distance of 2000 m with 2’16,4”. His next starts were two second places in the Ofir St. and Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St. (after a fight). Unfortunately in the Derby New Man placed just seventh, while in the Europa Cup he was moved from fifth to fourth place. He ended the season with a third spot in the Criterium St. and a second spot in the Wielki Szlem St. over 3000 m.

The German XXX (Triple XXX) (Marwan I – Tralala II) had only one win this season – in a 2nd group race from 10 starts. However he was in frame in the Stake races – a third spot in the Kurozwęki St. and a fifth in the Europa Cup (moved from 4th spot). The largest success for the pupil of Stanisław Sałagaj was a second place in the Emirates Deutsches Araber Derby. He ended the season with a third position in a 1st group race – Embargo Prize, losing 8 lengths to the first two horses.

XXX’s stablemate, Ypselon (Drakon – Phaija), came out with three wins this season, including the Wielki Szlem St. and Batyskaf Prize (1st group race over 2400 m). His other most successful stake start was a fourth spot in the Comet St.

The pupil of trainer Wójtowicz, Essential (Arzgir – Esna), displayed a top form in the spring. He placed third twice in 1st group races behind the premier horses of his age group and won (after a fight) the Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St. Unfortunately in the Derby he placed sixth. It was the stallion’s last start in the 2007 season.

The first Janów horse on our 4-year-olds list is Zakus (Gazal Al Shaqab – Zamiana). The colt ran without much success at the beginning of the season, placing third and seventh in 1st group races and fourth in the Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St. His best performance came in the Derby, where he came second behind his stablemate Orgia Fata. Unfortunately an injury eliminated him from the rest of the season.

The German Tri Tra (Marwan I – Mekka) is yet a third horse bred by the duchess Fürstenberg and in training with Stanisław Sałagaj in our classification. The filly ran only until August this season. In her six starts she had two wins, including the Sabellina St. and placed thrice at the second position (including Figaro St.).

The next horse in our classification is the filly Greka (Major – Gwarka), trained by her owner Andrzej Wójtowicz. From her nine starts she had three wins, was second in the Sabellina St. and placed third in the Oaks St.

The Top Ten closes off with the German HN Rana (Bengali D’Albert – Ainhoa Jalna). The pupil of trainer Mełnicki won three times from seven starts, setting a track record over a distance of 1600 m with 1’49”. She ended the season losing by a head to stablemate Marvin El Samawi in the Embargo Prize.

4 YEAR OLD HORSES

1. Orgia Fata 78.800 PLN
2. Barq 13.720 PLN + 7.500 €
3. New Man 36.900
4. XXX (Triple X) 9.245 PLN + 4.900 €
5. Ypselon 16.300 PLN + 1.800 €
6. Essential 21.640
7. Zakus 18.820
8. Tri Tra 18.600
9. Greka 18.480
10. HN Rana 16.520

The first part of the season indicated that the 3-year-olds classification will be dominated by the fillies. However later starts appointed the best 3 year old – Michałów’s own Wadi Nur (Gazal Al Shaqab – Wenessa). The pupil of trainer Małgorzata Łojek won four times (including the Koheilan I St. and Sambor St.) from 7 starts. Unfortunately in the Criterium St., after a late attack on the final straight, he took second place behind Orgia Fata. Wadi Nur also has a third place in the international Białka St. and a fourth spot in the Europejczyk St. under his belt. The colt is a main pretender to the blue ribbon in the next season.

The second place in our 3-year-olds classification belongs to the fillly Elsana (Gafal – Elba), trained by her breeder Jan Głowacki. The filly comes from the premier lot by Derby winner Gafal. She participated in four starts this season, winning thrice, including the Białka St. Her only defeat came in the Sambor St., where she took just fourth place.

The filly Minorella (El Bak – Minorka), Elsana’s stablemate, also has three wins under her belt, including the Bask St. In six starts she was out of frame only once, while in the Koheilan I St. she placed second behind Wadi Nur.

Also the German Magna S (Prince d’Orient – Margo) trains under the watchful eye of Jan Głowacki. The filly participated in four starts this season (only four, due to the resolution which limited the starts of foreign bred horses), winning two, including the Europejczyk St. in a dead-heat with Om-Karma and ended her starts with a second spot in the Białka St.

The beginning of the season did not bide well for Engamoon (Avangard – Engabara). However after two unsuccessful starts he was transferred to the stable of trainer Jan Głowacki and presented his abilities in full. He took home two wins and was in frame a couple of times in stake races. He placed second in the Sambor St. and Piechur St., as well as third in the Amurath St. Unfortunately he came out rather flat in the Criterium St., which he ended at a further, sixth spot.

Another horse on the list is the Damis bred Olimpic (Etogram – Ortona). The pupil of trainer Anna Nieora-Tchkuaseli had three wins from five starts, including the Amurath St., with which he ended the season.

Om-Karma (Wiliam – Ormianka), trained by Adam Wyrzyk, ran well during the entire season. She had two wins, including the Europejczyk St (in a dead-heat with Magna S), while in the international Białka St. she took the fourth spot. She ended the season with a third spot in the Sambor St.

We should seek a rival for the 2008 season for the above mentioned filly in Sulima z Reguła (Etar – Skripka). Trained by her breeder, Anna Nieora-Tchkuaseli, she had three wins (including Sasanka St.) from 4 starts.

The only Wrocław arrival in our classification is Germanik (Gazal Al Shaqab – Gehenna), trained by Tadeusz Dębowski. He won three times from four starts, including the Lesieniec St. held in Wrocław. Unfortunately in the confrontation with the Arabians from Służewiec he took a distant, seventh place in the Europejczyk St.

The last horse in our classification is the Michałów-bred Dragomir (Gazal Al Shaqab – Drzewica). The colt participated in the most number of starts this season among the mentioned group – 10 races – and was always in frame. He won twice, placed third in the Piechur St., fourth in the Bask St. and fifth in the Amurath St.

3 YEAR OLD HORSES

1. Wadi Nur 45.600 PLN
2. Elsana 31.100
3. Minorella 20.060
4. Magna S 19.860
5. Engamoon 19.520
6. Olimpic 17.140
7. Om-Karma 16.740
8. Sulima z Reguła 16.180
9. Germanik 15.500
10. Dragomir 15.275

Orgia Fata (Chndaka – HF Olympia) confirmed that she is a worthy successor of her ancestors. The pupil of Longin Błachut repeated the success of her great-granddam Orla, who won the Criterium Stakes twice in 1965 and 1966. As we mentioned previously, Orgia Fata’s granddam – Orgia – also noted a win in this race in 1975. In the history of this race only two fillies won it twice: Dywersja (in 1928 and 1929) and the mentioned Orla. Now this elite group is joined by the athletic filly trained by Dorota Kałuba – Orgia Fata.

After the withdrawal of Ghazallah the startline saw seven horses. The race was led by Natea and Engamoon. Behind them were: Elpas, New Man, Wadi Nur, Orgia Fata and Chazala. Prior to coming into the last turn Natea began to weaken and Engamoon took the lead. On the bend Natea was overtaken by the rest of the horses. The final straight was led out by the finishing New Man and Orgia Fata and Chazala set off in his footsteps. Elpas and Engamoon weakened and fell behind. About 200 m before the post Orgia Fata took the lead, while Wadi Nur began his finish, going wide. The colt attacked the filly on the final meters – but lost by a head in a fight.

The owner of the winning filly, Longin Błachut, told polskiearaby.pl:
„Due to work duties I couldn’t personally see this fascinating race. But Orgia Fata raised the standard extremely high for my humble breeding program. I’m positive that the races will take place in the years to come. I hope that with some luck the young horses from my stud, such as Sasanka Fata (Sam Tiki – HF Sequoia by Origan), Mukta Fata (KA Czubuthan – Minerva by Santhos) and Orczata Fata (Aragonne HF – HF Olympia by Monarch AH), half-sister to the Triple-Crown winner, will have a chance to follow her footsteps and demonstrate valor and their will to fight just like true Arabian battle horses.”

This coming Sunday the Warsaw Służewiec Racetrack will host the Criterium Stakes, this year eligible only to Polish-bred horses registered in the PASB. The line up for the race includes 8 horses. Two colts have been entered by trainer Andrzej Wójtowicz. The number one position in the race program will belong to the grey New Man (Major – Njuschaah). This season the colt placed second in the Ofir and Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St., as well as in his last start – Michałów St. In his only won race this year (Skowronek Prize) he set the track’s record over a distance of 2000m in 2’16,4”. His stablemate from Bełżyce Stud – Elpas (Arzgir – Elema) is a solid, reliable horse. He ran three times this season – winning twice (a second and third group race) and placing third in the first group Druid Prize. Trainer Małgorzata Łojek also put up two contenders. Michałów’s Wadi Nur (Gazal Al Shaqab – Wenessa) belongs to the elite of this year’s three-year-olds. He scored four wins, including Koheilan I and Sambor St., and placed a closed third in Białka St. The trainer’s second participant is Białka’s Natea (Gazal Al Shaqab – Nutella). The filly raced only twice this year, placing fourth in the Sabellina St. and the Oaks. An interesting individual is definitely Engamoon (Avangard – Engabara). This pupil of trainer Jan Głowacki has already noted two wins and in his last start – Sambor St. – placed a solid second, besting the best three year old filly, Elsana. The Juliopol Stable colors will be proudly represented by the four year old Chazala (Wiliam – Champania). The filly has two wins under her belt and a second place behind Orgia Fata in the Oaks this year. Trainer Adam Wyrzyk is rolling out the heavy artillery with Ghazallah (Ganges – Ghaza). The colt returned to the track this year after a season’s break due to injury and is doing rather well. He won two races, the Druid Prize (a first group race), establishing a new track record over 1800m (in 2’02,7”) and Michałów St. (his last start) over a distance of 2800m.

Of course all eyes will be fixed mostly on Orgia Fata (Chndaka – HF Olympia), who stands before a chance of repeating her win in the Criterium St. from last year. The filly, bred by Longin Błachut, can very well copy the success of her great-granddam Orla, who also won the Criterium St. both in 1965 and 1966. Orgia Fata’s granddam, Orgia, also noted a win in this prestigious race in 1975. In the history of this race only two fillies won it twice: Dywersja (in 1928 and 1929) and the already mentioned Orla.

And how does the filly’s trainer assess her pupil’s chances?

“She’s a very good, typical autumn filly”, says trainer Dorota Kałuba. “For her the later the race, the better. She looked and ran worse in the spring. Now she appears much better and is in superb form. She has a good character, she seems almost made for racing. She doesn’t seem to be too concerned about training and the race itself and let’s herself be easily led.”

“You seem to be counting on Orgia Fata’s win”.

“Last year she won very easily, I hope she will repeat that success”.

“And the rivals?”

“Dangerous may prove to be Ghazallah of trainer Wyrzyk and New Man, who is now catching a second wind and had a successful last start” states trainer Kałuba. “Hard to assess is Wadi Nur, who raced with three year olds only up to now, but Orgia Fata had her win in the Criterium only just as a thee year old”.

Orgia Fata, who will have a chance of grabbing the third leg of the Triple Crown this season, already wields the title of Triple-Crowned, having won the Criterium St. last year as a three year old. In the history of Polish racing this feat was accomplished by the following fillies: Prowarda (1962), Orla (1966), Sasanka (1972) and Orgia (1975).

The horses will enter the paddock at 12:30, while the race itself starts at 13:00. See you there!

13.10.2007 – As we have been informed, Ghazallah is not taking part in the race due to an injure. 

Orgia Fata winning the Derby:

http://video.interia.pl/obejrzyj,film,66146

and the Oaks:

http://video.interia.pl/obejrzyj,film,70982

Record times at the track set by Arabian horses after World War II:

(*) – in 2003 the colt GOREC (Druid – Gordaia) set a record time of 3’19,5”, but was disqualified after failing the drug test

Behind us is the first half of the racing season at the Warsaw Służewiec Racetrack. During these 29 racing days 84 races for Arabian horses were held (41 for 3 year-olds and 43 for 4 year olds and above).

Among the older horses the primacy is definitely held by the German gelding Amor Amor (by Nougatin). This season he raced three times, winning easily in the Comet Stakes, placing third in Hamburg’s Qatar Cup and denying his rivals any chances in the international Europa Cup race.

A sensational performance was also given by his peer Sabat (by Wojsław), who had a year’s break caused by an injury. In three starts (Bandos St., Ofir St. and Kurozwęki St.) the colt

easily moved away from his rivals on the final straight, however during the Europa Cup he was not able to establish a fight with Amor Amor for the top position and with huge effort just managed to secure the second spot. On the 27th of May the colt set a track record over a distance of 2400 m (2’46”). Last year’s Derby winner Eliat (by Eldon) was placed in the Stake races (2nd in the Comet St. and Kurozwęki St.; 3rd in the Ofir St.), won the rather weakly entered Figaro St., but ended his performance in the Europa Cup with a distant 7th position.

Among the “Derby-old” group were several horses that deserve a mention. From the beginning of the season a top form was displayed by New Man (by Major). He began his starts with a win in the Skowronek Prize, a first group race (2000 m), establishing a track record of 2’16,4”. His further achievements were a second place in the Ofir St. and a defeat (after a fight) in the Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St. Luck failed him in the Derby, as a damp track surface is not New Man’s strong point. The colt came in seventh. His last start in this season was a distant, fourth spot in the Europa Cup.

His stablemate – Essential (by Arzgir) – prior to winning the Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St., placed third in the Bandos St. and Kabaret Prize. He also did not have much success in the Derby. Among the fillies the primacy without a doubt belongs to Michałów’s Demeter (by Wojsław). This frontal filly won a second group race and Kabaret Prize (a first group race) “from start to finish”. Her jockey maintained the same tactic for the Derby, but she did not manage to keep the lead and landed a close third in the end. Perhaps if not for the hard going, she would have been this year’s Derby conqueror. The filly that stole that victory is the US-born Orgia Fata (by Chndaka). This season the filly was always placed in races with a set-up of hardy colts (3rd place – Comet St., 4th place – Ofir St.).

Leading sires of 4 year old horses and above:

1. Ganges – 5
    Wojsław – 5
2. Major – 3
    Bengali D’Albert – 3
    Arzgir – 3
    Eldon – 3
    Wiliam – 3

Among the 3-year-olds the primacy belongs to the fillies, both trained by Jan Głowacki. The first one, Elsana (by Gafal), after two wins (in a second and first group race) won the

international Białka St. after a fight to her stablemate Magna S (by Prince d’Orient). This German filly has huge potential, however her character causes some problems. After a second group victory she won the Europejczyk St. in a dead-heat with Om-Karma (by Wiliam). The latter, third in our rating, began her starts with a second group win to later lose to Wadi Nur. In the last start, Białka St., she placed fourth. Among the colts stands out Wadi Nur (by Gazal Al Shaqab) – with two wins, a 3rd place in the Białka St. and 4th in the Europejczyk St. Two wins this season can also be boasted by: Minorella, Malajka, Muskat and Odys. The premiere lot by Derby winner Gafal definitely shine most brightly. His progeny won six times, similar to the progeny of Gazal Al Shaqab. However the latter has twice more offspring than Gafal.

Leading sires of 3 year old horses:

1. Gafal – 6
    Gazal Al Shaqab – 6
2. Wiliam – 4
    El Bak – 4
3. Major – 3
    Avangard – 3

Among the breeders the first place belongs to Michałów Stud – with 8 wins, including the Kabaret Prize (Demeter). At second place – Janów Podlaski Stud – with 7 wins and as the breeder of Sabat (winner in the Ofir and Kurozwęki St.). Further places were taken by private breeders.

Leading breeders:

1. Michałów Stud – 8
2. Janów Podlaski Stud – 7
3. Agnieszka Wójtowicz – 6
    Z. Duplicki – 6
4. M. zu Fürstenberg – 5
5. J. Głowacki – 4
    J. Heitzschold – 4
    Z. Górski – 4
    A. Mroczek – 4

The most wins belonged to horses trained by Andrzej Wójtowicz – 14 (Essential in the Arabian Produce – Janów Podlaski St. and Eliat in Figaro St.). Second was Jan Głowacki with 12 wins. Two of his 3 year old fillies won Stake races – Magna S (Europejczyk St.) and Elsana (Białka St.).

Leading trainers:

1. A. Wójtowicz – 14
2. J. Głowacki – 12
3. A. Wyrzyk – 8
    D. Kałuba – 8
4. S. Sałagaj – 7
5. M. Duplicki – 6

Among the jockeys Aleksander Reznikov is the definite champion, with 17 wins including the most important race for 4-year-olds – the Derby. Second place belongs to Mirosław Pilich, who triumphed in 12 group races and 2 Stake races for 3-year-olds – Europejczyk and Białka St. Piotr Piątkowski noted two wins less.

Leading jockeys:

1. A. Reznikov – 17
2. M. Pilich – 14
3. P. Piątkowski – 12
4. W. Szymczuk – 10
5. S. Wasiutow – 8

Before we see the end of the 2007 season, there are still 26 racing days left.

A long tradition

In 2007 we will be celebrating 80 years of Arabian racing in Poland. Since 1927 every year’s crop was put under racing trial at the tracks in Lvov, as well as Przemyśl and Piotrków. Between the years 1932–1939 Arabian horses raced in Lublin, but the major races were still conducted in Lvov. After the end of the war, racing was resumed in 1946 at the Warsaw Służewiec Racecourse. Between 1953–1957 racing trials for Arabian horses were conducted in Wrocław. In 1958 Arabians returned to Warsaw for good, where they race without any further discontinuity until today.

A tough 2006 season

However the preparation towards the 2006 season brought many doubts as to the future of racing for both the Arabian and Thoroughbred breeds in Poland. The 2006 season, born in painful labor, dealing with newer and newer obstacles, finally commenced on the 17th of August, but the uncertainty remains whether history won’t repeat

itself in the upcoming season. Unfortunately, Poland is the only country, where racing does not bring a profit. This has been caused by the ever decreasing turnover in the tote, the growing debt of the Służewiec Racetrack Company (STWK), a lack of both investor and promotion and problems with the organizer. After the withdrawal of “Totalizator Sportowy” at the last minute, the duty of organizing the races in 2006 was taken up Łąck Stallion Depot. The Ministry of Agriculture assigned almost 700,000 PLN for prizes for the Arabian races. The season, delayed by nearly 4 months, was prolonged by 3 additional days and ended on the 10th of December. It consisted of 34 racing days, during which 110 races for Arabian horses were held. This compact version of the racing season was able to include almost all the Stakes races. Only the Kabaret, Amurath and Bask Stakes were not held. A huge drawback was the lack of the International Arabian Racing Day, which is not only a vivid and just as much exciting part of the Arabian Horse Days Gala as the National Show or Pride of Poland Sale – it is also, or perhaps foremost a way of promoting Polish racers, whose abilities can be witnessed by the foreign visitors personally on that day. Apart from that, it is also a chance for foreign breeders, who keep their horses in training in Poland, to see their pupils in action. Due to the delay in commencing the season, the international races – Białka Stakes and Europa Cup – were held in autumn scenery, this time without the participation of guests from abroad.

Private breeders rule!

We can boldly say that the 2006 season was dominated by private- and foreign-bred horses. They won the majority of the races and triumphed in almost all Stake races. The honor of the State Studs was defended only by Janów’s 3-year-old Zakus from the premier, most numerous crop by Gazal Al Shaqab, winning at the end of the season in the Piechur Stakes. Among the 24 representatives of the 5-year-old and older horses (41 in the previous year) the brightest star was once again Wienerva (DE) (Santhos – Wierna Rzeka) bred by Michaela Weidner and trained by her owner, Jan Głowacki. She began the season with easy wins in the Michałów (Ofir) and Kurozwęki Stakes. Unfortunately, similar to last year, she did not manage to win the Europa Cup, where she was bested by the German gelding Amor Amor. She concluded the season disappointing her fans a bit with a 3rd place in the Criterium Stakes, losing to the winner (3yo Orgia Fata) and runner-up (Amor Amor) by 8,5 lengths. Among the colts the best seems to be Elkar z Reguła (Gamin de Carrere – Elvia), bred and trained by Mrs. Anna Nieora-Tchkuaseli. After a fantastic 2005 season the colt began his starts with a win in the Comet Stakes, where he bested (among others) the chief 4-year-olds, including the future Derby winner Eliat. His next (and final) start was a 3rd place in the Figaro Stakes, where he had to give way to Amor Amor and top-form-boasting Zafir. An injury prevented him from further starts.

The already mentioned Zafir (Złotogłów – Zorza, bred by A. Morczek) also belonged to the cream of the crop of 2006. After winning a second group race he placed 2nd in the Figaro Stakes and 3rd in the Kurozwęki Stakes. He ended the season with a successful start in the Europa Cup, where after an effective finish over the last meters he took 3rd place. Unfortunately, this brave 7-year-old suffered a fatal injury in November and had to be put down.

The 4-year-old trials were sure to be filled with excitement. However two promising colts did not make it to the start line: Sabat (Wojsław – Sarmacja, bred by Janów Podlaski), winner of the Sambor Stakes and 2nd in the Criterium Stakes and Ghazallah (Ganges – Ghaza, bred by P. Frejlich), winner of the Europejczyk Stakes. Last year’s best 3yo – Amor Amor (Nougatin – Aurore, bred by M. zu Fürstenberg) – did not fail his fans and lived up to being the best 4yo this year. Unfortunately, he could not take part in the Arabian Produce (Janów Podlaski) Stakes and the Derby, which are still closed for foreign-bred horses. Before the season commenced at the Warsaw track, he placed 4th in Cologne in the Al Maktoum Preis von Europa. His next starts were an easy win in the Figaro Stakes and 2nd place to Wienerva in the Kurozwęki Stakes. His revenge to the filly came in the Europa Cup. In the Criterium Stakes he was attacked by Orgia Fata (bearing 7kg less), who easily took away his victory.

Second, according to the amount of prize money won, was the pupil of Tarus Arabians – Eliat (Eldon – Eleuzyna), who’s victory in the Derby caused a lot of controversy. Prior to that he had 3 starts: a successful performance in Sopot (winning a first group race), a 6th place in the Comet Stakes and a solid 3rd position in the Arabian Produce (Janów Podlaski) Stakes. After the Derby he came 4th in the Europa Cup, however his next start in the Criterium Stakes was a complete failure, where he led for over the first half of the race, began to weaken at the beginning of the final straight and as a result took 8th (last) place.
Gonges z Reguła (Ganges – Gordaia, bred by Anna Nieora-Tchkuaseli), winner of last year’s Piechur Stakes, half-brother to the Derby winner Gorec, had sights on being a good racehorse. In his first start (Michałów Stakes) he did not stand his own pace and was overtaken by Wienerva and Warbin. His next start, the Arabian Produce (Janów Podlaski) Stakes, where he freely took care of 11 of his 4-year-old rivals, placed him among the main contenders for the blue Derby ribbon. Unfortunately, similar to his stable mate Elkar z Reguła, an injury eliminated him from further competition.

The quality of the fillies, as each year, was very much disturbing. Out of the modest amount of 16 fillies from the 2002 crop, 14 (!!!) concluded the season without a win. The remaining two were exceptional racers, belonging to the lead of their age group. The first one is Avilia z Reguła (Wiliam – Aviacia, bred by Anna Nieora-Tchkuaseli), who won in all her 3 starts, including the Sabellina Stakes and the Oaks. Apparently combining Russian mares with Polish racing champions is a proven patent for breeding a very good horse. The second filly is Zbójna Góra (Egon – Zasługa), who trained by her breeder Adam Wyrzyk won two races, including the Wielki Szlem Stakes over a distance of 3000m and placed 2nd in the Oaks Stakes. This filly is undoubtedly the best get of the late sire Egon.

One lone star shone among the 3-year-olds – granddaughter of the legendary Orgia: Orgia Fata (US) (Chndaka – HF Olympia), bred by Longin Błachut. This courageous filly, trained by Dorota Kałuba, won 4 races out of 6 starts, including the Białka and Criterium Stakes, which gave her the title of best racehorse. The filly boasts an impressive pedigree. Her dam won the US Oaks, while her granddam Orgia and grandgranddam Orla triumphed in the Oaks, Derby and Criterium Stakes among others. She will definitely be the main contender to the classic races in the 2007 season.

Also deserving a mention are two German colts bred by duchess Milana zu Fürstenberg – XXX (Triple X) (Marwan I – Tralala II) and Ypselon (Drakon – Phaija), both trained by Krzysztof Zawiliński. The former triumphed in the Próbna Prize and Koheilan I Stakes, finished second behind Orgia Fata in the Białka Stakes and placed 4th in the Europejczyk Stakes. Whereas the latter, after his debut in Sopot (2nd place), had 3 wins, including one in the Sambor Stakes.

A good performance was given by their female stablemate (from the same breeder) Pauline (Marwan I – Primavera). The filly noted 3 starts in this season – 2 wins and one 2nd place by a nose in the Sasanka Stakes. Not a bad horse is Zejman bred by Zbigniew Górski. The son of the brave Ataman (46 starts, 7 wins) out of the feeble and track-nervous Zanja, won 3 races (including the Europejczyk Stakes) and set a track record at the Wrocław racetrack over a distance of 2000m (2’16”). His next starts were a 6th place in the Białka Stakes and 3rd in the Sambor Stakes. The only Stake win for the State Studs was achieved by Janów-bred Zakus (Gazal Al Shaqab – Zamiana), who clearly progressed from start to start and ended the season with 3 wins, including the Piechur Stakes.

A promising racehorse seems to be Essential (Arzgir – Esna), bred by Nordental Arabians. Trained by Andrzej Wójtowicz, he won two races and was always placed in Stake races (3rd – Europejczyk & Białka Stakes, 4th – Sambor & Piechur Stakes). The colt set a track record at the Partynice Racecourse over a distance of 1700m – 1’55”. Among the fillies two Stake winners deserve a mention. The first is Pasima (Ecaho – Parafraza, bred by B. Kobus), who won by the Sasanka Stakes by a head, after executing an effective finish down the final straight. Although the filly is a half-sister to Derby winner Padus and the granddaughter of Pepton and Arbil – sires, who prove useful in every racing pedigree – no one predicted her win and placed a bet on her!

Zarina (Ostragon – Zgadula) trained by Dorota Kałuba won all her first 3 starts (in Sopot and Wrocław), including Lesieniec Stud Stakes. Her performance in the Sambor Stakes was less successful, where she kept running out over half of the distance and finished the race last. The next start of the daughter of the Derby winner Ostragon was the Criterium Stakes, where she was positioned last (7th) through the entire race and managed 5th place over the final meters.

Since 2003 races for Arabian horses are also held in Wrocław, where the expenses of training and organizing the races are born by the city. Mainly 3-year-olds race there. Last year saw 45 races, including one for 4-year-olds and older horses. Here the majority of the races were also won by private-bred horses. Due to the uncertain situation of the Warsaw track, Wrocław, who started its season in May, drew many horses from outside the city. An alternative to the Służewiec racetrack was also racing abroad. Our horses tried their best (with various results) in Austria and Italy. Winners at the Ebreichsdorf included: Białka’s Arbiter and private-breds Adwokat and Warbin.

It is necessary to note the domination of the private-bred horses at the races, which began to evolve strongly in the mid-90s. In 1991 only 1% among Polish Arabians in training were horses belonging to the private breeders. In 1996 this figure rose to 12,7% and in 2001 private bred horses constituted for 29,5% of the field. Last season private-bred horses dominated over the State Stud horses (54,9%) and one can presume that in the years to come this percent will rise even more.

Practice makes perfect

The successes of the young breeders encouraged others to try their horses at the track. New racing training facilities began to grow (Bełżyce, Głowacki Arabians, Falborek Arabians, Rosłońce), which quickly became a competition for the Warsaw-based trainers. Private-bred horses triumphed numerous times in the major races: 5 times in the Derby (Dekor, Gwaro, Gafal, Gorec, Eliat), 6 times in the Oaks (Farah-Buffi, Emanuela, Eumura, Mamba, Wiatka, Avilia z Reguła) and 3 times in the Białka Stakes (Abisynia, Gwaro, Orgia Fata). Gorec won the Europa Cup twice, and Orgia Fata triumphed in 2006 in the Criterium Stakes. Many private breeders see racing as the future for their small studs. News on the clearance sales of horses from private studs due to the uncertain situation of racing in the middle of the year did not come as a surprise. And although the fundamental selection criterion for pure-bred Arabian horses is their beauty and winning the championships their duty, the racing trials still play a major role. Training enhances muscle development, benefits the respiratory system and circulation and improves the horse’s movement. There are of course studs in the world, which are just show-orientated, but these show-only-horses become a sort of storage of various undesirable, hidden defects, which can be uncovered during training. And although today our Arabians cannot compete against the French or Russian counterparts, contrary to them they have maintained the distinctive Arabian type and looks, combining beauty and stamina in one package. The Polish Arabian is sought after not only because of its looks, but also because of its athletic abilities. The prices achieved for Polish racing Arabians in the last years are evidence of that. The phenomenal, although not very beautiful, Druid was sold to Turkey for 500,000 USD, similar to the Derby winner and Polish National Champion Stallion Batyskaf (450,000 USD). Last year buyers from Australia paid 210,000 EURO for the Derby-winning Espadero, while two years ago the magnificent Savannah made a swell addition to stud of the Saudi Arabian sheikhs for 135,000 EUR. A successful racing trial is a huge asset, taking into consideration a growing interest in the various forms of performance work for the Arabian horse. And when a stallion is not only beautiful but also brave, his value instantly grows and the possibilities of using him in breeding, not only in the pure-blood sector, significantly widen.

What next?

We just have to hope that Polish racing manages to overcome these hard times and finds a solution which will enable for the continuation of the 80 year tradition. 7 million PLN is needed for the organization of one racing season. We are waiting now for the decisions. As we were told, the chairman of PKWK, Feliks Klimczak, has an emergency plan. Off the record we have learned that the plan is:

1. the beginning of the season: 22nd of April
2. 60 racing days
3. 5 million PLN for prize money.
These days we will see what is going to happen.

Last Saturday the widely promoted official presentation of US-imported stallions: MVA Prince Vayu and Ontario HF took place at Kielnarowa Stud. And so there was no surprise that many Arabian horse breeders and enthusiasts came to see these progenitors of best Polish racing bloodlines. The guests were warmly welcomed by the Stud owner – Czesław Witko. The traditional old-Polish hospitality, the warm lunch and artistic show were the best opening of the ceremony. Krzysztof Czarnota – the Kuhailan Arabian horse lover created the highest emotions. He conducted the show dressed in traditional Old-Polish style.
After the short lecture about Koheilan Adjuze strain by Mr. Longin Błachut – the initiator of the trip for the horses and Arabian racing lines great lover, the guests came to the arranged show-place to see the stallions. Though rain made the full presentation impossible but the appearance of both horses initiated lively discussions. Especially Prince Vayu had a lot of fans thanks to his calm and friendly character. He is the one that can save the Koheilan Adjuze sire line that nearly disappeared in Poland and reintroduce the blood of valuable Pietuszok that gives a great performance abilities to the progeny. Both stallions have big genetic power to increase performance abilities of Polish Arabian horses.

For the request the Padrons Psyche’s son – Pilin Psyche being used since 2006 at Kielnarowa, was also shown. Czesław Witko is very much looking forward to the influence of this stallion. After the presentation all the guests came to Tarnawka stables (part of Kielnarowa stud 20 km far from the main stables) to see the offspring and the mares with promising 2007 Pilin Psyche’s foals by their sides. The wide stables surrounded by the huge pastures made big impression. Many of the guests, impressed also by the Old-Polish style and hospitality of the Stud and its owner and of course by the beautiful horses promised to visit the stud back in the future.

There is worth to mention that amongst the guests also Mr. Tadeusz Budziński – well known photographer and “Hutzul horses” album author, visited Kielnarowa Stud. Impressed by the herd of beautiful Arabian horses galloping through the wide and hilly pastures he decided to publish an album with the portraits of horses from “Kielnarowa steppe”. The edition is planned by Libra publishing house to be presented at International Book Fairs in Warsaw in May 2007.