Environmentally friendly trophies and industry first seed paper racecard cover.

Owners and trainers with winners on day two of the Cambridgeshire Meeting at Newmarket on Friday, 29 September will be presented with a unique and sustainable memento courtesy of the title sponsor, Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai.

In addition to their share of the £440,000 of prize money on offer for the day’s seven races, featuring the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes and the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes, owners and trainers will receive a long-lasting memento of their victory in the form of a three-metre tall tree of their choice supplied by locally-based specialist nursery, Barchams, who will have a range of trees on display at the course.

The novel idea is inspired by a passion for trees held by Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai founder, Malih Al Basti. He said, “Trees are such an important contributor to the health and beauty of our planet. Whenever I travel I try to make time to take an interest in the natural surroundings, and in the UK I am always staggered by the variety of trees.”

The UAE’s leading distributor of horse feeds and supplements added, “As a racehorse owner for many years I appreciate the significance of race trophies. With Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai sponsored races we try to be innovative and to source locally. This initiative offers us the opportunity to fulfil both these ambitions.”

Racegoers will also be able to join in the theme thanks to another unique gesture by Mr Al Basti. In an industry first, all racecards on day two of the Cambridgeshire Meeting will feature a cover made from ‘seed paper’. The bio-degradable racecard cover when removed and planted will release its seeds to create a wildflower bloom.

To mark the occasion a new tree will be planted by Mr Al Basti which will become a permanent feature in the Pre-Parade Ring on the Rowley Mile. The Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet', a British native species, has been chosen because it traditionally flowers in early May and should be in full bloom in time to welcome runners and racegoers at next year’s QIPCO Guineas Festival.

“Newmarket is one of my favourite racecourses in the world,” commented Mr Al Basti. “I am delighted that the Racecourse Executive has accepted this gift as a token of my affection and recognition of the work they do to support horsemen and the wider racing community.”

Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, said: “Al Basti are committed and valued partners of Newmarket, and we’re delighted that this initiative will launch on their flagship day later this month.

“There is nothing quite like the Rowley Mile in bloom in the Spring, and we look forward to seeing the new addition to our Pre-Parade Ring for years to come to reflect their longstanding support of British racing.”

Further information:
Michael O’Hagan, Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai
T: +44 (0)7468 056144 E: michael@michaelohagan.ie

Philip Brannan, Sportsguide Limited
T: +44 (0)1189 341 280 M: +44 (0)7774 964119 E: philip@sportsguidelimited.com