Kaiwaka-based owner breeder John Hargreaves was the lucky recipient of the Al Basti Equiworld VIP Experience at last night’s New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.
Hargreaves only found out he would be attending the event on Saturday and said he would be taking his wife Jan on the trip to Dubai.
“Jan is at home looking after the grandchildren and I’m sure she will be very excited when I tell her she off to Dubai.
“I’ve never been to Dubai before but I’ve watched the Dubai World Cup on TV and I can’t wait to get there.”
Hargreave’s prize includes two return Emirates Business Class flights departing from Auckland direct to Dubai, Airport pick up and transfer to the 5-Star Meydan Hotel for six nights, tickets to the Dubai World Cup barrier draw, tickets to Breakfast with the Stars, tickets to the Gala Reception and hospitality in the Al Basti Equiworld private box overlooking Meydan Racecourse on Dubai World Cup Night.
"The atmosphere at Meydan on Dubai World Cup Night is unparalleled anywhere in the world,” said Al Basti Equiworld’s owner and founder Mr Malih Al Basti. “We are looking forward to welcoming our special guests from New Zealand for what I am sure will be an unforgettable experience.”
Created through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai World Cup race meeting is the world’s richest with total prizemoney of US$30 million. The meeting features six Group One races and three Group Two races, with the US$10 million Gr.1 Dubai World Cup the pinnacle event.
Al Basti Equiworld is the UAE’s leading distributor of horse feeds, supplements and veterinary medicines.
A globally recognised brand, Al Basti Equiworld is a major supporter of racing in the UAE, the USA, the UK and now New Zealand where they sponsor the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks.
In March, they announced a five-year deal to sponsor the New Zealand jockey’s breeches along with a financial contribution to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing General Fund, which provides funding to injured jockeys and stablehands.
They are also sponsoring best turned out prizes for every race run at Riccarton and Wellington and refurbishing the jockey’s rooms at both venues.
Further Information:
Michael O’Hagan
T: +353 (0) 873707000
