"The His Highness The President's Cup for Arabians on February 8, 2004 will be the richest race in the world with a total prize money of Dh one million," said Pat Buckley, the Chairman of the ADRC which was constituted by Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan to run flat-racing at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) this season.

"Sheikh Mansoor, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan have always encouraged ADEC to be at the forefront of promoting Arabian horses," he said.

"The committee is aiming to redefine racing in the capital and inject new momentum into the sport in the UAE, working hand in hand with the ERA," Buckley added.

ADRC will be organising 18 race meetings for the 2003-04 season which includes a few pattern races from Ghantoot which will not be staging any meetings this year.

Apart from the Dh one million event two other races are programmed honouring the President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - The President's Cup for Thoroughbreds on January 1 and the President's Cup for locally-bred Arabian horses on February 22.

"In addition to established events like the National Day Cup and Emirates Championship, the committee is planning a number of innovative themed meetings. The prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Triple Crown will again return while a 4-leg Al Nahyan Challenge series will help attract top quality fields," Buckley said.

"We have increased prizemoney in order to create a more attractive programme. Working with owners and trainers we have an attractive calendar that will attract quality horses and large fields," said Ali Jassim, ADRC director of international media relations and sponsorship.

"We have also put more emphasis on the general public and this season we hope to surpass the 5,000 strong crowd that usually attends race meetings here," he added.

One of the biggest satellite broadcasters are expected to cover live the meetings in Abu Dhabi.

The ADRC also announced an increase prize money as well as opportunities for racing fans who follow the sport while awards for best tipping by journalists and actions photographs were also unveiled.

Hussein Mohammed Hussein an ADRC Committee Member and the Secretary General of UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said the new introductions would boost racing in the capital. "Once again the thrust will be on Arabian horse racing while the innovative additions will help making the capital a popular racing centre," Hussein said.

Abu Dhabi Racing Committee (ADRC) members:

Chairman: Pat Buckley, Members: Hussein Mohammed Hussein, Ali Jassim, Mohsin Mafous, Jaber Bittar, Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi and Graeme Wilson.