Supplied
Strappers preparing horses for the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday at Hastings on Saturday will have an added incentive, with Al Basti Equiworld Dubai announcing sponsorship of Best Turned Out prizes at the course for the next two years.
Already a successful concept at Riccarton and Trentham, where it is in its second season, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Best Turned Out prize rewards dedicated strappers for their efforts with cash prizes.
For each race run at all three venues prizes of $50 per race on Premier and Feature racedays and $25 per race on Industry and Tier 2 days are given to the best presented strapper and horse combination.
In addition to this, on Saturday Al Basti Equiworld Dubai is committing an extra $50 per race to the New Zealand Cancer Society on behalf of each winning strapper.
“Hawke’s Bay Racing is delighted to partner with Al Basti Equiworld Dubai to recognise those people behind the scenes who are such an important aspect of racedays,” said Hawke’s Bay Racing’s CEO Andrew (Butch) Castles.
Al Basti Equiworld Dubai, is the UAE’s leading distributor of horse feeds, supplements and veterinary medicines and is a major supporter of racing in the UAE, USA, UK, Germany and New Zealand.
Speaking from Dubai, Malih Al Basti, founder and owner of Al Basti Equiworld Dubai, commented that “Al Basti Equiworld are committed to supporting New Zealand Racing and are delighted to add Hawke’s Bay into our overall New Zealand sponsorship. We understand that since the introduction of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Best Turned Out scheme last year that attention has been drawn to the men and women who do so much for our industry. This is just our small 'Thank you' to them all.”
Since March 2017, Al Basti Equiworld Dubai’s sponsorship in New Zealand has included a three-year sponsorship of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ 2000 Guineas and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks, a five-year partnership with the New Zealand Jockey’s Association including sponsored breeches and a financial contribution to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing General Trust Fund and a sponsored trip for two to the Dubai World Cup which was gifted at the 2017 New Zealand Racing Awards. ENDS