Al Basti Expand Presence In NZ

Al Basti Equiworld, the UAE's leading distributor of horse feeds, supplements and veterinary medicines is to extend its support of New Zealand racing to include sponsorship of two Classics. In a three-year agreement, The G1 Al Basti Equiworld Two Thousand Guineas at Riccarton Park in November and the G1 Al Basti Equiworld Oaks at Trentham Racecourse in March, will be run for NZ$500,000 and NZ$400,000 respectively, a NZ$100,000 increase for both races. This sponsorship follows the company's agreement earlier this year to a five-year partnership with the New Zealand Jockey's Association which will see jockeys carry the Al Basti Equiworld logo on sponsored breeches from August 1, along with a financial contribution to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing General Trust Fund, which provides funding to injured jockeys and stable staff.

A further initiative from the Dubai-based company will see it sponsor cash prizes of NZ$50 on premier days and NZ$25 on Tier 2 days, for the groom of the 'Best Turned Out' horse in each race run at Riccarton and Trentham over the next three years. “We understand the importance of New Zealand racing globally and we're delighted to be bringing the Al Basti Equiworld brand to New Zealand,” said the company's founder and CEO Malih Al Basti. “The New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas and New Zealand Oaks are two historically important races to the New Zealand breeding industry that have been won by horses that have gone on to international success in the past. As an owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses, I understand the outstanding contribution made by breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms and it's important to us that our sponsorship reaches all participants,” Al Basti added.