The Oaks Stud owner, Dick Karreman, leads Catalyst into the birdcage at Riccarton. Photo credit: Race Images South 

Following Saturday’s thrilling edition of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ 2000 Guineas Al Basti Equiworld Dubai has announced that they will extend their sponsorship of the Classic race for a further two-years.

Al Basti Equiworld founder Malih Al Basti said, “We were delighted with this year’s renewal of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ 2000 Guineas and the media coverage it continues to achieve. 

“We congratulate New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and are very pleased to add our backing to their initiatives supporting racecourses, owners and trainers and all those involved in producing exciting and competitive racing in the region.” 

Established in 1998 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai is the leading distributor of horse feeds, feed supplements and veterinary medicines in the Middle East.

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai sponsors and supports equestrian activities in the United Arab Emirates, United States of America, the United Kingdom and Europe and in 2017 they extended their sponsorship to New Zealand.

Al Basti Equiworld’s sponsorship of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand includes, the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks at Wellington Races in March, blanket sponsorship of the New Zealand-based jockeys breeches, a yearly contribution to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing General Trust Fund, which supports injured licence holders, cash prizes for the grooms of the best turned out horses in every race run at Riccarton Park, Wellington Races and Hawke’s Bay Racing and they have also upgraded the Riccarton Park jockeys’ rooms and lounge and gifted five trips for two to the Dubai World Cup over the past three years.

“NZTR is delighted that Al Basti Equiworld has committed to a further two-year extension of their sponsorship of the Group One 2000 Guineas,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Chief Executive Bernard Saundry said.

“The race is recognised as a pinnacle event for three-year-olds and to have the support of a globally recognised company adds significantly to its international appeal. 

“We extend our thanks, on behalf of the industry to Mr Al Basti for his ongoing support of owners, strappers and jockeys through his generous sponsorship across New Zealand racing.”

Canterbury Jockey Club Chairman Gordon Fulton was also thrilled with Al Basti Equiworld’s continued sponsorship.

"The Club echoes Bernard's sentiments and is equally delighted to have this prestigious international company supporting racing in New Zealand and Riccarton Park,” he said.

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai’s sponsorship of both the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas and the Best Turned Out award for grooms at Riccarton Park will continue through until 2021.