Leopardstown Racecourse has confirmed a new partnership with the news that Al Shira’aa Racing is to become the official sponsor of the Group 3 Al Shira’aa Racing ‘Mutamakina’ Stakes, to take place on Sunday, 12th May 2024.
The race will be named after Al Shira’aa’s mare ‘Mutamakina’. Bred by Widgham Stud, ‘Mutamakina’ was initially campaigned in France with Carlos Laffon-Parias. She then moved across the Atlantic to Christophe Clement, where she went on to win four graded races including the group 1 EP Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, Canada in October 2021.
‘Mutamakina’ now resides in Al Shira’aa’s Irish base at Meadow Court Stud in County Kildare, where she has a 2-month-old foal at foot by Wootton Bassett.
The global operation is headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
“We are delighted to welcome Al Shira’aa Racing as a new sponsor,” said Tim Husbands, CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse.
“Al Shira’aa Racing’s pursuit of excellence through their racing and stud operation has been exciting to watch since taking over Meadow Court Stud in 2016.”
“Their continued investment into the industry shows their commitment to Irish Racing. We are delighted that they have decided to name this after ‘Mutamakina’ who had such an impressive career, and are excited to see her foal continue to grow and hopefully go on to great things.”
“It is an exciting opportunity to partner up with Leopardstown for this important Group 3 race over 8 furlongs for fillies,” added Kieran Lalor, General Manager Al Shira’aa Racing.
“I would like to thank Tim Husbands and his team who have been very welcoming and great to work with. We have enjoyed great success on course at Leopardstown highlighted last year with Ocean Jewel and Atlantic Coast both winning Group 3’s. It is always top class racing and a great atmosphere.”
“Mutamakina was a very important racemare for us and even more so now as a broodmare. She was our first winner at the highest level. In France she was a listed winner and twice second at Group 2 level, one of them against French Derby and Arc winner Sottsass.”
“She then went on to a very successful campaign across the pond winning four graded races. We are delighted to recognise her talent and importance to us by adding her name to this race.”
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