Try this: go into a room, reach out with your hand and try to see how much air you can capture as you grab. Chances are you will come up empty handed; unless, you happened to be in Paris at the Salon Du Cheval at this year’s Worlds Championships for Arabian Horses. Had you been there you would understand. Had you been there you might have stretched out your hand, opened your fingers to grasp what seemed invisible, and held onto air so thick you would have been in disbelief. The air, the atmosphere, the energy was so heavy you could capture it, cut it, feel it, and be moved by it. At times you could hardly breathe.
There was so much to Paris this year- the unexpected, the expected. Truly, by day one, who knew what was going to happen? There were fewer horses, but such depth, such credentials, and so many important horses with so much at stake. This is my 27th Paris, and I have never come close to experiencing anything like it.
My beloved Marwan was World Champion, but it was not without enormous drama. Great horses were involved in the process; nothing was assured. But in the end, and frankly at the beginning, the best for me was that, whatever the outcome was to be, I was still leading Marwan. He is a horse that defines a breeding horse. He is so majestic and so beautiful and, as his life has unfolded, he has impacted the Arabian breed as few have. Certainly none in recent times; so, as emotionally drained as I was by weeks end, the title mattered less to me than the fact that Marwan was safe and happy. Ribbons are good, Marwan in better.
Prior to the award of the World Champion stallion title, the award is given to the best sire of the show. Marwan was invited in to join his children, the World Champion and Reserve World Champion colt; the World Champion and Reserve Champion Filly to claim the title as the best sire at the 2008 World Championship horse show. What more significant honor can be bestowed on a stallion? QR Marc, unquestionably one of the glamour horses of our time was the reserve champion colt. He will be an impact. His brother Baanderos, acclaimed around the world was named the Champion, and he is a deserving champion. Abha Palma, a representative of a program that has endured for 45 years claimed the filly champion and a newcomer, Princess of Marwan was the Reserve winner in her European debut. Of these 4, Michael Byatt Arabians is pleased to have bred, sold, and or shown, 3 of the 4 winners. The one we were not involved in, Abha Palma, was bred by our dear friend Marieta Salas. We congratulate all involved, Mystica Arabians, Paul Gheysens, Al Khaledia, and Al Mohamadia – the owners of the young super stars!
The Gazal daughter, Pianissima won by arriving. She is one of the most deserving horses ever. Congratulations Marek. Reserve to her was our (Al Shaqab’s) Venetzia, shown beautifully by Giacomo Capacci.
Once again, another year has passed, and Michael Byatt Arabians is appreciative to all who help us in our efforts to be the best we can be. The trainers who show the horses, the buyers who trust our opinions, and to the horses themselves – my life would not have been so fulfilled without these amazing gifts in my life.
Baanderos – A Story of Friendships
The story of Baanderos begins not with his birth, but as his life’s story relates a lot to me. I would love to share a story that involves great people with small farms and big hopes.
In 1994 Michael Byatt Arabians imported the stallion Enchanter Magic HFP from Brazil. He had been a very successful show horse in his native Brazil and I thought he could be very successful in the United States as well. Indeed, as a three year old he was named Region 15 Champion Stallion as well as Canadian National Champion Stallion, making him the youngest horse ever to win this prize. Later, in the fall, he was named US Top Ten Stallion – being 3rd on the cards. In 1995 Enchanter Magic began the year by being named Champion Stallion at the prestigious Scottsdale All Arabian Horse Show and culminated his year by being named US Reserve National Champion Stallion.
In addition to his heavy show career Enchanter Magic bred many mares in his years in the United States. Our dear friends at Jabar Arabians asked me that year who I would like to breed Enchanter Magic to in their herd. Owner Lynda Entratter and I lunched often and loved discussing breeding horses and planning for the future. We decided upon a beautiful daughter of the Bask son Safire named Ultimate High. She was very typey, white, and had a wonderful style and charisma. The resulting foal, born in 1996 was named Credit to Society, a name we thought she might live up to; she was a beauty from the start. In 1997 I showed Credit to Society for Lynda to the titles of Region 12 Champion Filly in addition to US Top Ten Yearling Filly where she was 3rd on the cards.
In 1996 I moved to Houston, Texas and commuted to my farm in Georgia while trying to sell the property in Georgia. In 1999 while in Houston I received a letter, written on school notebook paper (I still have the letter) from a Houston resident telling me she wanted to become involved in Arabian horses on a deeper level; what did I have, what might I offer her? At this time Jabar had sent Credit To Society to me to prepare here in Texas for her upcoming Futurity class. While she was not for sale I asked Lynda if she might part with her. Her original answer was no, but I convinced her to sell as the lady, Christine Bruce, struck me as such a kind and sincere person and I hoped that the fit would be perfect. Lynda relented and Christine was able to purchase her. Later that year she was US Top Ten Futurity Filly. Also at this time Christine fell in love with Besson Carol, a stallion I had imported from Brazil and was one of the owners. (As a side note, all who have loved my farm should know that it was Christine Bruce that found it for me). When it came time to breed Credit to Society none of us hesitated to decide that Besson would be the choice. And so it was done. The resulting foal was HB Bessolea, a beautiful grey filly that herself won many titles including Regional Championships.
In 2003 at my Open House another mutual friend called and said she had a friend that she wanted to bring to my Open House – would that be OK? Of course. Our friend Danielle Hickman arrived in her ever enthusiastic way with several of her friends in tow. Susan Taylor arrived with Danielle and Susan’s 2 sons, Trey and Richard. Susan fell head over heels in love and lingered long after the day was over, even coming back on the following day. She had decided to buy an Arabian horse. Would I help her in that choice? I thought about it and decided that HB Bessolea would be great. A price was decided upon and the deal was done. At this open house it just also happened that Marwan Al Shaqab was shown, just a month prior to his US National debut. Susan Taylor also fell in love with him. In 2004 HB Bessolea was bred to Marwan and on March 14th, 2005 a glorious colt, Baanderos was born. Shortly after Scottsdale that year I flew to Mississippi to see him, loved him, and made immediate arrangements for this youngster to be loaded into a box stall and be transported to Texas. Not long afterwards Jeff and Rich Sloan came to see me. Were there any horses they might be interested in? I showed them Baanderos – within a minute he was theirs. For the next few months Baanderos frolicked in our pastures growing up with all his playmates enjoying life. Late that fall he was brought into the training barn to be prepared for Scottsdale.
Jeff Sloan had not shown a horse in years but we thought the new signature class was a great beginning for Jeff. Why not start with the biggest show on the biggest stage? Jeff, not one to run from something big agreed and on that final Sunday Jeff and Baanderos were named the Champions in a huge, competitive class. Later that spring, at my Open House Baanderos won the Michael Byatt Arabians Futurity Class Championship and that weekend was purchased by HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin abdul Aziz. Baanderos was on to the big time!
Over the next 2 years Baanderos won show after show. From England to the UAE and nearly everywhere in between. And in Paris 2008, Baanderos was named World Champion Colt. This World Championship was all about making good decisions from a breeder’s point of view. From Brazil we imported Parys El Jamaal, Besson Carol, and Enchanter Magic. Together with our friends we mapped out the breedings, based on the stallions we wanted to use, and the mares that most complemented them. We wanted to take each generation to a higher level. And in the end, the planning, the hopes of many were realized in Baanderos being named World Champion. What began in the small farms of the world, to the one horse breeders in America, to those who did not know how to play the game or follow the leaders, to those of us that all did it our way, we made it. Susan, Lynda, Christine, you did it! We all made it happen. And to Prince Khaled and my dear friend Mutlaq thank you!
A Tribute to Marwan and his wonderful family
Few, if anyone, present at the 1982 United States Nationals, can forget the performance of Ray LaCroix and Kajora the night of the mare finals in Louisville, Kentucky. To a packed house, everyone was treated to a display of showmanship; and the response from a mare that no one would forget. By the end of the evening Kajora was crowned the U.S. National Champion Mare at just 3 years of age. Who knew that was only the beginning of the legend that would surround the life of this wonderful mare.
In the mid 80’s I was fortunate enough to manage the career of Kajora. I was able to know her personally, not just to have been witness to her glorious night in 1982. Later, in the early 90’s I was even lucky enough to be one of her owners. For financial reasons in 1994, while in foal to Anaza El Farid, I sold Kajora to Al Shaqab stud, where the results that followed have changed the history of the Arabian horse breed forever.
On May 15th, 1995 Kajora gave birth to Gazal Al Shaqab. Wonderful from the start, Gazal was sent to the United States where he was Region 16 Champion Colt, in addition to Champion at the Egyptian Event. Returning to Europe he won many titles including Middle East and World Champion Stallion. But it was as a sire that Gazal was to make his most lasting accomplishment. While on lease to Poland, among the many champions he sired were Pianissima and Emandoria, both World and National Champions. In addition, back home in Qatar on February 12th 2000, he sired what was to become the most famous and influential horse of the day; and who knows, perhaps of forever. Suffice to say, that bay colt born on a winter’s day in a small country of the Persian Gulf, whom was named Marwan Al Shaqab would influence the next 8 years like no horse before.
Marwan was born royalty. His mother, LIttle Liza Fame, a National Champion and a father who was acclaimed on 3 continents, gave him a birthright that few could claim. Royal lines are not always enough to insure the succession of royal glory but in this instance not only was royalty achieved, a new level of supremacy was born. From his first outing, at the Qatari International Championships, Marwan was a champion. He followed up quickly with 2 Junior World Championships, a European Championship, a Nations Cup Championship and a U.S. National Championship, all before the end of his 3rd year of life. And so it had begun, the phenomenon that would be Marwan took a life of its own.
By the time Marwan was 8 years old all records were shattered. At 5 years of age he was once again named the U.S. National Champion Stallion. He was twice the leading sire of sweepstakes winners in the United States. He was twice named the most important sire at the World Championships in Paris, France. At the 2008 U.S. Nationals he was the leading sire of breeding horses. And in the finale event of the year, he was the 2008 World Champion senior stallion. And in that illustrious circle, illuminated by the spot light that is reserved for the best of the best, he was surrounded by his progeny Abha Palma, Princess of Marwan, Baanderos, and QR Marc, each recipient of World titles at the same show. If one should call into question, “what makes one be able to make a claim of being a good breeding stallion”, Marwan, here, at that moment, answered the question in a definitive manner.
There is so much more to Marwan than any statistic might write. How does one put into records the kindness and gentle spirit that he owns? You cannot. Marwan is a soul that is like none other. He has the inherent fire to dominate the eye when he is in your presence, but he also has the mind of an innocent child. He is trusting. He loves. He is curious. He is a miracle. Whether he is on a long winding road being trail ridden on a spring day, or being loaded on a plane for an overseas transport, he is the same- kind, loving, forgiving, and interested. In 8 years of being in this amazing horse’s life, I have never seen him have a bad day. I hope, and believe, if Marwan had never won a prize or sired a foal, and just been that horse that my destiny as a horse lover would have encountered, I would still love him dearly. He is a perfect companion, that trusting friend that is so elusive in today’s world where friendships seem to need to have a reason for being.
I love you Marwan – you are a gift to the world and especially to me.
Michael Byatt
2008 Ecuador Nationals
Arabian Horse enthusiasts from all over the world have come to know Michael Byatt Arabians as a source of beautiful horses that combine both the physical requisites of a good horse but also of the beauty that an Arabian Horse should have. This awareness led Arabian horse breeder, Mauricio Cuesta of Ecuador to Houston, Texas and a visit to Michael Byatt Arabians.
Intelligent, learned, and thoughtful, Mauricio presented his ideas to Michael and his crew. He was looking for what so many seek; beauty and athleticism. “What might Michael Byatt Arabians be able to show me?” was the question he asked. He wanted to add a stallion and a couple mares to his show and breeding program.
After the showing was complete Mauricio selected the beautiful Parys daughter, Luv N Parys, a Besson daughter Aiyshaa, and the electrifying Marwan son, Marjaan. Marjaan is out of the acclaimed Ali Jamaal daughter, Majalis. All three horses were left in the United States to show and compete for a short time where they all had important wins. Of course the end desire was to have them in Ecuador, where they would show in their new home, and improve the standard in his home country.
At this years Ecuadorian Nationals dreams came true. Marjaan was National Champion Stallion and Luv N Parys was Reserve Champion mare. In addition, MC Lulu, a daughter of Aiyshaa (the Besson daughter selected by Mauricio) was Reserve National Champion filly. Luv N Parys produced a colt by WN Star of Antigua, MC Sabi, who was the National Champion Colt! Pretty horses make pretty foals; that is the mantra of Michael Byatt Arabians.
Mauricio was serious. He came to us with a plan, he listened, he learned, he was passionate, and he executed. All of us at Michael Byatt Arabians congratulate his entire team. We look forward to many great success stories in the future. And, if you are ever lucky enough to be in the wonderful country of Ecuador, make sure you stop by his beautiful farm and enjoy a first hand look!
In 1981 when I received a call to show horses in Europe I had little knowledge that it would be the beginning of what has been 27 years of the most exciting and rewarding experiences my professional life has allowed to me to enjoy.
Today, 27 years later, the joys and thrills continue. The summer of 2008 has been exciting, rewarding, and humbling all at the same time. I am humbled to be able to do what I do, for the people I do it for, and to pass time with the friends that have become so dear to me in my life. In addition, the locations where I do what I do allow my imagination to be full and rich.
Starting in Menton, the horses I presented and marketed dominated the competition; winning 3 of the 4 championships and earning the Best in Show for Mares and Stallions. (See previous story for a more complete mention of Menton). Having recently returned from the El Ran Cup, we were once again thrilled and proud of the accomplishments of Michael Byatt Arabians. Venetzia was once again named the Champion Mare. To date, in 2008, she has won the Championships in Doha, Menton, and now Borgloon. In addition to these exciting accomplishments, she will have her first foal for Al Shaqab in 2009 by the legendary Marwan Al Shaqab. I also had the absolute honor of presenting QR Marc to his unanimous Junior Championship. All I can say about Marc is a resounding WOW! He is not only physically beautiful, but he is mentally superior in every way. His ego is wonderful and his spirit kind. There is absolutely nothing to add but to Paul Gheysens and Christine Jamar WELL DONE!!! (I would not want to leave out Roxanne Hart, John Rannenberg, or Vicky Doyle either) Another Marwan son marketed by Michael Byatt Arabians, the stunning Baanderos, was the reserve champion. We always like to point out that Baanderos, as well as his sister Bint Bessolea are out of the Taylor Arabians owned Besson daughter, Bessolea. Bint Bessolea, now showing in the yearling filly division for Al Khalediah was second in her class.
From Menton I flew to Turin, Italy to spend a couple of days with Gigi Grasso. It had been years since I had seen his horses and I was anxious to look at his wonderful collection once again. Of course Gigi is a host beyond compare. The setting, the restaurants, the hotel, and then the horses make this a trip worth any effort and expense. The Alfabia program takes second to no one. Great horses artistry at its best!
Towerlands was next up and the Al Shaqab string was ready for leg three of the Dubai Cup! Miss El Power captured the yearling class and the championship with an excellent show against an amazing field of fillies. Second to Miss El Power was the Marwan daughter, Bint Bessolea, purchased as a weanling from Michael Byatt. After claiming the championship in Menton, and now Towerlands, she now owns 2 of the legs towards the Dubai Cup! Abha Myra, bred by Marieta Salas and owned by Al Shaqab won the mare championship displaying some of the most beautiful ring presence seen of late. Myra is a daughter of Marwan Al Shaqab and is from his very first foal crop. Reserve to Myra was also owned by Al Shaqab, one known to all, the beautiful Venetzia. Venetzia, also in contention for the Dubai Cup Championship, has now won 2 of the 3 legs and reserve here! Baanderos triumphed here again by unanimously winning the colt championship he too is leading the pack towards the year end Dubai Cup prize.
As the summer season comes to an end, the Michael Byatt Arabians training, showing, breeding, and marketing program continues to be the most successful on the European circuit. Venetzia, Abha Myra, Miss El Power, Baanderos, Bint Bessolea, QR Marc, Abha Al Shaqab, PS Rose of Marwan, to name of few, continue to make their presence known in the strongest competition in the world. We look forward to the fall schedule and wish everyone happy trails and peaceful journeys! Thank you to all the owners, and most importantly to the horses themselves, for making the dream last for all of these years!
OFW Balvenie
The first Marwan offspring to be shown under saddle becomes his first Regional Champion Performance horse! Shown by Deb Witty and bred by Orrion Farm.
DakharoandMichael Byatt Arabians
Dakharo, fresh from quarantine, wins the East Coast Stallion Championship by unanimous decision.
On to Senior Stallions at Nationals!
Al Shaqab Stallions 2009 book now open.
The book on the Al Shaqab stallions for 2009 is now open.
All Breedings for Marwan Al Shaqab for Australia have been sold out.
The air, the atmosphere, the energy was so heavy you could capture it, cut it, feel it, and be moved by it. At times you could hardly breathe.
Arabians is pleased to have bred, sold, and or shown, 3 of the 4 winners. The one we were not involved in, Abha Palma, was bred by our dear friend Marieta Salas. We congratulate all involved, Mystica Arabians, Paul Gheysens, Al Khaledia, and Al Mohamadia – the owners of the young super stars!
The story of Baanderos begins not with his birth, but as his life’s story relates a lot to me. I would love to share a story that involves great people with small farms and big hopes.
In 1996 I moved to Houston, Texas and commuted to my farm in Georgia while trying to sell the property in Georgia. In 1999 while in Houston I received a letter, written on school notebook paper (I still have the letter) from a Houston resident telling me she wanted to become involved in Arabian horses on a deeper level; what did I have, what might I offer her? At this time Jabar had sent Credit To Society to me to prepare here in Texas for her upcoming Futurity class. While she was not for sale I asked Lynda if she might part with her. Her original answer was no, but I convinced her to sell as the lady, Christine Bruce, struck me as such a kind and sincere person and I hoped that the fit would be perfect. Lynda relented and Christine was able to purchase her. Later that year she was US Top Ten Futurity Filly. Also at this time Christine fell in love with Besson Carol, a stallion I had imported from Brazil and was one of the owners. (As a side note, all who have loved my farm should know that it was Christine Bruce that found it for me). When it came time to breed Credit to Society none of us hesitated to decide that Besson would be the choice. And so it was done. The resulting foal was HB Bessolea, a beautiful grey filly that herself won many titles including Regional Championships.
In 2003 at my Open House another mutual friend called and said she had a friend that she wanted to bring to my Open House – would that be OK? Of course. Our friend Danielle Hickman arrived in her ever enthusiastic way with several of her friends in tow. Susan Taylor arrived with Danielle and Susan’s 2 sons, Trey and Richard. Susan fell head over heels in love and lingered long after the day was over, even coming back on the following day. She had decided to buy an Arabian horse. Would I help her in that choice? I thought about it and decided that HB Bessolea would be great. A price was decided upon and the deal was done. At this open house it just also happened that Marwan Al Shaqab was shown, just a month prior to his US National debut. Susan Taylor also fell in love with him. In 2004 HB Bessolea was bred to Marwan and on March 14th, 2005 a glorious colt, Baanderos was born. Shortly after Scottsdale that year I flew to Mississippi to see him, loved him, and made immediate arrangements for this youngster to be loaded into a box stall and be transported to Texas. Not long afterwards Jeff and Rich Sloan came to see me. Were there any horses they might be interested in? I showed them Baanderos – within a minute he was theirs. For the next few months Baanderos frolicked in our pastures growing up with all his playmates enjoying life. Late that fall he was brought into the training barn to be prepared for Scottsdale.
Jeff Sloan had not shown a horse in years but we thought the new signature class was a great beginning for Jeff. Why not start with the biggest show on the biggest stage? Jeff, not one to run from something big agreed and on that final Sunday Jeff and Baanderos were named the Champions in a huge, competitive class. Later that spring, at my Open House Baanderos won the Michael Byatt Arabians Futurity Class Championship and that weekend was purchased by HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin abdul Aziz. Baanderos was on to the big time!
And in Paris 2008, Baanderos was named World Champion Colt. This World Championship was all about making good decisions from a breeder’s point of view. From Brazil we imported Parys El Jamaal, Besson Carol, and Enchanter Magic. Together with our friends we mapped out the breedings, based on the stallions we wanted to use, and the mares that most complemented them. We wanted to take each generation to a higher level. And in the end, the planning, the hopes of many were realized in Baanderos being named World Champion. What began in the small farms of the world, to the one horse breeders in America, to those who did not know how to play the game or follow the leaders, to those of us that all did it our way, we made it. Susan, Lynda, Christine, you did it! We all made it happen. And to Prince Khaled and my dear friend Mutlaq thank you!
Few, if anyone, present at the 1982 United States Nationals, can forget the performance of Ray LaCroix and Kajora the night of the mare finals in Louisville, Kentucky. To a packed house, everyone was treated to a display of showmanship; and the response from a mare that no one would forget. By the end of the evening Kajora was crowned the U.S. National Champion Mare at just 3 years of age. Who knew that was only the beginning of the legend that would surround the life of this wonderful mare.
On May 15th, 1995 Kajora gave birth to Gazal Al Shaqab. Wonderful from the start, Gazal was sent to the United States where he was Region 16 Champion Colt, in addition to Champion at the Egyptian Event. Returning to Europe he won many titles including Middle East and World Champion Stallion. But it was as a sire that Gazal was to make his most lasting accomplishment. While on lease to Poland, among the many champions he sired were Pianissima and Emandoria, both World and National Champions. In addition, back home in Qatar on February 12th 2000, he sired what was to become the most famous and influential horse of the day; and who knows, perhaps of forever. Suffice to say, that bay colt born on a winter’s day in a small country of the Persian Gulf, whom was named Marwan Al Shaqab would influence the next 8 years like no horse before.
Royal lines are not always enough to insure the succession of royal glory but in this instance not only was royalty achieved, a new level of supremacy was born. From his first outing, at the Qatari International Championships, Marwan was a champion. He followed up quickly with 2 Junior World Championships, a European Championship, a Nations Cup Championship and a U.S. National Championship, all before the end of his 3rd year of life. And so it had begun, the phenomenon that would be Marwan took a life of its own.
There is so much more to Marwan than any statistic might write. How does one put into records the kindness and gentle spirit that he owns? You cannot. Marwan is a soul that is like none other. He has the inherent fire to dominate the eye when he is in your presence, but he also has the mind of an innocent child. He is trusting. He loves. He is curious. He is a miracle. Whether he is on a long winding road being trail ridden on a spring day, or being loaded on a plane for an overseas transport, he is the same- kind, loving, forgiving, and interested. In 8 years of being in this amazing horse’s life, I have never seen him have a bad day. I hope, and believe, if Marwan had never won a prize or sired a foal, and just been that horse that my destiny as a horse lover would have encountered, I would still love him dearly. He is a perfect companion, that trusting friend that is so elusive in today’s world where friendships seem to need to have a reason for being.
2008 Ecuador Nationals
After the showing was complete Mauricio selected the beautiful Parys daughter, Luv N Parys, a Besson daughter Aiyshaa, and the electrifying Marwan son, Marjaan. Marjaan is out of the acclaimed Ali Jamaal daughter, Majalis. All three horses were left in the United States to show and compete for a short time where they all had important wins. Of course the end desire was to have them in Ecuador, where they would show in their new home, and improve the standard in his home country.
At this years Ecuadorian Nationals dreams came true. Marjaan was National Champion Stallion and Luv N Parys was Reserve Champion mare. In addition, MC Lulu, a daughter of Aiyshaa (the Besson daughter selected by Mauricio) was Reserve National Champion filly. Luv N Parys produced a colt by WN Star of Antigua, MC Sabi, who was the National Champion Colt! Pretty horses make pretty foals; that is the mantra of Michael Byatt Arabians.
Starting in Menton, the horses I presented and marketed dominated the competition; winning 3 of the 4 championships and earning the Best in Show for Mares and Stallions. (See previous story for a more complete mention of Menton). Having recently returned from the El Ran Cup, we were once again thrilled and proud of the accomplishments of Michael Byatt Arabians. Venetzia was once again named the Champion Mare. To date, in 2008, she has won the Championships in Doha, Menton, and now Borgloon. In addition to these exciting accomplishments, she will have her first foal for Al Shaqab in 2009 by the legendary Marwan Al Shaqab. 
I also had the absolute honor of presenting QR Marc to his unanimous Junior Championship. All I can say about Marc is a resounding WOW! He is not only physically beautiful, but he is mentally superior in every way. His ego is wonderful and his spirit kind. There is absolutely nothing to add but to Paul Gheysens and Christine Jamar WELL DONE!!! (I would not want to leave out Roxanne Hart, John Rannenberg, or Vicky Doyle either) Another Marwan son marketed by Michael Byatt Arabians, the stunning Baanderos, was the reserve champion. We always like to point out that Baanderos, as well as his sister Bint Bessolea are out of the Taylor Arabians owned Besson daughter, Bessolea. Bint Bessolea, now showing in the yearling filly division for Al Khalediah was second in her class. 
Towerlands was next up and the Al Shaqab string was ready for leg three of the Dubai Cup! Miss El Power captured the yearling class and the championship with an excellent show against an amazing field of fillies. Second to Miss El Power was the Marwan daughter, Bint Bessolea, purchased as a weanling from Michael Byatt. After claiming the championship in Menton, and now Towerlands, she now owns 2 of the legs towards the Dubai Cup! Abha Myra, bred by Marieta Salas and owned by Al Shaqab won the mare championship displaying some of the most beautiful ring presence seen of late. Myra is a daughter of Marwan Al Shaqab and is from his very first foal crop. Reserve to Myra was also owned by Al Shaqab, one known to all, the beautiful Venetzia. Venetzia, also in contention for the Dubai Cup Championship, has now won 2 of the 3 legs and reserve here! Baanderos triumphed here again by unanimously winning the colt championship he too is leading the pack towards the year end Dubai Cup prize. 
OFW Balvenie 
Dakharo and Michael Byatt Arabians
Al Shaqab Stallions 2009 book now open.