April 10, 2005
The ARAF Board of Directors held their annual meeting on March 26, 2005. The same board and officers were elected for another term. A motion was made, seconded and passed that ARAF offer the Jewels of the East to TABA again with the assumption that Sam Houston Race Track support the races similar to the 2005 version of the Jewels. There was additional discussion about modifying the Jewels for 2009 and employing a much shorter buy-in similar to the way the Drinkers of the Wind Derby (G1) and Daughters of the Desert Oaks (G1) were run this past year in California. Bobbi Patscheider will gather some information, and we will take a look at modifying the format. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

July 12, 2004
The Arabian Cup Stewards recently made changes to the runner nomination fees to the Arabian Cup program. They are as follows:

1. For a horse by a Cup nominated stallion, $200 is due by October 15 the year the foal was born. $300 is due by October 15 of the horse’s yearling year.
2. For a horse sired by a non-Cup nominated stallion, $400 is due by October 15 the year the foal was born. $600 is due by October 15 of the horse’s yearling year.
3. If your horse was not nominated as a weanling, it can be supplemented as a yearling for $1,000 if it’s by a Cup nominated stallion or $2,000 if it’s by a non-nominated stallion. This one-time payment is due by October 15 of the horse’s yearling year.
4. If your horse was not nominated as a weanling or yearling, it can be nominated as a 2-year-old or older (non-starters only) for $1,500 if it’s by a Cup nominated stallion or $3,000 if it’s by a sire that is not a Cup nominated stallion.

In addition, the Arabian Cup Stewards feel strongly that those who support the program should reap the rewards. It is important that more participants receive a piece of the funds. Therefore, effective July 1, 2004, the payback program underwent a significant change. Previously, $500 was paid to the winner of any race in which there were 8 betting entries. The new rule states that there has to be at least 7 horses in the race (not 7 betting interests) to qualify for the payout. Also, the payback has changed. Any nominated runner will receive $300 for first, $125 for second and $75 for third. The total payback is the same ($500), but these new rules allows for a broader distribution of the funds. Again, it is important to understand that only nominated Arabian Cup runners are eligible for the payback.

These changes allow for more horses to take advantage of the Cup program. For more information or to nominate your horse to the Arabian Cup program, contact the Arabian Racing Cup at 800-458-4283 or go to www.arabianracing.org.