British jewellery designer Theo Fennell has created the first Al Shaqab Lockinge trophy for the winning owner of the big race at Newbury this weekend (16 May).
Al Shaqab has taken over the sponsoring of the Lockinge day at Newbury after winning the prestigious race last year with Olympic Glory.
The new sponsorship means the value of the group one Lockinge Stakes is up 64% to £350,000.
First run in 1958, the feature race has been won by many famous horses, including Frankel in 2012.
“The Al Shaqab Lockinge is a race very close to our hearts having won it last year,” said Harry Herbert, racing advisor to Al Shaqab.
“We felt it was essential to honour the achievements of the winner appropriately. What better way to do that than with a trophy designed and made by the world famous British jeweller, Theo Fennell.”
The solid silver trophy is hand engraved and hallmarked in London by a team of silversmiths using traditional techniques.
Theo Fennell said the piece “reflects the importance of the race, the traditions of Newbury racecourse and the deep commitment of Al Shaqab to this great sport”.
Al Shaqab Racing’s five-year sponsorship of the Lockinge Stakes Day at Newbury Racecourse increases the total prize money available on the day by 125%.
There are seven races on the card including two new races: the Olympic Glory Conditions Stakes for two-year-olds run over 6 furlongs worth £50,000; and the Planteur Handicap, over a mile, worth £40,000.
Al Shaqab Racing began in 2011 in Arab racing and has achieved multiple Group 1 wins in the sport, including the Khalia Classic two years in a row. Since moving into throughbred racing the organisation has enjoyed great success winning major Group 1 titles including The Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, The Lockinge Stakes and the Qatar Airways Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp twice with superstar filly, Treve.
