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Arabian horses will show off their stamina and majesty in two international races at Sandown on Australia Day.

Sportingbet Park Sandown will host the exhibition races as part of the H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

They are the Australian legs of the H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Race IFAHR Cup and the H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup.

The National Arabian Racehorse Association, Victorian Arabian Jockey Club and the Melbourne Racing Club all support this event.

The purebred Arabian horse is the oldest breed in the world. There has been growing interest in incorporating Arabian horse racing into Victorian thoroughbred race meetings.

“Racing is a diverse pursuit that brings together people from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe,” said Victoria’s Racing Minister Martin Pakula.

“This initiative is a great celebration of the links between Victorian racing and the Persian Gulf, a region with a very proud racing history.

Meanwhile the Victorian Government has contributed more than $19,000 to help make the Great Western races on Australia Day long weekend a great day out for families.

The day will have a festival-like atmosphere with activities such as:

- 2013 MasterChef winner Emma Dean’s cooking demonstrations Fashions on the Field live music Youth Boat Race down the home straight children’s activities

- Racegoers can enjoy local food and wine with gourmet stalls selling their wares throughout the day. Racegoers also have the chance to win a $400 wine pack, courtesy of Seppelt Wines.

- Free buses will transport racegoers from Ararat, Halls Gap and Stawell to the track.

The Government has given $19,296 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund – Raceday Attraction Program, with the Great Western Racing Club contributing $15,465, Country Racing Victoria $5000 and local business $2525. The total cost of the project is $42,286.

“Australia Day weekend at Great Western is a great way for families to enjoy a day at the country race,” said Martin Pakula.

“They might only race once a year, but it is one of the best meetings on the racing calendar.

“The Grampians are known for its quality food and wine. Mix this with country racing at its finest, and you have a great day out at Great Western this Australia Day weekend.”