News From GREAT BRITAIN

Arabian Racing Organisation Ltd.

The card opened with a 14 runner maiden, won by Alazeez, ridden by Joanna Mason and trained by James Owen for ARO Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His Highness concluded the meeting having won his fifteenth ARO Owners Championship, whilst James Owen took over the mantle of ARO Champion Trainer from Gill Duffield (who retired last season) and Joanna Mason recorded her first ARO Lady Jockeys Championship.

Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster commented. “Everyone at Shadwell is delighted that Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum is once again leading Arabian racehorse-owner in this country. This is a wonderful reward for Sheikh Hamdan’s support and commitment to Arabian racing. It is even more remarkable as this has been achieved with predominantly homebreds.”

The Royal Cavalry of Oman Bronze Final was split into two divisions, the first was dramatically won in a photo finish by Simon Walker on Callymay, from Kayclaire ridden by Charlie Price, both owned and trained by Delyth Thomas. This gave Callymay the title of Champion Purebred Arabian and Simon Walker the title of Champion Jockey (for the tenth time). Charlie Price was confirmed as ARO Champion Novice Jockey when winning the Royal Cavalry of Oman Silver Final on another of Thomas’s runners, the veteran, Noble Athlete.

The second division of the Royal Cavalry of Oman Bronze Final produced another close finish in which Robin Pfeiffer aboard Just The Ticket edged out Simon Walker on Jamaahir.

Confirming early season promise, The Sultanate of Oman Handicap went to Athbah Stud’s homebred colt Dossar Athbah. Abdul Moniem Ahmed, Racing Manager for Athbah Stud and the representative of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdulaziz, was delighted. “I’m so happy for this performance, I will discuss his future with His Royal Highness and hope he will be back next year.”

The penultimate contest was the UK’s first ever race exclusively for Heritage Arabian Racing Club (HARC) horses. This was won by the LB Farrah for owner-trainer-jockey Teresa Gavin. This win also secured LB Farrah the title of Champion UK HARC horse of 2016.

The Royal Cavalry of Oman Gold Final produced a victory for Parma T. A model of consistency all season, she won with a bit in hand on her last start and it was no surprise to see her win again for father and son team Wayne and Christopher Bull and jockey Morgan Winstone.

The meeting was attended by the Royal Cavalry of Oman’s Director General Sarhan Salim Hamed-Al Zeidi, Yahya Sulaiman Al Mahrazi, Head of Administration Affairs and Salim Al Hakmani who is a familiar face in UK Arabian Racing having ridden and trained the Omani horses for several years. They were presented with a gift on behalf of ARO’s trainers for over ten years of support of Arabian racing in the UK.

This was also the last meeting for ARO Racing Manger Amanda Smith, who was leaving after six years’ service for ARO. She was presented with a painting of Razen, one of the Royal Cavalry’s former racehorses, on behalf of ARO by Director General Sarhan.

Amanda Smith commented. “This was a fantastic meeting to end my time at ARO. The presence of Her Majesty The Queen’s Arabian Stallions was a very special way to start the day. These stallions were a gift from HH Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain and had recently been part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor, so we were very honoured to have them parade at our season finale. “I am particularly pleased for the Royal Cavalry of Oman that their loyal support of Arabian racing was rewarded with such a good meeting.

“I will be very sorry to leave ARO; it has been a wonderful six years. However, I look forward to watching the sport progress and develop in the coming years.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Director, was delighted with the day saying. “On behalf of ARO I would like to extend our thanks to all the owners, trainers, jockeys and supporters of Arabian racing, especially the sponsors of our races who have helped to make this another great season for Arabian racing in the UK. The ARO Directors would like to express their thanks to Amanda Smith and wish her every success in the future. We welcome Gemma Cobb who takes up this challenging and rewarding role and look forward to an exciting 2017.”

For all ARO’s Media Enquiries Debbie Burt may be contacted on: 00 44 (0) 7782 349047 or via email:equinecreativemedia@gmail.com

- Miss Gemma Cobb , Posted on 27 September 2016