MAZYOONAH WINS THE FOLLOW @ARORACING ON INSTAGRAM HANDICAP

The good form of the James Owen stable continued at Wolverhampton today with a one-two-three for Shadwell Estates in the Follow @AROracing on Instagram (0-80) Handicap over nine and a half furlongs. Last years’ course and distance winner Mazyoonah just got up by a head to win from Nadelshiba, with recent course winner Farasah a further three and a half lengths behind in third.

This was a debut win on an Arabian for Rossa Ryan, who is currently third in the professional jockeys’ table. He was delighted with the mares’ performance saying: “I got a lovely ride, she travelled well, and she picked up when I asked her. James was worried about the trip, so I held on to her as long as possible.”

Owen who was recording his fourth winner of the season said: “I actually thought our best chance was Nadelshiba, with Alex being able to claim, based on the form from last year when he finished behind Wanaasa and Phil’s filly Balqees at Chelmsford. However, Mazyoonah had the greater experience and that’s probably what was the deciding factor in the end. She settled well, I thought they probably went quite hard and it just worked out well for her this time. She’s won over six furlongs and I wouldn’t be afraid to drop her back in distance.”

Fittingly for a race sponsored by the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO), it saw the return to the commentary box of long-term ARO commentator Gary Capewell, who said: “It’s good to be back. I had around 15 months away because of the Covid restrictions so I felt a little bit rusty today. However, I’m looking forward to the next one, which for me will be at Newbury.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO congratulates Shadwell Estates and the James Owen team winning with Mazyoonah today. It’s also good to see a leading young professional jockey win on his first ride on an Arabian, with our leading amateur a close second.

“We’re also delighted to welcome Gary Capewell back to the commentary box and we thank the British Horseracing Authority and all the team at Wolverhampton for their assistance and support of our racing in 2021.”