THOMAS DUO BID FOR REPEAT SUCCESS IN WATHBA STALLIONS CUP HANDICAP AT LINGFIELD

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) welcomes the fourth of their five Wathba Stallions Cup sponsored races, to Lingfield Park racecourse on Wednesday July 14th. The mile and a quarter (0-55) handicap was run over the same course and distance in 2019 and has attracted several previous runners, including the Delyth Thomas duo of Callymay and Kork MHF, who were the first two home that year. She also fields Kayclaire in a bold bid to fill the third slot.

In what is a full field of fourteen for the race, there is an interesting mix of proven horses such as the Thomas trio, complemented by some younger unexposed types. Sue Herrod’s Run The Risk improved considerably on his handicap debut at Royal Windsor and could give the older horses plenty to think about, whilst Steve Blackwell’s Aloof is trying this company for the first time. However, there are a number of useful types for whom the handicapper has given a chance including Zayin Zyperion, one of five starters for trainer Pete Hammersley in the race. The Connally’s Samawaat is another Hammersley runner who may benefit from the handicappers generosity, she is reunited with stable amateur Stephen Harrison for whom she has run well in the past.

Former ARO champion novice jockey, turned apprentice Ellie Mackenzie is also reunited with Gerko De Tennelle. Mackenzie lost the ride on the Plumb’s French import through injury, but has now made a successful return to the saddle, winning on her last two rides. Another jockey in red hot form is Mollie Phillips, she takes the ride on Zayin Arabians other runner, Aymee, who like Run The Risk, showed improved form at Royal Windsor.

The race is held as part of the global HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival programme of races, with the Wathba Stallions Cup series aiming to promote the breeders of Arabian racehorses. It is supported by Wathba Stallions, the breeding arm in the UAE and France, of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, who is also Chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse Association.

 

 

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival. We are also delighted to be back at Lingfield Park for a very competitive race which is supporting the sports grassroots.”