Long odds-on favourite, the exciting Qatari bred and trained AJS Lattam kept his unbeaten record intact on his European debut in The Arabian Racehorse Magazine Novice Stakes run over a mile at Wolverhampton this evening. The three-year-old who was carrying a penalty for his wins in Qatar, took the race up in the home straight under six-time Polish Champion Jockey Szczepan Mazur to win eased down by four and a half lengths. In second was Coljani and Mohammed Tabti, with Sassy and Jordan Williams in third.
Commenting afterwards owner, breeder, trainer Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Attiyah said, “I was hoping that with three runners there would be enough pace, but thankfully Coljani helped things along. We couldn’t have hoped for the race to go better for him, and we would expect him to improve again from this.
“His next target will be the Al Rayyan Cup-Prix Kesberoy a Group 1PA in Deauville in three weeks. After that he’s most likely to have a break as he will have a long season in Doha. Saint-Cloud in October is still an option but it’s a fifty-fifty.”
Continuing he said, “This year I had around fifty horses in training in Qatar, around 75 per cent are Arabians the rest are thoroughbreds. I bought a couple of broodmares, one in foal to Nathaniel and the other to Ulysses last week at Tattersalls too. We have races for Qatari breds so they will be exported and foal there. Hopefully next year we will come back to the UK with more horses, as we’re enjoying it so far in Newmarket.”
Mazur was impressed with the way the colt had improved since he won on him in Qatar saying, “Like in Qatar he was still a bit green, like a baby, but he is getting there and he’s improved a lot. I like how he ran today, he just needs a race with a bit stronger pace, he won easily.”
Debbie Burt, editor of The Arabian Racehorse magazine said, “I’ve been supporting UK Arabian racing for ten years now and a lot has changed in that time. I started the magazine in 2015 and for the next edition I’ve visited Mohammed in Newmarket to see all his horses train and photographed his thoroughbred running at Royal Ascot and Sandown. I’m delighted that he is having such a positive experience of racing in the UK with both breeds and I wish him all the best with AJS Saaeq at Goodwood, the day after the publication of the Summer edition on August 1.”
Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO warmly congratulates Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Attiyah training his first UK Arabian winner, AJS Lattam, which is also his first overseas winner as a trainer. He of course has already had success as an owner at this very track with AJS Hajaj in 2021 and across the UK with his thoroughbreds.
“Though it was a small field today, it’s great that every horse running was bred, or part bred, by its owner, and on this occasion, they also train them too, even the winner, who of course is an international.
“ARO also thanks The Arabian Racehorse for their continued support of UK Arabian racing, through the sponsorship of this race and the Best Turned Out Award won by Steve Blackwell with Sassy. As they are co-sponsor our UK Breeders scheme, it is particularly pleasing that the two UK homebreds have earnt points in this race. We now look forward to our next race the Wathbastallions.com Handicap at Chepstow on Friday 28 July.”
