230819_ARO_Donc_Thakeera Al Shahania_Joanna Mason

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was thrilled when the 16 horses invited to contest the AED 5 million Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, included Thakeera Al Shahania, trained in Newmarket by Phil Collington. Collington has recently been crowned ARO leading trainer for a third time, whilst Thakeera Al Shahania is owned by Athbah Racing, who have also retained the ARO leading owner title this season.

Collington and Athbah Racing will be hoping to repeat their success of 2019, when they won the Abu Dhabi contest with Mashhur Al Khalediah, who then went on to be third in the Obaiya Arabian Classic at the inaugural Saudi Cup meeting.

Speaking of her chances Collington said, “We’re delighted to receive an invitation for Thakeera Al Shahania. I think the distance and the track will suit her, and I still think she’s very good on the top of the ground, which she’ll definitely get there. She’s flown a lot already, she’s quite a cool customer travelling, so that’s an added plus, and I think looking at her runs and the nature of the race, she’ll stay the 2200m well. I’d be quite optimistic for her, she’s in great form though she’s been in training for quite a while, as she still feels very, very well.”

Abdul Moniem Ahmed Ali, Athbah Racing manager commented, “On behalf of Athbah Racing, and as a lover of Arabian horses, I thank Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his highness’s support of Arabian racing worldwide, and also his team in expertly managing this global event, which is one of the most valuable for Arabian horses on Turf.

“We are delighted to have received two invitations, one for Thakeera Al Shahania, trained in the UK, and one for Mutbahy Athbah, trained in France. With regards our lovely mare Thakeera, I am so excited that she will have the chance to show her best and that she will also be representing the UK, the country in which she won her first race, as well as Saudi Arabia’s Athbah Racing. Since that win she has stepped up to Group1PA level and was a strong third in the UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby and then a close fourth in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (Gr1PA) at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend.”

Concluding he said, “These results show that she is capable of performing well at this level and as she is only a four-year-old, I’m sure there will be more to come from her. We have yet to decide a jockey, however I wish all the best to our English trainer and friend Philip Collington.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “The Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Racing Festival has been a great supporter of our sport for many years in the UK and we’re delighted to have the UK trained Thakeera Al Shahania invited to the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown.

“We also have two British bred invitees – the Jewel Crown prep race first and second, Barakka and Ajrad Athbah, whose dams coincidentally Phil Collington now owns. Our domestic form is also boosted by the inclusion of our 2021 Derby winner, Abbes, and last year’s Jewel Crown winner First Classs, who finished second in our most valuable race the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood this year. This year’s UK Derby form continues to yield results internationally with Bahwan, who was fifth, winning in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

“The Jewel Crown always attracts a good field, and this is the strongest renewal for several seasons. We look forward to being present in Abu Dhabi for the 13^th World Arabian Horse Racing Forum which starts on the 27^th November and concludes with racing at Abu Dhabi with the Jewel Crown it’s highlight on December 3^rd.”

The 2023 Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) season concluded at Royal Windsor this evening with the £4,000 Arabian Horse Organization (AHO) Challenge Cup over a mile. A three quarters of a length win by Mutwahhej Athbah, ridden by George Wood gave trainer Phil Collington his second consecutive ARO Trainers title. This was Collington’s third overall and added to the seasonal tally of wins by his principal patron, Athbah Racing, whose retention of the ARO leading owners title had already been confirmed. Collington also trained the second, Garmoosha, ridden by Kieran O’Neill who finished well clear of Coljani and Darragh Keenan.

After the race Newmarket based Collington commented: “I’m pleased overall, it was obviously going to be a bit of an indifferent race on this ground. I thought Coljani, who’s comparatively experienced would take it up, my two were a little bit lost on the ground initially, but once they warmed to it and got into the race, they finished off really well. It will be nice to see them both on better ground, they will definitely come on for this.

“It’s a nice way to end the season with another trainers title, obviously I’m pleased for the staff and my all owners, particularly Athbah Racing, who’ve got two nice three-year-olds here.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO congratulates Phil and Athbah Racing for their win with Muttwahej Athbah and for another successful season racing with ARO in the UK.  This has included two domestic PA Group wins, as well as a very close fourth in the Group 1PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments on Arc weekend, France’s equivalent of the Arabian Oaks, which upholds our form overseas.”

“We also thank the Arabian Horse Organization for their generous sponsorship of this, our final race of the season. We are also very grateful to Racing Welfare for the support of our stable staff and to their representative Katy Ferguson who presented Peter Hammersley with the leading yard award for the most Best Turned Out winners, and his groom Sue Wileman, for the highest number of individual winners.”

A full report of all of the 2023 ARO season titleholders will follow in due course.

The 2023 Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) season concludes at Royal Windsor on Monday 23 October with the Arabian Horse Organization Challenge Cup in which Phil Collington seeks to regain the top spot from his near neighbour James Owen to retain the leading trainers title. To be run over a mile, the £4,000 race is for maidens and has attracted a field of seven.

Collington fields two for his main patron Athbah Racing, who are already confirmed as leading owners for a second year in succession. He has strong connections with both his unraced three-year-olds, having trained Mutwahhej Athbah’s half-sister to win on her debut, and the dam of Garmoosha to win a Group 3PA race over the same trip as her daughter will face on Monday.

“Both horses have come together nicely recently” said Collington from his yard in Newmarket. “They both have lovely pedigrees and I’d expect them to be even better next year. I rode and trained Garmoosha’s dam, and I also rode her sire, but neither ran as three-year-olds. She’s had a few issues with immaturity throughout the year, but she’s good and ready to run now.

“We didn’t think Mutwahhej Athbah would be ready this year, but he’s had no developmental issues to hold him up and mentally it’s all come together for him now. He’ll definitely strengthen up and improve a lot more from this run. The ground will be an unknown for both of them though!”

Of the horses with more experience, owner, breeder, trainer Steve Blackwell will be hoping for a good show from his mare Sassy, saying, “I’m expecting a better run from her on Monday, I’ve been able to do a lot more with her at home recently and I’d be disappointed if she’s not improved from her last run. If we get placed I’ll be delighted and it will give us something to look forward to for next season.”

Peter Hammerlsey also runs two, commenting, “Coljani was very sore after the latest Lingfield run, but he’s had a little break and some physio and is going well at home. He shouldn’t be troubled by soft ground and will appreciate being back on a flat track. Belle Angelique is in the best form she’s been in all year, so we hope she’ll pick up the bridle with the blinkers back on.”

Another maiden who could utilise his experience is Jen Harris’s homebred Kayack and also making her debut is the four-year-old Pharitz Alanood trained by Mitchell Hunt. Hunt came close to recording his first Arabian winner as a trainer when the veteran Storm Troupour was second for the same connections last month.

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We thank the Arabian Horse Organization for their generous sponsorship of this, our final race of the season. We will also welcome Katy Ferguson from Racing Welfare to present Peter Hammersley with the leading yard award for Best Turned Out winners, and his groom Sue Wileman, who receives the individual winners award.”

Al-Hatab secured a hat-trick of wins this afternoon at Lingfield Park when winning the Emirates Breeders (0-75) Handicap over a mile and a quarter, ridden by Mohammed Tabti. Just like ten days ago at the same track, the pair forged ahead in the home straight to win by two and a quarter lengths, from Storm Troupour and Rhys Clutterbuck in second.

Tabti, who has partnered the five-year-old son of Tabarak to all his victories commented, “He’s so relaxed in his races now, he just switches off. All I have to do is touch the reins and he’s back on the bridle again. There was only a small gap, but he went straight through it.”

Trainer Peter Hammerlsey, who also co-owns the horse in partnership with his breeder Julie Kelway commented, “We couldn’t be more pleased with Al-Hatab, he’s really grown up and Mohammed gave him another lovely ride today. That’ll be it for the season now for him and my other runner Coljani, and we look forward to next year.”

James Owen Racing’s Jaahez, partnered by Lily Pinchin who was favourite as they went to post, was withdrawn at the start for failing to load, for the second time in his career.

Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO is delighted for Julie and Pete on their third consecutive success with Al-Hatab today, as well as another win for Mohammed. We also congratulate Jessica Tooth for winning the Best Turned Out Award sponsored by Baker McVeigh International with Al-Hatab.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) welcomed a competitive field for the concluding race of the UK’s Emirates Breeders Series, a 0-75 Handicap to be run over a mile and two furlongs at Lingfield Park on Tuesday 26th September. The £4,000 race has attracted a field of nine in which Al-Hatab now aims to end his season on a high with a hat-trick of wins.

Trained by Peter Hammersley, who co-owns the five-year-old gelding with his breeder Julie Kelway, the son of Tabarak will reoppose many of his rivals from his two earlier wins, the most recent of which came at this track over further, with the previous success at the same distance. Also in the line-up and from the same stable is the four-year-old Coljani, who may well follow his stablemate’s steady trajectory to success next season, as he’s still a work in progress at this stage.

Newmarket based James Owen, who opened his yard to the public as part of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend today, will be going all out to secure a sixth ARO trainers’ title with three runners. Heritage Valentino, who has been second and third to Al-Hatab runs, along with Jaahez who beat Al-Hatab into third at Brighton (behind another high scoring horse this season, Upstart Crow), and he will have conditions very much in his favour. Owen’s homebred Mayfair put up a career best on her most recent outing to be placed in a Group 3PA at Haydock and though penalised accordingly, has also been a consistent performer this season.

Owen and last year’s top trainer Phil Collington are tied with five wins apiece, however Owen is ahead on placed horses and Collington has just one representative at Lingfield, Lujain. If the application of a visor and the return of Dylan Hogan to the saddle brings about a similar performance as on her reappearance, when the pair were a solid fourth to three Group performers, he may be in line to secure the top spot for a second year running.

Now into the veteran stage are Delyth Thomas’s Paramer Angel, who has winning form at this trip, though was disappointing at Haydock finishing well behind Mayfair, and Mitch Hunt’s Storm Troupour. Storm Troupour was beaten into third by Mayfair when she scored at Brighton in August. In fourth that day was Jen Harris’s Kayack, who is returning to the scene of his narrowest defeat, a short head over the same distance, back in 2021.

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We thank the Emirates Breeders for their generous support of our racing throughout 2023 and are delighted to see this, their final race of the season, so well supported. It is also likely that some of the end of season leaders’ titles may be clarified on Tuesday, which just adds to the excitement.

“We also look forward to welcoming a representative of Baker McVeigh International to select the winner of the Best Turned Out award.”

Al-Hatab made it back-to-back wins this afternoon at Lingfield Park when winning the £4,000 www.wathbastallions.com (0-55) handicap over a mile and five furlongs, ridden by Mohammed Tabti. The pair pulled clear to win by a decisive four lengths, from Aloof ridden by amateur Lewis Saunders, who finished six lengths ahead of Heritage Valentino and fellow amateur, Jamie Gambin.

This was also the second win on the five-year-old for Tabti  who commented, “He jumped well from the stalls, we had a good lead. He was nice and settled, going really well and when I asked him to go, he picked up the bridle well, he had a really good turn of foot. I don’t think the step up in trip bothered him, he’s a really nice horse, with a very good mind.”

Trainer Peter Hammerlsey who also co-owns the horse in partnership with his breeder Julie Kelway commented, “We’re really pleased with Al-Hatab, we thought the step up in trip would suit him, he settles so well now. He’s like his brother, Al-Tabari, he’s got a lovely turn of foot. They’re very similar, the moment he learned to settle, it was the making of him. Mohammed gave him a lovely ride.”

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival commented, “We congratulate Al-Hatab and all the winning connections of the race at Lingfield today. We are delighted that the race has been won by a small breeder, as this is one of the main aims of the Wathba Stallions series, to encourage the breeding of Arabian racehorses around the globe.”

Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO is delighted for Julie and Pete on their success with Al-Hatab today, as well as another win for Mohammed. We are also pleased that the first three home are British breds who will earn their breeders cash reward as part of our breeders scheme this season.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) welcomed a competitive field for the www.wathbastallions.com 0-55 Handicap to be run over a mile and five furlongs at Lingfield Park on Saturday 16 September. The £4,000 race has attracted a field of eight in which Al-Hatab bids for a double following his recent win at Bath over a mile and a quarter.

He will reoppose many of his rivals from that race including his stablemate Belle Angelique, as well the second Heritage Valentino, and two others from the stable of current ARO leading trainer James Owen, in Heritage Vadel and Delicatesse. Bridgend based Steve Blackwell sends Aloof and Aljawaaher, who were third and fourth behind Al-Hatab, whilst sixth placed Kayack represents his owner-breeder-trainer Jen Harris.

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival commented, “The Festival sponsors 153 races globally this year, as well as the World Arabian Horse Racing Forum and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown which is held in Abu Dhabi in December. It is also good to see so many young apprentices and riders from the amateur ranks booked to ride on Saturday.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We thank the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for their continued and generous sponsorship of our racing and we are pleased to see that this Wathba Stallions series race has been well supported.”

Thaydah Athbah ridden by ten times UAE champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea maintained her unbeaten record when winning the £20,000 Group 3PA HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup at Haydock Park this afternoon over a mile. The Athbah Racing homebred came home four and a quarter lengths ahead of Upstart Crow and Miss Teagan Padgett, with Mayfair and Marco Ghiani a further four lengths back in third.

Thaydah Athbah, was the pick of three entries from current leading ARO owner, Athbah Racing and is trained by two-time ARO leading trainer and former five-time ARO leading jockey, Phil Collington. Collington has won all four of the previous running’s of this race, three of which were for Athbah Racing, and three were ridden by Tadhg O’Shea.

O’Shea commented, “She’ a very nice filly, Phil has always held her in high regard. This was her first time in Group company, but it was lovely, just a hands and heels ride. She’s going to have stiffer assignments to come, I think the plan is to go to Longchamp, and I think she’s well up to that. She’s a huge filly and I think she’ll only get better with age.

“At Windsor I was left in front way too far out as there was nothing there to really lead her, she was still a big baby, and more so today, I was there probably two, two and a half furlongs to early, I wanted to get her to stretch out today, but she shut down her engines at the furlong pole and pricked her ears, so she’s probably value for more than what she won by. I looked at the screen and she was that far in front. It was like a gallop for her so she’s going to be going to Longchamp bursting with confidence.”

Collington commented, “I’m very pleased with that performance. Watching her there I’d say she could probably do with a bit easier ground, though she won on quick at Windsor. The further she goes the better I think, she’ll have an entry in the Fillies’ Group 1 on Arc weekend and beyond that, she could be an Al Mneefah type of filly.”

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival commented, “We have really enjoyed the welcome that everyone at Haydock Park has given us for the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup and we congratulate Tadhg O’Shea, Athbah Racing and Phil Collington for winning today with Thaydah Athbah.”

“The Festival sponsors 153 races globally this year, as well as the World Arabian Horse Racing Forum and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown which is held in Abu Dhabi in December.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “For over ten years the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival has generously supported our racing for which ARO is extremely grateful. We are delighted for Athbah, Tadhg, Phil and his team for producing Thaydah Athbah in such good form to maintain their great record in this race, and we hope that she will continue to progress in Group company and uphold the form of UK Arabian racing globally.

“We are also grateful for the support from Haydock Park racecourse and Brendan Waterworth from Racing Welfare who presented the Best Turned Out Award to Oliver Harcourt for Mayfair.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) welcomed a competitive field for the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Group 3PA to be run over a mile at Haydock Park on Saturday 9 September. Thaydah Athbah and Upstart Crow, who are both unbeaten this season, will put their spotless records on the line in the £20,000 race, both are trained in Newmarket by trainers with several ARO titles under their belts.

Thaydah Athbah, was the pick of three entries from current leading ARO owner, Athbah Racing and is trained by two-time ARO leading trainer and former five-time ARO leading jockey, Phil Collington. Collington has won all four of the previous running’s of this race, three of which were for Athbah Racing, and three were ridden by Tadhg O’Shea, who takes the ride on Saturday. He also runs Lujain for John Elliott and Teresa Kinsey, who will be ridden by David Allan.

Collington commented, “I’m looking forward to seeing both fillies out again. Thaydah is unbeaten, winning twice in Belgium and here at Windsor. It will be good to see her against a horse like Abiyah Athbah who is a seasoned black type performer, and let’s hope Thaydah has progressed as much as she seems to have done.

“We really hope Lujain can put her last run behind her, nothing came to light and the quicker ground will be more to her liking on Saturday. She seems in good form at home, and she’s proven over a mile, so we’re hoping for a big run from her as well.”

Just down the Hamilton Road is James Owen’s Green Ridge Stables from which he will send out Upstart Crow and Mayfair. Upstart Crow had a year off to strengthen up and, having been sold by his breeder the aforementioned Elliott, he now runs for Linda Reeves for whom he has won four races. He’s been partnered each time by one of Owen’s stable amateurs, Teagan Padgett, who is in her first year of Arabian racing and who takes her first ride at Group level on Saturday.

Owen, who is currently leading the ARO trainer tables, and is a previous five-time title winner commented, “Upstart Crow has done really well for us, as has Teagan who has improved with every ride. Obviously the horse has gone up in the handicap, but he’s handled it well. This is a massive step up in grade, but we’re not afraid to have a go. Lissie [Reeves] has done all the hard work with him at home, and she and her parents have really enjoyed the ride with this horse and are looking forward to the race on Saturday.

“It was nice to get a win for Mayfair, our first homebred, on Sunday, but she’ll most likely be outclassed here. She accompanies Upstart Crow, but if she could get a bit of prize money that would be great, and a fairy tale if she could get a bit of black type.”

Runner-up last year, and third in 2021 was Abiyah Athbah, trained by Peter Hammersley for Dilmun Racing. She will be ridden by Mohammed Tabti who gained his first win on an Arabian at Bath recently on another Hammersley trained horse, Al-Hatab. Abiyah Athbah has always been seen to best effect on quick ground and Hammersley was delighted with the UK’s recent dry spell which will undoubtedly help her chances to go one better at the third attempt.

“Abiyah Athbah’s so consistent. She’s been placed a few times in this and other Group races and she so deserves to get her first black type win. Mohammed has been riding for me this season. He’s a great young jockey who has really impressed me and he gave Abiyah a lovely ride to be second at Lingfield last time.”

Completing the field is the Delyth Thomas owned and trained Paramer Angel. A dual winner at this trip on good ground, beating Abiyah Athbah on both occasions in 2018, he has been lightly raced in recent seasons and will be ridden by Cam Hardie.

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival commented, “The Festival sponsors 153 races globally this year, as well as the World Arabian Horse Racing Forum and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown which is held in Abu Dhabi in December. The Festival is delighted to support ARO through race sponsorship and we are looking forward to a competitive race for the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup, which is our most prestigious event in the UK.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We thank the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for their continued and generous support of our racing, of which this is the highlight, along with the ever-popular Wathba Stallions Series that supports the grassroots of the sport around the world. This will be the third running of the contest under their sponsorship and we also thank them for increasing the prize fund to £20,000.

“We are also grateful to Racing Welfare for their continued support of our hardworking stable staff and will welcome Brendan Waterworth to present the Best Turned Out award on their behalf.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted with the 12 entries for the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Group 3PA to be run over a mile at Haydock Park on Saturday 9 September. With a prize money increase of £5,000 to £20,000, it will be the third running of the contest under the sponsorship of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival, with the race run as part of Haydock’s Sprint Cup Celebration fixture.

Top rated on 111 is Ekleel Athbah, one of four entries from Newmarket based Phil Collington. Collington has won all four of the previous running’s of this race, three of which were for his principal patron, Athbah Racing. Also from the Athbah stable this year are the four-year-old fillies Thaydah Athbah, and recent UAE President Cup, UK Derby third, Thakeera Al Shahania, along with John Elliott’s Lujain.

Runner-up last year, and third in 2021 was Abiyah Athbah, trained by Peter Hammersley for Dilmun Racing. Sixth in 2022 was Gavin Kelly’s Mulan who also holds an entry along with John Morris’s Alameen. Also entered is Group 3PA winner Storm Troupour, who made his seasonal reappearance for new trainer Mitchell Hunt on Sunday. Whilst current ARO leading trainer James Owen could have two representatives, in recent Brighton winner Mayfair and the progressive Upstart Crow, who would be seeking a fifth consecutive win on Saturday if he was declared.

The sole overseas entry, Dolon, scored in the Wathba Stallions Cup- Prix Arca last month in La Teste, France. Carrying the colours of Haif Mohammed Al Ghatani he is trained by Elizabeth Bernard, like his half-brother Jarif, who has won six PA Group races in Italy, Holland and Belgium to date.

Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival commented, “The Festival sponsors 153 races globally this year, as well as the World Arabian Horse Racing Forum and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown which is held in Abu Dhabi in December. The Festival is delighted to support the Arabian Racing Organisation through race sponsorship and the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup is our most prestigious event in the UK.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We thank the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival for their continued and generous support of our racing, with the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup being their sponsorship highlight, along with the popular Wathba Stallions series which supports our grassroots racing.

“ARO is thrilled with the number of entries and we look forward to declarations on Wednesday at 10am.”