The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) welcomed a field of nine for their second visit to Bath this season for the Wathbastallions.com (0-60) Handicap to be run over a mile. Many of the runners from two weeks ago will reoppose, headed by the winner, Upstart Crow, who will again be ridden by amateur, Teagan Padgett for James Owen and Mrs Linda Reeves. This will be the first of eight races sponsored under the banner of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival banner, which also includes the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup (Gr3PA), which this year has a prize fund increase to £20,000.

Joining Upstart Crow from the Owen stable will be the brothers, Heritage Valentino and Heritage Vadel who were both successful for the yard last season. Heritage Valentino put up a good show to be second on his reappearance and will be partnered by Sean Levey. Heritage Vadel won first-time out last year, in first-time blinkers, and this time is tried in cheekpieces for his seasonal return, where he will be ridden by Cieran Fallon, who is making his debut on the breed. Joining them will also be the Owen homebred, Mayfair, who will be ridden again by another stable amateur in Rhea Betts.

After their last trip to Bath, Owen said, “We’re going to support the amateurs in the yard, Teagan and Rhea, as well as Jamie [Gambin] and Connor [Baker], they’ll ride all the Arabians when they can do the weight this year. That’s why I’ve got them and that’s why they work hard for me, and I’ll reward them for that.”

Third behind Upstart Crow and Heritage Valentino was Zikada Zayin, for 2022 leading ARO breeder, Paul Simmons of Zayin Arabians. Her third place and that of Zayin Angkor Centurion last Saturday at Doncaster, sees Simmons lying in second place in the breeders table behind John Elliott, who could be in line for another ARO breeders scheme payday as the producer of Upstart Crow.

Double-handed in the race will be trainers Steve Blackwell and Peter Hammersley. Blackwell returns with the veteran Aljawaaher, who’s main purpose has been a schoolmaster for young amateur jockeys, though was profitable last season making the frame on every start. His partner, Lewis Saunders, now takes a step up to Blackwell’s homebred mare Aloof, whilst Aljawaaher gains Matthew Lloyd Slater, who is making his debut under ARO rules.

Hammersley’s pair are Belle Angelique, partnered by Gina Mangan for Dilmun Racing and Al-Hatab, ridden by Finley Marsh, who Hammersley co-owns with the gelding’s breeder Julie Kelway. He will be hoping that leaving off the cheekpieces will allow Al-Hatab to settle better in the early stages than he did on his seasonal debut.

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO is most grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival through their Wathba Stallions Cup races which are specifically aimed at the grassroots our sport, both here, and around the world.

“We also thank Baker McVeigh International for sponsoring the Best Turned Out Award for this race and we’re look forward to returning to Bath on Friday as part of their evening racing programme, with live music after racing.”

Thakeera Al Shahania and former three-time ARO leading lady jockey, Joanna Mason impressed with a five and a half-length UK debut win in the Emirates Breeders Conditions Stakes at Doncaster today. Trainer Phil Collington confirmed afterwards that she will head to the £80,0000 Group 1PA UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) back at the same track on August 19. Running a solid race in defeat were the Peter Hammersley trained, three-time PA Group placed Abiyah Athbah, with her stablemate, another black-type performer, Zayin Angkor Centurion, a further length and three quarters away in third.

Mason, who was having her first ride back on an Arabian since 2020, spoke of her win on Thakeera Al Shahania saying, “She was a bit fractious in the stalls, but not too bad. She jumped off well enough, I actually ended up switching left a little bit, as I wanted to have the better horses in front of me to take me into it. I was off the bridle pretty early, but she kept galloping to the line.

“Obviously, a step up in trip will suit her ideally, but I was pushing and she kept giving, so in the end she’s won quite nicely and she gave me a great feel. It’s nice to get back on the Arabians, it’s been a while.”

This was a first UK win of the season for 2022 leading trainer, Collington, who got off the mark for the year in Belgium with another Athbah four-year-old, Thaydah Athbah, in January. He was delighted with all his runners, saying, “You couldn’t be more pleased with Thakeera today, she was obviously still showing signs of greenness and she was behind the bridle, but once she’s caught on to the heels of the leaders, she’s then started to stay on strongly. The ten furlongs of the Derby trip would be ideal for her and Jo’s confirmed it. She’s obviously talented to do what she’s done today.

“We definitely thought she’d improve from her first run in Belgium behind older horses, but it’s hard to work out how good she was coming into the race because she’s only been working with the maiden, Jameelaty, who we thought was decent anyway. She’ll certainly come on for this experience too, but Shakeera, if you had worked her even a month ago with the likes of Ekleel Athbah or Thaydah Athbah, she’d have found that very hard.

“I’m pleased with Lujain as well, she’s run a great race and she’d be very similar to Thakeera, I think it’s more a case that Thakeera shows us a lot more on raceday than she does at home, though you have to consider that Lujain is giving her five pounds for her win. So I’m really pleased with both of them.”

Also significant for breeders was the fact that Thakeera Al Shahania is the first UK runner for rising stallion star Al Mourtajez. From his first crop, of which she is a part, the world’s highest rated Arabian racehorse has already produced eight individual PA Group performers, including the four-year-old colt, Al Ghadeer, a dual Group 1PA winner and currently favourite for the French Arabian Derby to be run at Chantilly on Prix de Diane day.

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “That was an impressive performance from a young horse who clearly has more to learn. It’s certainly made our Derby picture look a lot more interesting! We’re delighted for Athbah Racing, Phil and his team, and it’s great to see Joanna, who did so well on Arabians as an amateur, gain a success like this now she’s riding so well as a professional. Let’s hope she’ll be back on board a few more now.”

“We’re also thrilled to be back at Doncaster and we thank Racing Welfare and their representative, Gail Burton-Pye who presented the Best Turned Out award of a £40 cash prize to Liz Sian for Abiyah Athbah.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to note that two of the eight runners declared for the Emirates Breeders Conditions Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday could reappear at the track on August 19^th for the £80,000 Group 1PA UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby). Though two furlongs shy of the Derby distance, it will be the two fillies first opportunity to visit the Town Moor Course, with their trainer Phil Collington having stated that a good run on Saturday, could see the pair line up for the UK’s premier race for four-year-olds.

Lujain runs in the colours of John Elliott and Teresa Kinsey, who bred, though no longer own, the winner of the ARO season opener at Bath last week, Upstart Crow. They will be hoping to gain some recompense with Lujain who had placed on every run last term before success on her final start for the Collington team, when winning at Windsor over this same one-mile trip. The horse in second that day has since gone on to win three times in the UAE and is now rated 100, which gives the form a solid look.

Collington also fields two for his principal patron Athbah Stud in the other four-year-old Thakeera Al Shahania, along with the juvenile, Jameelaty, who makes her racecourse debut. Thakeera Al Shahania started off in January with a first outing in Belgium on the All Weather over 1500m, finishing nine lengths off two Black Type performers. She will be the first UK runner for her very promising young sire Al Mourtajez, who ended his career as the world’s highest rated Arabian and has also sired Al Ghadeer, the favourite for the French Arabian Derby that takes place later this month on the Prix de Diane card.

Jameelaty also has plenty going for her on pedigree and was a €52,000 purchase last year at one of the Shadwell dispersal sales. A tall, attractive daughter of leading sire Munjiz, her dam had won a premier handicap over this distance at Newbury and later dropped back in trip to win a Group 2PA sprint in France, when also trained by Collington.

Collington, who finished last season as ARO leading trainer for a second time, commented: “Thakeera Al Shahania, was quite a backward three-year-old. She ran a nice race in a hot contest in Mons, finishing fifth. I’d like to think she will improve again and I’m looking forward to seeing her on the Turf as well. We’re hoping Lujain has strengthened up again over the winter and matured for this season. Both could go back to Doncaster for the Derby later on, they’re only four once!

“Jameelaty was the highest priced two-year-old filly from the Shadwell sale and I know her family well. She’s progressed nicely to be at a stage where she can make her first start, so I’m looking forward to seeing her out as well.”

Their abilities will be truly tested as the field is headed by two solid PA Group performers in Zayin Angkor Centurion and Abiyah Athbah. Both are with trainer Peter Hammersley and have been Group placed over a mile. Dilmun Racing’s Abiyah Athbah has a definite preference for the likely quick ground, and gets a mares’ allowance from her stablemate, Zayin Arabians’ Zayin Angkor Centurion, who, as the only male in the race will have to give weight away all round.

James Owen, who has made a great start to his Arabian campaign when winning at Bath with Upstart Crow, continues to do well with his thoroughbreds, boasting a highly impressive 50% strike rate under rules in the last 14 days. The members of his Racing Club will be hoping that one of their two runners, the juveniles, Delicatesse or Victoria can make the most of their age and sex allowances and keep up that strong run of form.

The field is completed by the Gavin Kelly trained Mulan, who will again be ridden by his step-daughter, the amateur Kaitlen Robinson.

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO is thrilled to be back at Doncaster to witness the seasonal return of some of our best older horses and to see how some very promising newcomers compare. We are also delighted that Racing Welfare have continued to recognise our hard-working stable staff this season and we look forward to welcoming Gail Burton-Pye to Doncaster, to present the first of five on course Best Turned Out awards of a £40 cash prize.”

The opening race of the 2023 Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) season got off to a great start at Bath this evening with amateur Teagan Padgett winning on her debut ride in the sport on Upstart Crow in the Emirates Breeders (0-60) Handicap. The six-year-old gelding was also making his debut for a new owner, Mrs Linda Reeves and for a new trainer, James Owen. The pair readily pulled clear of another Owen runner in Heritage Valentino, with Zikada Zayin in third in the ten-furlong contest.

Padgett, 18, had joined the Owen stables, seeking a change of scenery after two years with Milton Harris in the West Country. She explained, “I was lucky enough to have five rides for on the Flat for him, but I felt I needed a change. I was looking around and thought, Arabian racing, I’ll give that a go. I went to James’s and thought this is a nice yard, lovely people, I’ll stay here.

“I’ve been riding Upstart Crow for about a week at home. Lissie, who led him up, her family owns him and he means the world to them. I’m just so happy that travelled so well and settled well, he did what he need to do.”

Upstart Crow and Miss Teagan Padgett win the Emirates Breeders (0-60) Handicap at Bath

© Debbie Burt – Equine Creative Media

Owen, previously a five-time ARO leading trainer, took out his full BHA licence last year and has been in good recent form winning two hurdles in the last seven days at Aintree and Huntingdon.

“We’re enjoying the jumping and we’ve made a great start with the Arabians today. We’re going to support the amateurs in the yard, Teagan and Rhea [Betts], as well as Jamie [Gambin] and Connor [Baker], they’ll ride all the Arabians when they can do the weight this year. That’s why I’ve got them and that’s why they work hard for me and I’ll reward them for that.

“Teagan did everything we asked of her on Upstart Crow. They’ve done a great job with him, Lissie rides him every day, til last week when Teagan took over. He’s not easy at home. We kept the lid on him today. He was good at the stalls, stood in there well. He’s won nicely, the owners have enjoyed it, hopefully we’ll have a bit of fun with him this summer. It’s good that the breeders, John Elliott and Teresa Kinsey have come along as well, we’ve had a nice day.

“Unfortunately, Mayfair had to carry a lot of weight and she’s not really grown. I was thrilled with Heritage Valentino, for his first start back; Kieran [O’Neill], he’s great on the Arabians, he gave him a great ride.”

Derbyshire based owners Linda Reeves and her husband David were clearly thrilled with their experience saying, “It’s our first ever racehorse. We went to a couple of Arabian races last year, just to watch, but this was really exciting, especially as our daughter looks after him at home.”

James Owen, Miss Teagan Padgett, Upstart Crow,

Lissie, Linda and David Reeves winners of the Emirates Breeders (0-60) Handicap at Bath

© Debbie Burt – Equine Creative Media

Ben Cook, Head of Group Racing, commented, “It’s been a fantastic event, well supported with ten runners. We’ve made a few tweaks to the race programme this year, but I think that’s paid dividends with the amount of the runners we got in the opening race of the season. It’s great to have some household names riding, with Billy Loughnane taking his first ride on an Arabian as well which is really encouraging to see.

“It was fantastic to look over at the crowd towards the end, and with this the ninth race on the card being so well supported, it was great to have plenty of people cheering on from the stands.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer who presented the trophy to the Reeves, commented: “ARO is pleased to get the season underway and we are delighted for the Reeves success, as new owners to the sport, it’s great that they’ve had such a positive experience with their first runner.

“We also congratulate Teagan on her debut win, and all of the Owen team at Green Ridge Stables. We were also pleased to see that the first three home were all British bred horses who will earn a financial bonus as part of our UK Breeders Scheme Awards. In addition we thank ARC and Bath Racecourse for providing the Best Turned Out Award of £25 which went to Sue Wileman for Al-Hatab.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) looks forward to their opening race of the 2023 season, the Emirates Breeders (0-60) Handicap held over a mile and a quarter, to be run at Bath on Friday May 26 at 6.05pm. Attracting ten runners, this grassroots race features a broad mix of seasoned handicappers and young potential improvers, a theme also reflected by the jockey bookings which includes both amateur and professional riders, an opportunity unique to Arabian racing on the Flat in the UK.

They are headed by James Owen’s four-year-old homebred filly, Mayfair, who looked promising against older horses in her debut season last year. She will be ridden by one of his stable amateurs in Rhea Betts, who recorded her first win for the yard in 2022, along with two places from only three rides under ARO rules. Hoping to repeat her success will be ARO debutant Teagan Padgett on Upstart Crow, who also claims seven pounds. The six-year-old gelding makes his first start for Owen and new owners after a year off and could be one to follow this season as he is a half-brother to two multiple winners, one at Group 3PA level. Completing the Owen challenge will be Heritage Valentino, who won over this trip for Kieran O’Neill at Wolverhampton in September, beating six of these. O’Neill keeps the ride, though it is notable that the horse is without his customary headgear on his seasonal return.

Heritage Valentino is closely matched with the Steve Blackwell owned and trained pair, Aloof and Aljawaaher. Aloof beat Heritage Valentino a head at Chepstow on quick over a mile but didn’t enjoy the Tapeta when they reopposed. Blackwell hopes that David Probert, will be passed fit to ride, with both her winning partners Charlie Price and Josh Bryan side lined with suspensions. Though well into the veteran stage, Aljawaaher more than paid his way last season placing in all his starts from seven furlongs to two miles and a furlong, all for amateur Lewis Saunders, who will be back in the plate on Friday. Despite advancing years Aljawaaher was placed twice behind Aloof last year and also runner-up to Heritage Valentino.

Newly relocated to Derbyshire at the historic Calke Abbey training grounds is Peter Hammersley. He also sends two runners to Bath in Al-Hatab and Belle Angelique. Belle Angelique improved for the addition of a visor on her last outing of 2023, and Hammersley will be hoping there will be more to come this season, she’ll be partnered by George Rooke. Al-Hatab is the second foal out of Altesse Kossack, a prolific winner for Al-Hatab’s part owner-breeder, Julie Kelway. She and Hammersley have secured rising star Billie Loughnane to pilot Al-Hatab in his second season, with the handsome grey looking a much stronger proposition having settled in well to his new home.

Zikada Zayin is another young horse expecting to do better following her first term of racing and will be ridden by Ray Dawson. Homebred by the UK’s leading breeder of 2023, Paul Simmons, Zikada Zayin is the first Arabian to join thoroughbred trainer Mitchell Hunt, who had been assistant to Owen and later to Richard Spencer before setting out on his own in 2021. Kayack and Mulan represent owner-trainers, Jen Harris and Gavin Kelly. Kayack has run well on his reappearance in the past is joined by regular partner, top amateur jockey, Serena Brotherton, whilst Mulan will be ridden by Kelly’s stepdaughter, Kaitlen Robinson, who is also an amateur rider.

© Debbie Burt – equinecreativemedia.com

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO is delighted to get the season underway with such a competitive race that includes a number of young horses that we would expect to progress in their second year of racing.

“It’s great to note that most of the field are British bred Arabians, who could earn their owner-breeders a useful monetary bonus as part of our UK Breeders Scheme, should they finish in the first three. We are also excited to note that our race will be shown on Sky Sports Racing, enabling our sport to gain a wider audience this season.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to announce that Racing Welfare will continue their support of UK Arabian racing through sponsorship of their overall Best Turned Out Awards for the season, as well as individual awards across five races.

For 2023, the groom of the horse judged to be the Best Turned Out at every ARO race will be awarded points, with the groom accumulating the most points receiving £150 at the end of the season. There will be a further £150 awarded to the yard with the most points overall.

In addition, Racing Welfare will sponsor awards of a £40 cash prize for the Best Turned Out horse at five races as follows:

3^rd June Doncaster Racecourse

1^st July Chester Racecourse (Group 2PA)

22^nd July Newbury Racecourse

28^th July Chepstow Racecourse (eve)

9^th September Haydock Park Racecourse (Group 3PA)

Adam Ferguson, Head of Community Engagement said, “Racing Welfare is very pleased to continue to support the ARO’s Best Turned Out Series. It’s important to recognise the hard work and care that goes into preparing a horse for the races, especially during Racing Staff Week when representatives from our regional teams will be awarding the prize at Chester, at ARO’s first black type race of the year.

“We wish all participants a successful 2023 season.”

Genny Haynes, ARO CEO commented, “ARO is extremely grateful to Racing Welfare, who have been supporting this award series since 2017, for their recognition of all the hard-working staff behind the scenes and on course. We are also thrilled that the award at Chester will coincide with Racing Staff Week, showing our support to this important campaign.

“We look forward to welcoming their representatives to Doncaster on June 3^rd.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to announce that Baker McVeigh International will renew their Best Turned Out Award sponsorship across five races during the 2023 season. As in 2022, the internationally based veterinary practice will sponsor awards of a £30 cash prize and a photo frame at five races as follows:

17^th May Bath Racecourse (eve)

15^th June Newbury Racecourse

11^th July Brighton Racecourse (eve)

26^th August Windsor Racecourse (eve)

26^th September Lingfield Park Racecourse (finale)

Baker McVeigh International is a group of equine veterinarians with branches currently in the UK, Bahrain, South Africa and France. They commented, “Baker McVeigh are proud to renew their sponsorship with ARO this year. We are delighted to be supporting Arabian racing as well as the stable staff of the industry. We look forward to the upcoming race days”. 

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “ARO is thrilled that Baker McVeigh International, will continue to recognise our hard-working stable staff this season and we look forward to welcoming them to Bath on May 17.”

Paul Simmons of Zayin Arabians receives the 2022 UK Leading Breeder Award
from Willie McFarland
© Debbie Burt

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to announce that the UK Breeders Incentive Scheme, designed to reward UK Arabian breeders who race their horses with ARO, will have an increase in payments for 2023. Like last year the scheme will offer monetary incentives per race, however this season black type races will also be included. Payments will go to the ARO registered breeder of any horse placed first, second or third in Purebred Arabian Races under the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) regulations for Arabian Horse Racing 2023.

To be eligible:

–               The breeder/owner, must be registered with ARO in 2023 and confirm they are domiciled in the UK (proof of address is required).

–               Arabians must be bred in the UK and registered with the Arab Horse Society (passport to confirm the breeder).

–               Arabian horses must be registered to race with ARO during 2023 by no later than 30^th April 2023.

–               Horses must finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd in any eligible Purebred Arabian race in the UK in 2023, including Listed and Group Races.

–               Awards will be as follows: 1^st £150, 2^nd £100, 3^rd £50.

In eligible races that are won by non-qualified horse/breeder, the bonus scheme prize money will accumulate into the UK Arabian Breeders Fund and supplement the total funding available in 2023.

Throughout the season there will be a points system to establish the ‘Leading UK Breeder’ of 2023, as well as recognition for the second and third placed breeder.  The Leading UK Breeder will be awarded a nomination to a selected stallion free of charge – though this does not include the veterinary, technical and shipment costs which remain payable by the breeder. The Arabian Racehorse magazine will be supporting the scheme again this year and will provide the leading UK breeder with a framed photo of their highest rated horse of the 2023 season.

Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer commented: “ARO was delighted with the success of the scheme last year, rewarding financially the breeders who continued to support UK Arabian racing, as well as offering free nominations to the top three breeders. To be able to increase the awards, both financially and in the scope of races that qualify, shows ARO’s long term commitment to invigorating the domestic breeding of racing Arabians.

“We also thank The Arabian Racehorse magazine for their continued support of our racing in the UK.”

© Debbie Burt

Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) today confirm the purchase of The Arabian Racing Organisation Ltd (“ARO”).  ARO is the sole Arabian Racing Authority in Britain, operating with the support and permission of the British Horseracing Authority (“BHA”), managing all elements of the integrity, fixture list and promotion of the sport.

The ARO team of Genny Haynes, Willie McFarland and Debbie Burt will continue to deliver the recently published 2023 fixture list, which will cover a programme of Arabian races across British racecourses.

As Britain’s largest racing group, ARC are long term supporters of ARO, hosting events at their numerous racecourses across the summer Arabian Racing season.

ARO Chief Executive Officer, Genny Haynes said, “We are delighted to confirm this deal with ARC, who have been fantastic supporters of ARO for a number of years, with the majority of our races run on ARC racecourses.”

“ARO is now in a position to develop new commercial revenue streams, with the aim of developing the sport’s profile within the UK. The future of our Arabian Group races is now secure, and our aim will be that these races host some of the World’s best Arabians, as well as provide a springboard for our domestic horses to progress.  Equally, we look forward to working on the continued development of grassroots Arabian racing, which is an integral part of our domestic programme.”

“Our thanks must go to our sponsors HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, UAE President Cup, Emirates Breeders Series, Arabian Horse Organization, The Arabian Racehorse magazine, Equine MediRecord, Racing Welfare and partner racecourses for their ongoing support, as well as our former ARO Directors Charles Gregson, Bill Smith and Richard Weston for their invaluable work and vision in establishing the sport in the UK.”

Managing Director of ARC’s Racing Division, Mark Spincer, said, “As long term partners of ARO, we are delighted to take this step to help secure the future of the sport in Britain. Arabian races have sat alongside a number of our summer fixtures, and we look forward to working with Genny, Willie and Debbie to continue this and look for opportunities to grow the sport over the coming years.”

Twenty Arabian races, including four Group races, will take place on British Racecourses in 2023, with the season starting at Lingfield Park on Tuesday 9 May, and culminating at the same venue on Tuesday 26 September.

Since 2021 Arabian horses have been permitted to be stabled alongside Thoroughbred horses in stables licenced by BHA, meaning that British racehorse trainers are able to train Arabians alongside their existing bloodstock.

Olivier Peslier and Ekleel Athbah return after finishing in the prize money for the $1Million USD Al Mneefah Cup (Gr2PA) at the Saudi Cup Festival

© Debbie Burt

Though the UK’s new season doesn’t start until May 9^th there was still plenty of good news overseas for the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) last week, with wins and valuable placings at the Saudi Cup Festival and in the UAE. With the world’s eyes on Riyadh, last year’s ARO leading horse, trainer and owner finished in the prize money in the Al Mneefah Cup (Gr2PA), whilst former three-time ARO leading lady rider Joanna Mason won and was second in two of the four races in the International Jockeys Challenge. Over the border in Abu Dhabi, James Owen’s Al Mahbooba continued her good run of form, securing another win in the Al Ain Marathon series.

Now in its fourth year, the eye wateringly valuable Saudi Cup Festival continues to develop the Friday undercard. The headline event, is the $1 million USD Al Mneefah Cup, run over 2100m on King Abdulaziz’s Turf track and upgraded to a Group 2PA this year. Newmarket trained Ekleel Athbah had bravely kept British hopes alive until the final bend, however after the race both her jockey, Olivier Peslier and trainer Phil Collington conceded that the trip at this level was too much of a stamina test, as she faded to sixth, but still netting connections $20,000 in prize money.

“She was well placed and broke as good as we’d hoped,” commented Collington afterwards. “She was a little bit free early on, but as soon as she got on heels she seemed to relax and travelled into the race well. Olivier said turning into the straight he thought she would still finish in the first three, as she found initially when he asked her, but by the end she was running on fumes.

“I think seeing as the other runs she’s had over this distance have been run so steadily, we now know that in a true run race she doesn’t stay.  Goodwood could be an option now, or the French Arabian Breeders Challenge Sprint, anything like that.”

Her owner-breeder Athbah Racing had three runners in the race, who had all run under ARO rules for Collington in the past. Best placed was the Shadwell bred Sultana, finishing third for her current trainer Elizabeth Bernard, whilst Dergham Athbah was seventh for Lucas Gaitan.

Former ARO leading lady rider [2016, 2017, 2018] Joanna Mason celebrates her win on Medbaas in the International Jockeys Challenge at the 2023 Saudi Cup

© Debbie Burt

Now riding as a professional, Mason had looked set for the honours in the International Jockey Challenge, in which seven male and seven female jockeys go head-to-head over four races, on locally trained horses. Riders included 2022 winner Caitlin Jones, as well as Frankie Dettori and ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira. Placing second in the first stage and winning the second, Mason went into the fourth stage ahead, however had to settle for overall third to Panamanian, Luis Saez, who has ridden over 2,600 winners worldwide.

“To win this has been amazing,” Mason said after her success on Medbaas. “I just got told simple instructions, jump out, get to the rail because he likes being in front and push on from the 600m, he’s all speed. That’s what he did and he went on again. 

“When the horse came to me, he pulled out that bit extra. I’m not experienced on the dirt but it rides beautifully, I’ve been on a first and a second, I really can’t complain!”

An amateur rider from as far back as 2006 who has also competed in jumps races, Mason has made a striking impression in a couple of full seasons as a professional, steering home 46 winners in Britain last year and has been clocking up many miles in the car during the current domestic all-weather season.

She also credits her time riding in the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Lady Riders Series as a suitable preparation for the event saying: “Oh it definitely helped, having travelled the world riding on different tracks. It brought a whole new different experience to my riding, getting that opportunity as an amateur and being able to do that again in Saudi.”

Mason continued: “To even be picked to be out here, as much as representing the UK and the rest of the world and the females, to have a second and a winner, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It’s a dream come true, everyone has been so hospitable.”

Al Mahbooba and Pat Dobbs win the second leg of the Al Ain Marathon series

Photo supplied by Emirates Racing Authority

Her three ARO titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018 had primarily come through winners trained by Owen who was delighted for Mason saying: “It was lovely to see Jo doing so well on the Flat last year and for her to do well on the big stage in Saudi is great. She’s always had massive talent and people are noticing that now. We’re very proud of her and delighted to have been part of her early success, as she rode some nice winners for us.”

Owen’s Al Mahbooba who had recorded two UK wins last season for his Racing Club on the All Weather and shown improvement for a stamina test, was in top form again at Al Ain, stepping up from 3200m to 4100m to win by an even greater margin than before, of 10 and a quarter lengths for new trainer Doug Watson. Confirming her next assignment Owen said: “Al Mahbooba will go to the final leg of the Al Ain Marathon series on March 18^th. Obviously it’s another step up in distance, to 5100m. It should suit, as she was strong through the line the other day and she loves that surface.

“She’s gone up a lot in the weights, so though she’ll be meeting many of the same horses, she’ll have quite a lot of them out of the handicap. Hopefully she’ll take some beating again.”

Meanwhile Ekleel Athbah is already on her way back to Newmarket with her flight landing at Stanstead this afternoon. Collington hopes that she will make her next start in the UK, along with his recent maiden winner, Thaydah Athbah, however he did not rule out another runner or two in Europe before the ARO season starts.

ARO CEO Genny Haynes commented: “It’s so good to see our horses running well overseas and a great advert for UK Arabian racing, we congratulate Phil, Athbah Racing and James Owen on their respective successes. We’re also delighted for Jo Mason who has still found time to ride Arabians since turning professional.”