By Russell Smith

FRENCH trainer Charles Gourdain is backing Rodess du Loup to take high order in the echelon of Arabian racehorses after the colt recorded a silky smooth success in the President of the UAE Cup (UK Arabian Derby) (Group 1 PA) at Doncaster on Saturday 15th September.

Gourdain, who claimed the prestigious £80,000 one-mile-and-a-quarter four-year-olds’ contest with Nafees 12 months ago, was thrilled to repeat the feat with the Khalifa Hamad Al Attiyah-owned grey.

Belgian superstar jockey Christophe Soumillon gave the son of Dahess the perfect waiting ride before producing his mount up the inside to stretch clear of fellow French raider Rijm.

Rodess du Loup forged ahead to pass the post a length clear of old rival Rajeh, who pipped Rijm in the final strides to claim second by a short head as French horses completed a clean sweep of the first three places.

Shomoos Athbah, trained by Phil Collington at Newmarket, ran creditably to be the best of the home team, a further two-and-a-half length back in fourth.

Gourdain said: “We have done it again. I think he is a very, very good horse. The pace was not strong enough for him, so he definitely could be even better if there is a good pace in the race and a good gallop.

“Today the pace was very slow and Christophe told me was he was pulling all the way round.

“He has done it even better than ever. I think perfect good ground like today rather than on the soft was what he really likes.

“I think today he has shown he could be one of the best. I thought he was as good as Nafees and he has confirmed it today.”

Rodess du Loup, who was turning the tables on Rajeh from their last meeting in the Doha Cup – Prix Manganate (Group 1 PA) at Deauville last month, could now head for the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Group 1 PA) at Longchamp on October 7.

“He has been put in the big race at Longchamp against the older horses and he might go there”, he added. “We will see how he recovers in the next three weeks, but it is a bit short.”

Gourdain was also full of praise for Soumillon and his masterful ride.

“I think he is the best that we could have,” he said. “We are very lucky to have him riding the horse. He is a very professional guy and in life he is a very good man. He is a friend and it’s nice to work with him.”

Soumillon also believes Rodess du Loup has a very bright future.

“He is a very nice horse and I won on him in Chantilly and was very impressed,” he said. “He was then a bit fresh at Deauville and was pulling lots.

“Today the pace was a bit slow, but he felt very well and I was happy to be on the rail.

“I think he could be one of the best Arabian horses and just hope he improves like he has done from the beginning.”

Rajeh, from Francois Rohaut’s Sauvagnon stables, near Pau, was never able to get a blow in at the winner under Francois Xavier Bertras for owner HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, while Rijm ran a cracker for La Palmyre trainer Thomas Fourcy in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing with Faleh Bughenaim on board.

Collington was delighted with Shomoos Athbah’s effort as the Athbah Stud-owned filly stayed on to take fourth place under Tadhg O’Shea.

“I am very pleased with her,” he said. “She was beaten just over three-and-a-half lengths. The race time was 2mins 25secs, which was a little bit slow. To be at her best she needs a good sound gallop – she ran 2.16 at Newbury. I would like to get her in a bigger field with a good gallop.

“She is entered in France in the fillies’ race at Longchamp on the Saturday.”

Rajeh’s stablemate, Goumoh was fifth, with Peter Hammersley’s pair Abiyah Athbah, owned by Dilmun Racing, sixth and Asraa Min Al-Talqa completing the finishers after making the running until the final two furlongs.

Hammersley said: “I am pleased with the filly. For her second run I thought she ran really well. Racheal Kneller said she was very keen early on, but travelled really well and didn’t quite get home.

“I have always thought on breeding seven furlongs or a mile would suit her best, so that will be the way we will be going next year. She will probably go back to her owner now for the winter and will be back in the spring.

“The other one has probably run to his mark.”

Willie McFarland, from ARO, said: “This has been a great day. To be part of a meeting that holds such prestige and heritage to UK horseracing means a lot. It is great to be on this stage and give visibility to Arabian Racing as part of the celebrated St Leger meeting. We must thank our sponsors The President of the UAE for their generous support – they have been supporting ARO for a long time and we are incredibly grateful to them. The team at Doncaster have also been amazing and our thanks must go to them too.”

THE ARABIAN RACING ORGANISATION

Al Faaris wins for Champion Trainer James Owen at Doncaster

Arabian racing at Doncaster Racecourse Saturday 2^nd June 2018

The ground didn’t quite play into the hands of all on Saturday with a heavy downpour just before the first and a change from officially good ground to soft the 11 runner field was reduced to 10 following the withdrawal of Premier handicap specialist Kamikaze trained by Adam Newey, a horse that on faster ground had been in with a great chance.

The competitive renewal saw Peter Hammersley’s long term campaigner Zayin Zachilles and Ellie Mackenzie make the early running alongside Tatbeeq under Kieran O’Neill in the colours of HH Sheikh Hamdan the pair closely followed by Forta Studs Asraa Min Al-Talqa making his seasonal debut under champion jockey David Turner for Peter Hammersley, followed by another of James Owen’s trio Crahck, and Munawwar for Collington and jockey Marc Monaghan with Majid Bin Krayaan off to a better start from stalls under Racheal Kneller bowling along behind them.

Setting a steady pace over the first few furlongs the field closely grouped at the half way stage with the 2017 winner Saleemah, (Philip Collington) sitting patiently behind and creeping steadily up as the pace lifted, the tightly grouped field remaining pretty much unchanged. As they entered the turn from home the Jayme Plumb trained Elyassat under Muanis Al Siyabi trying to move up the field but was quickly under pressure.

With three furlongs to go and the contest hotting up, the two front runners were gamely contesting the lead closely followed by Saleemah who had taken to the far side rail, with 7 horses moving in a line across the track and all to play for, the grey top weight Al Faaris under Jim Crowley made a bold bid hitting the front and sprinting away to put several lengths between himself and Munawwar to hit the line first for Champion Trainer James Owen and owner HH Sheikh Hamdan, with Munawwar taking second for Phil Collington whose inform stable also took third with last year’s winner Saleemah and Will Pettis, Majid Bin Krayaan and Racheal Kneller fourth for Peter Hammersley and Owen horse Crahck, under Antonia Peck fifth.

Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “This looked to be a wide open race, the ground certainly looked to play its part today – a great win for Al Faaris, following on from his Taunton success – so many of the horses have run well, it was a cracking finish after 2 miles – all thanks to Doncaster who always look after us very well – we are really looking forward to coming back for the President of the UAE Cup (the UK Arabian Derby, Group 1 PA) on St Leger day, Saturday 15th September.”

The next ARO meeting will be held at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Sunday 10^th June where a seven race card has attracted bumper entries.

Wolverhampton fields look buoyant for the 10th June with more than 12 entries made in each race for the fourth full Arabian fixture, kindly sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman we are delighted to see the arrival of fresh blood to add to the names of horses that have previously campaigned this season.

The first race on the card is the eagerly awaited maiden stakes for 3 year olds only, many of those entered look sure to go onto bigger and better things. Some will have aspirations of lifting the prestigious Group 3 event Dubai International Arabian Races Stakes on DIAR day at Newbury on 29th July, run over the same distance, with an equally interesting Open maiden stakes over 8 furlongs.

The card will also host the second of the hands and heels series, Chepstow hosted the first and it produced a tremendous finish with Rob Woollard proving there is no substitute for experience when he produced a perfectly timed run to gain the upper hand late on. Entries for this 6 furlong event include Fatinah a possible debutant for Yucel Mehmet, and a potential first runner of the season for Anthony Holdsworth. Ultimate Force could also be looking to go one better than when 2nd at both Chepstow and Chelmsford this season, with further potential from possible engagements from the previous winner of the DIAR Silver Final at Huntingdon Syrah Gris one of 2 entered for Marlborough trainer Adam Newey.

Both Muhaajer and Tatbeeq (James Owen), hold entries along with Munawwar (Philip Collington) all heading the weights in this 0-75, although the focus of attention will no doubt be the impressive Chepstow winner The Sohar for the Royal Cavalry of Oman, raised 11lbs for his Chepstow win. Unlikely to have things all his own way this time further opposition from flashy grey Man Of Dreams who is looking to back up yet another seasonal debut win following success at Taunton last time out. Pharitz Fahr finished an excellent 2nd on the same Taunton card, this could be his handicap debut for globe-trotting Beverley Deutrom.
The open handicap looks right out of the top drawer and we think it’s unlikely there will be a classier handicap run all season it has attracted 15 entries with Group 1 winning Mith’haf Athbah receiving 4lbs from his stable companion and dual Group 1 placed Mehdaaf Athbah who was a late withdrawal from the Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO Cup on Bank Holiday Monday, last seen out in May 2017 with an excellent 2nd in a Group 1 at Deauville. Another proven Group 1 performer Mith’haf Athbah also representing the inform Philip Collington stable had an excellent 2017 season with 3 wins from just 4 runs in the UK culminating in a tremendous victory in the HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Group 1 at Chelmsford City. Al Chammy finished a good third on Bank Holiday Monday at Royal Windsor carrying the colours of the race sponsor, such is the quality of the race he finds himself racing from 1lb out of the handicap. His trainer Said Al Badi is also represented with Laheeb last seen when competing in the Arabian Triple Crown Gr3 at Abu Dhabi in March, there is certainly an international flavour from a form perspective.

There looks to be some serious excitement coming to this card with plenty of entries from form horses looking to stamp some authority on the seasons closely fought championships.

Declarations for this fixture open on Wednesday 6^th June and will be published on the ARO website after closing on Thursday 7^th June.

Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “I can’t wait to see what will happen when the declarations come through – we are all really excited about the potential of this meeting, and as ever we are immensely grateful to The Royal Cavalry of Oman for their invaluable sponsorship and commitment to UK Arabian racing – they have had a great start to their season, all three of their runners so far have been in the winners enclosure, and it is clear to see why they are so popular amongst our participants, it’s great for the sport and they are wonderful ambassadors for Arabian racing – we wish them and all our UK supporters every success for this exciting meeting and for the rest of the season and hope our great relationship will continue for many years to come.”

The 11 runner field looks like a competitive renewal and includes the 2017 winner Saleemah, trained by Philip Collington one of three HH Sheikh Hamdan horses in the trainers care, who can do no wrong at present having collected a trio of wins at the last Arabian meeting at Chepstow. Halib Des Forges a winner last season and second in his seasonal debut at Taunton in May, Munawwar and Thamaraat who is likely to have come on from his 2nd place at Chelmsford in April will also represent the inform stable.

Peter Hammersley comes to Doncaster with a triple hand, buoyed by Zayin Angkor Centurion’s excellent 2^nd in the Group 3 Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO Cup on Bank Holiday Monday. His runners include Juvenile conditions winner Forta Stud’s Asraa Min Al-Taqa, the recalcitrant Majid Bin Krayaan for HH Sheikha Maryam Bint M Al Maktoum and long term campaigner Zayin Zachilles for owner Paul Simmons who has ran in this premier handicap for the last two years, making his seasonal debut.

Premier handicap specialist and with three wins to his name Kamikaze trained by Adam Newey and owned by long-term ARO supporters The Almost All Partnership, is better off in the weights since his last win in 2016.

Jayme Plumb aims the Blue Star Racing owned Elyassat from some way out of the handicap whilst at the other end of the scale Taunton winner Al Faaris the mount of Jim Crowley has a chance for ARO champion trainer James Owen who also represents Sheikh Hamdan with Tatbeeq the winner of a Huntingdon Maiden and Crahck racing for the James Owen Racing Club.

A wide open race with many possible options – the soft ground at Chepstow for ARO’s latest meeting certainly made a difference, faster conditions at Doncaster is likely to favour some more than others if the going stays good to firm, it will certainly be an interesting renewal and should offer some pointers for the Dubai International Prep races that will commence on the 14^th June at Newbury.

Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “ARO is very pleased to see such a great response to this race our participants have strong ties to Doncaster who always look after us very well – we are very excited to be back here later in the year when we will be running the President of the UAE Cup (the UK Arabian Derby, Group 1 PA) on St Leger day, Saturday 15th September.”

The next ARO meeting will be held at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Sunday 10^th June where a seven race card has attracted bumper entries.

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The first Pattern race of the UK Arabian racing season, the Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO Cup Group 3 PA run over a mile delivered a high quality field of 9 Arabians for the first race at Royal Windsor Racecourse on Monday.

Having had a successful day at Chepstow the day before with a trio of winners in-form trainer Collington followed up with a fantastic Group three victory for owners Athbah Stud and their filly Shomoos Athbah ridden by Tadhg O’Shea, Collingtons other entry, Group 1 placed Mehdaaf Athbah was a non-runner for the trainer looking for back to back victory in this group 3, on the day his one runner was enough to see him onto the winning podium.

Trainer Pete Hammersley’s Chelmsford City winner, Zayin Angkor Centurion ran a fantastic race finishing second having stepped up to group company for the first time and did owner breeder Paul Simmons proud, a great result for UK breeding and the Zayin Stud based in Dorset, having made much of the early running with Beverley Deutrom’s Swedish Group 3 winner Storm Troupour with jockey Dayverson De Barros aboard he did his best to keep ahead of the field that were held well together as they hit the half way mark. With two furlongs to go the pace lifted significantly and back marker Shomoos Athbah started to move up alongside the Sponsors Royal Cavalry of Oman Al Chammy ridden by Pat Dobbs.

With Shomoos Athbah, Zayin Angkor Centurion and Al Chammy breaking away from the field and chased by the group 2 placed James Owen horse Awzaan under Dane O’Neil, Shomoos Athbah looked to assert her pressure over the valiantly trying Zayin Angkor Centurion to finish in first place, third and fourth going to Al Chammy and Awzaan respectively.

The field put on a great show and demonstrated to a fantastic Royal Windsor crowd how good UK Arabian racing can be – a strong Group 3 for the first Arabian Pattern race of 2018.

Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “ARO is thrilled to have delivered such a great race at Windsor and we are immensely grateful to The Royal Cavalry of Oman for their valuable sponsorship and commitment, their support is invaluable to UK Arabian racing – they have had a great start to their season, all three of their runners so far have been in the winners enclosure – we wish them every success throughout the season and hope our wonderful relationship will continue for many years to come.”

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The Royal Cavalry of Oman sponsored a full Arabian card at Chepstow Racecourse on Sunday 27th May run under the UK’s Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) banner. Thunder and heavy rain wasn’t quite the welcome ARO had hoped for at Chepstow racecourse, with just an hour before the first race things didn’t look at all promising, but as the horses arrived in the paddock, an enthusiastic crowd welcomed runners and brighter weather as racing commenced with ground changing from good to soft.

The first race The Sultanate of Oman Maiden Stakes looked to offer plenty of promise, James Owens Muhaajer taking up the early pace under Simon Walker with Estfahan for trainer Jennifer Owen and Ciaran Jones on board running green at the back of the field. Setting a steady pace for the first of the eight furlongs a leading break of four set off, Taqdeeraat under Will Pettis for Philip Collington, Al Monther and Charlie Jordan Price, Muhaajer and Rehab the first runner for the 2018 season for sponsors The Royal Cavalry of Oman pulling away at the half way stage with Taqdeeraat and Rehab laying down a stern challenge as they hit the final half furlong, Rehab hit the line first delivering the 50^th winner for the Royal Cavalry of Oman and it looked like an easy win for the filly that has come from a busy winter campaign in Oman, the experience certainly seemed to have served jockey David Turner well today. Second place went to Taqdeerat who stayed on in the final stages and third to Al Monther making it two in the winner’s enclosure for the in-form Collington team

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Race 2 – Visit Oman Handicap Stakes 0-55 Saw Callymay for Delyth Thomas and jockey Charlie Jordan Price meet up again with trainer Adam Newey’s Synergy ridden by James Harding with two time winner this season Johara Bint Shuwaiman bidding for a treble under Ellie Makenzie all was to play for as the steady pace started to ramp up, closely grouped Conquer for James Owen and jockey Simon Walker and Kallista under David Turner for trainer Paul Simmons were pressing the leaders with Synergy traveling the best of the pack as the field took the final two furlongs. With Trip to Khairo trying hard to make up ground and Conquer dropping back Synergy made her move taking Johara Bint Shuwaiman with her, a close finish saw Synergy just give enough to hold off Ellie Mazkenze who battled hard to get the horse to the line beaten a head.

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Race 3 – The Royal Cavalry of Oman Handicap Stakes 0-90 had James Owens Eqleem leading out under Simon Walker with Philip Collington’s horse Halib Des Forges quickly into his stride setting a good early pace, a very close second in his seasonal debut at Taunton he certainly seemed to be enjoying the softer ground at Chepstow. With three furlongs to go Hau Kola, Taunton dual heat winner trained by Christopher Bull, under jockey Morgan Winston was making valiant efforts to close the gap but Ria Tillet and Halib Des Forges certainly wasn’t going to be caught today and leaving the field well stretched out in the final stages made all for a convincing win and a first victory for delighted jockey Ria.

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The 4^th race – aroracing.co.uk Hands & Heels Handicap Stakes 0-45 the first of the 2018 series, saw a field of 9 come under orders with several vying for early position. Taer Al Hurr under Charlie Jordan Price for trainer Yucel Mehmet looked keen to get on with matters and battled out the early stages with Insignia and Simon Walker and Mulan under Kaitlen Robinson who was also looking to assert some authority. With Adam Newey’s Southpaw under James Harding running their own race on the far side the field started to drop away leaving Senor Dublecheck who was traveling well to make his move forwards up the centre of the track in the final furlong and steal the show – a second win on the bounce for trainer Claire Taylor and jockey Rob Woolard, Taer Al Hurr was second and Mulan third.

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The 5^th race the Muscat Handicap Stakes 0-85 saw Peter Hammersley’s Unity Belle and jockey Laura Pearson set out alone on the far side to take the lead leaving Mike Palmer on James Owen’s Karlos Du Cayrou to front the field stands side. With two to go and horses stretched across the track top weight Anfaas made her bid under Will Pettis with Palmer Angel chasing hard under Charlie Jordan Price leaving Joanna Mason in last on Madany, Anfaas hit the line first to win on her seasonal debut over Parmer Angel who just snatched 2^nd on the line from Unity Belle closely followed by Karlos De Cayrou and Madany.

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Race 6 – Nizwa Fort Handicap Stakes – 0-65 saw another frustrating start for Ellie Mackenzie on Majid Bin Krayaan who repeated his previous performance of whipping round at the start leaving him with far too much to do from the outset, David Turner and Ultimate Force took the early lead with Will Pettis and Elyassaat close behind, with The Sohar and Joanna Mason bowling along a few lengths behind leaving Pacific Syrah under Antonia peck and the unfortunate Majid Bin Krayaan strung out behind. As The Sohar moved on with three furlongs to travel it looked unlikely that any one was going to come on terms and Joanna Mason took an easy win with Ultimate Force and Elyassaat battling it out for second and third respectively, Pacific Syrah was fourth.

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Race 7 – UK Arabian Derby Winner Nafees Handicap Stakes 0-75 The field was led out by Ashjaan under Will Pettis who looked like he meant business – with the field holding together in the early stages Rafeef with a win from Chelmsford already under his belt and jockey Simon Walker back on board, started to make his play leaving Zayin Zachilles ridden today by Ellie Mackenzie just ahead of Steve Blackwell’s Aljawaaher under Liam Hamblett and Noble Athlete ridden by Charlie Jordan Price to work out the lesser placings an exciting finish served up as Pettis timed it perfectly delivering Ashjaan to the line to win giving a well deserved treble on the day for trainer Phil Collington.

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Sponsors the Royal Cavalry of Oman certainly came and conquered, despite not having been at either the Chelmsford City or Taunton racecourse meetings the Royal Cavalry of Oman who finished second in the ARO Championship in 2017, asserted some authority with two wins from two runners to put down a challenge for 2018.

With a group three race sponsored and to contend the day after Chepstow at Royal Windsor racecourse it is easy to see how this popular team have so many fans in UK Arabian racing, their generous sponsorship spans a range of races run throughout the Arabian season here from grass roots to a high end finale where they sponsor The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes, a Group 3 run over 5 furlongs at Newbury Racecourse on 18th August.

The first Pattern race of the UK Arabian racing season, the Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO Cup Group 3 PA run over a mile will deliver a quality field of 10 Arabians for the first race at Royal Windsor Racecourse on Monday.
Group 1 placed Mehdaaf Athbah represents the last trainer to win the ARO Cup, Phil Collington along with Shomoos Athbah. Beverley Deutrom also comes well-armed with three runners, Lou Raynal, Swedish Group 3 winner Storm Troupour and Kao Kat MHF who finished 2nd in the ARO Cup in 2016, and subsequently went on to win The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes Group 2 in the same year. Pete Hammersley brings Chelmsford City winner, Zayin Angkor Centurion who steps up to group company for the first time but is certainly maturing and Forta Studs Shammat Al Hosn who was a course winner at Windsor last season in handicap company over 1m 2f.

Champion trainer, James Owen is represented by Alazeez who was placed in a group 2 as a juvenile and is a winner over the trip in conditions races and Awzaan who by jockey booking – Dane O’Neil looks to be the yard preference. The race sponsors are represented by Al Chammy a lightly raced French bred 4 years old who was a winner at Toulouse in 2017 when trained by Thomas Fourcy with Pat Dobbs booked to ride for this race he shows promise. Strength in depth this looks a strong Group 3 for the first Pattern race of 2018.

Racehorse Trainer, for the Royal Cavalry of Oman Said Al Badi said; ”we are delighted to be back in the UK and especially at Royal Windsor, showcasing this Group 3 Race and are very excited about the season ahead”

Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “ARO is very pleased to see such a great response to this race and very grateful to The Royal Cavalry of Oman for their valuable sponsorship and commitment, they have been involved with Arabian racing in the UK for many years, and we are extremely grateful for their support – we wish them every success throughout the season and hope the relationship will continue for many years to come.”

Entries look good for the first full meeting to be hosted by the Royal Cavalry, the Sultanate of Oman at Chepstow Racecourse on Sunday 27^th May run under the UK’s Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) banner.

Declared runners for Sundays Royal Cavalry of Oman race Day at Chepstow Racecourse include some interesting entries for the meeting that is generously sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman; Johara Bint Shuwaiman trained by Nikki Malcolm will be looking to bring home a third win in the second having been successful at both Chelmsford City and Taunton this season, her horse will meet both Callymay trained by Delyth Thomas and Owner, Trainer, Jockey, Yucel Mehmet’s Trip to Khairo who will be doing their best to reverse their 2^nd places against her. Hua Kola trained by Christopher Bull gave the crowd a very exciting finish and a long intake of breath for owners John Elliott and Paul Beard when dead heating last time out to win at Taunton, and looks to face some stiff opposition but could be in with a good chance if he takes to the track in the third.

Taunton winner Senor Dublcheck will be back out under Rob Woollard for Trainer Claire Taylor and will meet up with Chelmsford winner Insignia trained by James Owen, they face opposition in Southpaw and Mulan who have also been placed so again an interesting race for the fourth. A fascinating finale could also be on the cards with another of the Owen string Rafeef and Ashjaan for Philip Collington meeting up again, placed first and third at Chelmsford respectively and with a win at Taunton for Ashjaan to add to her 3^rd place, it could go either way.

The Royal Cavalry of Oman kindly sponsor a range of races run throughout the Arabian season at racecourses throughout the UK that encompasses all levels from grass roots to their high end finale The Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes, a Group 3 run over 5 furlongs at Newbury Racecourse on 18^th August.

The red, green and gold silks of the Royal Cavalry of Oman are a familiar sight in Arabian Races around the UK and their presence and generosity as a sponsor and owner has grown considerably over the past few years. We look forward to seeing their colours on track at Chepstow in the first race with Rehab ridden by David Turner and The Sohar under Joanna Mason in the sixth.

Racehorse Trainer, for the Royal Cavalry of Oman Said Al Badi said; ‘’we are delighted to be back in the UK and starting our 2018 campaign at Chepstow Racecourse, the horses are well and we will be looking to go one better than 2017 when we finished second in the Owners Championship. This will be a busy 2018 campaign; especially during this week as we will be sponsoring a Group 3 Race at Royal Windsor the day after our Chepstow event, an international race that targets runners from overseas as well as the UK’’.

ARO Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “ARO is very proud of its association with The Royal Cavalry of Oman and is immensely grateful for their continued support, The Royal Cavalry of Oman have been part of Arabian racing in the UK for more than ten years, their sponsorship is extremely valuable to UK Arabian Racing and we are delighted that they have continued to support us so generously for so many years, we wish them every success at their first meeting this season at Chepstow and throughout the season to come, we hope our relationship will continue for many years.”
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ARO are thrilled to announce an excellent response to entries for the first Pattern race of the UK Arabian racing season, the Royal Cavalry of Oman ARO Cup Group 3 PA that will be run over a mile at Royal Windsor Racecourse on Monday 28th May.

A high class field is now anticipated that includes entries from overseas for the prestigious £15,000 race, kindly sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman. This will be the first of nine Arabian Pattern races scheduled for the UK under the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) banner, Sponsors, The Royal Cavalry of Oman are delighted to be sponsoring again at Royal Windsor their race will be the only Arabian race on the Thoroughbred card at Royal Windsor and one of many Arabian races sponsored by The Royal Cavalry of Oman throughout the 2018 season that will climax at Newbury Racecourse with the Royal Cavalry of Oman Clarendon Stakes, a Group 3 run over 5 furlongs on the 18th August.

Racehorse Trainer, for the Royal Cavalry of Oman Said Al Badi said; ‘’we are delighted to be back in the UK and especially at Royal Windsor, showcasing this Group 3 Race as an international event, we hope that the overseas participants will be joining us following the declaration stage’’.

ARO Racing Operations Manager Willie McFarland commented: “ARO is very pleased to see such a great response to this race and very grateful to The Royal Cavalry of Oman for their valuable sponsorship and commitment, they have been involved with Arabian racing in the UK for many years, and we are extremely grateful for their support – we wish them every success throughout the season and hope the relationship will continue for many years to come.”

They saved the best for last on Sunday 13^th May – on a day embraced ‘Somerset Day’ celebrations a delighted Taunton crowd witnessed a great win for local lady jockey Ellie Mackenzie and the highlight of the day a magnificent dead heat finish in the last to end proceedings. It was also a good day for British breeders of Arabian bloodstock with four wins for horses bred in the UK.

The first race the Forta Stud restricted Maiden Stakes, for 3 years old & upwards sponsored by Forta Stud and run over one  mile two furlongs, provided the chance for first time out Zayin Activist to live up to his name in the preliminary’s putting something of a show in the paddock. Having settled at the start the two horses who had showed previous potential, finishing second on their respective debuts last season set out to make their mark with J Force taking an early lead over Pharitz Fahr – both quickly ahead of the Peter Hammersley trained debutants Shakatak Alenaya under jockey Mike Palmer and Zayin Activist ridden by jockey David Turner. J Force jumped off promptly with Beverley Deutrom’s Pharitz Fahr under jockey Simon Walker gamely stalking the front runner who started to idle in the latter stages giving J Force’s jockey Will Pettis some work to do; he proved a convincing winner though in the concluding stages and this eye catching colt by multiple Group 1 winning sire Jaafer, provided a welcome start to the day for trainer Philip Collington and owner, breeder Sue Herrod. Zayin Activist and Shakatak Alenaya battled it out on their own, to finish third and fourth respectively and will certainly come on for the run and experience.

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The second race the www.aroracing.co.uk Handicap Stakes 0-50 for 4 years & upwards, over one mile two furlongs saw a quartet of mares led out by Delyth Thomas’s Callymay under Simon Walker, a hard race to call with all in contention –  Veteran horse under owner, trainer, jockey, Yucel Mehmet at the rear of the field on Trip To Khairo who at 15 years old still looked very game was waiting for his chance and watching the moves of  Johara Bint Shuwaiman who having won on her seasonal debut at Chelmsford under Ellie Mackenzie was obviously looking to continue her winning run. The opportunity to do just this came to hand as a slip up on the final bend saw both Callymay and Synergy out of the race, a frustration for the latter as jockey James Harding and trainer Adam Newey had hopes for the unlucky Synergy who always runs well fresh. With only two left in contention Ellie Mackenzie took her chance on Johara Bint Shuwaiman as although chased down by Trip To Khairo who whilst inching closer couldn’t quite close, leaving Macenkzie to cross the line and win by a length for delighted trainer Nikki Malcolm, breeder, Jenny Lees and owner, HH Sheikha Maryam Bint M Al Maktoum.
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ARO welcomes Taunton Annual Badge Holders Maiden Stakes set over a mile for 4 years old & upwards, didn’t start well for James Harding, having been unseated in the previous race his mount Estfahan, trained by Jennifer Owen whipped round at the start and left him with lengths to make up and also running very green, With a trio of HH Sheikh Hamdan’s string left vying for contention it was left to these to make a race of it and they did just that. TIJAARY who had the benefit of a run this season put up a good show on top weight for Simon Walker but it wasn’t to be a win for the James Owen colt as Phil Collington’s filly Ashjaan put aside her disappointing seasonal debut to win convincingly on her third attempt and make it two in the winning enclosure for trainer, Collington with Munawwar third under jockey Will Pettis.
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The 0-70 rated, fourth Race run over a mile, the Somerset Day Handicap Stakes for Arabians, 4 years & upwards,
saw David Turners mount Majid Bin Krayaan frustratingly whip round at the start leaving him completely out of contention – Chloe Emsley on course specialist Man Of Dreams was certainly looking to make a winning return on a horse who was fresh on his seasonal return. As a four time winner of races at Taunton in four of the last five seasons for trainer Carol Legg he certainly looked like it could be a repeat performance, winding up proceedings with Elyassaat under Will Pettis in hot pursuit, Man of Dreams stamped his authority at the two furlong pole and pulled away convincingly, leaving a fast finishing Mersal under Jockey Simon Walker returning from a long absence to snatch second place in the final strides for owner Pharitz Arabians and trainer Beverley Deutrom, 3rd place went to Elyassaat , owners Blue Star Racing and trainer Jayme Plumb.
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Race Five ARO proud to support St Margaret’s Hospice Handicap Stakes 0-80 over one mile 2 furlongs was by the book – quite literally, it was to be a 1,2,3, for racecard numbers 1,2,3, as the royal blue colours of owner HH Sheikh Hamden shared the spoils between the winning podium and third place for trainer, James Owen and second place for trainer Phil Collington. On paper it had looked like things should go the way of Zayin Zachillies who’s winning ways have included a race at this track but despite a valiant attempt to apply pressure from the front the pace set by Colington’s Halib des Forges under Will Pettis and Al Faaris under Joanna Mason saw them draw away and deliver an exciting finish as Mason quickened in the final strides to the line to win and make the four and a half hour trip from Yorkshire to race worthwhile. There is certainly more to come from second placed Halib Des Forges this season and also Madany who although a well beaten third had also won at Taunton before.
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Race six ARO at Chepstow on 27th May Handicap Stakes 0-40 for 4 years & upwards, over one mile five furlongs saw a keen start with the pack galloping away putting the pressure on from the get go, tightly grouped and traveling well through the first few furlongs the blue colours of Taer al Hurr and Abaci ridden by Ryan Whitley prominent with eventual winner Senor Dublcheck the back marker. As the field approached half way, the early pace started to take its toll with the string stretching out, Southpaw set to make his move under James Harding as Rob Woollard on Senor Dublcheck started to move well up through the field to join Kaitlen Robinson on Mulan who looked to be running a very consistent race at the front of the field – the three hit the final furlong together with Woollard and Senor Dublcheck asserting their authority striking the front with half a furlong to go leaving the chasing pair to fight it out bringing home a welcome first win in three years for Senor Dublcheck, 2^nd place for Southpaw and 3^rd place going to a delighted Kaitlen Robinson on Mulan.
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Race seven looked like it could provide an exciting finale and it did just that, the  Join ARO at Taunton on 8th September Open Handicap Stakes for Arabians, 4 years & upwards over one mile two furlongs gave those betting more of a challenge with this wide open handicap to consider. With popular grey Emiraaty back on track, ridden by Simon Walker after his seasonal winning debut for trainer James Owen at Chelmsford and three well-bred handicap debutants in the line-up in the shape of Tatbeeq, Samawaat and Makhaater it was an interesting cocktail of opportunity, especially when adding the respected HAU KOLA, to the mix who was having his first start for trainer Christopher Bull having won a very competitive race on his final start last season. Top weight front runner Emiraaty took his place in front of the tightly grouped field from the outset and all were in with a chance turning into the home straight as the tempo rose, quickly dropping three to see Tatbeeq under Joanna Mason trying gamely to keep on terms but never gaining on the front two who were stride for stride hitting the line with the judges calling for a photo finish that finally declared a dead heat between 6 year Hau Kola for jockey Morgan Winstone claiming 5lb, owners, John Elliott & Paul Beard and trainer Christopher Bull and the 7 year old Emiraaty owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan and trained by James Owen.
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ARO was delighted to be at Taunton and those there enjoyed a great days racing with lots of positives to share, the next Arabian meeting back on the TAUNTON TURF will be on 8^th September, if people are interested in sponsoring at this event please contact the Arabian Racing Organisation, the next full meeting will be at Chepstow Racecourse on 27^th May where the Royal Cavalry of Oman will sponsor the day. (For information on events and contacts please find our details on www.aroracing.co.uk).