Delyth Thomas’s Paramer Angel made a winning return to action at Newbury today in the Al Rustaq Fort (0-75) Handicap Stakes over 1m2f, partnered by Charlie Price. The 11-year-old stayed on well to keep recent winner Balqees and Sean Levey at bay by a head, with Jaahez and Arabian racing newcomer Miss Rhea Betts a further three and a quarter lengths away in third.
Price, a conditional jockey attached to National Hunt trainer Tim Vaughan was naturally pleased with the win, as had originally steered Paramer Angel to his first two victories when still an amateur. After the race he said: “That was really great. That’s our first runner back this season, it took longer than we’d planned, as we wanted to start earlier but we had a few issues with the gallop at home. A mile and two furlongs is probably not his best distance but that rain shower before the race probably helped him. He sticks his neck out when he’s in a battle, I can’t fault the horse, he just tries.
“Izzy does a great job with Paramer Angel at home, he’s a handful to ride, I come in on Wednesdays and Sundays to help her out when I can, but I can’t be there all the time as I’m away racing. She does a brilliant job with him so it’s great for her to win the Best Turned Out Award as well.”
Of his season so far, he commented: “Things are going well with the jumpers, I’ve had three winners already this new season and that’s my second Arabian winner so it’s a good start.
Mohammed Al Hashmi, General Secretary of the Royal Horse Racing Club was there to present the trophies commented: “The Royal Cavalry of Oman are delighted to be back at Newbury and we congratulate the winners today in what was a very competitive race. We now look forward to our next race here, the Nizwa Fort Conditions Stakes on 7th July.”
Charles Gregson, ARO Chairman said: “ARO is extremely grateful for the generous sponsorship that the Royal Cavalry of Oman have given us since 2008 and are delighted to welcome Mohammed Al Hashmi back to the UK to present the trophies to Delyth and Charlie.
“ARO also thanks Newbury racecourse and the British Horseracing Authority for their continued support of our racing this season. We also thank Racing Welfare, represented by Hannah Ryan and Kerry Blundell today, who sponsored the Best Turned Out Award won by Izzy Brown.”
