The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) welcomes back long-term sponsor the Royal Cavalry of Oman to Newbury racecourse on Thursday 30th June with their Al Rustaq Fort (0-75) Handicap Stakes over 1m2f.
The race looks a competitive affair with two recent winners, Balqees and Jeewan facing off from either end of the handicap, however it could be a fairytale in the making for young amateurs Connor Baker or Rhea Betts. Both are making their racecourse debuts on Arabians, riding Tijaary and Jaahez respectively and both horses have won for amateurs before. Al Mahbooba is seeking to break her maiden returning to handicap company, whilst two-time winner Paramer Angel makes his seasonal debut.
This is the first of three races that the Royal Cavalry are sponsoring at Newbury this year as part of their five-race package for the season. The next will be the Nizwa Fort Conditions Stakes over six furlongs on July 7th, with their annual highlight, the Royal Cavalry of Oman International Stakes, a Group 2PA six-furlong sprint worth £20,000 to be held on August 13th. This race is named after Al Rustaq Fort, a popular tourist destination in Oman, famed for its warm springs and located around 170km from Muscat. Al Rustaq was the ancient capital of Oman and the fort, built on three levels, covers an area of 1km square since its restoration.
When their sponsorship was announced earlier this year, Dr Sarhan Salim Hamed Al-Zeidi, Director General of The Royal Cavalry of Oman commented: “The Royal Cavalry of Oman is delighted to confirm their sponsorship with the Arabian Racing Organisation for 2022. The Royal Cavalry have had a long and successful working relationship with ARO for many seasons and we are proud to be supporting UK Arabian racing at all levels.”
Genny Haynes, ARO CEO commented: “ARO warmly welcomes back the Royal Cavalry of Oman as sponsors to Newbury, a course with which they have had a great association, both as sponsors and with the numerous successes of their racehorses, all the way up to Group1 PA level. We look forward to welcoming their representative, Mohammed Al Hashmi, General Secretary of the Royal Horse Racing Club, to present the trophies.
“ARO also thanks Newbury racecourse and the British Horseracing Authority for their continued support of our racing and Racing Welfare for sponsoring the Best Turned Out Award during Racing Staff Week.”