HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum-bred horses take top positions
1 June 2017, UK ~ The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) opened the first two races of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR) Prep Race Series at Chelmsford City Racecourse on the first day in June. The two races support the Hatta International Stakes (for Fillies and Mares) Gr1 PA and the Za’abeel International Stakes Gr1 PA, run over their DIAR distances of 1m2f and 6f respectively and were won by Naishaan (Fillies and Mares) and Alazeez.
The 4-year-old filly Naishaan by No Risk Al Maury won her race backed by Tadhg O’Shea by more than four lengths while Aghsaan by Al Jakbar with Jim Crowley in the saddle finished second in her first start of the season.
In the second DIAR race the winner was Alazeez (Madjani) under Harry Bentley followed in by stablemate Radames (Kerbella) with Tadhg O’Shea at the helm.
James Owen trained the winner, while Phil Collington trained the second in both races assuring ARO 2016 Champion Trainer James Owen to be still ahead in the 2017 Championship ratings. Speaking after the races Owens said: “I am delighted with Naishaan showing today the ability she shows at home. Alazeez I’ve loved since day one. He has progressed from last year and has come on well from his first run.”
The winners were homebre for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Shadwell Stud Manager Richard Lancaster, present at the races said: “I’m so pleased with the performances of both horses, as they are both four-year-olds who can progress from here. We are looking forward to having a strong team for Dubai Day in July for when HH Sheikh Hamdan comes over.”
Gemma Cobb, ARO Racing Operations Executive said: “ARO has welcomed the instigation of the DIAR Prep Race Series and are pleased that we attracted three international runners for the two DIAR prep races this evening. Last year saw a rise in overseas runners at the main event at Newbury, a trend which we hope will continue. It is the highlight of the UK Arabian racing season, which this year will be held on July 30.”
“The next race in the series is The DIAR Premier Handicap Stakes, restricted to domestic runners, at Chepstow next Saturday. The mile and a half race has attracted 21 entries, and with a safety factor of 16, we are expecting a good field,” Cobb continued.
Race Results:
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