After this great start it's on to DIAR day

Conquer and Joanna Mason

27 June 2017, UK ~ Hot on the heels of Jenny and Herbie Owen’s first homebred success with Insignia at Wolverhampton, his half-brother Conquer kept his head in front where it mattered in the Hope Farm (0-70) Handicap at Chepstow on Monday, 26 June. Both horses are trained by their son James, who is currently just heading the ARO Trainers Championship, which he won last season.

Settled in behind the leaders by Joanna Mason, the five-year-old gelding by Concord traveled smoothly along the far side rail to the inside in the last quarter mile. Still very green, he idled once in front, however he just held on under pressure from a fast finishing Vindetta under Mike Palmer. Early leader, Noble Athlete, ran his usual solid race, staying on bravely to take third for James Bowen, with Owen’s other runner Dolfina D’Ibos in fourth.

Owen couldn’t be more pleased saying: “He was broken in late last season and he ran a few times, showing enough promise to think he would improve. I thought he would win at Wolverhampton first time out, but he was a bit fresh, too keen to the start, and didn’t finish off his race. Then he ran well at Taunton, beaten by a well handicapped horse and last time at Wolverhampton, I didn’t think he got the trip, he’s got plenty of speed, though I actually don’t think he likes the All Weather very much. He travelled well today, but he’s still a big green baby really. Hopefully now we’ll go to Newbury for the 0-75 Handicap on Dubai Day, where a strong seven furlongs will suit him well.”

Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation Racing Operations Executive said: “We’re delighted for the Owens’ with two homebred winners in less than two weeks, which is a great reward for their patience.”

“Our next event is the final race in the DIAR prep series, which the 1m2f, Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury on 30th July International Stakes, to be run at Newbury this Thursday 29th June. For four-year-olds and upwards, it takes place over the same distance as the race it supports, the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes, Group 1 PA, the feature race of the DIAR meeting,” Cobb concluded.

~ end photo and text by Debbie Burt for ARO