12 May 2016, Newbury, UK ~ Ten runners have been declared for the ARO Cup (Group 3 PA), which is to be run as the final race on Al Shaqab Lockinge Day at Newbury on Saturday, 14 May. This is the first of nine Arabian Pattern races scheduled for the UK under the Arabian Racing Organization (ARO) banner.
The £15,000 race is run over the same straight mile as the prestigious Lockinge Stakes, a Group 1 for Thoroughbred runners earlier in the card.
Topping the ratings is Radames for HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Trained by rookie trainer Philip Collington, former assistant to Gill Duffield, His Highness’s previous handler who retired last year, he also fields course and distance winner Aghsaan for the same connections. Whilst he only got off the mark as a trainer last Saturday, he has ridden both of his runners to victory last season when he was retained amateur to Sheikh Hamdan, so knows them both well.
Also hoping for a good run is Georgina Ward, trainer of the likely favorite Jaldi Karo. Having been beaten by Radames last season, he reversed the placings on their seasonal reappearance last month. Ward commented. “To be fair, I thought he would need the race (at Chelmsford), so that was a bit of a surprise, however both Jaldi Karo and Radames will have come on for the run so we will just have to see what happens. I’d like him to go well as he is owned by a syndicate that really enjoys their racing.”
There is sure to be a great crowd in attendance for as well as top class action on the turf, there is live music after racing. Free Grandstand entry is on offer to under those under 23 or students with a valid NUS card by pre-registering online through the racecourse website.
ARO Racing Manager Amanda Smith commented. “We are delighted that the ten runners include some exciting young horses who should progress under ARO rules this season. It is our first Group race of the season and for it to be held on one of Newbury’s most prestigious fixtures is of great benefit to the sport in the UK.”
Smith continued. “This is also the first of six single Arabian races to be run on thoroughbred cards at Newbury this year and we hope that this may encourage a new audience for our full fixtures, including our flagship event, Dubai International Arabian Races, also run at Newbury, on July 24 this year.”
Full Arabian Card:
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