A 1-2-3 for HH Sheikh Hamdam’s homebreds in the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Handicap Stakes

Loolwa ridden by Kevin Stott

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The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) season came to a close at Wolverhampton this afternoon, with the nine-and-a-half-furlong Shadwell Arabians Stallions (0-95) Handicap Stakes. ARO Patron HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s homebreds filled the first three places with Loolwa winning convincingly, providing trainer Phil Collington with his first UK win of the season.

Fittingly in a race named for Shadwell Arabian Stallions, the three fillies were by Shadwell sires, with Loolwa and second placed Farhaa being daughters of Al Saoudi, whilst third placed Anfaas is a daughter of No Risk Al Maury.

Though familiar with the breed from time spent riding in Dubai, jockey Kevin Stott was recording his first UK win on an Arabian and was pleased with Loolwa’s professional attitude saying: “She’s a nice big filly; I can only see her going forward from this. I said to Phil that back on Turf she’ll probably enjoy a bit of cut in the ground and I think she could get further too. I couldn’t fault her performance at all.”

Collington was obviously relieved to be back in the winners circle and was delighted with Loolwa commenting: “It’s been frustrating, her debut effort was above expectations, when she was third in the UK Arabian Derby, but to see her win today confirmed the ability that she showed then. I’m longing to see her back on Turf next season.”

Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation Commercial and Finance Director said: “We congratulate His Highness on his success this afternoon and thank Shadwell Arabian Stallions for their support.  ARO is extremely grateful for the support of all our valued sponsors this season, which has enabled us to maintain our presence as part of UK racing. In addition, we also thank the British Horseracing Authority and Wolverhampton Racecourse for their continued assistance in 2020.”

www.shadwellarabian.co.uk - From its origins in the Middle East, Arabian racing has become increasingly popular across Europe and Shadwell stallions have played an important role in breeding for this sport since the beginning. The original UK based operation was housed at Melton Paddocks, Norfolk. From there, the high quality and popularity of the stallions offered by Shadwell meant the business of standing Arabian at stud soon expanded to become a global one.

Source: www.aroracing.co.uk / Photo: Debbie Burt