Al Kaaser wins the Baker McVeigh International

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Al Kaaser (Munjiz x Horkidee) continues the good run of form for the trainer-jockey combination of James Owen and Alex Chadwick in the Baker McVeigh International (0-105) Handicap (supported by Emirates Breeders) over a mile and a half at Wolverhampton on October 5. Stablemate Jaahez (No Risk Al Maury x Ziva) was four and three-quarter lengths second, giving Owen and owner-breeder HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum a one-two in the race, with Dilmun Racing’s Abiyah Athbah (Jaafer x Burning Fancy) in third.

Owen was delighted with both horses saying: “I was worried that they were going too slow in the race as all Al Kaaser does is stay, his run in Belgium was an improvement on last years’ form and I think he’s improved again. That race set him right for this and he showed a bit of speed there at the end, which is great, the family do take their time and like his half-brother Emiraaty, he’s got a bit of class.

“That was another great ride from Alex, he’s such good value for his three pound claim, and of course he rides them all at home too. It was a hard pick on form for Dane O’Neill who rode Halib Des Forges for His Highness as they met on similar terms as to when Halib beat Al Kaaser last year here. I think the run he’d had in Belgium helped, the same for Jaahez, as he’d had an outing overseas too. It was a big run from him, he tried really hard today and I’m pleased with that.”

He concluded: “It’s great to see new sponsors to Arabian racing in Baker McVeigh. My wife Jenny is part of their practice so they’re a big part of our team at Hamilton Stables and it’s lovely to see them supporting the sport that I’m involved in.”

Stable amateur and last years’ ARO champion jockey Chadwick was pleased to turn around the form with Halib Des Forges saying: “Last year here, Al Kaaser was a bit of a monkey, going left and right and we just lost the race, but this time we had full cup blinkers on him and that made the difference. It’s great to have another winner for James and HH Sheikh Hamdan, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to ride nice horses for them.”

Baker McVeigh International is a group of equine veterinarians with branches currently in the UK South Africa and France, with over 30 vets and 14 partners worldwide. They commented: “Baker McVeigh are delighted to be sponsoring an ARO race at Wolverhampton on Monday. Arabian Racing is growing significantly worldwide and Baker McVeigh are proud to be a part of it.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was thrilled commenting. “We congratulate James and Alex and his team winning another race for our patron HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. ARO also warmly welcomes the support of Baker McVeigh International as a new sponsor to UK Arabian racing. It is vital during these challenging times that our sport maintains its’ presence as part of the UK racing scene and we are very grateful to all our sponsors in 2020.”

“In addition, we also thank the British Horseracing Authority and Wolverhampton racecourse for their continued assistance so that we may provide opportunities to race at all levels in 2020.”

Source: Arabian Racing Organisation UK (ARO) / Photo: Debbie Burt