Al Shaamikh confirm promise in Emirates Breeders Novice Stakes

Al Shaamikh made it two wins from two starts with a convincing success in the Emirates Breeders Novice Stakes at Wolverhampton on October 22. The three-year-old hit the front going into the home straight and powered clear to win by five and half-lengths from Dergham Athbah in second, with Loolwa a further half-length away in third. The race which was run over a mile and one and half furlongs had looked particularly competitive on paper with a number of highly rated young horses declared. Al Shaamikh was defying a penalty for his previous course win, whilst it was also a second career victory for his trainer Jessica Quinlan who is in her first season training Arabians.

A delighted Quinlan said afterwards: “This was more polished performance than his first win here. He jumped off better and travelled better throughout the race. I was worried when he kicked for home at the last bend, as normally he needs some company to keep him up to his work, but he kept lengthening away which was brilliant.

“It was a tough year to start training and tough to keep both the owners and the horses sweet whilst we waited for racing to start. I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I’ve been really lucky with all the help I’ve had from the team at ARO. Hopefully next year we can improve again.”

Winning jockey Daniel Muscutt was also pleased with the colt’s performance saying: “He was obviously stepping up in trip from his win over seven furlongs here last month. He travelled really well and though I had to commit earlier than I would have liked coming round the turn, he did it really nicely and showed a really good attitude up the straight to win well.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “We are delighted for Jessica Quinlan to have such a great start to her first season training Arabians, particularly in such challenging circumstances.

“ARO would like to thank the Emirates Breeders and all our sponsors for their valued support in 2020 which has enabled us to maintain a presence as part of UK racing during these difficult times. In addition we also thank the British Horseracing Authority and Wolverhampton racecourse for their continued assistance this season.”

Source: Arabian Racing Organisation. Photo: Debbie Burt