Serafim Forta impresses in the Racing to
School Inspiring Young Minds Handicap

Watch the Race

Forta Stud’s homebred Serafim Forta was an impressive winner of the Racing to School Inspiring Young Minds (0-60) Handicap today at Wolverhampton. The nine-and-a-half furlong race supported by Emirates Breeders, attracted 12 runners, but it was Serafim Forta, the youngest horse in the race that showed the greatest improvement. He finished two and a half lengths ahead of the Connally’s Samawaat, with Zayin Arabian’s Zayin Zyperion a neck behind in third.

Trained by James Owen and ridden by leading ARO amateur Alex Chadwick, the three-year-old colt has improved with every race and is a first UK winner for Forta Stud’s own stallion, Sadeem.

Speaking after the race Chadwick said: “James was a bit worried I’d gone too soon on him, but he was going so well, I didn’t want to take a pull and unsettle his stride. At home he’s very buzzy and we go out at six in the morning when it’s much quieter, but everyone loves him at the yard.”

Racing to School Programme Manager Ollie McPhail commented: “We send our warmest congratulations to the winning connections at Wolverhampton today. It has been great to renew our association with the Arabian Racing Organisation even if we can’t be there in person. Like everyone in the industry we have had to adapt our working methods and though we can’t attend live race days, the fact that we are outside and with a low number of people on site, means that the children can still have a meaningful educational experience. We are looking forward to getting back on track when the restrictions are lifted and to working with ARO to increase awareness of the career opportunities within the sport.”

Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation Commercial and Finance Director said: “We are delighted for Forta Stud, the owner breeders of Serafim Forta, who have supported UK Arabian racing with both runners and race sponsorship for many years now. We are also pleased to be able to continue our association with Racing To School, as lead sponsor of this race with the Emirates Breeders. We also sincerely hope we will be able to welcome this excellent educational charity to our Arabian races in 2021 as part of their regular programme of events in what will be their twentieth anniversary year.”

Haynes concluded: “ARO is very 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 this year.”

Source:  Arabian Racing Organisation. Photo: Debbie Burt