Wanaasa wins The Al Sawadi Beach Handicap
sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman

Wanaasa ridden by Jack Mitchell
WATCH THE RACE

Shadwell Estates’ Wanaasa (No Risk Al Maury x Ouassila Thabet by Akbar) started her season as she ended her last one, with an impressive win at Chelmsford City on May 20. Stepping up in company for her handicap debut, the four-year-old daughter of No Risk Al Maury put up a professional performance under Jack Mitchell for trainer James Owen.

Though she was receiving weight all round, she remains a progressive looking filly, finishing two lengths ahead of Al Kaaser (Munjiz x Horkidee by Tidjani) and a further ten lengths clear of Farhaa (Al Saoudi x Maiziane by Al Sakbe), both from the Owen stable.

After the race Mitchell, who had been in the saddle for her previous win commented: “She’s obviously wintered well. I had a sit on her in Newmarket two weeks ago and she felt great, she’s got stronger. She’s still got that raw ability and we went a good gallop here and I was worried I might have got there too soon. She’s very exciting. James has done a good job with her.”

Owen was delighted with her performance saying: “Actually I thought Farhaa was the one, as she’s been working exceptionally well at home recently, and I’m pleased with Al Kaaser as he’s really a ten-furlong horse. Wanaasa was getting a lot of weight from the others, but she’s got so much speed. I’d like to get her on the grass next, there’s another Royal Cavalry race over seven furlongs at Newbury next month and if all goes well then she’ll go back there for the Group 2 race over six furlongs in August.”

The Al Sawadi Beach (0-105) Handicap was the first of five races sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman, long-term supporters of UK Arabian racing. The highlight of their sponsorship will be the Group 2PA Royal Cavalry of Oman International Stakes at Newbury on August 14th, in which Wanaasa may well take her chances.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “That was a great performance from last years’ leading Arabian filly Wanaasa and ARO congratulates Jack, James and the Shadwell team. The continued support of the Royal Cavalry of Oman has been welcomed by all involved in the sport in the UK, and we look forward to our next race with them at Newbury on 10th June. We are also grateful for the assistance of the British Horseracing Authority and all the team at Chelmsford City.”

Source: Arabian Racing Organisation. Photo: Debbie Burt - Equine Creative Media

---

Chelmsford City hosts competitive
Al Sawadi Beach Handicap

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) is delighted to return to Chelmsford City with the highly competitive Al Sawadi Beach (0-105) Handicap. The first of five races sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman, the mile contest has attracted a small but select field, in which a case can be made for every runner.

Based on last seasons’ form, the race promises to be a strong one with Al Kaaser, Abiyah Athbah and Tijaary renewing their rivalry over a shorter trip than when they met in 2020.

Farhaa raced primarily abroad though was a close second on her sole UK start at similar level, whilst last year’s leading filly Wanaasa, will meet seasoned campaigners for the first time. Four of the five runners have won at the track, whilst Tijaary has been placed on each occasion he has run there.

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO welcomes the continued support of the Royal Cavalry of Oman who have shown great commitment to our participants, supporting racing at every level from the grassroots to the international pattern. This race promises to be a highly competitive affair and will set the standard for our leading handicappers this season.“

We are also grateful for the assistance of the British Horseracing Authority and are looking forward to our first visit Chelmsford City this year.”

The Arabian Racing Organisation Limited is the sole Arabian Racing Authority in the UK, operating with the support and permission of the British Horseracing Authority. www.aroracing.co.uk

The Royal Cavalry of Oman was founded in the early 1970’s with just 20 horses. Today it fulfils a managerial role for all equestrian activities in Oman, including racing and overseeing breeding programmes, as well as providing horses for ceremonial duties for which they are famous worldwide.

Source: Arabian Racing Organisation