Mazyoonah wins with the colours of HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum

The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted for ARO Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum who had his first success of the UK Arabian racing season when Mazyoonah won the Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Stakes at Wolverhampton today.

Trained by James Owen and ridden by Jack Mitchell, the five-year-old daughter of No Risk Al Maury finished three-quarters of a length ahead of Alghally, also trained by Owen, with Al Monther trained by Phil Collington a further half-length back in third. Both placed horses were also bred and owned by His Highness.

2019 ARO champion trainer James Owen was slightly surprised with Mayzoonah’s win saying: “I thought she’d struggle under joint top weight and the trip would be on the short-side for her as she won nicely over six furlongs in Holland last year. Jack gave her a lovely patient ride today and it all came right for her. I’d thought Alghally was my strongest chance, but this was only his third start and I think he’s still a bit green, Mazyoonah is more experienced and it showed today.”

Owen was fresh from success in another Sheikh Mansoor Festival race, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup in Belgium, where he also trained the first two home in Al Azeeza for HH Sheikh Hamdan and Tijaary for his own syndicate, the James Owen Racing Club. Of that achievement he commented: “Al Azeeza did it well yesterday and Tijaary ran great too, he continues to improve. I’m pleased with how all the horses are running at the moment.”

Jack Mitchell was recording his first ever win on an Arabian from just a handful of previous rides he said: “I just nursed her into it, and we got lucky as the race opened up for her when it mattered, and she did it well. She’ll definitely improve for that run.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO warmly congratulates our Patron HH Sheikh Hamdan with his first UK Arabian victory of 2020. It has been a fantastic season for him here with his thoroughbreds, and we wish him continued success now our season is underway.

“ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, who have been sponsoring with us since 2011. This year has been an exceptional time with many new challenges and we also thank the British Horseracing Authority and Wolverhampton racecourses for the support and assistance in enabling our racing to go ahead.”

Source: Arabian Racing Organisation. Photo: Debbie Burt