UK, Doncaster 15 September 2024
There was a first Arabian win for Okewood Bloodstock this afternoon in the Arabian Racing Organisation Series Finale (0-75) Handicap over a mile a quarter at Doncaster. The second most valuable handicap of the season, with a prize fund of £10,000 went the way of French import Zizania Du Mazet, ridden by Silvestre de Sousa despite missing the break.
Entering the home straight they were all closly bunched with Paramer Angel and Charlie Price setting the pace on the rail. It looked as though Victoria and Miss Teagan Padgett would go clear for a third win this season, but Paramer Angel rallied as they were challenged by Al-Hatab and Mohammed Tabti who had been stuck in a pocket on the rail. However Al-Hatab hesitated in front, as Zizania Du Mazet and de Sousa were staying on strongly up their outside down the centre of the course. De Sousa just got the filly up by half a length on the line from Paramer Angel in second and Al-Hatab a further length away in third.
This was also a first European winner for the sire Rijm, who had been third, beaten a length over course and distance in the UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby in 2018. All being well this could be the target next year for the three-year-old Zizania Du Mazet.
Quotes:
Silvestre de Sousa, jockey,1st: “James wanted me to be positive, I wanted to give her a chance to finish, she looked a bit green. When the penny dropped a furlong out, she stayed on strongly. It’s tough out there the conditions of the track now, being the last race, and it’s very wet and deep, made me struggle a little bit. I expected them to go hard, so I went a bit sooner than ideal and thought maybe I would get a place.
“The trip is fine, she struggled a bit on the ground, but good to soft would be fine.”
Delyth Thomas, owner, trainer, 2nd: “He’s a legend. To give that much weight to a young horse. He always sticks his head out and tries his best. I’m so proud of him.”
Peter Hammersley, trainer, 3rd, 4th: “Mohammed [Tabti] said when they hit the front, he thought Al-Hatab would go away from them like he did last year, but he put the brakes on, then when they came to him he went again. Maybe we’ll think about headgear next time.”
“Lewis [Saunders] thinks better ground and a true run race will suit Assassen better.
Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We are delighted for new syndicate owners, Okewood Blooodstock having their first winner with an Arabian, having previously owned thoroughbreds. We congratulate them, Silvestre de Sousa and all the Owen team for their win today. We also congratulate Rebecca Brady who won the Racing Welfare Best Turned Out Award with Paramer Angel.
