Abqarry wins the Al Seefah Beach Handicap by a nose at Doncaster

Abqarry ridden by Rossa Ryan, stepped up from his maiden to win the Al Seefah Beach (0-75) Handicap sponsored by the Royal Cavalry of Oman at Doncaster on July 17. Trained by James Owen for Shadwell Estates, the five-year-old was making his handicap debut in the mile and a quarter event at the historic Town Moor track.

It was a hard-fought win, with the Pete Hammersley trained Al-Tabari putting up another brave performance to go down by a nose on the line. Balqees in the Shadwell first colours, trained by Phil Collington, was five lengths away in third.

After the race Ryan commented:

James said he might still be a bit green, but just get him in a rhythm. I got to the front a bit soon, but luckily Al-Tabari came by me. It just gave him something to aim at when facing the crowd and he stuck his head down when it was needed.”

Owen, who was recording his eighth win of the season for his principal patron, Shadwell Estates said:

I think they ended up going a bit quick in front. Abqarry was green in his maiden, we put the cheekpieces on today and I thought Rossa gave him an outstanding ride. What a great race, to win on the nod. I think Abqarry will mature further and stay well. He’s got more scope than the others I’ve had out of the mare.”

He continued:

I’m a bit disappointed with Sahis, I thought he was my best chance coming into the race, I don’t know what happened there, the Derby was the plan for him, so hopefully something will come to light.”

Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director said:

We congratulate Shadwell Estates and the James Owen team for their continued success this season. It’s great for our sport to have another close finish, particularly now the crowds are back on course. We also congratulate Pete Hammersley who came so close to winning with Al-Tabari, and to his groom Sue Wileman, who received the Best Turned Out award.

Our sincere thanks go to the Royal Cavalry of Oman for supporting our racing this season and for their continued sponsorship of our races at all levels. We also thank the team at Doncaster and we look forward to coming back here in September for the UK Arabian Derby sponsored by the UAE President Cup.”