It was third time lucky for Wanaasa in the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Stakes run in association with Emirates Breeders at Chelmsford City on Saturday. The three-year-old filly finished six lengths clear of Balqees, with Nadelshiba a further two lengths behind in third. All were home-bred horses for Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Patron, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
The seven-furlong contest featured some exciting newcomers in the eight-runner line-up, however, Wanaasa was able to let her previous experience tell all. After the race trainer James Owen commented:
It was a good run from Wanaasa, I think she bumped into two nice horses previously. I was bit disappointed that she didn’t win first time out, and though she’s beaten inexperienced rivals, she’s done it well. She’s the fastest Arabian I’ve ever had. She’ll strengthen up, like her half-sister Al Azeeza, I think she’s got more class than her. She’s got a great mind.”
This was jockey Jack Mitchell’s second win on an Arabian, having scored on Mayzoonah for the same connections last month. He said:
Wanaasa gave me a great ride. Obviously, with two runs under her belt, she was entitled to be very professional. She travelled very well throughout and I just had to push the button, she’s very straightforward.”
Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation Commercial and Finance Director said:
We were thrilled to continue our association with Baileys Horse Feeds this season after their generous sponsorship of the Leading Trainer Award at Dubai International Arabian Races last year.
We now welcome them back as lead sponsor of two races. This increased support, enables us to maintain our presence as part of UK racing, like all our valued sponsors have done in 2020. In addition, we also thank the British Horseracing Authority and Chelmsford City Racecourse for their continued assistance this season.”
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.