Shadwell Estates’ Wanaasa started her season as she ended her last one, with an impressive win at Chelmsford City. 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 and a further ten lengths clear of Farhaa, 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.”
Al Sawadi Beach Handicap Stakes 0-105
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.”
