He may have won his last race in a photofinish, but there was no mistaking Zayin Zyperion’s superiority in the Emirates Breeders (0-55) Handicap which he won by five lengths. Given a well-timed ride by Joey Haynes, Zayin Arabians homebred appears to be still progressing, finishing ahead of Steve Blackwell’s Aljawaaher and the Connally’s Samawaat, who was also trained by Hammerlsey.
“He's improved again, hasn’t he? Commented Hammersley. “We thought he’d run well, and he’s exceeded our expectations. He’s becoming more and more professional in his races and Joey’s given him a lovely ride, I’m delighted for Paul as we’ve been very patient with the horse and not rushed him when he was younger.
“I’m also very pleased with my other runners. Sue and Tony’s Samawaat’s had a few niggles, but she’s run up to the standard that she set last season and Kelly [Bostock] rode a good race on her. Steve [Harrison] said that Bin Al Reeh didn’t really travel for the first half of the race and then didn’t get going until it was too late. I also noticed he tried to bite Samawaat about a furlong out, so I think he’s earned a visit to the vet!”
All 13 entries had declared for the one mile and half a furlong contest, one of a range of maidens, conditions races and a variety of handicaps sponsored by the Emirates Breeders this year under Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) rules. The final race of the series will see them return to Dunstall Park on Saturday 18 September for a 0-75 handicap, the last scheduled race of the season.
Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO warmly congratulates Pete Hammersley, for his success with his runners today. Paul Simmons has been a long-term supporter of ours with his Zayin Arabians and we are also delighted that all of the first four home are managed by small UK breeders.
“ARO would like to thank the Emirates Breeders for their generous sponsorship of this race and the British Horseracing Authority and all the team at Wolverhampton racecourse for their assistance this season. We look forward to returning here next month."
Photo © Debbie Burt
