The
DIAR 2019 International Stakes
was won by AL KAASER ridden by Mark Dwyer, he also trained by James Owen for his owner-breeder, HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Finishing well from off the pace was his other runner Farhaa, to be second, whilst Hizaam was third for the Royal Cavalry of Oman. This was a second win of for the five-year-old son of Munjiz who clearly appears to have benefitted from being gelded over the winter, as he is unbeaten in two starts this year, having won over 2 miles at Doncaster at the start of the month. This success puts the Newmarket based trainer on 10 winners for the season, seven clear of his nearest rival, Delyth Thomas.
Speaking after the race Owen commented:"Al Kaaser, I loved him last year, but he just got beat a couple of times - he got stuck in the mud here on DIAR - and was a bit colty. At Doncaster I thought he would win easily, but he only just won and I felt he looked a bit laboured, even with the cheekpieces, so we worked him in a visor and he worked really well. I've always thought he had a bit of class and he looked straight forward tonight. Martin was delighted with him, they didn't go very fast, but he was in the right position throughout the race and he kept galloping on well, even after they past the post. I'm pleased that he has shown he can win over this trip against good horses and he has more options for DIAR now.
"Farhaa got a bit worked up tonight. I know we won in Belgium with her, but this is her first time on Turf. It's a big occasion for her, and this is what it will be like at DIAR for her next month. She's learnt a lot tonight, she's only four and she did well tonight off a slow pace to get as close as she did."
Concluding he said:"They're both nice young horses who are progressive, we broke both of them in, so it's a great team effort. We've some fantastic riders at home and a new assistant trainer, Tim Bryce, who has been a massive help to me. He's experienced with thoroughbreds, but not Arabians, so he's learnt a lot too and it's working, the horses are in great form, so long may it continue."
