James Owen receives the 2024 Arabian Racing Achievement Award from Equine MediRecord CEO Pierce Dargan © Fran Altoft
Tuesday 3 December 2024 –
Yesterday afternoon the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) proudly recognised the achievements of Newmarket based trainer James Owen, who was presented with a third Arabian Racing Achievement Award by Pierce Dargan of Equine MediRecord. The award was given as part of the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association Annual Derby Awards Lunch, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Monday December 2.
This year Owen, who is now in his second season holding a full licence from the British Horseracing Authority, has secured over 100 winners under three codes, in Flat, National Hunt and Arabian racing. He secured his sixth ARO trainers title, in addition to a first ARO owners title, becoming the first domestic based winner of that award since 2003, when it was won by Michael Brunton.
He started the season with just three Arabians, last year’s leading horse, Upstart Crow, owned by his Arabian assistant Lissie Reeves and her mother, Linda, as well as two homebred fillies, Victoria and Delicatesse. All three have been winners this year and as the season progressed, he gained two fillies from Al Nujaifi Racing, Amirat Al Zaman, Fareedhat El Izz and two filles for new UK syndicate Okewood Bloodstock, Hibikinada Du Mazet and Zizania Du Mazet. Last to arrive were the multi-million-dollar winner, First Classs, and Winds Of Fortune from Cre Run Farm to summer in the UK before returning to leading UAE trainer Doug Wason for a winter campaign. All bar First Class won, though First Classs had a tough assignment to make his seasonal return in Paris, giving Owen his first runner in the Qatar Arabian World Cup.
James Owen with Amirat Al Zaman, Lissie Reeves and Marco Ghiani ©Debbie Burt
Always a supporter of young jockeys, one of his stable amateur’s Teagan Padgett, secured a second ARO jockeys’ title. Under rules, his apprentice, Sean Dylan Bowen became Champion Apprentice, whilst Alex Chadwick, himself a dual ARO leading jockey, secured the Gentleman’s Champion Amateur title in the Amateur Jockeys Association Championship.
With his thoroughbreds he has gained black type wins under both codes with Burdett Road, Wimbledon Hawkeye and East India Dock, and has plenty to look forward to at the highest level in all spheres in 2025.
James Owen and the team at Green Ridge Stables with recent Cheltenham winners Burdett Road (right) and East India Dock © Debbie Burt
James Owen commented: “I’m delighted to win this award again. So pleased to still be involved in Arabian racing as I learnt my trade with them, and to be leading trainer for a sixth time as well as enjoying success with my thoroughbreds on the Flat and jumping.”
Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We are thrilled for James. Since taking out his full licence he has shown that it is possible to successfully train Arabians alongside thoroughbreds at all levels, which is a great example to all. He has also maintained a connection with his roots by supporting amateur riders and we wish him every success next season.
“We also thank ARO’s Associate Sponsor Equine MediRecord for their continued support of Arabian racing and for their sponsorship of this award at one of the British racing industries most prestigious events which brings our sport to a much wider audience each year.”
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