Wathba Stud Farm Cup Santa Rosa Ca.
7/31/2011

Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series California

 On an unseasonably cool summer day in Sonoma country, FRENCH BEAT a 4 yr old gelding by Virgule Al Maury out of the Tomanchie daughter Timeless Song, won the 2nd added money sponsored race of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series in the USA, at the Santa Rosa Fair track in California.

Breaking sharp, French Beat under the guidance of jockey Chris Russell led from the gate to the wire by as much as 3 lengths at the half and just hung on for the win by a head.    Jockey Chris Russell stated, "He's much more talented than he shows.  He hasn't come into his own yet.  He was 2nd in the Pleasanton race.  I love riding Arabs."   Burning Speed MKP kept up a steady challenge moving up from 4th position and just barely missed the win with A Sargent General in hot pursuit rounding out the top 3 just 1 3/4 lengths off the first two. 

Proudd Pruf was DQ'd for interference at the start and was moved from fourth to last place.  Rounding out the field of 8  was Raineman, Kindest, SE Butterfly, Colt Fury Five and the disqualified Proudd Pruf

French Beat owned by Jim Schleimer and trained by  Sandy Torok (a relative newcomer to Arabian racing )  enthusiastically accepted the trophy of the Wathba Stud Farm Cup series.   There was an estimated  5600  avid fair goers, Arabian Racing Assoc. of California  members and spectators in  attendance who enthusiastically welcomed the Arabian race horses, as they have for over 25 years.     In  the winner's circle  was UAE representative, Firyal Abu-Hijab who resides in San Mateo, California, ARC Steward and California native, Dennise Gault and trainer Sandy Torok.  

The next Wathba Stud Farm Cup race in the USA will be held on August 14th in Ferndale, California at the Humboldt County Fair. 

photos courtesy Pamela Burton

http://photos.horsereporter.com