Wathba Stud Farm Cup Fresno CA
10/10/2011

Wathba Stud Farm Cup Series race 

October 8, Fresno, California

article & photo courtesy Pamela Burton

The first race to go off on Saturday, October 8th in Fresno was the last race for the California season sponsored by the Watba Stud Farm.

The favorite of the seven runners for the 6 furlongs was NC Casey Jones (Makzan x Shes The Most) owned by Leisa Belser. Coming out of the gate hard the chestnut gelding got boxed in the back by traffic.  Jockey Chris Russell settled him by the stretch where he was already gaining on Anvirlik, and he caught him before the wire, finishing in 1:21:91.   
  
“It was a bit rough at the start,” said Russell.  “He was fighting me the first part but I knew I had enough horse, I just had to find the right opening.”

“We’ve been working hard on this horse, said owner, Leisa Belser.  “I’ve had him since he was a three year- old and now he’s eight.  He’s my ultimate horse and I’ll have him forever.  He’s been doing well until earlier this year.  I took him home after Ferndale and he’s been doing well with his new trainer.”

“I’ve just kept him happy,” said his new trainer, Sandy Torok. “He likes his job and he does well when he’s happy.”

Results
1.  NC Casey Jones ( Makzan x Shes the Most) time of 1:20:91 owner, Leisa Belser, jockey Chris Russell, trainer, Sandy Torok

2. Anvirlik jockey by Pedro Flores
3. Le Fromage jockey Jorge Herrera
4. Ofrank, jockey David Essman
5. Juicy Pickins, jockey April Boag
6. Im Adorable Too, jockey Dihigi Gladney
7. Alongway Baby, jockey Hugo Herrera

The HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and co-ordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in association with Emirates Arabian Horse Society with support from Invest AD, Areej Al Ameerat, La Sirene, the UAE's General Women's Union, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2011, Wathba Stud Farm and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Emirates Airlines is the official carrier.