Al Shaqab’s Katara wins Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Kempton
For the silver and maroon silks of Al Shaqab Racing, Katara broke her maiden in promising style in the Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Kempton on Wednesday evening.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute in Newmarket, the bay filly debuted in October last year as a two-year-old when, despite her obvious athleticism, she had a bad stumble leaving the stalls which put her out of contention. She put that all behind her on her seasonal bow this year when she finished second by a short head at Yarmouth three weeks ago. Her imposing win, at Kempton on Wednesday, confirmed that this progressive filly is one to watch later this season. She travelled with cover in mid-division before switching to the outside in the final turn by jockey Jim Crowley, who gave her a confident ride throughout. She came up to pressure the leaders before pulling away impressively to secure a fivelength victory in the 2200m run for three-year-olds and older. Bartisan Racing Ltd-owned and Michael Bell-trained La Dragontea was the runner-up with Kieran Shoemark in the saddle. The Mildmay Racing-owned and Andrew Balding-trained Horn Of Plenty was a further one-anda-half length behind in third under Oisin Murphy.
Katara was bred by Al Shaqab Racing at Haras de Bouquetot, France. She is by the Champion Japanese sire Deep Impact and out of New Approach’s mare Asyad, a three-time winner herself in Al Shaqab Racing colours.