Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Pulls Horses from Roger Varian’s Stable After Nine Years of Success, Including Seven Group One Wins, with Highlights Like Postponed's Victory in 2016.
Roger Varian Confirms Departure of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s Horses, Ending Nine-Year Partnership
In a surprising turn of events, esteemed trainer Roger Varian has announced that Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, one of horse racing's most influential owners, has withdrawn all 10 of his horses from Varian’s Carlburg Stables in Newmarket. This decision marks the end of a highly successful nine-year partnership that brought both parties numerous prestigious victories, including seven Group One titles.
A Legacy of Triumphs: From Postponed to Present
During their collaboration, Varian and Sheikh Obaid formed a formidable team in the world of horse racing. The partnership reached its zenith with Postponed, one of the most celebrated horses donning the distinctive yellow silks with black spots. Under Varian’s expert guidance, Postponed claimed victory in several top-tier races, including the Sheema Classic, Coronation Cup, and Juddmonte International in 2016. These triumphs not only solidified Postponed’s legacy but also highlighted the successful synergy between Varian’s training expertise and Sheikh Obaid’s keen eye for elite equine talent.
A Sudden Departure
The news of Sheikh Obaid’s decision was officially confirmed in a statement on Varian’s website, where the trainer expressed both his gratitude and his disappointment at the departure. "I can confirm that Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum has ended his support of my stable. The 10 horses that he currently had in training with me departed today," the statement read.
Varian took the opportunity to reflect on the fruitful relationship, saying, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Obaid for all the opportunities he has provided me over the past nine years. We have enjoyed a productive and memorable partnership, experiencing many fantastic days in both Britain – especially at Royal Ascot – and overseas, including seven Group One wins."
Looking Ahead: Varian’s Continued Commitment
Despite the unexpected split, Varian remains optimistic about the future of his stables. He emphasized his dedication to maintaining the high standards that have characterized Carlburg Stables’ success, saying, "It is important for me to emphasize that myself and the team here at Carlburg are fully committed to maintaining our own successful season."
Varian also highlighted the continued strength of his current roster, which includes top-class miler Charyn and British Classic winner Elmalka, among other promising talents. "Our stable currently features top-class miler Charyn and British Classic winner Elmalka, along with many other highly talented horses. We are very appreciative of our owners and look forward to continuing to earn their support in the coming months and years," he added.
The Future of Sheikh Obaid’s Racing Interests
While Sheikh Obaid’s departure from Varian’s stables marks the end of a significant chapter, it is clear that his passion for horse racing remains undiminished. Known for his enthusiastic and dedicated support of the sport on a global scale, Sheikh Obaid is expected to continue his involvement in racing with other trainers. His decision to move his horses signals a potential shift in his strategy, although the specific reasons behind the move have not been publicly disclosed.
As the racing world speculates on Sheikh Obaid’s next steps, both he and Varian will undoubtedly continue to make their marks on the sport, albeit on separate paths. For now, Varian’s focus remains on the future, as he and his team at Carlburg Stables strive to build on their current successes and achieve new milestones in the competitive world of horse racing.
