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Roger Varian has confirmed that leading owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid has removed all 10 horses of his horses that were in training at Carlburg Stables in Newmarket.
Leading owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid has ended a nine-year association with Newmarket-based trainer Roger Varian after removing all ten horses from his yard today.
The pair teamed up to land seven Group 1s over the years, with Postponed arguably the most notable following victories in the Sheema Classic, Coronation Cup and Juddmonte International in 2016. Ajman Princess' Prix Jean Romanet (2017) success and Defoe's Coronation Cup and Hardwicke Stakes victories were other notable triumphs at the top level.
It is not the first time Sheikh Mohammed Obaid has removed his horses from a yard abruptly, as the prominent owner transferred his string from Luca Cumani's to Varian's in 2015.
The news comes as a further blow for the trainer, who has seen his stable star King Of Steel sidelined through injury and the withdrawal of horses owned by AMO Racing this season. The removal included last year's Champion Stakes hero King Of Steel.
"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," read a statement on www.varianstable.com.
"I would like to convey my sincere thanks to Sheikh Obaid for all the opportunities that he has given me over the last nine years.
"Together we have had a long and fruitful association, enjoying many wonderful days in Britain – not least at Royal Ascot – and overseas, including seven Group Ones.
"Sheikh Obaid is a passionate and committed supporter of racing across the globe and I wish him and his horses all the best in the future.
However, Varian, who vows to rally following the news, has though enjoyed significant victories on the track this campaign with both Charyn and Elmalka striking in Group 1 company. The former followed up his success in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot with a destructive display in the Prix Jacques le Marois earlier this month, while the latter ensured Varian would enjoy Classic glory this season when taking out the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket back in May.
He added: "It is important for me to add that myself and the team here at Carlburg remain fully focused on continuing our own successful season.
"Our stable currently houses a top-class miler in Charyn and a British Classic winner in Elmalka, as well as a list of other highly talented horses.
"We are very grateful to all of our owners and look forward to rewarding their ongoing support over the coming months and years."