New Year off to perfect start

Tweenhills homebred Mohatu got Qatar Racing's 2023 off to a good start when winning a maiden at Lingfield on January 2 for retained rider Cieren Fallon and trainer William Haggas.

Mohatu became the first progeny of the late Roaring Lion (pictured) to run as a 3yo and justified 6/4 favouritism. After racing in midfield, Mohatu found plenty to get up late on his first start over a mile, winning cosily from Bravura (by Roaring Lion’s old rival Saxon Warrior).

Mohatu was born and raised at Tweenhills. He is the first foal out of the Frankel mare Tiger Eye, who won three times on the All-Weather in the winter of 2019 before contesting Listed races.

Tiger Eye’s current 2yo, a filly by Zoustar, was sold at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale for €250,000 to Jim Ryan; Tiger Eye’s current yearling, a colt by Sea The Stars, was sold at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 75,000gns to Gestut Tubingen.

Mohatu was named after the grandfather of Mufasa and Scar in The Lion King, making him the great-grandfather of Simba.