Zayat, Mott team up once again

ELMONT, N.Y. – In 2007, Ahmed Zayat was the leading owner at Saratoga and Bill Mott was the leading trainer, based largely on the success the pair had with their 2-year-olds. The business relationship lasted another year or so before the two split up.

On Thursday, the Zayats announced that they would again be using Mott and that they plan to send him five or six 2-year-olds this year.

“We didn’t leave Bill on bad terms,” said Justin Zayat, Ahmed’s son and the racing and stallion manager for Zayat Stables. “We just drowned him in horses. We have great respect for Bill. There’s no one more classy than him in the game.”

Justin Zayat said that Mott gives the operation another East Coast-based trainer in addition to John Terranova.

In 2007, Mott won juvenile races at Saratoga with Z Humor, Zee Zee, J Z Warrior, and Riley Tucker. In 2008, Mott was the first trainer for Pioneerof the Nile, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby for Bob Baffert and who is the sire of American Pharoah.

“Personally, I’ve always liked Mr. Zayat,” Mott said. “I felt I got along with him well. We won a lot of races together. I think having much few numbers than before suits both of us.”