ISSUE 13 24 JANUARY 2019
YOUR RACING DESTINATION
MASAR TO WINTER IN DUBAI AS APPLEBY EYES ROYAL ASCOT
POETIC CHARM'S
JARA AND HAREER AL REEF
CAPE VERDI GROUP 2
FLEX STAMINA IN AL AIN MARATHON
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MASAR MASAR TO WINTER IN DUBAI AS APPLEBY EYES ROYAL ASCOT
HORSES TO FOLLOW GRAEME SMITH AND MARK BIRD WITH SIX DARK HORSES TO FOLLOW
MEYDAN, THURSDAY POETIC CHARM'S CAPE VERDI (G2) TOPS APPLEBY TREBLE; SWEDEN GETS FIRST 2019 DWC CARNIVAL WIN; GODOLPHIN LANDS FOUR
BAHRAIN DUSHANBE AND DOUGAL TRIUMPH
AL AIN JARA AND HAREER AL REEF FLEX STAMINA IN AL AIN MARATHON SERIES ROUND 1 WIN
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MASAR TO WINTER IN DUBAI AS APPLEBY EYES ROYAL ASCOT BLOOD HORSE Last year's Investec Derby (G1) winner, Masar, was
the treadmill," Appleby said from the United Arab
flown to a winter training camp in Dubai this week
Emirates. "We hope to have him ridden again in the
to continue his recuperation from the leg injury
coming weeks, and the vets are happy with his
that curtailed his classic-winning campaign.
progress. Bringing horses out to Dubai for the winter is something we have revived in recent
The son of New Approach who gave Charlie
years, and they seem to have benefited from it."
Appleby a first British classic success at Epsom in June will be ridden out for the first time since the
He added: "We'll step up his program and let him
setback on the eve of his intended clash with
enjoy himself, but there is no pressure from the
Roaring Lion and Saxon Warrior in the group 1
boss (Sheikh Mohammed). Ideally, we would like to
Coral Eclipse in July.
see him back in action in the summer when Royal Ascot is a possibility, but we'll feel our way and
Masar is at Appleby's state-of-the-art base at
build his fitness out here first."
Marmoom Stables in the Dubai desert, where it is hoped he can take further steps toward a possible
Ghaiyyath, another high-class 4-year-old, also has
racecourse return in the summer.
been transferred to warmer climes. The Dubawi colt was at one time ahead of Masar in the Derby
"We shipped Masar out here this week—he has
pecking order at the yard until injury struck last
settled in nicely and is continuing his buildup onÂ
spring.
Ghaiyyath returned at the end of last season to win
QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1) in May with
a group 3 in France in September, but Appleby
group 1 winners Quorto and Line of Duty.
resisted the temptation to run him in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) or QIPCO Champion
Quorto was put away after landing the Goffs
Stakes (G1).
Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1) at the Curragh in September, and Line of Duty scored on
"Ghaiyyath has had a good winter, and we have
a bigger stage, landing the Breeders' Cup Juvenile
always held him in high regard at Moulton
Turf (G1T) at Churchill Downs in November.
Paddocks. We had a discussion after he won the group 3 Prix du Prince d'Orange on his return, but
Appleby added: "Quorto and Line of Duty have
the decision was taken to put him away," he said.
been out here since before Christmas, and both
"He's now won two group 3s, and the plan would
are enjoying it. Although Masar won the (group 3
be to have him out early on in Europe with the
Bet365) Craven Stakes, the plan would be to take
group 1 Prix Ganay a strong possibility."
both colts straight to post for the Two Thousand
Appleby is eyeing further Classic success in theÂ
Guineas at Newmarket in May."
GRAEME SMITH AND MARK BIRD WITH SIX DARK HORSES TO FOLLOW SPORTING LIFE The British Horseracing Authority's lead two-year-
Dancing Vega (Ralph Beckett)
old handicapper and his Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board counterpart Mark Bird have
"She made a great impression on her debut. She
selected six horses they expect to go on to big
was racing against more experienced fillies, but
things in 2019.
she knew her job and it was impressive to see her take control of the race on the bridle and then
Chablis (Aidan O'Brien)
shoot away with a squeeze. The form stacks up and the second won the Listed Montrose Stakes at
"She won a seven-furlong maiden at Gowran Park
Newmarket. There is lots in her pedigree that
in October. There was nothing remarkable about
would say she will stay 10 furlongs, but I would not
the form. She had a nice trip and had a good draw.
have any qualms about her over a mile. If she were
She picked up nicely and won in uncomplicated
mine, she would stop off in the Guineas en route to
style. I think she has the potential to go on over
the Oaks." (GS)
middle distances and I expect to see her in one of the 10-furlong trials in the early part of the season.
Dubai Warrior (John Gosden)
Most of the fillies on the classification list are shorter runners and there is an opportunity for a
"The one I really like is Dubai Warrior. He won a
middle-distance filly to step forward, she could be
reasonable race at Chelmsford, but he was
one." (MB)
impressive. They didn't go hard in the early stages,Â
but he made up an awful lot of ground on the clock
really flying at the finish and was difficult to pull
in the last three furlongs and posted a respectable
up after the race, which is a good sign. She has a
time. I don't think he is going to be a miler. I think
long way to go to be a pattern contender, but I was
he will be going to a Derby trial, then hopefully
taken how she came home that day." (MB)
something better beyond that. He might have only run once, but if he is not something very special I
Skardu (William Haggas)
would be amazed. He is a very good horse and one to pen in the notebook." (GS)
"The mile division looks strong, but if there is a dark horse that could ruffle a few feathers, I'm
Quote (Aidan O'Brien)
pretty sure it's Skardu. The market didn't point to Skardu on his debut and he was sent off 33-1. He
"She is a little more under the radar. She only had
certainly knew an awful lot less than the third and
one run at the back-end in a maiden at
fourth horses. Giving them a start in a race where
Leopardstown over a mile. She finished ninth out
they were quickening in the last two furlongs, not
of 20, which is fairly unremarkable on the face of
only did he make up the ground but he surged
it. She was out the back with one or two turning in,
right past. I'm hoping he will start in a race like the
but she ate the ground up the straight and wasÂ
Greenham then go from there." (GS)
Sucellus (John Gosden)
impressively, even though it was only by half a length. It is hard to pin your colours to the mast
"We didn't see him until Wolverhampton in early
on this one and say he is a top horse. There is just
December. The striking thing about his
something about the way that he quickened from a
performance is that he had absolutely no chance
hopeless position "It has got to be a Derby trial for
from where he raced. He was too green and he got
him, and I would be hoping we see him figure
an awful long way back in a modestly-run race. He
prominently in those races before going on to
absolutely shot down the straight to winÂ
something better." (GS)
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POETIC CHARM'S CAPE VERDI (G2) TOPS APPLEBY TREBLE; SWEDEN GETS FIRST 2019 DWC CARNIVAL WIN; GODOLPHIN LANDS FOUR ERA DUBAI (January 17, 2019)— Thursday’s third evening of
1 Dewhurst Stakes for Jim Bolger. Winner of two of her
the 2019 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan was
three juvenile starts, she stepped up last year to win a
highlighted by the $250,000 Cape Verdi sponsored by
Listed race in France under William Buick, who is
Azizi Developments, a 1600m turf feature restricted to
suspended, so James Doyle proved a more than
fillies and mares, won in style by Poetic Charm. The
capable deputy on a filly he also landed a 1400m
winner was a seventh in the race for Godolphin, fourth
Newmarket handicap in July. Always travelling strongly
in consecutive years and second for trainer Charlie
for Doyle, she made smooth progress early in the
Appleby, whose Certify won in 2017. The victory was
straight before sweeping past the same owner’s Asoof,
also the second of an Appleby treble. Godolphin would
under Christophe Soumillon, with 200m remaining.
go on to land four on the night that also featured a fine
Multiple G1 winner Furia Cruzada closed steadily to
showing by Scandinavian interests, including a
gain third under Antonio Fresu.
resounding victory by Swedish sprinter I Kirk. “I was a bit short of room for a moment, but once the $250,000 CAPE VERDI (Group 2)
gap opened, I knew I had the horse underneath me
A 4-year-old Darley homebred daughter of Dubawi,
and she picked up in style,” Doyle said. “She has a lot of
Poetic Charm is a half-sister to leading sire Teofilo
speed, this filly, and could win over seven
who only ever raced as a juvenile, winning all five starts
(furlongs/1400m), but the extra furlong and nine
including both the Group 1 National Stakes and Group
furlongs in the Balanchine should not be a problem.”
Soumillon was pleased with his Saeed bin Suroor-
be aimed towards the Group 1 $2.5 million Dubai Golden
trained mount. “She jumped out of the gate quite well,”
Remainder of Card
he said. “I was very happy with where she was with the
Sweden opened their 2019 Carnival account with the
leader in front of me. I took her on the turn and she
dominant victory of I Kirk who, having flown out of the
really quickened well in the straight. She just got beat
stalls, was never headed when the meeting opened with
by a better filly.”
a 1200m dirt handicap, the Azizi Farishta worth $135,000. Hitting the wire 3 ½ lengths superior, he
Fresu added: “This one was too short. (Furiz Cruzada)
stopped the clock in 1:12.96 under Carlos Lopez. Kenny
will be good in the (1800m, Group 2) Balanchine (on
McPeek-trained Honorable Treasure, making the
Feb. 14).”
earliest Carnival start ever for a horse from the U.S., was a valiant second, closing resolutely in the final furlong
The official final margin of victory was a widening four
and hinting that a longer trip may be in order.
lengths and the time a spritely 1:36.46. Completing the order of finish in the global affair was Godolphin’s
Having his first start since winning Zawawi Cup at
Victory Wave, Turkish multiple G1 winner Peri Lina,
Jagersro in July, he could not have been much more
Denmark’s Monza and Great Britain’s Mia Tesoro.
impressive, conceding weight all round, and will likely
Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News on Dubai World Cup
Suspicious Mind, who looked like he could possibly
night.
contend, but ultimately was outclassed.
Lopez was victorious on the Susanne Berneklint-trained
Doyle said: “Fair enough to Charlie and his team, who
winner for a sixth time. “That was just brilliant and he
were sure he would stay the trip whereas I was a bit
did that very nicely indeed,” he said. “It is a massive
unsure but he certainly saw that out well and could be an
result for Swedish racing, as he was also foaled in
improving stayer. The Nad Al Sheba Trophy could be a
Sweden and he is an exciting horse going forward
realistic target later in the Carnival.”
through the Carnival.” Appleby completed a treble with a very comfortable Second on the opening night of the Carnival a fortnight
victory from First Nation in the Azizi Star, a 2000m turf
ago, in a 2410m turf handicap won by Godolphin’s Bin
handicap, when chased home by stable companion Nordic
Battuta, the same owner’s Ispolini went one place better
Lights, who tried his best to make all the running under
in the Azizi Riviera, a 2810m turf handicap for Doyle and
Colm O’Donoghue. Ultimately, he was powerless to
Appleby. Settled at the back, he circled the field turning
thwart the winner, who was providing jockey Brett Doyle
for home and won over Denmark’s game
a first Carnival success.
A former UAE champion jockey, (Brett) Doyle is now best
“We put a hood on him tonight because he is a very
known as the work rider of Appleby and Godolphin’s 2018
nervous type,” Ffrench said. “That has definitely helped
Epsom Derby winner Masar: “Everything went to plan
after he disappointed us a bit on his only previous outing
because they went a very good gallop which has really
this season. For me, personally, it is great to have another
suited my horse. He did that in style and I am sure Charlie
Carnival winner, because as everyone knows I had a very
has a plan for him, but he should be capable of building on
bad injury last year and was out of the saddle for a long
this.”
time. These are the moments that make it worthwhile.”
Trainer Sandeep Jadhav was responsible for three of the 11
The finale, the Azizi Mina, a 1600m turf handicap,
runners in the Azizi Aliyah, a 1600m dirt handicap, and
provided Saeed bin Suroor with a treble of his own—a 1-2-
combined with Royston Ffrench to land the spoils with
3 finish when Chris Hayes-piloted Desert Fire out-battled
Capezzano, a 5-year-old Bernardini gelding who made
Race Day, with another length back to Bedouin’s Story.
smooth progress on the home turn before hitting the
Godolphin swept the high-five with Appleby-conditioned
front with about 100m remaining, passing Galvanize, who
Key Victory and Fly At Dawn finishing fourth and fifth.
lost second close home to Doug Watson-trained stable companion Thegreatcollection near the wire.
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DUSHANBE AND DOUGAL TRIUMPH
Al Saqlawieh 1733, owned by Al Riffa, trained by Yousif Alboainain and ridden by Hussain Makki, beat Al Mlolesh 1707 by three lengths
GULF DAILY NEWS
to win the Ministry of Youth and Sports
DUSHANBE and Dougal won the two richest races of
Affairs Cup for Arabain horses carrying a cash
the day at Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club
prize of BD2,000 Al Tuwaisah 1694 was third
in Sakhir.
and Kuheila’t Al Adiyat 1705 fourth.
Dushanbe, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa,
Sabreena, owned by Abdulla Fawzi Nass,
trained by James Naylor and ridden by Andrew Elliott,
trained by Hesham Al Haddad and ridden by
beat Wayne Looney by two lengths to win the
Husain Makki, beat Shajer by eight lengths to
Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs Cup for locally
win the first of four support races carrying a
bred horses carrying a cash prize of BD4,000 Caped
cash prize of BD2,000 Janah was third and
Crusader was third and Ghafiya fourth.
Daarej fourth.
Dougal, owned and trained by Yousif Alboainain and
Jallal, owned by Zahraa Hasan Husain Al
ridden by Abdulla Faisal, beat George The First by
Jaboori, trained by Yousif Alboainain and
three lengths to claim the Ministry of Youth and
ridden by Rosie Jessop, followed suit beating
Sports Affairs Cup carrying a cash prize of BD4,000
Ballyorban by a short head to win the
Lugano was third and Main Straits fourth.
handicap race carrying a cash prize of
BD2,000 Flyboy was third and Ludorum fourth.
fourth.Happy Call, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, trained by Sami Saloom and
Daleel, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al
ridden by Brett Doyle, beat San Dimas by
Khalifa, trained by James Naylor and ridden by
one-and-one-fourth-length to win the
Andrew Elliott, beat Retort by a neck to win the race
handicap race carrying a cash prize of
for locally bred horses carrying a cash prize of
BD2,000nKahrab was third and Sidewinder
BD2,000 Snake Eagle was third and Good News
fourth.
16
JARA AND HAREER AL REEF FLEX STAMINA IN AL AIN MARATHON SERIES ROUND 1 WIN
urgings of Richard Mullen, Shamikh Al Wathba was
ERA
“We had a nice low weight he has taken advantage
Round 1 Of The Al Ain Marathon Series, a 3200m
of and is improving,” Jara said. “He is growing and
Purebred Arabian handicap, was the official feature
strengthening, as you can see, so hopefully there is
at Al Ain on Friday and developed into a duel over
more to come from him. He was very game there
the final 300m between last year’s winner Shamikh
today and just kept responding every time I asked
Al Wathba and Hareer Al Reef. Committed for
him. He should stay further and clearly likes this
home leaving the home turn by Fernando Jara,
kind of stamina test.”
never quite able to get on terms with Jara’s gallant mount, crossing the line with half a length to spare, completing a double on the card for trainer Abdallah Al Hammadi and main owner Al Ajban Stables.
Hareer Al Reef looked likely to be swallowed up by several challengers throughout the straight, but
Trainer Ernst Oertel, main patron Khalid Khalifa Al
kept fighting them off before the eventual runner-
Nabooda and the retained jockey Tadhg O’Shea
up loomed large as a serious danger. Despite the
seldom leave Al Ain empty handed and struck with NOMADIC
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AF Al Baher, who hit the front about 450m out in
Antonio Fresu with the pair hitting the front 100m
the 2000m handicap and stayed on dourly to the
out and running powerfully to the line to register a
line, winning relatively comfortably in the end.
third career success.
“The track is riding quite slow today, which has
Fresu said: “I was available and did not have a ride
helped my fellow because he stays further,” O’Shea
in the race, so was delighted when asked by Mr Al
said. “He is a big, strong horse who always tries
Rayhi who was quite bullish about the horse’s
hard and conditions have really suited him on this
chances even though his form figures were not
occasion. Our horses have been running well all
good. He did not travel particularly well
season and luckily I picked the right one this time,
throughout the race, but really ran on strongly in
which I have not always done.”
the final 150m and won going away.”
An hour later, AF Saabah looked likely to complete a
The opening 1400m handicap, restricted to horses
double for connections in a 1600m maiden before,
in private ownership, was won narrowly by AF
having travelled supremely strongly for O’Shea at
Mozhell, owned and trained by Khalifa Al Neyadi,
the head of affairs, suddenly seemed to tire with
celebrating his third winner this season. Elione
less than 200m to run. That provided Gerald
Chaves, doubling his tally for the campaign, settled
Avranche all the encouragement he needed and he
the 4-year-old just behind the early leader, AF
found a willing partner in Kawthar Al Reef, who
Makerah, before gaining the initiative approaching
powered home to land the spoils and initiate the
the 200m pole, immediately seeing off that rival
brace for Al Hammadi and Al Ajban Stables. A 4-
only for Nawwaf KB to emerge as the big danger.
year-old filly, she was well held on her only previous outing when seventh in a 1200m maiden
The latter, with Ben Curtis riding for Helal Al Alawi,
on the Abu Dhabi turf.
was closing all the way to the line, but the post appeared just in time for Chaves, who said:
Avranche said: “She learned a lot from that first run
“Everything went very well for him today, the first
and will improve from this one also because she is
time I have ridden him and—in fairness to the
quite a nervous filly, but was a lot happier when I
trainer and his team—they were confident of a big
was able to pull her wide and in the clear. She has
run. It was pretty close at the end, but happily the
certainly stayed this trip well and, as she develops,
line came just in time for us and this horse should
should get further in time. It was a good effort.”
improve as he was still quite immature.”
The only Thoroughbred contest, a 2000m
Zahi Muscat had to dig deep for Ben Curtis to land
handicap, looked very competitive on paper and
the 1800m maiden, his tenth career start, but just
that proved to be the case with the lead changing
third in the UAE after two turf outings on the Abu
hands at least five times during the duration of the
Dhabi turf. Previously trained in Oman, his first
long straight. Strong Chemistry led throughout the
seven starts were all at Muscat, on dirt, finishing
first half of the race before passed by Parklife, who
second on four occasions. Saddled by Younis Al
soon relinquished the lead to Piepowder Court
Kalbani for Muscat Stud For Pure Arabians, the 4-
before regaining a narrow advantage with Jintshi
year-old was involved in a prolonged battle
battling him for the lead. However, in behind,
throughout the straight with AF Eshaar, who was
Secret Trade was making relentless progress under NOMADIC
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sent straight to the front by Fresu. Having finally f NOMADIC
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ought his way past that rival, who eventually
helped me in the end as he enjoyed the company
finished sixth, he then had to withstand a
and crossing the line I knew we had won.”
determined final challenge from his stable
The concluding 1000m handicap went to Al
companion, Al Thoura, who has now finished
Mobher, who tracked the pace set by Fresu and AF
second on all three racecourse appearances, each
Thobor, another to run well for Oertel and Al
at Al Ain, twice over this 1800m and over 1600m on
Nabooda, before wresting the lead from him inside
his debut in December.
the final 350m with the pair probably occupying first and second throughout. Partnered by
“He really put his head down and battled for me
Szczepan Mazur, sporting the colours of the
and was probably getting lonely in front,” Curtis
Omani Royal Cavalry, Al Mobher was completing a
said. “The other horse challenging has actually
double for trainer Al Kalbani.
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BEASLEY, BIN HARMASH SWEEP THRILLING TURF FEATURES AT MEYDAN
Said trainer and jockey completed a double in the second turf fixture, the seventh and final race, when Mansoor Al Mansoori’s Muqaatil won by the slightest of noses over a super-game Doublet and
ERA Racing at Meydan on Saturday was highlighted by
Mickael Barzalona for trainer Sandeep Jadhav. The
a night of thrilling finishes, including in the
been sprinkled with superb efforts from the yard.
evening’s two turf races—one over the sprint
Bin Harmash said: “We decided to come here over
distance of 1400m and the other over the testing
1400m on the turf because (Rocket Power) was not
2400m. In the former, Race 5 (Al Naboodah
rated highly enough for the Jebel Ali Mile, so we
Construction Group Handicap), Rocket Power was
now know he is as good on the Meydan grass. The
able to record a fourth consecutive victory this
Jebel Ali Mile is next week, so we will have to see
season, having won his three previous outings at
how the handicapper reacts and how the horse is
Jebel Ali. He was chased home by stable
after this race. If not, we will find something back
companion Azraff. Owned by Mohd Khalifa Al
here on turf at Meydan in the Dubai World Cup
Basti, who also owns third-placed Billingsgate, he
Carnival. The horse is in such great form at the
was ridden by Connor Beasley for conditioner
moment and, on the whole, all ours have been
Ahmad bin Harmash.
running well throughout the season.”
double put the cherry on top of a season that has
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Al Basti was completing a double after, earlier, Tadhg
going clear in the closing stages, the winner finished up
O’Shea and Argentina-bred J B Space dominated the
much the best, winning for the fourth time. The 4-year-
opening 1900m dirt maiden, the Al Naboodah Trade
old bay gelding was previously trained in England by
School by 10 lengths. Saddled by Satish Seemar, the 4-
David Simcock.
year-old gelded son of J Be K was having his sixth career
Nass said: “He has always worked well on dirt, but you
start, but first over a trip further than 1400m and the
never know how they will handle it in a race, so we are
extra distance clearly suited him.
delighted with that. That now means we should be able
O’Shea explained: “I rode him last time at Al Ain over
to run him in the Dubai World Cup Carnival next time,
1400m and they were always going too quick for him
which is great for everyone concerned with the horse.”
that day, but the plan had always been to step up in trip.
The longest dirt race on the card, a 2200m handicap,
Satish did try to run him here at Meydan over 2000m in
the Trans Gulf Electro-Mechanical, was a thriller with
December, but he broke out the stalls and was
Big Brown Bear and Quartier Francais locked together
withdrawn. It probably was not a great race, but he won
throughout the final 300m and ultimately sprinting 16½
it well and that will certainly do his confidence a lot of
lengths clear of eventual third Cachao. Big Brown Bear
good.”
lived up to his name, mauling his way back after being
The Al Naboodah Civil Engineering, the better of two
headed by Quartier Francais and ultimately getting his
1600m dirt handicaps, was won in style by Moqarrar, a
head in front at the wire. Pat Dobbs was in the saddle
first Meydan winner of the campaign for Erwan Charpy.
for Doug Watson, providing the team its first of two
Ridden by Dane O’Neill, riding for his main employer, His
wins on the night.
Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the
“We were not sure if he would stay the 2200m, but this
well-made son of Exchange Rate out of a Distorted
looked a good opportunity to try it,” Watson said. “He is
Humor mare ran to his dirt-friendly pedigree with
still very inexperienced and I am delighted with the way
aplomb, taking the lead early and winning well. It was his
he has battled against a very tough horse who stays
second start in the UAE after winning one of seven with
well. He is still improving and we will have to see what
Sir Michael Stoute in England.
the handicapper does, but I imagine, we will drop him
“We thought he would need that first run, so started him
back to 1900m or 2000m.”
on the turf two weeks and that put him spot-on for this,”
Team Watson-Dobbs’ other victory came in the night’s
Charpy said. “Drawn one was ideal because he breaks
sixth race, the other 1600m handicap (Al Naboodah
very well from the stalls and his pedigree suggested the
National Plant) where Dale Brennan’s Illusional ran
dirt would suit and his best form in England was on the
down a reluctant Robin Weathers to win by a half-
all-weather. We will probably keep him in handicap
length. The full-brother to 2012 UAE 1000 Guineas
company for now, but hopefully he is going to be a nice
winner Gamilati provided his owner with his first
horse for us.”
winner in the UAE.
A 1200m dirt handicap, the Al Naboodah Building,
Brennan said: “He obviously liked Meydan the first time,
provided the perfect opportunity for Nine Below Zero to
but definitely did not take to Jebel Ali so we will keep
make a winning dirt and local debut, as well as opening
him here. We have three in training at the moment and
the seasonal account of trainer Fawzi Nass and owners
my other horse to have run, Pouvoir Magique, was a
Al-Afoo Racing Stable. Only six went to post with Adrie
good fourth on his only start for us so far. Hopefully, he
de Vries settling the 4-year-old Showcasing gelding in
can win next time.”
third, allowing Pirate’s Cove and Beachcomber Bay to set a generous gallop. Sweeping past said rivals and
22
ABU DHABI FEATURE GOES TO SURPRISE WINNER JASER ERA Sunday’s meeting on the Abu Dhabi turf was
Owned by His Excellency Al Sheikh Nasser Mohd Nasser Al-Hashar, the 6-year-old is trained by Younis Al Kalbani, whose horses have been in great form and ridden by Szczepan who celebrated his biggest ever career winner ten days ago when partnering Wadeeaa to victory in the Al Maktoum Challenge R1 (PA G1) at Meydan.
highlighted by HH The President Cup Prep, over the same 2200m course and distance as
Settled in midfield, he made smooth progress
the Group One feature itself, which produced
on the home turn before sweeping past early
a shock result with Jaser, who had the second
leader, Shaheer about 350m from home. They
lowest official rating of the 14 runners,
went clear, but Jaser, on his seasonal return,
prevailing narrowly.
seemed to tire close home. He dug deep toÂ
deny the late challenges of Abu Alabyad and Ajjaj. A
(Owner Khalid Khaifa Al Nabooda, his main trainer,
course and distance winner on his previous start in
Ernst Oertel and retained jockey, Tadhg O’Shea, are
March, that his first UAE success to add to three
enjoying a productive campaign and combined to land
victories in Poland, twice under Mazur when riding in
the opening 1400m handicap with AF Hakeem, winning
his homeland in July 2016.
for the fourth time, the second over course and distance. Having tracked stable companion AF
Mazur: “That was his seasonal debut because, with his
Mathayel, like the winner homebred by Al Nabooda,
rating of 82, he has been hard to place being too good
throughout the early part of the race, they shot clear at
for many races, but not good enough for the better
the top of the straight and soon had the race in safe
ones so this was a good opportunity to actually race
keeping.
him for the first time since March. He travelled nicely throughout the race and took me to the front, but after
O’Shea said: “He is a lovely horse, tough and genuine,
his long break, has perhaps tired and had to fight hard
though he only has one eye, so lacks a bit of confidence
close home. Luckily the winning post appeared in time!”
which is why we took him to the start early. He was
only narrowly denied last time when Sam Hitchcott
deserve a lot of credit. He was always scared of other
rode him, so he deserved another win and has done
horses, but, after a lot of hard work, has gained in
that nicely in what was a competitive race.
confidence, so this success is particularly rewarding.”
The jockey added: “The team at home have done very
Mullen added: “All credit to Jean and his team because
well with him and we have worked out how to ride him
this horse has been a challenge, but hopefully, is going
to best affect, so hopefully, he can win again.”
to be a smart one for them and His Highness.”
The same team later combined to complete a double
Trained by Eric Lemartinel for his main patron, His
when Noof KB was victorious in a 1200m handicap
Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ras Asina
restricted to horses in private ownership, maintaining
was produced fast and late to lead close home by Pat
an unbeaten record over course and distance having
Cosgrave to land the spoils in a 1600m rated conditions
easily won a similar handicap in November.
stakes. Restricted to mares aged five or over and without three career victories to their name, the 5-
A 6-year-old mare and one of the owner’s very few
year-old, on her ninth outing, was doubling her tally
runners he has not bred himself, also has a 1600m Abu
having previously scored, on debut, over 1400m at Abu
Dhabi maiden victory, in December 2017 to her credit
Dhabi in November 2017. Settled in the middle of the
and Al Nabooda said: “She is a nice mare and I will
nine runners, she was switched wide by Cosgrave early
breed from her in time, but she is running very well at
in the straight to produce her telling challenge down
the moment as are most of my horses. I have a very
the centre of the track.
good trainer in Ernst who has had the horses running well all last season and we all know Tadhg is champion
“She made it quite hard work, but came good in the
jockey which was why I was keen to retain him.”
end, when it mattered,” Cosgrave said. “I always thought I was going to win, but she has just made me
O’Shea added: “Mr Al Nabooda puts an awful lot into
work harder than I perhaps expected at one stage.
the sport, so deserves these victories and in Ernst, has a
Anyway, we managed to get there in the end and she is
trainer with a very good record with the Purebred
a decent enough mare in her grade.”
Arabians.” The only Thoroughbred race on the card, the The following 1600m maiden was won stylishly by
concluding 1400m handicap, provided probably the
Brraq, a 6-year-old having just his second career start
easiest winner of the evening with Adrie de Vries
after a fourth place finish on debut, over 1800m, on the
seemingly sat motionless throughout aboard Legendary
dirt track at Al Ain where he is trained by Jean de
Lunch before leaving his 13 rivals toiling in the final
Roualle for His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al
150m to win impressively on his second local outing. A
Nahyan. Settled in midfield by Richard Mullen, he made
pleasing sixth, over 1200m on the Meydan dirt on his
smooth progress before, on the rail, hitting the front
UAE bow a month ago, the 5-year-old entire by Dragon
halfway up the straight, winning easily.
Pulse is now in the care of Fawzi Nass, but was a very good juvenile in England for Richard Hannon, winning
De Roualle said: “We are really happy with that because
the Listed Woodcote Stakes at the 2016 Epsom Derby
this is a nice, young, horse having just his second start
meeting and finishing a close second in the Flying
with a horse who has not been easy to train, so my staff
Childers Stakes (G2) at the Doncaster St Leger fixture.
After two fruitless starts as a sophomore in the UK, he
spot for him and I was never worried. If you look at his
won on his Bahrain debut in November 2017, but this
form, he has always been a good horse and he has won
was his first success since.
like one today which is great because it shows he retains a lot of ability and is a nice type for Fawzi and
De Vries said: “He ran well on dirt last time, but I said to Fawzi he is really a turf horse, so this looked a good
his team.”