Racing Weekly Issue 13

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

4

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)

10

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.

14

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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20

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.”