ISSUE 4 • 22 NOVEMBER 2018
YOUR RACING DESTINATION
ALI RASHID AL RAYHI
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
DOUBLE CELEBRATION
PAYS TRIBUTE TO ERTIJAAL
ABOUT GODOLPHIN'S HISTORIC SEASON
FOR MULLEN, RAYHI AND JARA
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ALI RASHID AL RAYHI PAYS TRIBUTE TO ERTIJAAL AFTER STAR SPRINTER SUFFERS FATAL COLIC
GODOLPHIN FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GODOLPHIN'S HISTORIC SEASON
JEBEL ALI DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR MULLEN, RAYHI AND JARA
SHARJAH AF MAHER STAYS UNBEATEN AT SHARJAH IN SATURDAY FEATURE
ENCRYPTED Encrypted being targeted at AllWeather Sprint Championship Final
PAGE 4
AL RAYHI PAYS TRIBUTE TO ERTIJAAL AFTER STAR SPRINTER SUFFERS FATAL COLIC RACING POST The UAE racing community has been rocked with the confirmation local sprint sensation, Ertijaal, arguably the most recognised horse based in the Emirates to have campaigned at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, died last Thursday after succumbing to colic.
Described by Jim Crowley as ‘an aeroplane’ after their victory in February’s Meydan Spring, the seven-year-old son of Oasis Dream won half of his 22 starts for owner and breeder Sheikh Hamdan. His career started in Britain with William Haggas, winning the 7f Listed Spring Cup and a valuable three-year-old conditions contest on All-Weather Championship Finals Day at Lingfield in 2014. Without joy in four more starts that year, including when down the field in the 2,000 Guineas, Ertijaal joined trainer Ali Rashid Al Rayhi and flourished in the UAE. The star sprinter won eight of his 14 starts for Al Rayhi, including the last two runnings of the Meydan Sprint, while finishing second and third in the Al Quoz Sprint. A setback ruled him out of the 2018 Al Quoz Sprint but he was reported in fine fettle prior to last week’s tragedy. An emotional and distraught Al Rayhi said: “It's devastating, not just for me and my whole team but also Sheikh Hamdan, for whom Ertijaal was a real star. “He was certainly one of the most popular horses in the UAE and, over 5f, one of the fastest in the world. NOMADIC
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“Jim Crowley won the Meydan Sprint on him in 2017 and described him as ‘an aeroplane’, so fast was he, while Paul Hanagan was another just amazed by his natural speed. He's a horse we're never going to replace." Ertijaal mastered the 5f sprint turf course at Meydan like no other. He holds four of the eight fastest winning times, including the top two, with his course record of 55.90 seconds coming in the Meydan Sprint in 2017. His second-best time – 56.02 seconds – was just as impressive under a big weight in a handicap in January, while the next two fastest winning times – 56.21 and 56.34 – were achieved in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in 2014 and 2016. Ertijaal, who won almost £900,000 in prize-money for connections, boasts the second-fastest 6f turf time at Meydan. He added: "It's a massive blow and particularly hard for his groom Mohammed Sheer and Mohammed Arshad who used to ride him most mornings. “I'm very proud to have been associated with such a wonderful horse for Sheikh Hamdan and can only thank him for the opportunity and pass on our heartfelt condolences to him.
“I'm very proud to have been associated with such a wonderful horse for Sheikh Hamdan and can only thank him for the opportunity and pass on our heartfelt condolences to him. “Hopefully we can have a lot more success together in the future but there'll only ever be one Ertijaal.” 'His track record will be a hard one to lower' Royston Ffrench rode Ertijaal on his initial UAE breakthrough victory over 7f. Ffrench said: “Ali dropped him back to sprinting trips after I rode him and the rest, as they say, is history; he started winning regularly and never ran a bad race from Grandstand Stables. “His 5f turf track record at Meydan will be a hard one to lower and it's a massive loss to Ali and his team, as well as to UAE racing. “Ertijaal had established a following
around the world and a reputation as
one of the very fastest turf sprinters
in training.”
NOMADIC
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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GODOLPHIN'S HISTORIC SEASON ARABIAN BUSINESS A historic first win Last week was the first victory for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin in Melbourne since the first attempt, with Faithful Son, in 1998. In remarks after the win, trainer Charlie Appleby credited Sheikh Mohammed for the win. Global success Godolphin has won 30 Group One races around the world this year, of which Charlie Appleby has won 12. Fellow trainer Saeed bin Suroor – who has been with Godolphin since 1994 – landed another nine. The successes follow a shake-up of Gololphin’s top management and CEO.
FEATURE
High-level investments In September of this year, Sheikh Mohammed reportedly spent nearly $19m at the world’s biggest thoroughbred auction in Lexington, Kentucky, where he scored 22 yearling thoroughbreds. Among them was the son of American Pharoah, the 2015 Triple Crown winner. A unique training programme In 2003, Godolphin founded the Godolphin Flying Start competition, in which every year candidates are selected to join the two-year scholarship with no obligation for graduates to work for Godolphin. In 12 years, about half of the alumni have become owners or managers in the industry. Impressive numbers Since its inception in 1992, Godolphin has fielded more than 4,660 horses in over 26,000 runs. In 26 years, Godolphin horses have won a total of 5,190 races, including 288 group one races. The figure represents a strike rate of 20 percent for Godolphin. NOMADIC
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PAGE 7
MASAR CONTINUES TO MEND, BOUND FOR DUBAI TDN
FEATURE
2018 G1 Investec Derby hero Masar (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), who was sidelined with an injury in July, is on the mend and will winter in Dubai before a possible clash with two-time G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), according to Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby. “Masar has not been seen since the Derby, but he is doing well in his recuperation,” said Appleby. “He will go to Dubai again and winter out there, but he won’t be running out there. We are looking forward to getting him back on track.” Appleby was complementary of Juddmonte’s rising 5-year-old mare and added, “It is great for racing that Enable stays in training, as she has obviously had a light campaign this year with only having the three runs. From our point of view, for us, and for racing, to have the chance to take her on is exciting and hopefully their paths will cross.” NOMADIC
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PAGE 8
DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR MULLEN, RAYHI AND JARA KHALEEJ TIMES
Ffrench's mount burned off those who chased him by the 200m pole but, meanwhile, Mullen had pulled Above Normal around the septet in front of him to challenge down the centre of the track. As the distress signals went out on High On Life, who actually weakened into fifth over
Jebel Ali Racecourse staged its second
the closing stages, Mullen's mount swept
meeting of the new season on Friday
past in the final 100m to win going away and
afternoon, a seven-race card highlighted by a
record a second course and distance victory
1200m rated conditions contest won stylishly
this season, having won a handicap at the
by Above Normal, according to a press
first Jebel Ali meeting three weeks ago.
release. He also won on this course, over 1400m, in With High On Life setting a blistering early
March and has proved a shrewd acquisition
pace under Royston Ffrench very few of the
for owner Nasir Askar.
nine runners were ever able to land a blow with Richard Mullen and Above Normal last
Horses owned by syndicates have made a
but one at halfway.
bright start to the new season and Touch NOMADIC
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PAGE 9
Gold Racing were celebrating a second success of the campaign after a hard fought victory by Au Coeur in a 1400m handicap, initiating the double for Mullen and Seemar. Restricted to 3-year-olds, a 1400m conditions contest looked a hot heat on paper but was turned into something of a procession by local debutant Draco who was always travelling strongly under Tadhg O'Shea. In doing so he provided his trainer Nicholas Bachalard, with a first winner since being appointed by Draco's owner and racecourse patron, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to train at the adjoining Jebel Ali Stables. The pair were never headed, galloping Early leader Alkhalifa cried enough at the
resolutely up the hill, chased throughout by
halfway point and Wasim, attempting to
Tadhg O'Shea aboard AF AL Arrafah who was
concede weight to his eight rivals, swept by
second with the pair both homebred by Al
under apprentice Saeed Al Mazrooei.
Nabooda.
However, O'Shea was sat motionless on Draco, a 3-year-old Astrology colt who had
Jara, who also won what was the very first
landed the most recent of his three starts in
race of the UAE season for Al Rayhi aboard
the US in September 2017 to lose his maiden
Hello three weeks earlier, said: "He already
tag. Once O'Shea asked for an effort the race
had two runs this season so was obviously
was over to the delight and perhaps relief, of
race fit and that perhaps told as he stayed on
his trainer.Â
very well after a very good run at Sharjah last week. Six days between races is not a long
When it comes to racing Purebred Arabians
time but he is tough and resilient. It was a
foaled in the UAE, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda
gutsy effort from the horse and a great start
has few peers and provided first and second
to the afternoon."
in the opening 1400m maiden for those bred locally. Fernando Jara was soon out in front
The 1950m maiden was another race in
aboard the Ali Rashid Al Rayhi-trained AF
which few of the field were ever able to get
Meghwaar, having his third outing of the
involved and was won smoothly by Arch
season and after an excellent second over
Gold, confidently ridden by Pat Dobbs for
1200m at Sharjah last Saturday.
Doug Watson.
AF MAHER STAYS UNBEATEN AT SHARJAH IN SATURDAY FEATURE ERA Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club hosted
unbeaten Sharjah record after three visits
the second of their six meetings scheduled
and was snagging a second valuable
for the season on Saturday, a six-race card
course Prestige prize having fortuitously
highlighted by the second edition of the
won the HH Ruler Of Sharjah Cup in
HE Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
February. It was a third winner on the card
Cup, a 1700m Prestige Handicap
for trainer Ernst Oertel and owner Khalid
AED100,000.
Khalifa Al Nabooda.
When Tadhg O’Shea sent AF Maher clear
“I am glad to have won this one again at
on the home turn, the feature race looked
least,” said O’Shea, who had landed the
all over, but his mount appeared to have
inaugural edition of the contest last year
other ideas; waiting for company entering
aboard Mawahib. I cannot get it right every
the straight. Da’Areen and Royston Ffrench
time, especially with this team who have
looked to take advantage, leading briefly,
multiple strong chances in many races. At
before O’Shea was able to motivate his
least I have won the big race and
mount again, seeing off that challenge.
completed a treble for a very supportive
Clear again, AF Maher was either tiring or
owner and trainer.”
again seeking something to race with in
The opening 1200m maiden, restricted to
the final 100m, allowing Mahfouz to close
3-year-olds, was won fairly comfortably by
to within half a length at the wire.
AF Hajeej. Never far off the pace with
In doing so, AF Maher maintained his
Antonio Fresu riding for trainer Oertel and
PAGE 11 owner-breeder Al Nabooda, the sophomore
who pounced on the home turn with
drove clear and the race was soon in safe
Richard Mullen in the colours of Yas Horse
keeping with JAP Malawih closing to take
Racing Management.
second.
The 1200m handicap was a thriller with
Al Nabooda said: “Ernst trains most of my
Sam Hitchcott producing 6-year-old mare
horses and is very good with these
ES Almas to lead in the final strides,
Purebred Arabians foaled in the UAE,
denying the gallant AF Almajhaz. The
which the vast majority of my string are.
winner doubled his career tally, both over
The trainer was fairly hopeful although,
this course and distance and is trained by
perhaps, we thought AF Mot Hefa had a
Ibrahim Aseel for Sheikh Abdulla bin Majid
better chance which is why Tadhg O’Shea
Al Qassemi, who also bred her.
rode her. At least we had the winner and
“Never worried,” Hitchcott quipped. “I
Antonio Fresu, who was on several winners
actually won a maiden on her here in
for us last season, has given him a great
March last year and we landed that in
ride.” An hour later, the same connections
virtually identical fashion, leading near the
were celebrating a double after the easy
line. She has a willing attitude, which is
victory of AF Tareh Al Thahab. Quickly away
always a big help and, having been off
under Fresu, he never headed in the
since January, that was a good return to
1000m maiden, shedding her maiden tag
racecourse action for her.”
at the fifth attempt after four outings last
Sent straight to the front by Fernando Jara,
season. Another Al Nabooda homebred,
Skygazer never relinquished in the only
the 4-year-old filly displayed good early
Thoroughbred race, a 2000m handicap
speed then quickened clear more than
continuing the good early starts to the
400m from home, after which Fresu never
season of the jockey and his main
had a moment of worry.
employer, trainer Ali Rashid Al Rayhi. A 6-
Fresu said: “You always know riding for
year-old, he has now won five times for Al
these connections that you have a good
Rayhi, four in the UAE and once on the turf
chance and I am very grateful for these
in China. He was having his third start of
opportunities.”
the season in a race in which he was fourth
Oertel added: “Antonio is a very good
12 months ago behind Ballad Singer, who
jockey, but Tadhg O’Shea is our main one.
was third on this occasion. Prior to that, his
Here he picked the third, AF Lewaa, who
only previous Sharjah performance was a
has also run well. It is obviously nice to
course and distance handicap victory at
have a double on the board after just three
the end of November 2016. “He obviously
races.” Al Nabooda and Oertel were only
likes it here at Sharjah,” Al Rayhi said. “That
involved in four of the six races and for the
was a very good ride from Fernando and
majority of the concluding 1700m
the horse has really battled for him. He has
handicap, it appeared a clean sweep was
now won twice here, once at Al Ain, once
on the cards with O’Shea out in front
at Jebel Ali, as well as his turf victory in
aboard AF Eshaar. However, they proved
China, and has been a good servant to the
powerless to deny Jean de Roualle-trained
yard.”
Musanad,
Encrypted being targeted at All-Weather Sprint Championship Final S P O R T I N G L I F E
"He's tremendous. When you're a front-runner it's nice just to be able to do our own thing up front," said the Newmarket trainer. "The threeyear-old (Corinthia Knight) took him on heavily all the way, and we were drawn badly. He's always been ridden one way - I dare say it
With Easter being late in 2019, Palmer can
was the same for the other horse. He was only
afford to let the three-year-old have time off
beaten a length and a half and ran very well,
after he booked his ticket by winning a fast-
although maybe not up to his best."
track qualifier, the Listed Golden Rose Stakes,
Palmer believes improvement is possible,
at the Surrey venue on Saturday.
however - at the right venue.
Asked about the sprint showpiece next spring,
"I know he's won at Lingfield, but I think he's
Palmer said: "That absolutely is his target. He
better on a straight track. You're more likely to
will probably have one run before, towards the
get a breather into him," he said. "His next
end of March. The nice thing about that is it's
race will be on a straight track. There is a five-
over four months away, so he can have a
furlong conditions race at Newcastle in
winter break. He started off in May at
January. That does mean coming back in trip,
Newmarket, and he's been quite busy all year,
but it is a possibility. He hasn't won a stakes
so he can have a break now and have a prep
race this year, which is amazing for a horse
run for the all-weather finals.
that has won nearly ÂŁ200,000 in prize-money
"I've been really pleased with him this year. We
this year. He might be quite well-treated at
hoped he would improve all year as a three-
the weights at Newcastle.
year-old, and he did exactly that. He's won
"(But) his principal target is to go to Dubai.
ÂŁ100,000 this year - it's been fantastic."
There's a new Group Three over six furlongs at
Palmer is looking at Dubai in March for Gifted
Meydan on Super Saturday. It was a conditions
Master, who was a close fifth behind his
race when Jungle Cat won it. It's probably the
stablemate at Lingfield after being taken on
right thing for him. He can have a short break
for the lead.
now, too."
PAGE 14
Tally adds to Godolphin’s Australian Stakes success SPORT 360
” said Godolphin racing and bloodstock manager Jason Walsh. “It’s great to see him win another feature Stakes race.” Tally also became the 17th individual winner of 19 Stakes races for Godolphin in a spring season that began in September and was highlighted by Cross Counter’s scintillating victory in the
Tally capped off a remarkable season for
G1 Melbourne Cup. The Cup was one of six G1
Godolphin with a superb win in 1800m Eclipse
races won in Australia by the Dubai-based
Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.
operation over the same period with the
The talented son of Street Cry turned around a
Cummings stable collecting two wins
lapse in his form to clinch victory in
(Hartnell and Best Of Days), Saeed bin Suroor
Melbourne with a typically courageous
recording two victories (Benbatl and Best
performance. The win was Tally’s eighth in a
Solution) and Charlie Appleby clinching wins
career that includes G1 placings in the ATC
with Cross Counter and Jungle Cat.
Derby at Randwick and the Turnbull Stakes at
Jockey Craig Williams said: “It seemed to make
Flemington. He also won the G2 Alister Clark
the difference for him, along with this lovely
Stakes at Moonee Valley as a three-year-old in
big track, he really enjoyed himself.
the autumn of 2016. “These horses that have
“He’s got nothing more to prove to us.
had a number of seasons with us, the team
“He’s a million-dollar Stakes earner, a fantastic
develops a great affinity with them,
horse and one we’re very proud of.”