ISSUE 5 • 29 NOVEMBER 2018
YOUR RACING DESTINATION
H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMMED HONOURS MASAR GODOLPHIN
COSMO CHARLIE STAR OF THE SHOW AT MEYDAN
THORKHILL STAR LIFTS ALI VENTURE CUP
Celebrating the achievements of the industry from all over the world, we are
From all of us at The
proud to be your destination for racing news; bringing you articles from the
Racing Weekly, we
region and beyond of what you need to know about the industry and its way
wish you the very
forward. best!
Seasons have kicked off and others are continuing on from strength to strength with new surprises and exciting new hope that every one does have an opportunity to grow and become in the lead of this industry.
D. Rashed Managing Editor info@racing-weekly.com
04
06
08
12
14
H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMMED HONOURS MASAR GODOLPHIN PROGRAMME GRADUATES
2019 DUBAI WORLD CUP SCHEDULE RELEASED WITH $12.6 MILLION PURSE UP FOR GRABS
COSMO CHARLIE THE STAR OF THE SHOW THURSDAY AT MEYDAN
BAHRAIN RACING THORKHILL STAR LIFTS ALI VENTURE CUP
AJWAD CAPITAL PERFORMANCE FROM AJWAD TO LAND THRILLING ABU DHABI FEATURE
SHEIKH MOHAMMED HONOURS MASAR GODOLPHIN PROGRAMME GRADUATES "MASAR GODOLPHIN IS A NINE-MONTH LONG ACADEMIC AND EXPERIENTIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME" KHALEEJ TIMES His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
A video showcasing the stories and the
Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE
backgrounds of the graduates of training
and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the second batch of
programme that took place in Dubai, Britain and
Masar Godolphin programme on Thursday at
Ireland was shown during the ceremony.
Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
The course offers its UAE participants an
The event was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin
opportunity to embrace their equestrian heritage
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince
with the aim of becoming the business leaders of
of Dubai.
the future. Ten Emirati men and women from
Masar Godolphin is a nine-month long academic
various backgrounds participated in the second
and experiential training programme operating
batch of the programme The event was also
under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed. It
attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin
provides an opportunity for young equine
Rashid Al Maktoum, Director-General of the
enthusiasts to visit the home of horse racing
Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai;
(Newmarket, UK) and exposes them to Godolphin's
Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, and Meydan Chairman of
unrivalled professional training and expertise.
the Board and CEO Saeed Al Tayer. Â
2019 DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL SCHEDULE RELEASED WITH $12.6 MILLION PURSE UP FOR GRABS THE NATIONAL
FIRST OF 10 MEETS TO TAKE PLACE AT MEYDAN RACECOURSE ON JANUARY 3, CULMINATING IN SUPER SATURDAY ON MARCH 9 The 2019 Dubai World Cup Carnival has drawn
The opening meeting of the Carnival is a six-race
more than 200 runners from around the world to
card that includes both the Group 3 Singspiel
battle for a slice of the US$12.6 million (Dh46m)
and Dubawi Stakes with prize funds of $200,000
on offer across 10 race meetings.
each, as well as the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial. The
Teaming up with the horses from overseas are 71
three rounds of Al Maktoum Challenge, both for
trainers from 17 countries and they will challenge
thoroughbreds and Arabians, are other Carnival
the local runners spearheaded by Godolphin's
highlights and offer early pointers for potential
Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby. The
winners on Dubai World Cup night. The
Carnival, now in its 16th year, consists of 61 races
Maktoum Challenge has produced eight of the
for thoroughbreds and four for Purebred
previous 19 Dubai World Cup winners, including
Arabians, and takes place on nine consecutive
four of the last seven.
Thursdays, from January 3 through February 28,
Meanwhile, Jebel Ali holds the only meeting of
before ending with Super Saturday on March 9,
this weekend, a seven-race card for
all at Meydan Racecourse.
thoroughbreds highlighted by a handicap rated
Overall price money is up 12 per cent on last year
for horses 85-105 and rub over 1,800 metres.
while Super Saturday’s race card, the traditional
The UAE champion trainer Doug Watson has
dress rehearsal for the $35 million Dubai World
four entered in the 12-runner field with the
Cup card on March 30, which has been boosted
stable jockey Pat Dobbs electing to ride
to a record $2.65 million in prize money,
Dehbashi.
7
The others are Bowditch, Mizbah and Mutamakkin. “Dehbashi tends to run well at Jebel Ali, so Pat has chosen him,” Watson said. “He has the advantage of a run this season, whereas Bowditch is having his first start for us and since March. We really like Bowditch and he has been working well. Hopefully he will handle the conditions and be a nice new horse for us.” Erwan Charpy’s Mudaarab heads the challenge along with Sandeep Jadhav’s Rio Tigre and Silchester for Emirati trainer Helal Al Alawi, who is seeking a milestone 100 winners.
COSMO CHARLIE THE STAR OF THE SHOW THURSDAY AT MEYDAN ERA
Victorious in the middle leg of the UAE Triple Crown, the 1900m Al Bastakiya (Listed), in 2017, Cosmo Charlie’s best 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival effort was when chasing home subsequent Godolphin Mile (G2) winner Heavy Metal in the Firebreak Stakes (Gr3) over the same 1600m. Well beaten on his seasonal debut, after suffering a rough trip over 1400m at Jebel Ali four weeks ago, he had clearly benefitted from that outing and proved too classy for his rivals. He will now head to the Listed Dubai Creek Mile over the same trip, while Etijaah will stretch back out to his
Racing at Meydan on Thursday was highlighted by
customary 2000m trip in the Listed The Entisar
a 1600m rated conditions event, the
—both on Dec. 20.
GulfNews.com, where Ramzan Kadyrov’s Cosmo
“The one draw was a big help, though he had to
Charlie ran out an emphatic winner under Pat
use up a lot of gas after that slow start,” Watson
Dobbs, just as he had done in the equivalent race
said. “I was then a bit worried he might not get
12 months ago. Trained by Doug Watson, the 4-
home but he had that race at Jebel Ali which seems
year-old gelded son of Stay Thirsty overcame a
to have put him spot on. He is a very nice horse on
poor start to rush up from his low draw and lead
his day and hopefully he can build on this and be
from the rail from the 1200m onward. Though
competitive back at the Carnival.” The meeting
Connor Beasley and mount Radaini drew level at
began with the first Purebred Arabian contest at
the top of the straight, the end was barely in
Meydan this season, the 1400m Bani Yas
doubt, as Dobbs soon settled the matter with a
sponsored by Gulf New (PA G2) and, despite being
flick of the reins. Beasley’s mount weakening in the
drawn widest of all in 14, ES Ajeeb powerfully took
final 100m, losing second to Watson-trained
command from the start and held a large lead that
Etijaah.
finally began to dwindle in the final 100m.
Hitchcott added: “From that draw, we had to use a lot of petrol early on but that 1400m is probably as far as he wants. His optimum is probably 1200m, but there are not that many options for him at that trip. He is still a big baby and you would like to think (is still) improving. He is probably capable of better, but as I said, finding races over shorter trips on dirt for him is not easy.” The Friday, a 1200m handicap, was turned into a procession by Lavaspin, who took the lead from barrier six (of eight) under Richard Mullen and was never headed. Always travelling well, the 4-yearold Hard Spun gelding scooted clear early in the straight to win emphatically and complete a course and distance double, having won a similar handicap two weeks ago for his owner Mohd Khaleel Ahmed. Winning trainer, Satish Seemar, enthused: “This horse is much improved this season and is another big success from the Godolphin sales, which have been brilliant for attracting new owners. He was not that expensive and now we have realised he is a sprinter, we can campaign him accordingly. We tried him over 1400m last season at Jebel Ali when he did not stay, but that is two from two this season and we hope he is a Carnival horse.” Tough 5-year-old mare Mawahib, consistent as
Seemar and Mullen later doubled up when, in
always, closed resolutely to finish second by the
virtually identical fashion to Lavaspin, Bochart was
slimmest of margins, ultimately passing her rival
soon in front on the rail in the Reach by Gulf
one stride too late.
News, a 1400m handicap, and the pair ran on far
This Meydan victory was by far the biggest for
too strongly for 13 toiling rivals. Owned by Al Bait
trainer Ibrahim Aseel. A homebred by Sheikh
Mutawahed Team, the 5-year-old Dubawi gelding
Abdulla bin Majid Al Qassemi, ES Ajeeb is only a 4-
has now won four times, including twice at
year-old and an exciting prospect who now boasts
Meydan.
a record of four wins from seven career tries.
Ten juveniles contested the Inside Out, a 1400m
“He is a horse we have always thought could win
maiden restricted to fillies and trainer Sandeep
these races,” said a beaming Aseel. “This is a
Jadhav provided first and second. Royston Ffrench
massive result for everybody involved and a very
partnered Al Shamkhah, who was nearer last than
special occasion.”
first at halfway. 10
When stable companion and fellow debutante
who led for the majority of the contest and fought
Foggy Flight hit the front under Xavier Ziani 250m
back bravely when headed. O’Neill said: “I was
out, she was still well in arrears, but closed
happy throughout the race, but he was perhaps
strongly with a sizeable stride to claim a victory at
getting tired close home after a break and I think
first asking. The daughter of Dialed In provided
he will be better over an extra 200m. At least we
owner Majed Ali Almarzooqui a fourth UAE success
now know he handles the surface.”
with just his 15th runner.
An enthralling card concluded with Wheels, a
“She is a lovely big filly who has basically learned
handicap over the same 2000m course and
what was required throughout the race,” Ffrench
distance as the world’s most valuable horse race,
said. “She has plenty of scope and, with time, will
the $12 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by
hopefully show she has a touch of class.”
Emirates Airline. A long way out, the race
The Baby & Child Trophy, a 1200m maiden, was
appeared to be a possible breakout performance
won by local debutant Kawasir, who had proven
by Sandeep Jadhav-trained Gundogdu, but a heady
consistent, if not victorious in his previous six
rail-skimming ride by Fernando Jara on Quartier
starts; never finishing off the board for trainer
Francais provided the consistent Ali Rashid Al
Roger Varian. Making his first start for Musabbeh
Rayhi-trained son of Street Cry a powerful two-
Al Mheiri, the newly gelded charge was never far
length victory. Winning his third race from nine
off the speed under Dane O’Neill, who was riding
career starts, the longwinded Mohd Khalifa Al
for his main employer, His Highness Sheikh
Basti-owned charge simply out-staying his tiring
Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Ultimately, he hit
rivals and proved a horse to watch as he enters his
the front with about 250m out, but had to work to
5-year-old season in 2019.
repel Beachcomber Bay, who led for the majority
“He’s a nice horse who always tries,” Jara said. “He
of the contest and fought back bravely when
wasn’t 100% fit last time (on Nov. 1 at Meydan over
headed. he hit the front with about 250m out, but
the same 2000m), but he was ready and ran his
had to work to repel Beachcomber Bay,
race today.”
11
12
THORKHILL STAR LIFTS ALI VENTURE CUP GDN FAVOURITES had a fruitful day at yesterday’s horse racing, winning both the feature events and five of the six support races at Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir. Thorkhill Star, owned by Al Adiyat Racing, trained by Alan Smith and ridden by Gerald Mosse, was the biggest winner of the day. The favourite beat Nigel by three lengths to win the richest race of the day which was for the Ali Venture Cup for imported horses carrying a cash prize of BD 3,000 Tonabrocky was third and Potentate fourth.
Another favourite Musannaan 1689, owned by Safra, trained by Alan Smith and ridden by Gerald Mosse, was equally emphatic in winning the other feature of the day which was for the Late Hasan bin Saleh Al Rowai Cup for Arabian horses carrying a cash prize of BD1,500 Musannaan 1689 beat Al Jellaby 1683 by five lengths while Al Jellaby 1661 was third and Tuwaisan 1659 fourth. Manama Boy, owned by Ramadhan Stable, trained by Jaber Ramadhan and ridden by Robert Tart, gave the favourites a bright start winning the first race of the day carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 The favourite beat Broughtons Salsa by four lengths while Midicean Ballet was third and Torqit fourth. Raawy, owned by Ali Abdulmajeed Ali Hammad, trained by Ali Jan and ridden by Abdulla Faisal, followed suit beating Suspect Package by threefourth-length to win the race for imported horses carrying a cash prize of BD2,000. NOMADIC
|
24
13
Ramani, owned by Al-Afoo Racing Stable, trained by Hussain Aldailami and ridden by P Convertino, beat Confirm A Friend by 10 lengths to win the race for locally bred horses carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 riyada was third.
Good News, owned by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, trained by Alan Smith and ridden by Gerald Mosse, beat Retort by one-andthree-fourth-length to win the handicap race carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 snake Eagle was third and Al Jolan fourth.
Tulip Fever, owned by Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by James Naylor and ridden by Andrew Elliott, beat Joe’s Spirit by three lengths to win the race for imported horses carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 jim Rockford was third and London Look fourth. Gharaieb, owned by Al-Afoo Racing Stable, trained by Hussain Aldailami and ridden by P Convertino, caused the only upset of the day when it beat favourite The Dark Knight by five lengths to win the race for locally bred horses carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 masharif was third and Daleel fourth.
NOMADIC
|
24
NOMADIC
|
24
14
CAPITAL PERFORMANCE FROM AJWAD TO LAND THRILLING ABU DHABI FEATURE
Gerald Avranche, having just his fifth mount of the campaign and first at Abu Dhabi this season, jumped Ajwad out of the gates sharply and went straight to the front with the 5-year-old entire son of Rock Of Gibraltar seemingly bowling along happily. Stalked initially by Tafaakhor, who would drop out of contention in the straight, Ajwad looked about to be swamped at the 400m pole with Dream Dubai appearing a big danger. However, Avranche’s steed galloped
ERA
on relentlessly, seeing off that challenge
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club raced for the
before Billingsgate entered the fray. He
third time this season on Sunday evening
looked likely to gain the initiative, but again,
with a six-race card highlighted by the only
Ajwad found more, sticking his neck out
Thoroughbred race, a 1400m handicap,
gallantly, only to then also be challenged by
which produced a thrilling finish worthy of
Azmaam. The three flashed past the post in
any feature contest with added drama
unison with Avranche and Ajwad prevailing
provided by the persistent rain in which it
by a head from Azmaam for trainer
was contested.
Rashed Bouresly, like his jockey, celebrating NOMADIC
|
24
15 his first winner of the campaign. The trainer later commented: “This is a very nice horse and we thought he would have a big change. That was an excellent ride from Gerald who followed instructions perfectly.” Ajwad was doubling his career tally having won a 1200m Jebel Ali handicap in February 2017 and Avranche added: “It rained very hard before the race, but not so much during it which was lucky for us all. I was told to try and make the running and the trainer was right. Credit to the horse, who is also good on dirt and who has really battled hard over a trip probably as far as he wants to go.” The opening 1400m conditions contest, restricted to 3-year-olds foaled in the UAE, went to AF Tahoonah, having just her second career start for Ernst Oertel and his main patron, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda. A well
Owner, trainer and jockey completed a
beaten fifth on her debut, when partnered by
double with AF Kafu, the comfortable winner
Tadhg O’Shea, she had clearly progressed
of the 2200m handicap for horses carrying
well from that experience. Ridden on this
the silks of private owners and, again, Mullen
occasion by Richard Mullen, she chased the
was the man in the saddle with O’Shea
early pace before closing on the home turn.
electing to partner the same connections’ AF
Asked to challenge, she hit the front as the
Motaghatres who was never able to land a
leaders were about to enter the straight and
blow before finishing sixth.
Mullen’s mount proved a willing one, fending
Never far off what appeared a frantic early
off debutant Hajjar W’Rsan who had looked a
gallop, with about seven runners seemingly
major threat when looming on her outside
wanting to lead into the first turn, Mullen
300m out.
always appeared happy to take his time with
Mullen said: “I was lucky to get the spare ride
Shareef KB, also representing Oertel and Al
with Tadhg opting to ride AF Kal Noor. To be
Nabooda, cutting out the running. When that
fair, Tadhg deserves a lot of credit because
stable companion weakened leaving the final
he gave this filly a nice introduction to racing
bend, Mullen committed for home, soon
three weeks ago and connections have
hitting the front and the pair stayed on
reaped the reward. Riding in these colours
strongly to make a victorious seasonal bow
and for Ernst you always know you have a
for AF Kafu. A 5-year-old, he has now run 14
decent chance. Hopefully it will cheer the
times and was registering a first turf victory
owner up. He rarely misses the races but is
to add to two at Sharjah, the first over 1700m
apparently not feeling too well.”
and more recently in January, over 2000m.
An almost rueful Mullen said: “Again it
The trainer went on to complete a double
must have been a tough choice for Tadhg
with Pat Cosgrave the man on board
and he probably chose the other one
Bainoona who ran out smooth winner of
because he had won on turf and had the
the finale, a second 1600m handicap on
benefit of an outing this season. As I said,
the card. Owned by Lemartinel’s main
for this owner and trainer, any spare ride is
patron, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin
a good one and I have been lucky to be on
Zayed Al Nahyan, the 5-year-old mare was
two winners for them this evening.”
winning for a fourth time, third on the Abu
The maximum field allowed of 16 may have
Dhabi turf and second over course and
contested the 1600m maiden, but in
distance.
reality, very few were able to get involved.
The first of the two 1600m handicaps
O’Shea was soon at the head of affairs
looked very competitive on paper and a
aboard debutant AF Saab, looking, at the
real tussle unfolded on the far rail where a
time, to complete a double for Oertel and
host of the 16 runners were able to throw
Al Nabooda. From halfway, they had most
down some kind of challenge. However,
of their rivals toiling, but a notable
unfortunately for them, Szczepan Mazur
exception was debutante RB Lam Tara,
had taken Duc De Faust, having tracked
travelling strongly under always seemingly
early leader Saayif Al Arab into the home
confident Fabrice Veron, sporting the silks
turn, towards the centre of the track to
of Sheikha Alyazia bint Sultan Al Nahyan
deliver what proved a decisive challenge.
and riding for Eric Lemartinel. In a virtual
The pair swept to the front halfway up the
home straight match, Veron’s mount
straight and were never in any danger of
always looked the likely winner and duly
relinquishing that lead, stylishly landing
went clear inside the final 200m.
the spoils for the Royal Cavalry of Oman
“I have to thank connections for this ride on
and trainer Younis Al Kalbani, doubling his
a young lovely filly,” Veron said. “She was
score for the campaign.
always going strongly before picking up nicely, but she is going to improve for that initial experience.”
17 A maiden before the race, his tenth start, Duc De Faust ran consistently well last season, apart from one blip in a much better race on the dirt at Al Ain and was winning here on his seasonal debut, his first outing since January. Mazur, like Avranche earlier opening his seasonal tally, said: “The trainer was pretty hopeful and the horse took me along strongly throughout. When I asked him to challenge he picked up nicely and has won quite easily.�
Phoenix Thoroughbred buy into Group One sprinter Sands Of Mali SPORTING LIFE Sands Of Mali will carry the colours of Phoenix
"We are delighted to be entering into this new
Thoroughbreds next season after the leading
partnership with such successful owners and
owners purchased a stake in the Group One-
we look forward many successful days at the
winning sprinter. Richard Fahey's charge was
races together." Abdulaziz revealed Sands Of
only narrowly beaten by Eqtidaar in the
Mali's first major target is likely to be the Al
Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot during the
Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night at
summer and enjoyed his day in the sun when
Meydan before attentions are turned to the
going one better on his return to Ascot in last
Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot. Fahey said:
month's Qipco British Champions Sprint. The
"It's a great pleasure to welcome Phoenix
three-year-old's original owners, the Cool Silk
Thoroughbreds to Musley Bank. The colt has
Partnership, retain a share in the colt, who will
been a great horse for us and we hope that we
remain in training with Fahey.
can bring this new partnership even greater
Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz
success than we have had already. "We have
said in a statement: "We are delighted to have
some exciting targets and I'd be very hopeful
acquired a stake in such a talented horse
of more great days at the races."
"He proved last year to be a true champion and his win at Ascot in the Champions Sprint highlighted his potential and class.
20
Almond Eye set for Dubai after scintillating Japan Cup victory RACING POST Almond Eye, who smashed the track record
Japan in the spring.
when winning the Japan Cup last Sunday, will
"She came out of the race fine but she is a
run in the Dubai Turf or Sheema Classic on
little tired and she'll now have a break."
World Cup night on March 30.
Almond Eye is the 15-8 favourite for the
The star filly completed the Japanese fillies'
Sheema Classic, run over a mile and a half at
triple crown before her Japan Cup success
Meydan, and is not quoted for the 1m1f Dubai
and is as short as 8-1 to break her nation's
Turf. No horse trained in Japan has won the
hoodoo in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at
Arc but El Condor Pasa, Nakayama Festa and
Longchamp next October.
Orfevre have all finished runner-up.
Confirming that Dubai is the next target,
The Arc market is headed by dual winner
trainer Sakae Kunieda said: "She ran well in
Enable at a general 4-1.
both the Shuka Sho and the Japan Cup but there aren't any suitable races for her inÂ