Racing Weeky Issue 5

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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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