ISSUE 9 27 DECEMBER 2018
YOUR RACING DESTINATION
SIMON CRISFORD SET UP SATELLITE OPERATION IN DUBAI
COSMO CHARLIE STUNNED STUNS IN LISTED STAKES
JOE’S SPIRIT WINS ALROMAIHI CUP FOR ALMOHAMEDIYA
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SIMON CRISFORD TO SET UP SATELLITE OPERATION IN DUBAI NEXT MONTH
DUBAI WORLD CUP FOUR FROM KOREA HEAD TO DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL
MEYDAN COSMO CHARLIE SHINES, STUNNED STUNS IN LISTED STAKES
BAHRAIN JOE'S SPIRIT WINS ALROMAIHI CUP FOR ALMOHAMEDIYA RACING
ABU DHABI WHELAN OPENS UAE ACCOUNT IN ABU DHABI FEATURE
SIMON CRISFORD TO SET UP SATELLITE OPERATION IN DUBAI NEXT MONTH RACING POST Simon Crisford has announced exciting winter
Crisford said: "Setting up a proper satellite
plans to set up a 14-strong satellite operation in
operation in Dubai is something I've had in mind
Dubai in the new year. The Newmarket trainer has
for a while. A lot of my owners are in Dubai and the
plenty of experience of such initiatives having
prize-money is so great. Opportunities are
spent many winters in the UAE at Al Quoz Stables
abundant especially for our American-bred horses
in his former role as racing manager to Godolphin.
that we hope can take to the dirt track at Meydan."
This time around, Crisford is to be based close to
He added of his Dubai set-up: "The facilities are
Meydan racecourse at Millennium Stables where
fantastic and Paul Holley, who won the Triumph
he is to rent boxes from the Dubai Racing Club for
Hurdle on Oh So Risky, is to be our senior member
his team. Among those on the plane to Dubai,
of staff permanently based out there for the
which is to depart the day after Boxing Day, are
winter. Obviously myself and my son and assistant
QEII Stakes third Century Dream, Group 3 winner
Edward will commute there, but everything in the
Sporting Chance and Group 3-placed African Ride
Newmarket stable remains the same."
all of whom could end up racing on Dubai World
Crisford, who created a big impact in 2018 with his
Cup night on March 30. Rather than international
first ever Royal Ascot winner and over £1 million in
visitor status, as he will be operating as a domestic
prize-money, added: "There are 14 horses
Dubai trainer, Crisford will also be able to run
earmarked to leave on December 27 and after six
some of his team at non-Dubai Carnival meetings
days in quarantine some of them could run at the
at Meydan as well support fixtures at Jebel Ali and
first meeting of the carnival on January 4."
Abu Dhabi.
The Newmarket trainer finalised his Dubai team
winner Turn'n Twirl. Crisford added: "Turn'n Twirl
after a racecourse gallop morning at Chelmsford
and Starry Eyes will run in the UAE 1,000 Guineas
on Friday. He said: "African Ride, who won at
trial on the opening night of the Carnival. Beyond
Deauville this year, is dirt bred as he's by Candy
that we are taking out a few old favourites like
Ride out of a Kris S mare and he could head to the
Mutawathea and Trollius, who is owned by Lady
first leg of the Maktoum Challenge on January 11.
O’Reilly, plus Mrs Doreen Tabor’s Match Maker,
Century Dream, who finished an excellent third to
who has had a year off."
Roaring Lion at Ascot last time, will start a bit later
If all goes well, the satellite operation could well be
in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile in March with a view to
an annual event. Crisford said: "I’d like to thank
the Group 1 Dubai Turf on World Cup night."
Saeed Al Tayer and Mali Al Basti who have been
Others of note heading for some welcome Gulf
instrumental in enabling this project to go ahead.
sunshine include Sporting Chance, winner of a
I'm hoping this will be an ongoing winter
Group 3 at Maisons-Laffitte last time as well as a
programme for us and there is sure to be increased
clutch of fillies including last week's Lingfield
interest in Dubai as they build towards Expo 2020."
FOUR FROM KOREA HEAD TO DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL THOROUGHBRED NEWS Four Korea-trained horses left the quarantine area
The 2019 Dubai World Cup Carnival horses from
at Seoul Racecourse early on Thursday morning
Korea are:
embarking on a long journey to represent the country at the 2019 Dubai World Cup Carnival,
ACE KOREA (USA) [Smiling Tiger – Queen Rolex
which begins on January 3 at Meydan Racecourse.
(Broken Vow)] Horse/2015
The four departed Incheon Airport at 8am on a
Owner: Shin Woo Chul, Trainer: Peter Wolsley
Korean Air Cargo flight to Frankfurt and will arrive
The Busan-based three-year-old ran 5th in the
in Dubai on Saturday.
Korea Sprint (1200M) in September and has won both subsequent starts most recently the Listed
2019 will mark the third time in four years that
Kookje News Cup (1400M) by two-and-a-half
horses trained in Korea have taken their chance at
lengths over 2017 Champion Mare Silver Wolf.
the Carnival. Cheongu and Success Story were the
Those wins too him to a total of six from thirteen
first in 2016, the latter finishing 3rd on two
career starts. Tipped for a big year in 2019, Ace
occasions while five horses made the trip in 2017.
Korea is set to tackle Sprint races in Dubai. He is
Diferent Dimension, Triple Nine and Power Blade
trained by Peter Wolsley, who has previous
all placed, the latter in Group company, while Main
Carnival experience with Diferent Dimension in
Stay became the nation’s first Carnival winner.
2017.
DOLKONG (USA) [Afleet Alex – Swampoodle
latest two starts but had previously demonstrated
(Broken Vow)] Horse/2014
what he’s capable of when winning consecutive
Owner: Lee Tae In, Trainer Simon Foster
class 1 handicaps over 2000M and 2300M in fine style in August and September. Choego Money has
A winner of six of eleven lifetime starts, Dolkong
six wins from twenty-four lifetime starts with his
showed his ability when running 2nd in the Korea
best performances having come this year.
Cup (1800M) in September. He then ran a very good 4th in the season-finale Grand Prix Stakes
BUHWARUI BANSEOK (USA) [Tizway – Aim For
(2300M) in December, coming home barely two-
The Moon (Deputy Minister)] Horse/2013
lengths behind the winner despite having had to
Owner: Lim Doo Soon, Trainer: Bart Rice
race wide the entire time after coming out of gate
An experienced Class 1 campaigner in Korea,
16. Trained by Simon Foster at Seoul, in Korea his
Buhwarui Banseok has won eight of his twenty-
best distances look to be between a mile and
eight career outings to date with his most recent
2000M.
success coming in a very good win over 1800M in October, the minimum trip that he usually races
CHOEGO MONEY (USA) [Stephen Got Even – Lady
at. He has been in solid form this year putting in a
Heroine (Sea Hero)] Horse/2014
number of good performances at the top level.
Owner: Hamchun, Trainer: Simon Foster
Buhwarui Banseok is trained by Bart Rice, who’ll be having his first runner at the Carnival. Previously
Another Simon Foster trainee, Choego Money’s
training in South Africa, Rice has been based at
form may not have shown his true ability in his
Busan since 2013.
COSMO CHARLIE SHINES, STUNNED STUNS IN LISTED STAKES ERA DUBAI (December 20, 2018)—On a card
other than stable companion Stunned, who did
sponsored in its entirety by Pillar Partner Azizi
just that in the final jump under Pat Dobbs.
Developments, racing at Meydan on Thursday
Owned by Mohd Khalifa Al Basti, the 7-year-old
featured three Listed races (two Thoroughbred
gelded son of Shamardal won his seasonal debut
and one Purebred Arabian) two weeks before
over 1200m on his only previous start of the
the start of the eagerly awaited 2019 Dubai
season at the beginning of November. This was a
World Cup Carnival. It also proved a great
first 1600m victory on his 12th attempt at the
evening for champion trainer, Doug Watson who
trip. Thegreatcollection rounded out the top
finished with an impressive five winners.
three for Watson, who completed an early double in the process after taking a 2-year-old
The Dubai Creek Mile (Listed) over 1600m was
maiden affair with upstart Al Seel Legacy’s.
dominated by Watson, who saddled a trio of the seven runners and promptly supplied the first
Dobbs, said: “Obviously, we have to be very
three home. Returning from 999 days off, having
pleased with that and with all three of our
landed the Godolphin Mile (G2) in what remains
horses. Mohd Khalifa Al Basti has a lot of horses
a 1600m track record on the 2016 Dubai World
with us, so it is nice to get a big winner for him.
Cup card when last seen in public, One Man
We thought One Man Band was ready for a big
Band made a gallant attempt to make all the
run and he has produced one, so we have to be
running under Sam Hitchcott. With 400m to
delighted with him as well. Thegreatcollection
run, the son of Pivotal had all six rivals beaten,
ran very well also.”
Seventy minutes later Watson saddled his fourth
“The horse is a lot more relaxed now which
winner of The Entisar (Listed), inaugurated in
makes my life a lot easier and gives himself a far
2013 over the same 2000m dirt course and
better chance in these better races.” Dobbs said.
distance as the world’s most valuable horse
“He is also very versatile because he has plenty
race, the US$12 million Dubai World Cup (G1)
of speed, but has seen this longer trip out well
sponsored by Emirates Airline. Dobbs and
tonight. It gives Doug and the team plenty of
Cosmo Charlie went straight to the front with a
options.”
testing opening quarter and proceeded to put
The Madjani (Listed PA), the only Purebred
on the proverbial breaks, lulling his foes to sleep
Arabian contest on the card, kicked off
through an easy subsequent 1200m before
proceedings and was won relatively cosily by
sprinting home a dominant victor. Left in his
Abhaar, one of four among the 16 runners
wake were the likes of 2017 Godolphin Mile (G2)
saddled by Eric Lemartinel for reigning
winner Second Summer and multiple South
champion owner His Highness Sheikh Khalifa
American Group 1 winner Furia Cruzada. It was
bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sporting a distinguishing
also a second Listed class victory for the 4-
black cap, Olivier Doleuze was content to bide
year-old Stay Thirsty gelding after a similar win
his time on Abhaar, who was well away from the
in 2017’s Al Bastakiya on Super Saturday.
stalls, but from the widest draw of all in 16.
They edged closer at halfway before powering
owned and trained by Ismail Mohammed and
down the straight, on the outside, to snatch the
opening her account at the fifth attempt but just
spoils close home from fellow Group 1 winners Al
second in the UAE and on dirt. Fabrice Veron was
Zahir and Ziyadd.
in the saddle, winning his first Meydan race.
Doleuze, who punched the air in delight crossing
“She learned a lot from her dirt debut and we
the line said: “It is always nice to ride winners,
came here quite confident because she has been
especially in big races and here at Meydan where it
working well,” Veron said. “She should be able to
is so hard to get the rides in the first place. My
improve again and the horses in our yard are
horse has travelled really well all the way round
starting to (do well).”
and when I asked him, really picked up nicely.
The meeting concluded with a 1600m handicap,
After a fast start I took him back and he has done
the Azizi Riveira, in which Watson once again was
that in good style.”
the star of the show, winning with 5-year-old
A decent 1200m handicap, the Azizi Farishta, was
Galvanize, a son of Medaglia d’Oro owned by
run at a furious early gallop with Waady and
Hamid Radan. Returning from a 280-day layoff, the
Pirate’s Cove scampering throughout the first half
Pat Dobbs-piloted charge stalked throughout
of the race before the former dropped early in the
before powering clear turning for home, ultimately
straight. Pirate’s Cove and Xavier Ziani went clear,
finishing well in command. “We were planning on
but from a long way back, Lytham St Annes was
running him earlier in the season, but he had a
produced with a withering late challenge to lead
hiccup in his training,” Watson said. “It was
right on the line, completing a double for Al Basti,
nothing in the end and there weren’t many places
treble for Dobbs and making it four on the card for
to run him back, so we picked this spot. He’s good
Watson. Restricted to 2-year-old fillies’, the Azizi
fresh and we were pretty confident he would run a
Mina, a 1600m maiden, was won by Al Hayette,
big race. He did that really well.”
JOE'S SPIRIT WINS ALROMAIHI CUP FOR ALMOHAMEDIYA
owned by Al Hassanain Syndicate, trained by
GULF DAILY NEWS
BD3,000 Balestra was third and Potentate
FAVOURITES had mixed luck winning two of
fourth. Obeyaan 1702, owned by Safra, trained
the four feature and two of the three support
by Alan Smith and ridden by Rosie Jessop,
events at yesterday’s horse racing at Rashid
won the first feature race of the day which
Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir.
was for the Wasmiya Cup for Arabian horses
The biggest winner of the day was Joe’s
carrying a cash prize of BD1,500 The
Spirit, owned by Al Mohamediya Racing,
favourite beat Musannan 1719 by one-and-
trained by Osama Hashim and ridden by
half-a-length while Al Jellaby 1661 was third
Andrew Elliott . The outsider edged out
and Al Mlolesh 1707 fourth. Caped Crusader,
favourite Excuse to Linger by a head to win
owned by Victorious, trained by Alan Smith
the Ebrahim bin Saad Al Romaihi Cup
and ridden by Gerald Mosse, pipped
carrying a cash prize of BD2,000. Suspect
Dushanbe by a neck to win the Al Hawaj Cup
Package was third and Fujaira Bridge fourth.
carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 Wayne
Another outsider Port Douglas,
Looney was third and Nardeen fourth.
Ali Jan and ridden by Adrie De Vries, caused the biggest shock of the day beating Saajid by two-and-half-a-length to claim the Al Hawaj Cup carrying the richest prize of the day of
Broughtons Salsa, owned by Saher Jafar Al Alawi, trained by Mohammed Saeed and ridden by P Convertino, gave the favourites a good start winning the opening race of the day, the first of three support events, carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 The favourite beat Tamaady by two lengths while Shesaidyes was third and Corsinana fourth. Sabreena, owned by Abdulla Fawzi Nass, trained by Hesham Al Haddad and ridden by Husain Makki, beat Rahya by one-andone-fourth-length to win the race for locally bred horses carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 Sadara was third and Saheel fourth. Henry The Horse, owned by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, trained by Alan Smith and ridden by Derreck David, beat Pulsar by three lengths to win the race for locally bred horses carrying a cash prize of BD2,000 Emoji was third and Masharif fourth.
WHELAN OPENS UAE ACCOUNT IN ABU DHABI FEATURE
half after a horrible Meydan fall at the beginning of
ERA
Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday was
Spring Offensive, who looked to have the race in
highlighted by the only Thoroughbred race, a
safe keeping 75m out, was thwarted into defeat in
competitive 1600m handicap in which the
the process.
maximum allowed field of 16 went to post and
Whelan said: “Obviously it is great to get that first
produced one of several thrilling finishes enjoyed
winner and to be back in the saddle after a less
throughout the six-race pre-holiday card. It
than ideal start to my local career. I am very
proved to be a landmark occasion for young
grateful to Mr. Al Rayhi and the whole team at
Irishman Ronan Whelan, in his first whose season
Grandstand Stables; both for the opportunity in
in the UAE and with Ali Rashid Al Rayhi at
the first place and their support once I was injured.
Grandstand Stables, was brought to a shuddering
The team seemed quite bullish about Tafaakhor’s
November. He only returned to the saddle at Meydan on Thursday and partnered his first local winner, on just his tenth mount, when producing Tafaakhor to lead in the final strides for Al Rayhi and His
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chances and I was able to get a nice position and
who supplied first and second in a race few of the
take my time before he picked up really well close
16 runners were ever able to land a blow. Having
home.”
tracked the early leader, Al Jawaher, throughout
The best of the Purebred Arabian action was also a
the first half of the race, AF Makerah hit the front
1600m handicap and it produced a thrilling finish
under Antonio Fresu with the majority of the
with Fabrice Veron and Bainoona devouring the
opposition beaten before they even entered the
ground in the final 300 to snare AF Maher, who had
straight.
led from the outset under Tadhg O’Shea, in the
Fresu said: “As I always say, when you are riding for
closing stages.
these connections you know you are on a live
Trained by Eric Lemartinel for his main patron, His
chance and she had run well on her last start. That
Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the
was over 1400m and the trainer was confident the
5-year-old mare was registering her fifth career
extra 200m would suit her tonight so I was happy
victory and third over course and distance. She had
to ride her positively.”
also won a 1600m Abu Dhabi handicap on her
A third consecutive 1600m handicap, this one
previous outing when ridden by Pat Cosgrave.
restricted to horses in private ownership, followed
“She had a low weight today so I was able to ride
and Al Nabooda went one better with the first three
her,” Veron said. “She won well for Pat last time
home all sporting his black and silver silks. Again
and we were pretty hopeful she could follow up
O’Shea set out to make every post a winning one
which she has done nicely. Mr. Lemartinel and his
and found a willing partner in AF Asheham who led
team at Al Asayl have the horses in top form and it
until the dying strides, only to be passed by Ben
is always a pleasure to ride in these silks.”
Curtis and AF Momtaz, saddled by Musabbeh Al
Turning for home in the opening 2200m maiden, at
Mheiri. However, they veered towards the centre
least ten runners still appeared to hold realistic
of the track where Fresu and AF Motaghatres were
claims before Kaseb and Pierantonio Convertino
finishing fast before losing momentum when
shot clear with what initially appeared a race-
involved in a bump with Curtis’ mount. Fresu just
winning move. However, in behind, Bernardo
had time to regain some impetus with his charge
Pinheiro and AF Al Montagem, who had always
responding determinedly to lead in the final strides,
been just behind the early pace set by Seafe, were
denying AF Momtaz by a nose with just a neck back
making relentless progress and grabbed the
to AF Asheham in third. A delighted Oertel, having
initiative with 150m to run, powering away to win
watched AF Motaghatres, a 1400m Abu Dhabi
easily for Ernst Oertel and his main patron, Khalid
maiden winner in January, score for a second time,
Khalifa Al Nabooda.
on his tenth start, said: “It has been a great evening
Pinheiro said: “I was always happy tracking the
and we knew we had some good chances. Mr. Al
pace on the inside and when I really asked him to
Nabooda is a pleasure to train for and has some
close he responded well so I was pretty confident
very nice horses, which I am lucky enough to have
throughout the majority of the straight. Mr. Oertel
in my care.” Jesus Rosales and Shawall made a
told me the horse was a lazy type and to keep busy
gallant attempt to make all in the 1200m maiden,
on him, so that is what I did and the trainer was
the pair pestered throughout the duration of the
proved correct. I thank connections for this
straight by JAP Al Afreet who, finally, managed to
opportunity.” A second 1600m Purebred Arabian
get his head in front inside the final 100m for Brett
handicap, this one restricted to fillies and mares,
Doyle, only to be mugged close home by the fast
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A first winner of the season for Jaci Wickham, the
campaign for his owner, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al
4-year-old debutant was nearer last than first
Nahyan, who also bred him.
entering the relatively short Abu Dhabi straight
“That is very pleasing because mine are not
but, once he understood what was required of him
normally fully tuned up first time out,” Wickham
by Connor Beasley, made relentless progress
said. “Connor has given him an excellent ride and
throughout the final 300m to snatch a dramatic
the horse will hopefully improve a lot from that.”
victory. It was also a maiden success of the
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SADLER, HRONIS MAY MULL DUBAI WORLD CUP TRIP FOR GIFT BOX HORSE RACING NATION
Before that, local options include the San Pasqual (G2) on Feb. 2 and the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on March 9. Accelerate won both for Sadler and Hronis earlier this year to launch a campaign that has him both in the conversation for Horse of the Year and will make the Lane's End Farm-bound stallion the favorite for the Jan. 26 Pegasus World Cup (G1).
It was the hunch play of the afternoon Wednesday
Also in Sadler's care is Catalina Cruiser, a highly
at Santa Anita Park when the horse named Gift Box
regarded Grade 2 winner due back in training soon
delivered a post-Christmas present to his new
after running off form in the Breeders' Cup Dirt
connections, trainer John Sadler and Hronis
Mile. As for Gift Box, another 5-year-old, "We’ve
Racing. Both expect the San Antonio Stakes (G2)
loved him since we got him," said Kosta Hronis.
winner to contend next year in California's top
"He’s a big, strong guy. He levels off good and he’s a
races for older male horses.
pro. He’s very seasoned. He had second-it is back East, but I think we pushed him over the hump.
What about going international?
“He won’t run in the Pegasus. He’ll stay here and
"We’re not opposed to going to Dubai with him,"
run in the Santa Anita stakes races. We’ll let
said Sadler, with the Dubai World Cup worth $12
Accelerate do his thing at the Pegasus all by
million for its 2019 running on March 31 at Meydan.
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Sadler said he had monitored the son of Twirling
and a strong allowance win March 24 in his final start in
Candy's progress as he trained the sire, a multiple
New York. "He went back to the farm, and the previous
graded stakes runner from 2009-2011.
owners indicated that they’d like to move him along, so I went back there before the September yearling sale
Gift Box made 13 starts for his former connections,
and took a look at him and liked him," Sadler said. “I
trainer Chad Brown and William S. Farish, including
know he can run. He’s had some good speed figures.
a fourth to Arrogate in the Travers Stakes (G1)
We took a shot and here we are.
TALISMANIC, 'A FINE FIT FOR JAPAN,' LEADS DARLEY STALLION ROSTER
Talismanic, a striking son of leading US sire Medaglia d’Oro, defeating nine Grade or Group 1 winners in his edition of the Turf at Del Mar. He was also a winner at 2, breaking his maiden by seven lengths, before winning stakes at 3, 4 and 5.
HORSE RACING NATION Talismanic hails from the same family as Fees have been announced for the seven
outstanding sire Deep Impact and Champion
stallions who will stand on the Darley roster in
Rey De Oro.
Japan in 2019 led by recent retiree Talismanic, the 2017 Breeders' Cup Turf winner who will
Shotato Kajiya, Nominations Manager, said,
stand at 1.8 million yen, or about $16,300.
“We are delighted to offer Japanese breeders
a more powerful lineup of stallions than ever, with an
breeders in Japan, and covered 170 mares in 2018.
exciting new addition in Breeder’s Cup winner Talismanic, who looks to be a fine fit for Japan. I am
The Darley roster in Japan is completed by American
very happy that he is joining our stallion roster.
Patriot (1.5 million yen), who will cover his second book of mares in 2019; proven Group 1 sire Discreet Cat (1.5
Darley also announced that Admire Moon, sire of
million yen); consistent winner-getter Furioso (0.5
multiple Group 1 winner Fine Needle, will stand at a fee
million yen); Dubawi’s Dubai World Cup-winning son
of 1.5 million yen.
Monterosso (1 million yen); and Pyro, Japan’s leading sire by NAR earnings (2.5 million yen).
His first winner of the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen, Seiun Kosei, added another Group win to his
“We have already had significant interest in our 2019
record in 2018, helping to ensure Admire Moon was
stallion roster, especially Pyro, Admire Moon, and
responsible for more Group-winning sprinters in 2018
Furioso, all of whom have enjoyed an excellent year on
than any other sire in Japan.
the racecourse," Kajiya said. "We appreciate the support of our breeders and look forward to another busy
Admire Moon has been consistently popular with
season at the stallion complex.”