DUBAI WORLD CUP EXCITEMENT MOUNTING: LIKELY FIELDS REVEALED AS COUNTDOWN CONTINUES ISSUE 789 16th March 2023
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FROM THE EDITOR adiyat racing plus.com 3 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 — ALL EYES ON MEYDAN RACECOURSE AS DUBAI WORLD CUP BECKONS! The Dubai World Cup is just nine days away and the attention of the racing world has already turned on the city and towards its big night on 25 March, when a massive $30.5million will be disbursed in prize money over the course of the fantastic nine race programme. The fields that have assembled for this year’s races have an interesting mix with numerous runners crisscrossing surfaces and a number of names returning in the hopes of repeating their winning feats in years gone by. Lord North arrives looking to win the Group 1 Dubai Turf for the third straight year after finishing the dead-heat winner alongside Panthalassa in last year’s edition, the latter being fielded in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup after his stunning win in last month’s Saudi Cup at Riyadh where he denied Country Grammer, the winner of last year’s Group 1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, who returns looking to defend his title after finding no luck in the Saudi capital. There’s plenty of others. The list goes on! Speaking of lists and the fate of two of the three that matter to those connected with domestic racing in the UAE have virtually been sealed. We are talking about the various championships and the aforementioned pair are the jockeys’ title race and that of the owners, where 10 time winner Tadhg O’Shea is firmly on course to acquiring an 11th title and his chief employer on the Purebred Arabians, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda is galloping towards a fifth honour on the bounce. Over the last few years O’Shea and Antonio Fresu have turned the UAE Jockeys’ Championship into a match race, with the Irishman getting the better despite being sidelined and this year is no different with Italian Fresu missing out on his chance to make up ground and now finding himself 13 behind. With that kind of a difference it has to be all but over, but then you never know until it’s really over. Mathematically, at least! There is, however, all to fight for in the UAE Trainers’ Championship, on whose leaderboard Doug Watson is ahead by two from nemesis Bhupat Seemar, the defending champion. Watson’s score of 37 is severely under threat with the Zabeel Stables supremo, in his sophomore year looking good to bridge the gap and defend his honour! Interesting times ahead, but for now racing has got to be all about what happens on that last Saturday of March at Meydan. - Duane Fonseca Assistant Editor
adiyat racing plus.com 4 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 DUBAI WORLD CUP EXCITEMENT MOUNTING: LIKELY FIELDS REVEALED AS COUNTDOWN CONTINUES ISSUE 789 16th March 2023 Horses from 12 nations among Dubai World Cup night contenders, with Bob Baffert’s Country Grammer looking to defend his crown in the feature Group 1 Dubai World Cup. 10 SHOW JUMPING 30-31 Good week for UAE riders, but Breen takes top Dubai prize. ENDURANCE 28-29 Finding Nemo helps Al Falasi to Trainers Cup title. COVER DWC 2023 Likely fields for big night of racing announced. FROM THE EDITOR 3 All eyes on Meydan Racecourse!
adiyat racing plus.com 5 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 DWC Card News 10-17 Likely fields for the big night of racing announced. Godolphin News 6-7 Group 1 success for royal blues in Australia, while closer to home Passion And Glory wins in Bahrain. News 18-21 Conversation points from all the major racing jurisdictions around the world. BLOODSTOCK 22-24 ADVERTORIAL 26-27 HOWARD WRIGHT 32 LAURA KING 34 LIZ PRICE 36 OWEN BURROWS 37 MARCUS TOWNEND 38 MICHELE MACDONALD 40-41 REVIEWS 42-49 PREVIEWS & RACECARDS 50-57 MANAGING EDITOR Taha A Taha ENGLISH EDITOR Jason Ford ASSISTANT EDITOR Duane Fonseca WRITERS Mohammed Omer Khuzaima Al Habeeb Mehiar Elmahi Thamer Abdalla REGIONAL CONTRIBUTOR Muttib Al Shammari ART DIRECTOR Mohammad Juma SENIOR DESIGNERS Nadim Ahmed Eng. Mohamed Maher Ismail KV DESIGNERS Nisar Shaikh Navas Muhammed HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY Abdulla Khalifa LIBRARY & PHOTOGRAPHERS K. Aboobacker, Ali Juma ADVERTISING/MARKETING [email protected] Tel: 009714 3121231 WEBSITE Osama Shousha Shafeer Ummer Awais Kiani Sarfraz Ahmed For editorial, contact: [email protected]
GODOLPHIN NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 6 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 By Duane Fonseca Dean Holland made the most of a spare ride as he guided James Cummings’ In Secret to a spectacular victory in Saturday's 1200m Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. Holland was recruited to ride the 3yo I Am Invincible filly after Jamie Kah’s terrifying accident aboard Flyball in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes earlier on the card. Kah was knocked unconscious after the nasty fall and was rushed to hospital, leaving Cummings to seek the services of Dean Holland. Kah was one of two top Australian riders to be injured in the fall, Craig Williams, the other, hitting the turf after his horse tripped over the fallen Flyball. Holland gave the wellbeing of Kah and Williams priority over his own feelings after the race, despite this being the rider’s first Group One victory in almost 13 years. “First of all, what I didn’t want to do was carry on, win, lose or draw with what happened with Jamie and Willo,” said Holland, who refused to celebrate the win. “My thoughts go out to them. I’m just the lucky one that was able to ride light today. James had no other options, and I picked up the ride on one of Australia’s best sprinters. I hadn’t ridden for him before, but he was pretty relaxed. “James talked me through the race beforehand and showed me a few replays and things like that. He said she’s had the tendency to be a bit slow this prep, and if she is, leave her alone and trust her. She has a strong finish and I rode her accordingly and she was too good. We managed get the job done, that’s the main thing.” CUMMINGS’ SECRET OUT IN THE OPEN AFTER NEWMARKET HANDICAP WIN GOOD BREAK, SLOW START The pair broke well but In Secret, winner of the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over course and distance in October, took him to third last in the group that raced against the far side rail. However, with 500m left to run, the pair started to make good progress, Holland cutting towards the centre of the track and In Secret finding her kick to hit the front 250m out. She went clear, but Julius Sandhu’s runner-up Lofty Strike managed to reduce the deficit to a length under Craig Newitt. A head back in third was I Wish I Win for trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen. Cummings added: “We went through the ride for 25 minutes and I showed him the replays. He’s a pretty bullish guy, he didn’t seem fazed at all for any minute with me.” DEAN HOLLAND: I’M JUST THE LUCKY ONE THAT OTHER OPTIONS, AND I PICKED UP THE RIDE ON ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST SPRINTERS. In Secret
GODOLPHIN NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 7 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Godolphin horses dominated the finish in Bahrain for a second time this season as Passion And Glory beat First Ruler in the Listed His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup on Friday. Passion And Glory, who had chased home Dubai Future in November’s Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy, was held up towards the rear of the 14 runners by Danny Tudhope after breaking awkwardly and meeting early traffic. The Saeed bin Suroor-trained 7yo made rapid headway around the field entering the home straight and cruised into contention down the centre of the course with two furlongs to race. First Ruler made his challenge for William Buick at the same time, with the Godolphin duo quickening away from their rivals approaching the final furlong. Passion And Glory opened up a narrow advantage and drifted into First GODOLPHIN HORSES SHOW PASSION AND ENJOY BAHRAIN GLORY Ruler half a furlong out, impeding the 4yo’s momentum, before seeing out the 1m4f trip well to prevail by a length and three-quarters. Saeed bin Suroor said: “It’s a great result to see Passion And Glory come back here and win. The jockey looked after him with the relatively strong early pace and he was travelling really well when it came to the bend. “Passion And Glory has always liked racing right-handed and that’s why we sent him to this race. He has been doing very well at home and we are very happy with today’s result.” Danny Tudhope added: “I didn’t quite want to ride Passion And Glory that way, but sometimes you have to go to plan B and it all worked out well for him in the end. He was nice and relaxed and, when I turned into the straight, I was full of horse. He was the best horse in the race on form." SAEED BIN SUROOR: PASSION AND GLORY HAS ALWAYS LIKED RACING RIGHT-HANDED AND THAT’S WHY WE SENT HIM TO THIS RACE. HE HAS BEEN DOING VERY WELL AT HOME AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULT. Passion And Glory
SHADWELL NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 8 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Shadwell’s number one jockey, Jim Crowley, is optimistic that the scintillating victory of Mostahdaf, trained by John and Thady Gosden, on the Saudi Cup undercard could herald a prosperous season for the team with their older horses, without the mighty Baaeed who was retired at the end of last season. The homebred 5yo entire son of Frankel ran right away from his opposition in Riyadh to record an emphatic defeat of Godolphin's Dubai Future over 2100m in the Group 3 Neom Turf. Could he develop into a Group One horse was the question on many lips afterwards and Crowley said: "I hope so. I was delighted with the way he won and I didn’t expect him to put in a performance like that. Clearly he loves fast ground and he’s matured. He looks exciting and is very well bred. “He’s physically a very strong horse and he put in some smart performances last year in Group Threes. I’m hoping that he can step up to Group One company and I would imagine, if he has returned from Saudi in good shape, we’ll go to Dubai. PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO HOPES CROWLEY LOADS OF OPTIONS "There’s lots of nice races for him and he’s very versatile in races over 1m2f up to 1m4f. I was surprised with how much boot he showed in Saudi because we went slow and clocked a good time having shown a real sharp turn of foot from the turn." Crowley is also looking forward to two more potential stars among the older brigade, both in the care of Owen Burrows. "It’s nice now Baaeed has retired to have a few nice older horses for this season," added Crowley, who begins a seventh season as a retained jockey to Shadwell. "We might not find another Baaeed but we still have plenty of good ones. "I can’t wait for my old mate Hukum, who is Baaeed’s brother and is back this year, as well as a lovely horse I won the Prix Dollar on last year in Anmaat.” Hukum has not been seen since winning a first Group One in last season's Coronation Cup, while Anmaat progressed throughout the year, defying worries about the very soft ground at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend. JIM CROWLEY: I WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE WAY HE WON AND I DIDN’T EXPECT HIM TO PUT IN A PERFORMANCE LIKE THAT. CLEARLY HE LOVES FAST GROUND AND HE’S MATURED. HE LOOKS EXCITING AND IS VERY WELL BRED. Mostahdaf
Dubai World Cup Saturday March 25 The biggest social and sporting event of the calendar is here. Horse racing, fashion, entertainment and more. Meydan Racecourse. Sharing unforgettable experiences. Book now dubairacingclub.com +971 4 327 2110
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 10 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Defending Champion Country Grammer and Equinox, 2022’s highest rated 3yo in the world, are the headline acts for the $30.5million Dubai World Cup card, likely fields for which have been released. Country Grammer heads a projected field of 14 for the $12million Group 1 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline. Bob Baffert’s charge aims to become just the second dual winner of the race but faces tough opposition from an eight strong Japanese challenge which includes Japan Cup winner Vela Azul and Saudi Cup hero Panthalassa. The sole European raider is the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers, impressive winner of Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 and R2, while Fawzi Nass’ Salute The Soldier heads the local challenge. The $6million Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic has also attracted a strong international field, with Arima Kinen winner Equinox facing seven other Group Onewinners, including defending champion Shahryar and two from Hong Kong, Senor Toba and Russian Emperor. A three HORSES FROM 12 NATIONS AMONG DUBAI WORLD CUP LIKELY FIELDS pronged UK attack is made up of the John and Thady Gosden-trained Emily Upjohn and Neom Turf Cup winner Mostahdaf, while Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Westover represents trainer Ralph Beckett. The $5million Group 1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World) could see history made if Lord North, who won the race outright in 2021 and dead heated with Panthalassa last year, can win it for a third time. His formidable bunch of rivals include four from Japan, notably Vin De Garde, twice placed in this race, and Japanese Derby winner Do Deuce. The $2million Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel) also features a defending champion in the Bhupat Seemartrained Switzerland, who will attempt to become the third dual winner of the 1200m dirt contest. He is up against a strong team from the US, including Peter Miller’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint second CZ Rocket and Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes winner Gunite, for Steve Asmussen. An international field heads to the turf for the $1.5million Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments) including Australian ALGIERS, WINNER OF THE GROUP 2 AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE R1 AND R2, IS THE SOLE EUROPEAN RAIDER IN THE DUBAI WORLD CUP FIELD. Algiers Country Grammer heads a projected field of 14 for the $12million Group 1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, Bob Baffert’s charge aiming to become just the second dual winner of the race.
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 11 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 THE GROUP 2 GODOLPHIN MILE WILL SEE YOSHITO YAHAGI’S BATHRAT LEON TRYING TO EMULATE HIS DEVASTATING 2022 WIN. Group Three winner The Astrologist, for Troy and Leon Corstens, and the Hong Kongtrained pair of Sight Success and Duke Wai. There are 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points up for grabs in the Group 2 UAE Derby, which Aidan O’Brien will seek to win for a fourth time with Cairo. Up against him are five for Japan, including Yoshito Yahagi’s Continuar, while Baffert sends Worcester to represent the US, along with Doug O’Neill pair Tall Boy and Ah Jeez. The Group 2 Godolphin Mile sees Yahagi’s Bathrat Leon try to follow up his devastating 2022 win, against two compatriots, Lauda Sion, trained by Takashi Saito, and Yuichi Shikato’s Win Carnelian. A strong local challenge is headed by last year’s runnerup, Desert Wisdom, and Discovery Island, winner of Super Saturday’s Group 3 Burj Nahaar last time out. The longest race of the day is the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors), over 3200m on turf. It welcomes back 2021 winner Subjectivist as part of a strong UK team which also includes Ebor Handicap winner Trawlerman, while O’Brien sends Group One winner Broome from Ireland and Sisfahan travels over for German trainer Henk Grewe. The day’s traditional curtain raiser is the Purebred Arabians’ $1million Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Emaar) which will see a clash of the last two winners in First Classs and Deryan. "We are very excited about the strength of the fields for the 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting,” commented Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Racing Club. “We have horses arriving from 12 different countries and it is especially fantastic to welcome back runners from Hong Kong and Australia after a break of a few years. “It is also superb to see so many defending champions here to try and make history, with Country Grammer aiming to become just the second dual Dubai World Cup winner. As ever, we thank trainers and owners for their support of the meeting and wish everyone the best of luck on March 25. The first race is scheduled for 3:30pm and tickets are available from www.dubairacingclub.com. Country Grammer Equinox Bathrat Leon
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 12 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 RACE 9: US$12,000,000 DUBAI WORLD CUP (GROUP 1) Post Time : 8:35pm 2,000m (a10 furlongs) Dirt Sponsored by Emirates Airline 1st: $6,960,000 2nd: $2,400,000 3rd: $1,200,000 4th: $600,000 5th: $360,000 6th: $240,000 7th: $120,000 8th: $120,000 VELA AZUL (JPN) Japan Kunihiko Watanabe COUNTRY GRAMMER (USA) USA Bob Baffert ALGIERS (IRE) UK Simon & Ed Crisford PANTHALASSA (JPN) Japan Yoshito Yahagi EMBLEM ROAD (USA) Saudi Arabia Ahmad Abdulwahed GEOGLYPH (JPN) Japan Tetsuya Kimura JUN LIGHT BOLT (JPN) Japan Yasuo Tomomichi T O KEYNES (JPN) Japan Daisuke Takayanagi CAFE PHAROAH (USA) Japan Noriyuki Hori& CROWN PRIDE (JPN) Japan Koichi Shintani USHBA TESORO (JPN) Japan Noboru Takagi SALUTE THE SOLDIER (GER) UAE/BAH Fawzi Nass BENDOOG (USA) UAE Bhupat Seemar REMORSE (IRE) UAE Bhupat Seemar RACE 8 : US$6,000,000 LONGINES DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC (GROUP 1) Post Time : 8:00pm 2,410m (a12.5 furlongs) Turf Sponsored by Longines 1st: $3,480,000 2nd: $1,200,000 3rd: $600,000 4th: $300,000 5th: $180,000 6th: $120,000 7th: $60,000 8th: $60,000 EQUINOX (JPN) Japan Tetsuya Kimura REBEL'S ROMANCE (IRE) UAE Charlie Appleby SHAHRYAR (JPN) Japan Hideaki Fujiwara EMILY UPJOHN (GB) UK John &Thady Gosden WESTOVER (GB) UK Ralph Beckett WIN MARILYN (JPN) Japan Takahisa Tezuka BOTANIK (IRE) France Andre Fabre MOSTAHDAF (IRE) UK John & Thady Gosden RUSSIAN EMPEROR (IRE) Hong Kong Douglas Whyte SENOR TOBA (AUS) Hong Kong Caspar Fownes WARREN POINT (GB) UAE Charlie Appleby DUBAI FUTURE (GB) UAE Saeed Bin Suroor ZAGREY (FR) France Yann Barberot RACE 7 : US$5,000,000 DUBAI TURF (GROUP 1) Post Time : 7:10pm 1,800m (a9 furlongs) Turf Sponsored by DP World 1st: $2,900,000 2nd: $1,000,000 3rd: $500,000 4th: $250,000 5th: $150,000 6th: $100,000 7th: $50,000 8th: $50,000 REAL WORLD (IRE) UAE Saeed Bin Suroor SERIFOS (JPN) Japan Mitsumasa Nakauchida DO DEUCE (JPN) Japan Yasuo Tomomichi DANON BELUGA (JPN) Japan Noriyuki Hori LORD NORTH (IRE) UK John &Thady Gosden NATIONS PRIDE (IRE)) UAE Charlie Appleby JUNKO (GB) France Andre Fabre VIN DE GARDE (JPN) Japan Hideaki Fujiwara SHIRL'S SPEIGHT (USA) Canada Roger Attfield MASTER OF THE SEAS (IRE) UAE Charlie Appleby ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (IRE) Ireland Aidan O'Brien SIR BUSKER (IRE) UK William Knight ALFAREEQ (IRE) UAE Musabbeh Al Mheiri GLORIOUS DRAGON (IRE) Hong Kong Pierre Ng EL DRAMA (IRE) UK Roger Varian SHELIR (IRE) UK David O'Meara RACE 6 : US$2,000,000 DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN (GROUP 1) Post Time : 6:25pm 1,200m (a6 furlongs) Dirt Sponsored by Nakheel 1st: $1,160,000 2nd: $400,000 3rd: $200,000 4th: $100,000 5th: $60,000 6th: $40,000 7th: $20,000 8th: $20,000 GUNITE (USA) USA Steve Asmussen SWITZERLAND (USA) UAE Bhupat Seemar LEMON POP (USA) Japan Hiroyasu Tanaka RED LE ZELE (JPN) Japan Takayuki Yasuda REMAKE (JPN) Japan Koichi Shintani CZ ROCKET (USA) USA Peter Miller SIBELIUS (USA) USA Jerry O'Dwyer SOUND MONEY (USA) UAE Bhupat Seemar TUZ (USA) UAE Bhupat Seemar HOPKINS (USA) USA Bob Baffert MOUHEEB (USA) UAE Michael Costa JUSTIN (JPN) Japan Yoshito Yahagi SUPER OCHO (CHI) USA Amador Sanchez SELECTED LIKELY FIELDS
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 14 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Emirates Airline will again sponsor the 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup, the flagship race of the season in the UAE and one of the most prestigious in the world. Run over 2000m on dirt, the Dubai World Cup will be run at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, 25 March, for a prize fund of $12 million. Dating back to 1996, it has been won by some equine superstars over the years, including Cigar, Dubai Millennium, Curlin, Arrogate and Thunder Snow. The last named remains the only dual winner. It was won in 2022 by the US-trained Country Grammer, who is expected to attempt to defend his title for trainer Bob Baffert. The main event is supported by eight other races, including the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. Preceding that race is the Dubai Turf, which last year culminated in a thrilling deadheat. Lord North, co-winner last year and successful outright in 2021, is expected back to compete for the crown once again. The card is further boosted by a pair of Group One sprints, the 1200m Dubai Golden Shaheen, on dirt, and the Al Quoz Sprint, over 1200m on turf, while the 3yos clash for 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points in the Group 2 UAE Derby. The Group 2 Godolphin Mile, 3200m Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, on turf, and the traditional curtain raise, the $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians, over 2000m on dirt, offer thrilling action. Emirates has been a supporter of racing in Dubai for more than two decades and it regularly backs meetings at Meydan Racecourse, including the important ‘Super Saturday’ fixture, the prelude, three weeks earlier, to the big meeting itself. Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, general manager of the Dubai Racing Club, commented: “We are delighted to have Emirates on board once again for the Dubai EMIRATES AIRLINE TO SPONSOR A 27TH DUBAI WORLD CUP World Cup. They have been a huge part of the growth of this prestigious race and its story would not be the same without their backing. They remain one of the world’s leading airlines and their support to us here at Dubai Racing Club is hugely valued. We look forward to working with them once again and to an exciting evening of racing, which will once again see the Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, as the highlight of our season. Boutros Boutros, divisional senior vice president, corporate communications, marketing and brand for Emirates said: “The Dubai World Cup will once again return in style, with thrilling racing action from the world’s best horses and glamour all converging into an unforgettable night. This is a pivotal fixture for racing purists and eventgoers alike, and Emirates is proud to have supported it from the very beginning, helping to make it one of the most spectacular finales on the horse racing calendar. Racing begins at 3:30pm and there are a range of tickets on sale, with general admission starting at Dh20, while hospitality, in the Apron Views enclosure, starts at Dh295. There are a range of dining and beverage packages available, starting at Dh600. To book, www.dubairacingclub.com. MAJOR GENERAL DR. AL ADHAB: WE'RE DELIGHTED TO HAVE EMIRATES ON BOARD AGAIN FOR THE DUBAI WORLD CUP. THEY'VE BEEN A HUGE PART OF THE GROWTH OF THIS PRESTIGIOUS RACE.
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 16 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Sometimes waiting for things makes them even sweeter and trainer Jerry O’Dwyer has certainly been patient when it comes to having a runner at the Dubai World Cup meeting. The Irish-born, US-based, handler flew to Dubai in 2020 to run Shotski in the G2 UAE Derby, only for the meeting to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic. Three years on, he’s back, this time with a live contender for the $2million Dubai Golden Shaheen in Silbelius. The winner of his last two starts; the G3 Mr Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream and the Listed Pelican Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, the five-year-old has worked his way up to this level, having never run in a Group 1. However, O’Dwyer is confident that the six-time winner is up to the task. “This has been the plan since the end of the last year, we’ve been thinking about it for a while,” he says. “It’s good money and great exposure if you have a horse who can be competitive. “Sibelius is very straightforward; he lets you know when he’s feeling good and will train forwardly. He’s the best horse we have at the moment and he’s only getting good now – at the right time.” O’Dwyer has followed a tried and tested route to the Golden Shaheen by prepping Sibelius in the Pelican Stakes, a race won prior to Meydan by Shaheen winners X Y Jet in 2018 and Zenden in 2021. “The Pelican made my decision easier as it was perfect timing and gives me six weeks until the Shaheen,” continues O’Dwyer, who plans to complete most of Sibelius’ fast work before he leaves for Dubai on March 12th. “He’s probably a bit better fresh as he’s not hard to keep fit so we can back off him after his races. He might have a three eighths blowout at Meydan to stretch his legs over the track. CONFIDENT OF CONDITIONS “I’m confident that it will suit him there. He’s travelled all over the country so he’s been over different tracks, deeper tracks. He’ll be forwardly placed in the race, but he doesn’t have to lead.” Sibelius, who is ridden in the mornings by O’Dwyer’s assistant Chelsie Raabe will have a new jockey for the 1200metre contest, in which he’s likely to face defending champion Switzerland, as well as US G2 winner Gunite. To help Sibelius prepare for the walk between Dubai World Cup Quarantine and the track, O’Dwyer and Raabe have been extending the gelding’s exercise each morning. “He goes out for an hour and walks the barns for 20 minutes so we’re trying to simulate the regime he’ll have in Dubai,” says the trainer, who has been taking advice from 10-time UAE Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea. “I’ve been out there and talked to people to find out the routine. In racing I find that people are usually happy to help.” Sibelius is owned by Jun Park and Delia Nash, who have based the horse with O’Dwyer since the start of his career. O'DWYER HOPES PATIENCE PAYS OFF WITH SIBELIUS THE WINNER OF HIS LAST TWO STARTS:THE GRADE 3 MR PROSPECTOR STAKES AT GULFSTREAM AND THE LISTED PELICAN STAKES AT TAMPA BAY DOWNS, 5YO SIBELIUS HAS WORKED HIS WAY UP TO THIS LEVEL, HAVING NEVER RUN IN A GROUP ONE.
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 17 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Back in the UK and as expected, trainer George Boughey has identified the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on the Dubai World Cup card as the next port of call for Al Dasim, who will be putting his unbeaten record at Meydan Racecourse on the line after making it three wins from as many outings, all over the same 1200m on turf as the Al Quoz, in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint on Super Saturday. A tilt at Royal Ascot will also come under consideration for the Harry Angel colt later this summer with Boughey reporting the 3yo to be thriving in the Gulf at present. The trainer said: “He's just gone from strength to strength out there really. He was quite a raw, immature horse when he left and they can go one way or the other but he has just improved. LOOKING BETTER THAN EVER “He's come out of the race in great shape. I actually haven't seen him since he ran as I was on the night flight out of there, but have pictures and videos. He looks better than he's ever looked really.” Al Dasim holds an entry in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on 6 May but Boughey admits he is more likely targeting races at the royal meeting. "He's had a busy enough winter and if he does go to the Al Quoz, he'll have a good break and probably go first up at Royal Ascot. “He'll get an entry in the Commonwealth Cup and probably in the King's Stand Stakes; the sprinting division does not look strong this year and a stiff 5f or 6f at Ascot should be right up his street.” ABSENT BOUGHEY DELIGHTED WITH SPRINTER Italian showman Frankie Dettori believes Country Grammer can build on his 1800m Saudi Cup run, finishing second as he had in 2022, when he steps up in distance by 200m for the defence of his Dubai World Cup crown on 25 March, where he faces a potential rematch with Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa, who was never headed. Dettori is on his ‘global farewell tour’ and is expected to bring down the curtain on his near 40 year career in November. He twice went close to winning in Riyadh with second place finishes aboard Bob Baffert’s Country Grammer and Havnameltdown in the Saudi Derby. He enjoyed better luck aboard Elite Power, easy winner of the Group 3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint for Juddmonte and Bill Mott. “To be honest with you about Country Grammer, I thought at the quarter pole that I was going to possibly end up with no prize money. They pay up to tenth and I thought I wasn’t going to make even that the way we were going, but he is such a great horse and he is all heart,” Dettori said. “He just kept on digging and digging, and we managed to pick up a massive cheque and finished a good second. The mile and one furlong is maybe a touch short for him but hopefully Dubai will again be up his street. TOUGH, CONSISTENT HORSE "A mile and a quarter is his gig and he is a tough and consistent horse. “He never runs a bad race and while he may lack the turn of foot of the very good horses, you know he is going to be coming. He is a good partner to have and I really enjoy riding him. Country Grammer lost out to the locally-trained Emblem Road in 2022 and went under by three-quarters of a length to Japan’s Panthalassa in this year’s renewal of the Saudi Cup. DETTORI HOPING HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF FRANKIE DETTORI: HE NEVER RUNS A BAD RACE AND WHILE HE MAY LACK THE TURN OF FOOT OF THE VERY GOOD HORSES, YOU KNOW HE IS GOING TO BE COMING.
NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 18 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 By Duane Fonseca Amal bint Faisal made racing history in Saudi Arabia last Friday by becoming the first licensed Saudi female to compete as a jockey under rules in the country. Underlining the importance of her achievement, Amal wore breeches reading ‘First Female’ as she was given the leg up on Saanehah, making her debut quite the talking point after securing fourth place in a 1600m fillies maiden for horses bred locally at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh last Friday. Last after the break Amal and Saanehah had plenty of ground to make up even after turning for home, but finding her way along the rail, the 30yo, who became the first Saudi woman to gain a jockey’s licence from the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) last October, sneaked past numerous others ahead of her to sneak into fourth. “I feel proud that I kept my promise to everyone who supported me and stood by me, and I dedicate this victory to my family, specifically my mother, who has supported me throughout my career since the beginning,” Amal said, according to a press note issued by the JCSA. “Prince Bandar and Prince Abdullah bin Khalid overcame all odds and contributed to my goal of achieving this dream. I also want to thank the owner, Abdulelah Al Mousa, for his moral and financial support throughout my career. “Special thanks to coach Bandar Hamdam, who made me a jockey on the field. I owe this achievement to him. And I do not forget the great role of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia in preparing all that is necessary to be the first female jockey to actively participate in the races. “I promise to continue giving and to set an example for all the daughters of the country in riding horses as a professional jockey.” FANTASTIC FOURTH FOR FIRST SAUDI FEMALE JOCKEY ON RACECOURSE DEBUT AMAL BINT FAISAL: I FEEL PROUD THAT I KEPT MY PROMISE TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED ME AND STOOD BY ME, AND I DEDICATE THIS VICTORY TO MY FAMILY, SPECIFICALLY MY MOTHER, WHO HAS SUPPORTED ME THROUGHOUT MY CAREER SINCE THE BEGINNING.
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NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 20 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 The classy Berkshire Shadow put down a marker for the £150,000 All-Weather Mile Championships with a smooth display in Saturday’s 7f Listed Lady Wulfruna Stakes at Wolverhampton. In a hot renewal of the Fast-Track Qualifier, the 4yo son of Dark Angel, having his first start since August and having been gelded, raced in third under Oisin Murphy as Dhabab dictated even fractions, with dual Group One winner Angel Bleu held up at the rear of the eight runners. Dhabab drifted towards the centre of the track off the home bend, allowing Berkshire Shadow up his inside and Andrew Balding’s charge quickened well to lead entering the final furlong. The favourite had the race under control thereafter. This was Berkshire Shadow’s first visit to the winner’s enclosure since the 2021 Group 2 Coventry Stakes, although his form last year included a fifth in the 2000 Guineas. Murphy said: “That was a very good race; Angel Bleu is a real class horse. It is brilliant to get Berkshire Shadow back with a Listed win and hopefully he can build on this. “He has trained really well and, being by Dark Angel, he has plenty of size and scope. We always thought he was not just a 2yo and his run in the Guineas last year was fantastic. “I have not discussed it with Andrew but perhaps the horse could have another run on Good Friday as he is in very good form.” EARL UP FOR FINALS DEFENCE Earlofthecotswolds teed himself up for the defence of his Finals Day crown with a thrilling success in a conditions race over an extended two miles, the final Fast-Track Qualifier of the season, to guarantee himself a place in the £150,000 All-Weather Marathon Championships, a race he won last year. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ contender led the five runners from the outset under Tom Queally. The chasing pack closed heading out on the second circuit but Earlofthecotswolds kicked on again and soon had his rivals under pressure. The 9yo Axxos gelding looked likely to be swallowed up in the home straight, with all his four rivals within striking distance at the furlong pole, he kept finding for Queally to prevail in a blanket finish. Queally said: “Earlofthecotswolds is a good horse with a lot of ability. They want him there for Finals Day and it is good that he managed to win again. “I am just getting used to the horse and probably did not go fast enough the last day, whereas today I did.” FINAL FAST-TRACK QUALIFIERS CONFIRMED OISIN MURPHY: THAT WAS A VERY GOOD RACE; ANGEL BLEU IS A REAL CLASS HORSE. IT IS BRILLIANT TO GET BERKSHIRE SHADOW BACK WITH A LISTED WIN AND HOPEFULLY HE CAN BUILD ON THIS. Berkshire Shadow Earlofthecotswolds (black/white)
NEWS adiyat racing plus.com 21 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 By Julio Guimaraes Born in Argentina, raised to be champion in Peru, a winner in Chile and in the United States, Super Corinto has been flown in from Miami to make a bid for one of the top prizes in the United Arab Emirates. The Super Saver colt will run in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile and fans from four countries will be eagerly watching, waiting for him to win. Super Corinto could have run the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup, last January at Gulfstream Park, but unfortunately was forced to stay away and spent his time in quarantine after a case of herpes was detected in the stable where he had been boarded. He put on one of his best performances at the Hipódromo Chile, that is located between the Pacific Ocean and the De Los Andes mountain range. There he won the Grade 1 Gran Premio over 2200m on dirt, after finishing second in the Grade 1 Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano. As a 4yo, this son of Super Saver has a lot of gas in the tank and before boarding the plane that brought him to Dubai, he did a 1000m workout at Gulfstream Park with a time of 1:02m. For the first time in history, the silks of a Peruvian owner will be seen on Dubai World Cup Night and these will be of the Jet Set Racing Stable. Super Corinto’s trainer though is the Chilean conditioner Amador Sanchez, who saddles two on the night: Super Ocho, the winner five of his 19 starts, who is part of the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen line-up. Having watched the Brazilian Es-Unico finish second in the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial and then fourth in the Group 3 Saudi Derby at Riyadh last month, Antonio Cintra nurses dreams of winning the Group 2 UAE Derby. LOOKING TO SIPHON OFF PRIZES Since Siphon took a narrow second behind Singspiel in the 1997 Dubai World Cup, many South American connections have been tempted by the fame, glory and prize money that come from winning the races created by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Invasor, Gloria de Campeo, Honor Devil, Lundy’s Liability, Asiatic Boy al0l left their mark. Their exploits are still recounted today. Now it’s time for another group of South Americans to carry the continent’s legacy forward. CORINTO LOOKING TO CARRY FORWARD A SUPER SOUTH AMERICAN LEGACY AMADOR SANCHEZ ALSO SADDLES SUPER OCHO, WINNER FIVE OF HIS 19 STARTS, WHO IS PART OF THE GROUP 1 DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN LINE-UP. Super Corinto
BLOODSTOCK adiyat racing plus.com 22 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 As highlighted on the cover of Adiyat Racing Plus last week, graduates of the inaugural Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale, Go Soldier Go and Mr Raj, fought out the finish of Super Saturday’s Al Bastakiya, over the same 1900m on dirt as the Group 2 UAE Derby when they are likely set for a rematch. The pair joined Labeling, a close third in the 1600m Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes on turf at Hanshin in the middle of December as the sale’s ‘poster boys’. Tom Taaffe, who has been instrumental in putting the sale together, said: “The racing programme in the Gulf region is catered towards horses who race from three onwards, on both turf and dirt, with longevity being paramount. “Given that many of the European-based pinhookers couldn’t travel to the US to purchase horses there in 2021 due to Covid restrictions, we are very pleased with the results so far. There were no restrictions last year, so Irish and UK-based pinhookers could travel and purchase in the US. Over 85% of this year’s catalogue was purchased in the US, so we’re excited. We’ve had 14 winners come out of last year’s sale already, TAAFFE DELIGHTED WITH AL BASTAKIYA OUTCOME including a Japanese Group One horse in Labeling. Seeing Go Soldier Go and Mr Raj finishing first and second in the Listed Al Bastakiya on Super Saturday was great. It was well timed and has created quite a bit of momentum around the sale.” This year’s sale is on 21 March with the 73 lots catalogued due to ‘breeze’ the previous morning. Labeling TOM TAAFFE: THE PROGRAMME IN THE GULF REGION IS CATERED TOWARDS HORSES WHO RACE FROM THREE ONWARDS. The 16yo stallion Zazou, winner of the Group 1 Premio Roma and second in the Deutsches Derby, was recently stolen from his stable at Darhorse Stud it has been revealed. The case is being investigated by the Czech police. Zazou, who has been standing in the Czech Republic since 2016, is one of the most popular sires in the country. In addition to mares from domestic owners, he has covered a number from abroad, including Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and Scandinavia. The son of Shamardal, who had been based near Roudnice nad Labem, 50km north of Prague, had a distinctive irregular white star on his forehead. Zazou is part of Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov’s estate, which has been frozen under international sanctions. Zazou, who trained by Waldemar Hickst in Germany, ran as a juvenile, finishing racing as an 8yo, during which time he won nine races and earned more than €1.2 million. His Group One success came at the Capannelle in 2011, and he had finished second in the Deutsches Derby to Buzzword the year before. He was fifth to Monterosso in the 2012 Dubai World Cup, while he also won a Group Two and thrice at Group Three level. CZECH POLICE INVESTIGATING STEALING OF SIRE
BLOODSTOCK adiyat racing plus.com 23 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Japanese and UAE champion and top sire Heart's Cry, a son of the amazing Sunday Silence, died recently it has been confirmed. The 22yo was reportedly in good health until he passed, due to a sudden inability to stand. Teruya Yoshida, CEO of Shadai Farm, said in a statement: “Hearts Cry ran out of steam. I heard from the person in charge of the Shadai Stallion Farm that he left nobly and without showing any weakness until the very end.” Bred by Shadai Farm, the foal went into training with Kojiro Hashiguchi and carried the Shadai Racing Horse silks with honour in three countries. Best known for his defeat of paternal half-brother Deep Impact in the 2005 Arima Kinen he showcased his quality on the world stage, taking the 2006 Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba, and finished a respectable third in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes later that year. Yoshida added: “The highlight of my racing life is probably his three races from the end of his 4yo year to early in his 5yo season, especially when he defeated Deep Impact in the Arima Kinen. The overwhelming victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic proved horse racing in Japan had progressed to a tremendous level. Everyone was happy.” Retired to stand at Shadai Stallion Station in 2007 after five wins from 19 starts and over $8 million in earnings, Heart's Cry would spend his entire stallion career there. The sire of 63 black type winners (44 Group victors), his best progeny was versatile mare Lys Gracieux, who won the Arima Kinen in 2019, as well as the Cox Plate, Takarazuka Kinen and Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Of his 11 Group One winners, Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Yasuda Kinen hero Just A Way also travelled to Dubai, landing the Dubai Duty Free. HEART’S TO CRY NO MORE
BLOODSTOCK adiyat racing plus.com 24 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Entries for the Tattersalls Ascot March Sale, the first sale of the year at the Berkshire venue which takes place on Wednesday, 22 March, are now online. Before any supplementary or wildcard additions, the catalogue currently numbers 117 lots and comprises 20 fillies or mares as well as 91 colts or geldings, some in, others out of training. The sale has been significantly well supported, headed by a total of 37 entries from Godolphin. The always particularly popular draft looks set to attract considerable attention from prospective purchasers. There are several highlights in the quality draft, including Cosmic Desert, a 4yo son of New STRONG GODOLPHIN DRAFT LIKELY HIGHLIGHT AT TATTERSALLS Approach and a winner over 1m2f, who boasts a BHA rating of 91. Al Waiqidi is one of six sons of the Champion Sire Dubawi in the sale. The 5yo gelding is the winner of both his two starts to date over a mile and 1m2f. Tattersalls Ascot graduates have been recording impressive performances on the track in recent weeks, highlighted by Nemean Lion and Seeyouinmydreams just last weekend. Tattersalls Live Internet Bidding will be available for those who are unable to attend the sale in person. Prospective purchasers are requested to register with Tattersalls at least 48 hours prior to the start of sale. Jim Bolger, Racehorse Trainer Poetic Flare - Qipco 2,000 Guineas Stakes, Group 1 - Newmarket, UK It is essential that my horses receive consistent and nutritious feeds throughout the racing season, that is why I use GAIN Equine Nutrition. For further information please contact: Tel: + 97150 189 8851 Email: [email protected] www.armsfarms.ae Scan me for further information GAIN Equine Nutrition +353 56 883 6600 [email protected] UAE Distributor Cosmic Desert
BLOODSTOCK adiyat racing plus.com 26 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 DUBAI EQUINE HOSPITAL FIELD VETERINARY SERVICES Equine field veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring and maintaining the good health and well-being of your horses by providing mobile veterinary care in farms, stables, racetracks, and various other equine facilities. They are also fantastic help in the at-home aftercare of your horses, following any procedures conducted at the Hospital. The DEH FS team includes several specialized veterinarians and technicians that provide the best quality of work at the stables, attending to all types of horses from the most expensive race-horses, horse in other sport disciplines, retired athletes, and even pleasure ponies. SOME OF THE COMMON FIELD SERVICES WE PROVIDED INCLUDE: • General wellness care and nutrition consultation: This includes clinical and blood evaluations, and vital monitoring. Ensuring the right feed and supplements is important for your horse’s welfare. • Routine Vaccinations & De-worming (routine or based on fecal sample analysis) • Lameness evaluations. When necessary, using complementary exams such as Digital X-Ray or Ultrasound machines. • Lameness management through creation of an exercise plan, or using therapeutic procedures such as shock wave or laser therapy. • Evaluation of respiratory conditions (including upper airway endoscopy) • Wound care or Dental care • Pre-Purchase examinations • Minor surgeries • Standing castrations • Reproduction requirements • Ophthalmology evaluations To facilitate and aid the veterinarian’s diagnosis and treatments, some of the equipment we use in the field are: Digital X-Ray machines, Ultrasound machines, The Dubai Equine Hospital Field Service (DEH FS) provides on-site primary veterinary and 24/7 emergency care to equines within the whole of the UAE. ADVERTORIAL
BLOODSTOCK adiyat racing plus.com 27 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 upper airway endoscopes, gastroscopes, dynamic endoscopes, shock wave machines and therapeutic laser machines. DEH Field Service veterinarians have one or more assigned stables/yard/farm where he/she will advise the persons responsible of the horse of the necessary measures to prevent disease. They would also advise on any requirements for the horse to be able to participate in equestrian events, such as the need for vaccines, identification passport, microchipping etc. At the same time, the Vet will assist the persons responsible when for any given reason, the horse succumbs to any disease or injury and is unable to reach its expected performance level. Our FEI certified veterinarians continuously participate as Veterinary Officials during small or major showjumping or endurance events in the country. DEH FS veterinarians are also responsible to attend to the emergency clinic at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) events, hence providing a rapid and effective treatment of endurance horses in competition. Similarly, our team is present at all flat racing meetings in Meydan, Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain racecourses to respond to emergencies or perform elective after-race diagnostics or treatments. At Dubai Equine Hospital, our Field Veterinarians work closely with our Hospital Clinicians so that, when needed, we can refer the patient to the hospital for further investigation, hospitalization, major surgeries, or for the use of more advance diagnostic equipment such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) or Scintigraphy (Bonescan). /dubaiequinehospital P: +97143366666 | P: +97143178888 WhatsApp: +971501271010 Emergency number: +971563893877 Email: [email protected] Follow us on CONTACT US FOR A CONSULTATION IS YOUR HORSE IN NEED OF QUALITY VETERINARY CARE? SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH OUR FIELD VETERINARIAN TO VISIT YOUR HORSE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR STABLE. ADVERTORIAL
ENDURANCE adiyat racing plus.com 28 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 Finding success: Buthaina Al Redha winning aboard Nemo
ENDURANCE adiyat racing plus.com 29 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 789 Thursday 16th March 2023 By Duane Fonseca Ahmed Al Falasi took home the Endurance Trainers Cup honours, the last major event of the season at Dubai International Endurance City at Seih Al Salam last week, Buthaina Al Redha on Nemo providing the Jumeirah Stables conditioner success in the 119km event. The competition brings the curtains down on the endurance season in Dubai and the ride was broken down into four loops with Al Redha guiding her 14yo bay mount to a first ever success on UAE soil on his seventh start here. Emirati rider Al Redha herself was winning for the first time in five years. She was last seen winning the 2018 edition of the CEN 101.01km Ladies Cup ride at the HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival and her best effort thereafter had been as runnerup at last year’s DIEC 101km Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup for Ladies. Al Redha had finished third in this year’s DIEC 101km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Cup for Ladies at this same venue in late February and would have welcomed finally holding on to the summit when it mattered most. And she would have to work tactfully, a calculated approach ensuring she did not FINDING NEMO PROVIDES AL FALASI WITH TRAINERS CUP SUCCESS AT DIEC lose her way at any stage of the ride that had been divided into four loops. Al Redha and Nemo clocked a time of four hours 10 minutes and 14 seconds (4:10:14) after posting an average speed of 28.09kph. Finishing a close second, eight seconds behind in 4:10:18 were Ahmad Al Shehhi and Waterlea Celtie, trained by Salman Al Sabri for Al Bawadi Stables. An all-Emirati podium was possible after Khalifa Al Ameemi claimed the final spot aboard Vroumm Hipolyte trained by David Antony for Al Aasfa Stables, the pair completing the ride in 4:15:26. Al Redha started the day with the 21st best time at the end of the first loop spanning 40km, but moved up ten spots to finish 11th at the halfway stage after the second loop over 32 km. They made up further ground during the third loop over 27km, fighting their way to the top during the 20km final loop from seventh. The 119km Endurance Trainers Cup brought the curtains down on the distance riding season in Dubai and witnessed rider Buthaina Al Redha winning for the first time in five years. AL REDHA AND NEMO CLOCKED A TIME OF 4:10:14 AFTER POSTING AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 28.09KPH. AHMAD AL SHEHHI WAS SECOND WITH 4:10:18, WHILE KHALIFA AL AMEEMI TOOK THIRD WITH A TIME OF 4:15.26. DIEC 119km Endurance Trainers Cup (Top 3) Time Stable Trainer Horse Rider Pos 4:14:10 Jumeirah Ahmad Al Falasi Nemo 1 Buthaina Al Redha 4:14:18 Al Bawadi Salman Al Sabri Waterlea Celtie Ahmad Al Shehhi 2 4:15:26 Al Aasfa David Antony Vroumm Hipolyte Khalifa Al Ameemi 3
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