THE HH SHEIKH Mansour

18 May 2017 www.aladiyat.ae ISSUE 616 Big European weekend for Sobetsu wins Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary

Solution Best Solution obviously looks Best Godolphin Derby candidate 2017 2018

10 11 15 14 12 18 2017 May 3

Arrogate wins final race of 2016 - 2017 season, Editorial Contents the $10million Dubai World Cup Editor NEWS ...... 3-7 Mark Jackson Writer GODOLPHIN NEWS Duane Fonseca ...... 8-15

Head of English Design GENERAL NEWS Eng. Mohamed Maher ...... 16-21

Assistant Designers MANSOUR FESTIVAL NEWS Nisar Shaikh ...... 22-25 Ismail KV B...... LOODSTOCK 26-31 Graphic & Scanner Abdul Majeed N...... ICHOLAS GODFREY 32-33 Nadim Ahmed Library HOWARD WRIGHT Abdulla Khalifa ...... 34 K. Aboobacker Sheikh Mansour ENDURANCE Photographers ...... 36-37 K.P. Majeed approves 2017–18 Abdul Razzak Q...... ATAR 38-39 racing calendar Correspondents CHINA (CHENGDU DUBAI Overseas INTERNATIONAL CUP) IS HIGHNESS Sheikh of the Dubai World Cup sponsored ...... 40-41 Mansour Bin Zayed Al by Emirates will take place on Nicholas GODFREY Nahyan, Deputy Prime Saturday March 31. MAC H Michele DONALD ALL-WEATHER CHAMPIONSHIPS Minister of the UAE, Minister of In total the UAE racing season Howard WRIGHT F ...... INALS DAY 42-43 Presidential Affairs and Chairman will include 10 meetings at Al Ain of Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), Racecourse, 15 at Abu Dhabi Bloodstock has approved the fixture list for the Racecourse, 11 at Jebel Ali HONG KONG Beverley TOWNSEND ...... 44-45 2017–18 UAE racing season. Racecourse, 6 at Sharjah Racecourse The ERA season will offer 62 and 20 at Meydan Racecourse. Feedback race dates and opens at Jebel Ali Malih Al Basti, ERA Board NEWMARKET (2000 GUINEAS) ...... 46-48 Racecourse on Friday November Member and Chairman of the English Editorial 3, 2017. The racing fraternity will ERA Steering Committee, said: Tele.:+971- 4 342 9999 move to Abu Dhabi Racecourse “We are pleased to release the NEWMARKET (1000 GUINEAS) Fax: +971- 4 342 2121 ...... 50-52 a day later and progress to fixtures for the 2017 – 2018 For Back Numbers, Meydan Racecourse on Thursday UAE racing season. The schedule Subscriptions and Photography November 9. Sharjah Racecourse offers trainers and race goers a KENTUCKY DERBY & OAKS enquiries, please contact: gets its season underway on comprehensive season of racing Essa Hassan Al Basher, ...... 54-55 November 11, while Al Ain across our five tracks. Mobile: +971-50 452 6636 Racecourse has its first meeting “We offer racing for domestic P.O. Box 53300, Dubai, UAE. FRENCH 1000 GUINEAS on Friday November 24, 2017. and international horses in both mail: [email protected] ...... 56 The international racing season the Thoroughbred and Purebred Al-Adiyat is published kicks off with the opening Dubai Arabian ranks and look forward to and printed by the Dubai F...... RENCH 2000 GUINEAS 57 World Cup Carnival meeting at the start of another succesful and Horse Racing Information Meydan Racecourse on Thursday exciting season of racing here in the rd Centre. All rights reserved. January 11 while the 23 renewal UAE on Friday November 3, 2017.” DERBY TRIALS No part of this publication may ...... 58 be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any OAKS TRIALS means, electronic, mechanical, ...... 59 photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior ITALY - DUBAI & DIAR DAY written permission of the ...... 60-61 publisher. Opinions expressed in Al-Adiyat do not necessarily PREVIEW reﬂect those of the publishers. LOCKINGE STAKES ...... 63

Tadmir was first winner of the 2016-2017 season Standing at Nunnery Stud, England: MAWATHEEQ MUKHADRAM NAYEF SAKHEE

Also standing in England: HAAFHD

Standing in France, Haras du Mezeray: MUHTATHIR

Standing in Italy, Allevamento di Besnate: MUJAHID

www.shadwellstud.co.uk

Discover more about the Shadwell Stallions at www.shadwellstud.co.uk Or call Richard Lancaster, Johnny Peter-Hoblyn or Rachael Gowland on 01842 755913 Email us at: [email protected] twitter.com/ShadwellStud www.facebook.com/ShadwellStud 18 2017 May 5 DEC General Manager Mohammed Essa scalps Prestigious Dubai Government Excellence Programme Award BY DUANE FONSECA

OL. EXP. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Director C of Dubai Mounted Police and General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club has been awarded the prestigious Dubai Government Excellence Program Award. Mohammad Essa was bestowed HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presents Mohammed Essa with his award with the Best Employee Award in the specialist category by a panel of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al developments, while at the same 50 judges who picked his name after Maktoum, the Vice-President and Maktoum in 1997, with the aim time preserving our own culture. analysing a field of 415 nominees. Prime Minister of the UAE and of providing an impetus to the These awards inspire us to achieve The award ceremony was held Ruler of Dubai. development of the public sector greater success in our roles while in late April at the Dubai World The annual Dubai Government in Dubai, to enhance its ability to serving the public.” Trade center and the winners Excellence Program Awards were provide world class service for all Mohammed Essa also thanked were honoured by His Highness established by His Highness its customers and users. Dubai Police Chief Major-General Commenting on the accolade, Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri and Mohammed Essa said: “It is a great Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, VP of honour for me to be selected as a Dubai Equestrian Club and CEO, winner of the best employee in the Meydan City Corporation, for specialist category. It is an even their support. greater honour for me to receive “I am proud to be a member of the award from His Highness the Dubai Police force. I would like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to thank our Commander-in-Chief Al Maktoum, Vice President and for his guidance at every step. I Prime Minister of the UAE and am grateful to him for supporting Ruler of Dubai. these awards, over the last two “HH Sheikh Mohammed has decades,” he said, adding, “ always inspired every UAE citizen “I would like to express my to improve at all levels, and his thanks and gratitude to [Saeed message to public servants is to Humaid Al Tayer] for his leadership ensure we serve our country to and support to the DEC, and all the best of our ability, and take its efforts to conduct and help the UAE to greater heights, by develop equestrian sports locally keeping abreast with modern and around the world.” 18 6 May 2017

HE Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) has ARO welcomes DIAR’s T welcomed the European programme of the Dubai International Arabian Races (DIAR), which began on May 14 and European programme for 2017 culminates at Newbury on July 30. The 2017 programme started with two races, including a Listed Purebred Arabian race at the Capannelle Racecourse in Rome, Italy, on May 14. Run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the international Arabian racing programme aims to highlight the breed, Arabian racing and Arabic culture. In 2016, DIAR sponsored a first ever International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities recognised (IFAHR) international stakes race in Italy. The programme incorporated Sweden for the first time now established as one of the renewed. Al Sayegh added: “Last from grass root to Group and climaxed with a record best and most prestigious days year, a bonus of £2,000 was won level. “This is a great boost for participation of international of Arabian racing anywhere by Italian runner Urge Di Gallura, Arabian racing in Europe and we runners at the showpiece event in the world.” who raced in the 3yos DIAR are extremely grateful for the at Newbury in July. Al Sayegh confirmed race in Rome in May and generous support of our patron ational A “Last year, we were very pleased the renewal of the rn rab won impressively the HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid te ia to see so many people attending travel allowances n n Group 2 PA race Al Maktoum,” said Gemma Cobb, I i R our flagship event at Newbury,” for international a a at Newbury. We Racing Operations Executive

b c

said Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of runners for the u are hoping other at ARO. s the office of HH Sheikh Hamdan UK Arabian racing D international “Coming as this does on the bin Rashid Al Maktoum. season’s prime runners will follow back of our announcement “The hard work of our fixture and the in his footsteps .” regarding the significant increase committee and our partners has increase in the total The European in pre-season horse registrations led to an increased number of prize money for the programme will visit for 2017, it shows that there has international runners as well as four Group races by a total the UK, France, Holland, never been a better time to become a large crowd of racegoers and of £13,000. He also said the DIAR Italy and Sweden during the involved with the sport of Arabian families who enjoyed what is bonus prize for 2017 would be summer with a series of prep races horse racing.” The dates of the 2017 Dubai International Arabian Races programme are listed below. DATE RACE NAME & CONDITIONS LOCATION 14th May 2017 Capannelle Racecourse Rome, Italy 2 Arabian races including 1 Listed PA race 1st June 2017 Chelmsford City Racecourse UK 2 International Arabian races – 1m2f Fillies & Mares; 6f 10th June 2017 Chepstow Racecourse UK 1 Arabian Race – 1m4f Premier H’cap UK domestic horses only 15th June 2017 Newbury Racecourse UK 1 International Arabian race - 7f 3yo only 27th June 2017 Bro Park Racecourse Stockholm, Sweden 4 Arabian races including 1 Group 3 PA race 29th June 2017 Newbury Racecourse UK 1 International Arabian race – 1m2f 4th July 2017 La Teste de Buch Racecourse France 3 International Arabian races including 2 Group PA races 9th July 2017 Duindigt Racecourse The Netherlands 4 Arabian races including 2 Listed PA races 30th July 2017 Newbury Racecourse UK DIAR - 8 Arabian Races including 3 Group 1 PA races and 1 Group 2 PA race 18 2017 May 7 Newbury winners for Sheikh Hamdan &

The Queen Sheikh Hamdan with Muntahaa RAINER John Gosden made but it did give him the benefit of a flying start to the UK turf having a race. The race started four T season and, after registering and a half furlongs down which is a six winners at the prestigious touch early to be racing at Doncaster. Newmarket Craven meeting he “I think quite frankly we should saddled Sheikh Hamdan’s Muntahaa be looking at the Yorkshire Cup to land Newbury’s 1m4f Group 3 with him and that is where he will Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise go next. Stakes, formerly known as the John “He was unlucky in the King Porter Stakes, with a determined Edward VII, where he was effort under Jim Crowley. shuffled back. His last two runs HE Sulaman Al Mazroui with trophy Fourth in the St Leger last season, at Doncaster did not go to plan, he had finished behind Chemical but today went to plan on ground Mazroui, UAE ambassador to the pressure but stayed on resolutely Charge on his reappearance at that would have been plenty UK who was among the many to the delight of his trainer who Doncaster and it looked like that quick enough. special guests of Dubai Duty Free. said: “He did very well and I am form would be confirmed when “He is a character, but I like Her Majesty the Queen, the sure he will improve for a step up Ralph Beckett’s 5yo took two the way he stuck his neck out at day after her 91st birthday, was in in trip. They went no gallop and it lengths out of the field. the end.” “We will sit and think attendance and she too celebrated looked like he was struggling at However, once Crowley had his first before we decide what to do a winner, courtesy of Call To Mind, halfway, but he came home well. mount on an even keel against the next. I was really pleased with the a homebred 3yo son of Galileo who “We don’t get many chances rail he picked up really well and way he travelled and he looked a made a winning debut in a one to have the Queen at the races. rallied to deny his old rival by a neck. happy horse.” mile maiden. For me personally it’s a great Gosden said: “He is brave. It went The winning owner’s trophy Trained by William Haggas, he thrill to win a race for her when a bit wrong in the Doncaster Shield, was accepted by HE Sulaman Al was one of the first to come under she is present.”

HM The Queen and Ryan Moore Call To Mind 18 8 May 2017 GODOLPHIN NEWS

LASSY Sobetsu put her rivals to the sword on Sobetsu back C her seasonal debut in the 1m2f Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary at Deauville on Sunday. The 3yo Dubawi filly romped in style away from her ten opponents in phone after they crossed the line; the straight to win eased down he was obviously delighted. by three lengths on ground “I am pleased for His Highness described as soft. and Godolphin. A challenge for the premier “We’ve always held Sobetsu in British Classic for fillies, the very high regard and she wintered 1m4f Group 1 Oaks at Epsom, particularly well. was considered in the immediate “I am confident she will stay a aftermath but was always going to mile and a half, but the key to her be ground dependent. is this soft going.” front entering the straight with two On Monday it was confirmed the The 1m2f French Oaks, the Sobetsu, drawn in the outside stall furlongs remaining. Prix Diane was the preferred option. Prix de Diane was the obvious 11, broke smartly and William Buick Sobetsu was then asked to go for Appleby said: “We discussed it alternative and Appleby said: brought her through to dispute the home and was soon clear. She won with Sheikh Mohammed and have “HH Sheikh Mohammed watched running. She was then settled a easily from Vue Fantastique, with the decided to target the Prix Diane the race and was straight on the close second before moving to the previously unbeaten Coronet third. rather than Epsom.” Sensational Jenny Wiley victory for Dickinson ICKINSON showed last year. She has now won five of caught Lady Eli before the post the Grade 3 Ben Ali Stakes turf is where she truly her six races on turf. to win by a head. over 1800m on dirt. The 5yo D belongs yet again as she Dickinson flew from the It was one of four Godolphin Bernardini horse was moved overcame trouble in running and stalls under Paco Lopez in the winners at Keeneland after back to dirt after trying turf strong opposition to win the extended mile contest and raced Tasteful, Zennor and Watershed, and broke well under Lopez. Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes at prominently. She was settled in all sent out by trainer Kiaran Watershed made progress on Keeneland last month. third on the inside, maintaining McLaughlin, who said: “I would the back stretch to go fourth and It was a first Grade One attempt that position until the straight have happily have traded in the moved up to third when switched for the 5yo Medaglia D’Oro mare, and winning after being switched first three successes for Dickinson out on the turn for home. He who has flourished since switching wide around her rivals. Given to win, but I didn’t have to. What took second on straightening up, from dirt to grass in September space she ran on strongly and a day for Godolphin and it was a went after the leader and hit the huge win for Dickinson who had front inside the final furlong. to overcome a lot of trouble. McLaughlin said: “Paco rode a “She is such a nice mare. We great race. It is always wonderful had trouble and it still worked to win here in my hometown of out. It is unbelievable to win Lexington. We tried the turf last four at Keeneland and especially time and Watershed ran well but ending on a Grade One. we thought he was better on the Rider Lopez added: “I had a dirt and are happy everything little trouble. I wanted to go on worked out.” the rail and it opened up a bit McLaughlin now shares but I couldn’t get through. When the honour of being the most Lady Eli passed me, we had room successful trainer on a single and I still had a lot of filly.” card at Keeneland with Bill Mott Earlier, Watershed gained and Todd Pletcher. He remarked: Dickinson Watershed his biggest career success in “That’s great company to be in.”

Facts and Figures (as at 13/05/2017) Worldwide Race Statistics - 2017 Worldwide Race Statistics - 1992 - 2017

Wins :199 Wins : 4,158 Horses (Individual Runners): 468 1,015 Horses (Individual Runners): 3,919 Runs: 19,851

Stakes Wins:40 % Wins to Runs: 20% Stakes Wins:1,117 % Wins to Runs: 21%

G1 Wins: 5 Prize Money (USD): $ 19,325, 555 G1 Wins: 245 Individual Winners: 2,175 18 2017 May 9 O'Shea departs so Bead becomes 'the Man' FTER three years, John the most satisfying periods of his O’Shea has stepped down as career. Saturday, 6 May 2017 was Ahead trainer of Godolphin’s the last day the Godolphin horses Australian racing team. racing in Australia raced in his Henry Plumptre, Godolphin’s name as trainer. managing director in Australia “I want to thank HH Sheikh thanked John O’Shea for his Mohammed for the wonderful contribution: “John has overseen opportunity that has been significant change and on track afforded me over these past three success at our racing organisation years. I have enjoyed immensely over the past three years and we training the Godolphin horses. thank him for the hard work and “Godolphin is a truly amazing dedication he brought to the role. organisation with tremendous John O’Shea Darren Beadman “John has trained ten Group staff and I wish them well in One winners for Godolphin during the future. said: “I was extremely honoured and keep the stable staff in his three years headlined by “I will take a break before when I was asked to fill the void good spirits.’’ successive Group 1 Golden Rose deciding the specific future for Godolphin. Beadman was previously victories in 2015 with Exosphere direction I take with training.” “Certainly, I never imagined I a leading jockey and rode a and 2016 with Astern. Godolphin has initiated an would be in this position training record 164 Sydney winners in “We wish John all the very best ongoing process to appoint a new for one of the most prestigious 2006/07. He was the premier in the future.” head trainer. racing operations in the world. Sydney jockey seven times. O’Shea, who has been a trainer Current assistant trainer “But it will be business as His new string contains the likes for more than 20 years, said his Darren Beadman will take on the usual. We will be trying to train of Hartnell, Exosphere, Astern and time at Godolphin had been one of role of interim head trainer. He as many winners as we can It’s Somewhat. Barney Roy pleases Beadman connections with Newmarket second opens BY DUANE FONSECA Hannon added: “I am very ARNEY ROY failed to proud of Barney Roy. He ran make it three wins in a a good race but he stumbled Stakes B row when running in the coming into the dip, mainly Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas through a little inexperience.” Stakes at Newmarket in what Barney Roy was, however, would have been a fine way to previously impressive in the account follow up his JLT Greenham Group 3 Greenham Stakes Stakes success at Newbury. over 1400m where he beat But his connections were the Saeed bin Suroor-trained thrilled with his second at Dream Castle by two lengths. ODOLPHIN’S interim with him, the rest will work out.” Newmarket in the first British Also sporting the blue of Australian head trainer Duca Valentinois had won two Classic of the season. Trained Godolphin, Dream Castle was G Darren Beadman landed races in Ireland before being by Richard Hannon, Barney Roy then fifth in the 2000 Guineas. his first Stakes winner when sent to Australia where he has broke well under James Doyle Duca Valentinois impressively now won three times. but failed to overhaul Churchill, won the Listed Darley Scone Dee said Beadman had given who won by a length. Cup last Friday. him specific instructions that He was ultimately forced Beadman, a former Champion led to the perfect outcome. to fight hard to keep second Jockey, took over the “Darren told me exactly about coming under pressure from Al preparation of the Australian the horse and what I should be Wukair, who settled for third a team the previos Sunday and doing,” he said. head behind at the wire. led in five winners in his first six “He relaxed beautifully and Godolphin chief executive and days in the job. coming to the 600m he was racing manager John Ferguson Ridden by Michael Dee, Duca getting stronger and stronger. said: “I am delighted with the Valentinois showed the benefit of I can’t thank the Godolphin way Barney Roy has run. He a quiet ride in midfield until 400m team enough.” was only having the third race from home, dashing clear over the Duca Valentinois was the of his life and has performed final stages to score in style. second Godolphin winner at the exceptionally well. Sheikh “The key to him is to switch Darley-sponsored meeting with Mohammed’s first reaction was him off, and Mick Dee did it the Medaglia D’Oro filly Sisken that he is probably a horse for perfectly,” Beadman said. earlier taking out the Turangga the St James’s Palace Stakes at “If you get the first half mile right Farm Handicap. Royal Ascot.” Barney Roy 18 10 May 2017

Best Solution

Turf proves Solution as Godolphin star returns to Best ISAPPOINTING in Dubai I think that Epsom is likely for him second on his seasonal return Clive Cox commented: “Full credit but a very useful juvenile now but the final decision will be in the 5f Group 3 Prix de to Signs Of Blessing, but we were D in Europe last year, made by Sheikh Mohammed. Saint-Georges at Deauville. pleased with the run of Profitable. Godolphin’s Best Solution is likely “He is not a very big horse and I The Clive Cox-trained 5yo He was drawn on the outside in to take his chance in the premier think that Epsom Downs will suit entire showed good early speed stall eight and didn’t get a lot of British Classic, the Group 1 him; that is the reason why we under James Doyle on the outside cover. Derby, at Epsom Downs following ran him today because Lingfield and soon raced in second of the “Profitable is a year older and a decisive victory in the Listed is a similar track. He handled it nine runners down the centre of I think this run will put an edge Derby Trial, over an extended very well. the course. on him perfectly. He has run well 1m3f, at Lingfield last Saturday. “When he ran second in the The son of Invincible Spirit, today and I am expecting him to The Saeed bin Suroor- Group One in France last year having his first start for improve for his first appearance of trained colt, runner-up in the the ground was soft. It was better Godolphin, kept on well but could the year. Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud ground today and he did well on it. not challenge Signs Of Blessing, “We will see how he comes in October, raced in third for “When we took him to Dubai, who made all to win by two out of this race before deciding the majority of the contest as we tried him twice on the dirt but lengths in a fast time on ground whether to go to Haydock Park for a good pace was set up front he didn’t like the kickback. We described as very soft, with almost the Temple Stakes in two weeks or before ranging up to take the lead have now focussed on turf again a length back to Finsbury Square head straight for the King’s Stand under Pat Cosgrave approaching and I am looking forward to him in third. Stakes at Royal Ascot.” the final two furlongs. running well in big races.” Best Solution readily powered Pat Cosgrave added: “Best clear of his seven rivals and was Solution had a 5lb penalty today eased near the line to score by for his win in the Group 3 Autumn three and a quarter lengths over Stakes last year and those Glencadam Glory on ground penalties usually get horses beat, described as good, good to soft so it was a good performance. in places. “We went a really good gallop; Saeed bin Suroor said: “Best we didn’t mess about and, when I Solution ran really well and the let him go two and a half furlongs way he finished his race gives us out, he stretched all the way down confidence for the future. the straight. I couldn’t fault him in “He had been working very well any way. beforehand, doing really nicely, “He has a good attitude, tries and a mile and a half will be better hard and will handle somewhere for him. like Epsom Downs pretty well.” “Best Solution is entered in the On the same afternoon, English Derby and the Irish Derby. Profitable ran well to finish Profitable 18 2017 May 11

Smyth picks top gong at Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards WEN SMYTH, the industry. We know that the horse Rossington being nominated for category, while Lee Purchase and Head Stallion Man at business is a people business and the Leadership prize. Jane Gollan have been nominated O Kildangan Stud, picked Godolphin is honoured to sponsor Scott Eeles and Kellie McCarthy in the ‘Thoroughbred Care and up the top honours at the 2017 an event which gives great people will vie for the Horsemanship Welfare’ category. Lyn Dressing Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable deserved recognition.” award, while Vicki Cannon and and Sarah Moran are nominated Staff Awards last week when he Meanwhile, the Australian Patrick Sheehan are the nominees in the Administration and was adjudged winner of the Irish finalists of the 2017 Godolphin in the ‘Dedication to Breeding’ Ancillary category. The winners Racing Excellence Award. Stud and Stable Staff Awards category. Angela Taylor-Moy and will be revealed on June 9 at a There was double joy for Smyth, were also announced last week Jeremy Rogers have been picked gala ceremony at Eagle Farm who also won the ‘Leads by with John Livingstone and Jade in the ‘Dedication to Racing’ Racecourse in Brisbane. Example Award’ at the ceremony at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny. Originally from Crumlin, Dublin, The 2017 Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Award and a graduate of the Racing Irish Racing Excellence Award: Owen Smyth, Head Stallion Man, Kildangan Stud, County Kildare Academy and Centre of Education (RACE), Smyth has worked in the Administration Award: Catherine McAvinney, Practice Manager, Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital, Kildare Thoroughbred racing and breeding Newcomer Award: Sarah McCrory, Head Girl, Ted Walsh, County Kildare industry since 1983. He has Horse Care Award: Elaine O’Donovan, Head Girl, Eoin Griffin, County Kilkenny worked at Kildangan Stud since 1988, having previously worked In The Saddle Award: Adrian Taylor, Assistant Trainer, Jim Bolger, County Carlow for Dermot Weld and spent a Travelling Head Person Award: Patrick O’Brien, Travelling Head Man, Dermot Weld, County Kildare breeding season in Kentucky. A total of 10 awards were Leads by Example Award: Owen Smyth, Head Stallion Man, Kildangan Stud, County Kildare presented, Joe Osborne, Dedication to Racing and Breeding Award: Tommy Woods, Travelling Head Lad, Paul Nolan, County Wexford Managing Director of Godolphin in Ireland, said: “The awards again Racing and Breeding Support Services Award: James Flanagan, Farrier for Jim Dreaper, County Meath showcased the dedication and Racecourse Award: Punchestown Racecourse, County Kildare talent which make this a great

LONGINES LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings World’s Best Jockey Leading Horses Leading Jockeys (3yos and upwards which raced between 1st January and 7th May 2017) as of 7 May 2017 Rank Horse Rating Trained Jockey Total Points 1 ARROGATE (USA) 134 USA Hugh Bowman 82 2 WINX (AUS) 132 AUS 3 GUN RUNNER (USA) 123 USA Tommy Dean Berry 60 3 HARTNELL (GB) 123 AUS Joao Moreira 56 3 JACK HOBBS (GB) 123 GB Zac Purton 48 6 ALWAYS DREAMING (USA) 122 USA Ryan L. Moore 30 6 CHAUTAUQUA (AUS) 122 AUS 18 12 May 2017

It’s Somewhat Perfect from O’Shea and Purton at Randwick HE perfect execution of races and a pair of Group Two and I really liked the way he used trainer John O’Shea’s events before Saturday’s Group his action,” he said. T meticulous plan by Zac One breakthrough. “John said to me earlier in the Purton gave It’s Somewhat a fine “He came to us in great order day ‘do you want to be positive?’ victory, when never headed, in and has really performed well and I said ‘yes’. the Doncaster Mile at Randwick under Australian conditions,” said “The plan wasn’t on Saturday. O’Shea, who claimed his third win necessarily to lead but I It was Godolphin’s fourth in the race regarded as Australia’s was there comfortably Australian Group One win of the premier mile handicap, the first and just let him bowl season. O’Shea and Purton had two having come before he joined along so it worked out decided it was best to be in front Godolphin with Private Steer and well.” Of Godolphin’s and against the fence on the Racing To Win. other two Doncaster heavy track and It’s Somewhat For the Hong Kong-based runners, Hauraki performed did the rest, securing the 1600m Purton, it was his second win in the best, finishing fifth under contest fully 300m from home. race and one that gave him special top weight. O’Shea said: “We decided we satisfaction. “Luckily enough, the The victory took O’Shea’s had to ride the race according to boys prepared the horse really well Group One tally for Godolphin how the track was playing and for me and he’s done the rest. It was to ten, with his other top level Zac pulled out a perfect ride. It a good tough effort,” he said. “To winners this season was a tremendous team effort by win a Group One in these colours Hartnell in the Turnbull everyone at home and everyone for Godolphin is a huge thrill.” Stakes at Flemington, here on the day.” Purton said the pattern of racing Hauraki in the Epsom Third behind Mukhadram, when had become clear in the eight races at Randwick and prepared by trainer Mark Johnston preceding the Doncaster on the Astern in the Golden for the 2014 running of the Coral Randwick card, making his decision Rose at Rosehill. Eclipse Stakes, It’s Somewhat to set the pace an easy one. O’Shea said scored by a half length from Happy “It had been hard to make up It’s Somewhat Clapper with Sense Of Occasion a ground, most of the winners had would continue distant third on Saturday. been up there on the speed,” his preparation It’s Somewhat seems to be Purton said. “I thought I had them in Queensland loving it in Australia, where he covered at the 300m, he really during the has transformed into a reliable didn’t give them a chance to run winter with performer since joining O’Shea. him down.” the Group 2 The 6yo gelded son of The jockey also did his homework Hollindale Cup Dynaformer won his first on It’s Somewhat, studying his at the Gold start for his new stable, the style of racing and concluding he Coast and the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup, in would be best suited in front. “I Group 1 February 2015, and has since went back and looked at his race Doomben Cup won a further two Group Three when he won here over 2000m his targets. 18 2017 May 13 Cloth Stars as Jimmy ensures Godolphin celebrate Two Times HE IMPROVING Cloth

Of Stars gained a first © scoopdyga T Group One victory when successful in the 2100m Prix Ganay at Saint-Cloud last week, stretching his unbeaten record to three in 2017. The 4yo Sea The Stars colt, trained by Andre Fabre and partnered by Mickael Barzalona, was well away in the seven runner field. He was a bit keen when held back in third as Guignol took them along with the other Godolphin Cloth Of Stars Jimmy Two Times runner, last year’s Eclipse Stakes hero, Hawkbill, disputing the lead. “He was a bit keen and then had On the same card, Godolphin’s The third Godolphin runner, Hawkbill led into the straight to dig deep at the finish, but he recent purchase Jimmy Two 5yo mare, Usherette, ridden by but Cloth Of Stars, short of room always seems to find a bit more. Times landed the 1600m Group 2 Barzalona for Fabre, was third on her for a moment, came through to “We are delighted that he has Prix du Muguet. seasonal debut. Lisa-Jane Graffard challenge and went to the front won his first Group One. He has The 4yo grey Kendargent colt, commented: “Jimmy Two Times was with over a furlong to race. plenty of class and there are lots bought after winning the Group 3 never going to win as easily as last The Godolphin winner ran on of options for him. “Andre has Prix Edmond Blanc over the same time but Vincent always felt he had and then held off, by a diminishing always felt that Cloth Of Stars course and distance, was always the race under control. short neck, this year’s Meydan has the stamina for a mile and a going well under Vincent Cheminaud. The colt quickened in the straight winner, Zarak, who finished fast half and the horse will certainly The Andre Fabre-trained and might go for the Queen Anne under Christophe Soumillon who race again over that distance; the runner raced in fourth towards Stakes at Royal Ascot. had dropped his whip. question is whether it will be now the outside before making “Usherette ran nicely on her Godolphin’s Lisa-Jane Graffard or in the autumn. headway in the straight to go first run of the year which she said: “The overall feeling is one “We will have to see how Cloth third and then second just inside needed so we have to be happy of relief. Cloth Of Stars is an Of Stars comes out of this race the final furlong. He soon took the with that. She could be targeted accomplished horse but can make and then make a decision about lead from another Godolphin runner, at the Duke of Cambridge at things a bit complicated. where to go next.” Toscanini, and then held off Kourkan. Royal Ascot.”

LUE POINT flew on his 3yo debut to win the Blue makes his Point in style fuelling B Group 3 Pavilion Stakes at Ascot in early May, setting a new course record in the process. Appleby’s Royal Ascot dreams Trained by Charlie Appleby, furlong marker and moved up which shaved almost half a went through the gears and he the Shamardal colt was to take the lead under William second off the previous best was a different horse compared squeezed for room leaving the Buick about 200m from home. mark. Mubtasim finished third to last year. He conserved his stalls but recovered quickly to Buick asked Blue Point to a further length and a half back. energy and used it at the right race in third within a six strong quicken and eased him in the A thrilled Appleby said: “I was end of the race. Full credit to the group down the centre of the closing stages as he went on to delighted with Blue Point today. team, who have done a great job. course as the 10 runners split beat Harry Angel by a length We held him in high regard as a “I haven’t anything quick into two. He started to make and a half on good to firm juvenile and he has done nothing enough to lead him at home and his challenge on passing the two ground, clocking 1m 11.05s, but please us from two to three. I am confident that he will come “We took him out to Dubai forward for this run. and he wintered well. A lot of “We have put some good credit must go to Willie Ryan, work into him but he has who rides him in work and has never really been asked to taught the horse to settle. extend at home.” “We felt that taking Blue Appleby hopes to run Blue Point out of a big string and Point at Royal Ascot and added: training him in a more relaxed “Hopefully, we can now take surrounding would help and he Blue Point straight to the 6f looked great physically in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup. paddock today. He is built like He will probably get seven a sprinter. furlongs in time but we will stick “William Buick said that one to sprinting for the moment - he Blue Point of his key attributes was that he is quick and does it very well.” 18 14 May 2017

ODOLPHIN gave two exciting 3yo colts G successful racecourse Dream start for Godolphin introductions at Doncaster on the second day of the UK Flat season, when both 3yos includes a storming Castle scored impressively. Epsom showpiece. He is the Dream Castle’s dam, Sand first two home in a 3yo handicap Benbatl, trained by Saeed bin first foal out of Nahrain, trained Vixen, a member of the first crop over an extended 1m2f with two Suroor and ridden by Josephine by Roger Varian and a dual of Dubawi, raced only at two, more colts owned by Godolphin. Gordon, won the first division of Group One winner in the yellow winning the Listed St Hugh’s The Suroor-trained Bin Battuta, the 7f maiden by seven lengths colours of Sheikh Ahmed. Stakes and Group 2 Flying a half-brother to Champion before stable companion, Dream Nahrain also has a 2yo colt by Childers Stakes for Bin Suroor. Juvenile and Sprinter Dream Castle, was piloted by Oisin New Approach called Ta Allak, Sand Vixen has a 2yo colt by Ahead, beat the Charlie Appleby’s Murphy to take the second division a yearling colt by Dansili and Exceed And Excel, no yearling and First Nation, a half-brother to St by three and a half lengths. was covered by Dubawi again was covered by Dawn Approach Leger and Hong Kong Vase hero Both colts are Darley homebreds last year. last year. Mastery, by a neck, with the pair with pedigrees connections hope Meanwhile, Dream Castle Not only did Dubawi make pulling well clear of the third. will give them every chance of became another winner from his mark in both divisions of the excelling at the highest level. the first crop of dual World maiden at Doncaster, but on the All three winners subsequently Benbatl is by Darley’s own Champion Racehorse Frankel. same card was represented by the ran well upped in class exceptional sire Dubawi, who is commanding a fee of £250,000 at Dalham Hall Stud this season. Dubawi has already sired 27 Group or Grade One winners, including superstars Al Kazeem, Lucky Nine, Makfi, Night Of

Thunder and Postponed. © Racing Post One race missing from his resume is a Derby but Benbatl could have the scope and potential to be aimed at the Benbatl Bin Battuta (left) beats First Nation Dream Castle Fabre not Rueing ‘practice’ race experience

ODOLPHIN’S Rueing made the career when she won two races including perfect start to her racing career the Group 1 Prix Saint Alary as a 3yo. G when she landed the Prix de Wavering is a half-sister to la Traversiere, a maiden for previously Group One scorer Mandaean and is unraced 3yo fillies, at Chantilly. from the family of Derby hero Trained by Andre Fabre, the Golden Fleece. homebred daughter of Street Cry is the Rueing had benefited from previous second foal out of Group One winning experience of the course having taken Refuse To Bend mare Wavering and is, part in a ‘schooling’ race for AFASEC thus, a full-sister to Switching, placed (Association de Formation et d’Action in Group Three company for Fabre who Sociale des Ecuries de Courses) also trained Wavering during her racing student jockeys. Rueing T’S SOMEWHAT underlined However, he stood his ground “It’s Somewhat was a great Consistency his winning consistency as he under pressure and held on to way to finish one stint and I claimed his seventh Australian score by a short head from Single start another,” said Beadman, Group success in the Gr2 Gaze with Maurus a further three who supervised the horse’s is what drives Hollindale Stakes at Queensland’s quarters of a length adrift in third. Queensland preparation. Gold Coast Track on May 6. “They came at us quickly The son of Dynaformer will now It’s Somewhat It turned out to be a hard fought after we were able to lead, but be set for the Group 1 Doomben victory, but It’s Somewhat, to his credit we held them off,” Cup. Beadman added: “Not many the winner of Australia’s Angland said. Doncaster winners come to the to success premier mile race last month, The win was the 173rd for the Gold Coast but it was a strong the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap, season for Godolphin in Australia field. We gave him a trial after the put in a typically honest and the 32nd at Stakes level, Doncaster but there is no doubt the and brave performance to win pushing the stable’s prizemoney race will have been good for him.” and take his lifetime earnings haul beyond A$16million for the The stable also produced to A$2.9million. 2016-17 term. another 2yo winner with Viridine After breaking, It’s Somewhat Hall of Fame jockey Darren taking the Fresh For Kids was taken to the lead by rider Tye Beadman, who has stepped in as Handicap at Rosehill. Angland and stayed there until Godolphin’s interim head trainer The son of Poet’s Voice, who challenged in the final 600m by in Australia, was delighted with was making his debut, scored It’s Somewhat a group. his charge. narrowly from Envy Of All. 18 2017 May 15 Polarisation comes up with the goods a second time to win Take 2 of the Sydney Cup OLARISATION provided him to post a head ahead of Who enough proof his earlier Shot The Barman with Big Duke a P ‘win’ in the original running further half length back in third. of the Group 1 Sydney Cup, which It was Appleby’s sixth Group was declared void, was no fluke as success in Australia and the victory he produced the goods a second spoke volumes for his assistant time two weeks later to win the James Ferguson, who supervised race for Godolphin and English both the spring campaign and trainer Charlie Appleby. autumn preparation of Polarisation Polarisation had turned in a and Penglai Pavilion, who placed brave performance to win the seventh behind his stablemate. race on its first running when Ferguson said: “It has been a it was declared a ‘no-race’ by fantastic team effort to achieve stewards due to a fall in the the results we have in Australia. Polarisation early stages which threatened So many people are involved in Polarisation leaped well from have gone right for Polarisation the safety of horses and riders. getting the horses into the right the gates and travelled with ease, who showed he is a very good, Rider Corey Brown was unaware shape to make the trip and then with Brown getting him clear courageous stayer to come out of the stewards’ decision to call to perform on the day. in the final straight with Who and win a couple of two mile races the race off midway through its “We’ve all been looked after well. Shot The Barman rapidly gaining only two weeks apart.” 3200m distance, but there were It’s just made it all worthwhile and ground but not enough to deprive Ferguson hinted at a return no problems on the day it was I’m absolutely delighted and so the royal blue silks’ star of glory. to Australia with Polarisation rescheduled. And Brown gave pleased for Sheikh Mohammed, Brown was full of praise for his with the Melbourne Cup his him another perfect ride to bring Dubai and Godolphin.” ride and said: “Fortunately, things key mission. Kiaran McLaughlin Bean Feasa opens account in Classic Trial HE WELL bred Bean The soft ground did not suit Feasa won for the first her last time and the only worry T time in the recent 1000 about coming here was that the Guineas Trial, a Group Three race might come too soon. over a mile, at Leopardstown. “She coped though and did The victory by the 3yo Dubawi the job well which we are very half-sister to Teofilo was happy about. achieved in good style by two “Bean Feasa ran a very good and three quarter lengths on race first time out but met a good to firm ground. smart 2yo colt. The next time she Bean Feasa was slightly slow was a bit upset in the stalls and into stride but soon recovered banged her head. In the run after, under Kevin Manning to race in I think she was remembering that. second of the six runners. “She got over all that during the Godolphin leading She was asked to progress winter, is now battle hardened turning in and came to challenge and ready to progress. The Irish in the straight before going to 1000 Guineas will definitely be owner at Keeneland the front at the distance. on her agenda and so might be ODOLPHIN captured a Kiaran McLaughlin, responsible Trainer Jim Bolger said: “I stepping her up in trip. There are first leading owner title for training all five of Godolphin’s hoped she would step up today. options for her.” G at Keeneland following winners, said: “It was a great five wins at the Kentucky Keeneland Spring Meet and the track’s prestigious Spring Meet, horses all ran very well. which concluded on Friday, “It is very special to be involved April 28. in Godolphin receiving the An excellent 15 day meeting leading owner title and we have for the royal blue silks included a great team of people behind us. a remarkable four timer on April “Having four winners on the same 15, headlined by a breakthrough card was one of the highlights of Grade One success for Dickinson my career, especially for Sheikh in the Jenny Wiley Stakes and Mohammed and Godolphin, and the victory of Watershed in the hopefully we can look forward to Grade 3 Ben Ali Stakes. a few more good days this year.” Post © Racing Bean Feasa 18 16 May 2017 NEWS Abu Dhabi rebranding for French Guineas and Arqana sale BY DUANE FONSECA BU DHABI SPORT COUNCIL has announced a Anew partnership with France Galop and Arqana to become the title sponsor for the Poules d’Essai des Poulains and Poules d’Essai des Pouliches (French 2000 and 1000 Guineas) as well as the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale. The partnership will focus on the three major events on the racing calendar taking place in May at Deauville. The La Cressonniere wins 2016 Pouliches The Gurkha wins 2016 Poulains Breeze-Up, which has attracted 137 lots, takes place at Arqana on amounts to 558,820 (colts) and prestigious as the French Guineas a paramount place in its European May 12 ahead of the two Classic 465,691 (fillies). and to extend this partnership to sponsorship program. As early as races whose prize money has Abu Dhabi Sports Council Arqana, an agency with which we next year, the Poules d’Essai will been increased to €600,000 and spokesman, Faisal Al Rahmani have had a very good relationship start a new chapter in its long €500,000 after being renamed said: “Abu Dhabi has a long history for many years thanks to the history by returning to a completely the Abu Dhabi Poules d’Essai des of partnering with French racing. Purebred Arabian sales.” new and modernised Longchamp. Poulains (colts) and Abu Dhabi It was in France that the inaugural The races were moved to This relocation will create new Poules d’Essai des Pouliches The President of the UAE Cup Deauville for 2016 and 2017 due prospects for the partnership with (fillies) respectively. The winner race was held, back in 1994. to renovations at Longchamp, ADSC that we intend to build on of the colts’ race takes home “Since then this programme has but Olivier Delloye, the General over many years.” €342,840, while the connections expanded across Europe and into Manager of France Galop, is Chairman of Arqana, Eric of the winning filly stand to North America with races held on expecting a sensational return to Hoyeau, added: “We are honoured bank €284,700. the day of the Breeders’ Cup, the its original home next year. that the ADSC is showing so much Colts and fillies born and King George Stakes, the Preakness And Delloye is looking forward interest in the French breeding, bred in France or assimilated as Stakes, the Irish Guineas and the to sustaining the partnership with racing and sales industry by French stand to gain a further French and Russian Derby days. Abu Dhabi. He said: “France Galop agreeing to form this unique 63% of the prize money in case “We are very happy to now count is delighted the Abu Dhabi Sports partnership with Arqana and of a victory, upping the top prize a race within a race meeting as Council has accorded France such France Galop.” Having disappointed in Desert, God to tackle Europe NDIAN Champion Horse of Desert God took part in the the Year of 2016, Desert God, 2017 Dubai World Cup Carnival, I has arrived at the stables of where he disappointed in two Richard Hughes, where he is to outings before a minor setback be based during his planned time prevented him from running in Britain. again and he was subsequently An outstanding performer in shipped to Britain. his home country, he won the Padmanabhan explained his Indian Derby, Calcutta Derby, decision to send Desert God to Deccan Derby, Invitation Cup, Britain was as a result of the President of India Gold Cup limited opportunities in India and Indian St Leger, alongside for a 5yo and said: “I wanted a host of other prestigious to explore how well an Indian Graded races. The Champion Champion measures up to Racehorse, by Burden Of Proof, competition in England. I am is owned, bred and trained by confident the horse will thrive in Sadakshara Padmanabhan. the conditions.’’ 18 2017 May 17 Past US winners tune up for Royal Ascot

ESLEY WARD on the turf at Keeneland in a The 7yo covered the four worked six Royal Listed contest last month. furlongs in 47.20s galloping alone, W Ascot hopefuls “Lady Aurelia worked fantastic,” several lengths behind a pair of at Keeneland on Tuesday said Ward. “I warned Julio with less familiar names who will be and seemed very happy with his life that I did not want to go joining him on the trip across the their efforts. fast and he did a great job today. Atlantic in Bound For Nowhere Last year’s Queen Mary Stakes For her first work back I wanted and juvenile Nootka Sound. heroine, Lady Aurelia, who also her to go as slow as she could Bound For Nowhere is due to bagged the Group 1 Prix Morny possibly go.” contest the Commonwealth Cup at Deauville last summer, was Meanwhile, veteran sprinter for Ward, with Nootka Sound partnered by Julio Garcia as she Undrafted, who won the Group 1 set for the Windsor Castle Stakes covered half a mile in 49.40s Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2015 after the pair clocked 48.0s over en route to a shot at the Group and also posted a Keeneland the same distance. 1 King’s Stand Stakes on the victory in April, warmed up The sextet was completed by opening day of next month’s for a shot at the Wokingham a pair of juveniles, Fairlyland and Royal meeting. Handicap on what will be his Happy Like A Fool who are being The daughter of Scat Daddy fourth trip to Britain with a faster aimed at the Albany and Queen made a winning return to action piece of work. Mary Stakes respectively. LadyAurelia Black strikes Hanshin Gold EADING Japanese Arc an automatic place in the Irish Crown, who beat Highland Reel in contender Kitasan Black Champion Stakes to the winner the Hong Kong Vase in December. Lnow has the option of a trip of the Osaka Hai could also tempt Japan’s superstar jockey Yutaka to Ireland later this year after Kitasan Black’s connections. Take stalked the pace, and then overcoming a class field in the The HRI recently announced took over in the home straight, Osaka Hai at Hanshin. the initiative in partnership with winning comfortably. The 5yo, a Classic winner at the Japan Racing Association “I felt his strength had increased three before winning both the in relation to this 2000m race, so I had all the confidence I Tenno Sho (Spring) and Japan upgraded this year to Grade One needed,” said the winning jockey. Cup last term, is set to join level and worth a total of ¥232 “The race developed as I thought. Satono Diamond in attempting million (about Dh7.65 million). Since he was responding well, I to land the Qatar Prix de l’Arc Trained by Hisashi Shimizu, decided to launch an early bid. de Triomphe, regarded as a holy Kitasan Black, ridden by Yutaka “I’m happy we are first champions grail in Japanese racing circles Take was sent off favourite of the race as a Grade One.” after several ‘near misses’. against rivals headed by last year’s However, Horse Racing Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) Kitasan Black would soon Ireland’s decision to extend winner Makahiki and Satono enjoy further big race victory Kitasan Black Chantal joins list of HH Sheikh Mansour Festival ambassadors BY DUANE FONSECA The announcement of of the HH Sheikh Mansour HE HH SHEIKH Mansour Sutherland’s appointment was made bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the HH Sheikha Arabian Horse Flat Racing T Global Arabian Horse Flat Fatima bint Mubarak Darley Awards Festival, said: “We have Racing Festival has signed star and the 30th Annual US Darley around 108 races in 86 jockey Chantal Sutherland as its Awards at the celebration banquet countries and with Chantal’s fourth ambassador. and annual stallion breeding auction inclusion now there is gender California-based Canadian at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons equality among the four! Sutherland is a winner of prestigious in Beverly Hills, California, on 2 April. “On Saturday at the Santa races like the Hollywood Gold Cup, With nearly 1000 wins under Anita Park we had Hall of Fame the Pacific Classic in Del Mar and the her belt, Sutherland is a Canadian jockeys including the recent Chantal Sutherland Santa Anita Handicap. Additionally, model and television personality Dubai World Cup winner Mike she placed second in the 2011 who rode in the $100,000 Grade 1 Smith, Gary Stevens and Laffit Horse Flat Racing Festival and Breeder’s Cup Classic and joins HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Pincay Jr. accept a donation made on Santa Anita Park.” legendary Julie Krone, reigning UAE Darley Award Stakes at Santa behalf of the Permanently Disabled Sutherland, who has ridden in the Champion Jockey Richard Mullen Anita in April. Jockeys Fund (PDJF) for $150,000 Dubai World Cup, added: “It is an and Xavier Ziani as one of the four Making the announcement, courtesy of the HH Sheikh Mansour honour and privilege to be part of ambassadors of the festival. Lara Sawaya, executive director bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian the HH Sheikh Mansour Festival.” 18 18 May 2017 Champions Day aim for Massaat

RAINER Oliver Burrows clip pierced his foot. That’s pretty reports Sheikh Hamdan’s inoffensive, normally, but it took T Massaat, who was second quite a while to heal. to Galileo Gold in the 2000 “He actually chipped a bone in his Guineas last year but sustained foot which he had to have removed an injury when ninth in the Derby and all flushed out and tidied. “He and has had just the one run since, did a couple of weeks trotting back when below par at Salisbury in at Shadwell and all being well he August, is back in training. will start cantering in early May. It Massaat He said: “He came back to me will be the latter part of July before recently. He had a little problem we can start beginning to look for a “I’m not saying it was the main to soft so we will be looking to after Salisbury which we sorted out. race for him. reason for his setback but he is a big, run him on good or good to soft “Unfortunately, back at Shadwell “Obviously Champions Day heavy topped horse and he probably ground. “I think he is definitely a during his recuperation he kicked would be a good long term target. wants a bit of cut in the ground. miler. Just seeing him now, he has the wall as he was fresh in his box Looking at Salisbury it was very “It was good in the Guineas filled out. He is quite a solid and and just moved the shoe. The toe fast ground that day. and he won his maiden on good chunky horse.” Black back again and France awaits BY NICK GODFREY in the Qatar-sponsored Arc. ALK OF the Prix de l’Arc Winning jockey Yutaka Take de Triomphe was in said: “It was a really tough race; T the air after Japan Cup the pace never slowed down. winner Kitasan Black, ridden Although the horse had little by Yutaka Take for Hisashi left, he showed amazing stamina Shimizu, added to his laurels by and tenacity up to the end, which completing a repeat success in only he can do. This horse is just Target set in Sunday’s Tenno Sho, the Kyoto so much stronger than he was a two mile ¥291 million (Dh9.5 year ago.” million) Group One highlight of Sent off favourite, Kitasan the Japanese spring season for Black sat at the head of the stone landed in style older horses. main body of the field, about ten DUAL Abu Dhabi winner Scottish owner Jimmy Long, Having scored by only a nose lengths adrift of runaway leader, late last year for Satish who runs his horses under the to take the spring edition of the outsider Yamakatzu Raiden, who ASeemar, Carbon Dating banner of Thistle Racing, said: ‘Emperor’s Cup’ in 2016, it was all a was overwhelmed as they turned landed last month’s inaugural “We really fancied him today bit easier this time for the reigning into the final straight. running of Musselburgh’s because he had very good form Japanese Horse of the Year. Kitasan Black then enjoyed £100,000 Queen’s Cup for and this was the race we wanted. The 5yo held on by a length first run to an extent, gaining an Tadhg O’Shea and Pat Shanahan, “He’s really deserved it as he’s and a quarter from Cheval ultimately decisive advantage swooping to the lead early in been crucified in some of his races Grand, with Arima Kinen victor over his 16 rivals, and his the straight before fending off at Meydan and been very unlucky. Satono Diamond also finishing pursuers down the middle of runner-up Maleficent Queen There was great prize money on strongly a neck further away the track were never going to and The Tartan Spartan in the offer and we wanted to create in third. catch him. closing stages. some history by winning the first Both the winner and third Take added: “The owner told A homebred, 5yo, gelded son running of this race.” are set to travel to Europe in a me we now have to think about of The Carbon Unit, Carbon bid to break the our plan for the autumn Dating stamped his authority on Japanese hoodoo and the Arc.” the field and defied a career high mark in the process. The trainer, who also saddled the third, The Tartan Spartan, running in the same colours, said: “I knew he would like the ground and we’ve planned this race for him for some time. I hoped our other runner The Tartan Spartan would run well and he would’ve been closer on better ground. “We’ll be looking for a Group Three race for Carbon Dating now and Chester is a possibility.” Kitasan Black 18 2017 May 19 Injury not Super for Ted ULTIPLE former UAE the injury was confirmed. Durcan that left Freddy Tylicki paralysed Champion Jockey, Ted said: “I had my ankle X-rayed from the waist down. He returned M Durcan, will be on the which confirmed the fracture. I’ll to the saddle in March and sidelines after fracturing his left see my specialist but it will need had ridden three winners from ankle at Leicester recently. operating on and hopefully I’ll have 43 rides. The unfortunate jockey the operation as soon as possible.” “It couldn’t happen at a worse was unshipped from juvenile Durcan has had wretched time with the season really starting Plundered, who was not placed, luck with ankle injuries in recent in earnest but that’s racing. after the winning post in a 5f months, as he fractured his right At least it is a clean fracture but, novice race and was taken to ankle at Kempton last October obviously, it is very frustrating,” Leicester Royal Infirmary, where when involved in the incident Durcan added. Ted Durcan

ONDERMARE Winx is enjoying a well earned W break after the ‘Queen Winx goes on holiday of Racing’, certainly in Australia, recently left trainer Chris Waller’s of A$14,526,690. Winx, who has stables for a month relaxing been unbeaten for two years, won in a paddock. her 17th race in succession in Winx won all eight starts during the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last her perfect season, including the Cox month, romping home by more Plate and Queen Elizabeth Stakes than five lengths, defeating a double, collecting A$6,215,000 crackerjack field. prize money for the season, a new She returned a 130 Timeform Australian record, surpassing the rating, which was below the mark she set in 2015/16 when she peak 134 figure she returned earned A$5,627,500. when thrashing Le Romain and Waller’s mare ended her 5yo Chautauqua in the George Ryder season with career earnings of Stakes on her previous start. Winx A$12,863,430 and she is closing will be aimed at a third straight Cox in on Makybe Diva’s all time record Plate next spring. Winx Webster and Apollo carry Calin-Thomson over the moon at World Dressage Challenge RISTINA Calin-Thomson Reem Al Abbar Stable rider victory in the prestigious Prix Points earned through the FEI turned out to be the big Calin-Thomson claimed success Saint-Georges. World Dressage Challenge count C winner at the UAE leg of in two of the five competition In the Intermediate 1 Class, towards a global ranking for the 2017 FEI World Dressage classes at the event, winning Calin-Thomson recorded a individuals and teams. Challenge at Emirates Equestrian the Intermediate 1 category winning score of 65.33% Hamad Al Shamsi Show Centre in April. and following that success with aboard Webster. Manager at Emirates Equestrian A day later, she continued Centre, said “We are pleased her impressive run and was to see UAE-based riders adjudged winner of the Prix perform so well in international Saint-Georges aboard Apollo competition. It is satisfying where the pair posted a winning to see local horse and rider score of 64.47%. combinations rewarded and Emirates Equestrian Centre recognised for their hard work.” rider Tracy Wyngard-Gill and Dressage Coordinator at EEC Hylkje Fan De Finnen won the Lilian Sternvad added: “The FEI Senior 1 class with a score of World Dressage Challenge is a 71.17%, while the Senior 2 significant event for the UAE category honours were scalped as it helps nurture and develop by Susanna Foustok and Don local talent. So far the UAE has a Rodolfo, who claimed victory proud history in this tournament, by posting a 68% score. faring well on the global platform. The Youth Elementary class Since winning the title in 2012, was won by Dubai Polo and our riders have performed Equestrian Club rider Heidi consistently well, with several Hallat, who was successful top ten finishes in individual and with a winning score of 69.5%. team competitions.” 18 20 May 2017 Paddocks await star ﬁlly UAL Classic heroine, La After claiming her third Listed Cressonniere, winner of success on her comeback at three, D last season’s Poule d’Essai she produced a pair of electric des Pouliches and Prix de Diane, performances to claim the two has been retired to stud after the fillies’ Classics. back problem which curtailed her After easily landing her prep for 3yo season resurfaced. the Arc at Deauville she suffered “It’s a recurrence of the back what at the time seemed only a problem she suffered last year,” minor spine issue during training, said Sylvain Vidal, racing and which put an end to her campaign. La Cressonniere breeding manager to Gerard Her regular jockey, Cristian Augustin-Normand, who owns Demuro, paid tribute to a filly on her, before, during and after La Cressonniere will return to La Cressonniere with Antonio whom he first rode just before a race, and perhaps she can pass the Haras de la Cauviniere where Caro. “It’s only slight but it’s signing on as Augustin-Normand’s that on to her offspring.” she was foaled, and is expected to impossible for Jean-Claude retained rider. Demuro said: “We “It’s obviously a disappointment be covered this breeding season. Rouget to train her.” started out together and she gave but she more than did her job, Vidal said: “It’s a tiny problem with Rouget campaigned La me some memorable days. The winning the Poule d’Essai and a vertebra but won’t affect her Cressonniere away from the two Classics stand out but my Prix de Diane as well as remaining ability to become a broodmare. If limelight at two, as the daughter favourite memory is actually her unbeaten in eight starts,” added covered soon she would foal next of Le Havre compiled four last race, the Prix de la Nonette, Vidal. “She has been a fantastic April, which works fine. victories without contesting any where she was phenomenal. filly who couldn’t have brought us The filly was subsequently sold to of the major prizes. Above all she had a fantastic mind more pleasure.” Japanese interests

ISTORY MAKER Michelle Payne, who became the H first female jockey to Payne, Dettori and Moore win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, will make her Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debut this year after among Shergar Cup teams she was confirmed among the Girls team for the international Apprentice, for the 12 August the trio of jockeys who will excited about riding in the Dubai jockeys’ competition. fixture at Ascot. represent the Rest of the World, Duty Free Shergar Cup, especially Payne, who missed last year’s Frankie Dettori, a veteran of who won the trophy for the sixth after the disappointment of not event due to injury, will join regular eight Shergar Cups, will lead the time last year. being able to last year due to my captain Emma-Jayne Wilson Europe team, Jamie Spencer will Payne, who also has plans to injury. We have a great team and from Canada and Josephine captain Great Britain and Ireland, ride at Royal Ascot for the first I’m really hopeful we can do the Gordon, the reigning Champion while Kerrin McEvoy heads time this summer, said: “I’m so fans proud and take back the cup.” Dettori will be joined by two former Champion Jockeys of Germany in Alexander Pietsch, who will compete for the first time, and Dutchman Adrie de Vries. McEvoy, who won his second Melbourne Cup last year, will be joined by two newcomers in South African Anthony Delpech, and Keita Tosaki from Japan, who will both be riding in Britain for the first time. Ryan Moore and Neil Callan are set to complete the Michelle Payne Frankie Dettori Ryan Moore Great Britain and Ireland team.

“I felt she had great potential Aero ﬂies home in Lithe fashion when I first sat on her in training as a juvenile,” said Yokoyama, whose ARTNERED by Norihiro Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) last top-flight victory came in the Yokoyama for Takanori paid off handsomely in a contest race on Clarity Sky two years ago. P Kikuzawa, Aerolithe worth ¥205,200,000 (Dh6.6 “She was in great condition dominated Tokyo’s Grade 1 NHK million).Into her stride early, coming into this race and strong. Mile Cup ten days ago, improving Aerolithe was settled just off She was a bit too quick out of the dramatically on her previous the pace and after being gate but settled nicely without effort when only fifth in the Oka switched inside accelerated me actually hitting the brakes. Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas). impressively to take the lead “She still appears to have a lot The decision to take in this before holding off the late more in her and I expect her to race rather than head down challenge of Rieno Tesoro by a be even more powerful in the the traditional path to the length and a half. autumn season.” 18 2017 May 21

ULTIPLE Group One heroine and 2016 Cartier M Horse of the Year, Top ﬁlly Minding her Minding, disposed of her three rivals with the minimum of fuss in the 1m2f Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes at Naas and will now return reputation with panache to the top table, with the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh on 28 May

her likely next target. © Racing Post The 4yo daughter of Galileo made most of the running under Ryan Moore and needed only hands and heels riding to score by three and a half lengths, providing trainer Aidan O’Brien with his ninth victory in the Mooresbridge. O’Brien said: “You’d have to be very pleased with that performance. Minding has done very well physically since last year and remains very enthusiastic. “She’s a great filly and what she did last year was incredible, winning five Group Ones from a mile to a mile and a half before dropping back to a mile to win the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Minding “It was always the plan to race her again this year and we’re delighted He said: “She’s a lovely filly and to have her season started.” has form at the top level, so it was It was a good Bank Holiday nice to give her the opportunity to card at Naas and Michael Halford get her head in front. looks to have realistic Classic “She loves that ground and we said aspirations this season with Irish we’d keep things simple with her. If 1000 Guineas hope Rehana after she gets her ground she should take the filly posted a very pleasing her chance in the Irish 1000 Guineas. performance in the 7f Group 3 “It was beautiful ground there Athasi Stakes. today and she’s such a good Having accounted for actioned filly, she floats over it. Rhododendron in a Curragh maiden That will do her confidence the last summer, the Aga Khan-owned world of good.” filly finished fourth behind that rival Doctor Geoff, overlooked by Rehana in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes Ger Lyons’ stable jockey Colin and then fourth behind Intricately Keane, who partnered Noivado, that ground would be a tad short, landed the 5f juvenile race under in the Group 1 Moyglare before flew home under Gary Carroll to but Gary said he was only going Ryan Moore. being put away for the winter. take the Listed Tetrarch Stakes by through the motions and when he O’Brien said: “He came A promising third in the 1000 half a length from Drumfad Bad. found the gap he sprinted clear. forward from his first run and Guineas trial at Leopardstown An impressive maiden winner “He’ll have to come into the will come forward again from on her seasonal debut, Rehana over a mile at Naas last autumn, reckoning for Royal Ascot and the that. He has plenty of speed and stepped up a gear in her Classic he coped impressively with this Jersey Stakes or something like was still a bit green. preparation with a convincing win drop back to seven furlongs. that now.” “He could be a Royal Ascot over Rose De Pierre, after which Lyons said: “We’ve always liked Aidan O’Brien also mentioned horse but you’d like to get another Halford expressed his delight. him. I thought seven furlongs on Ascot in his debrief after Dali run into him before then.”

Doctor Geoff Dali 18 22 May 2017

Khattab wins Sheikh Zayed Cup, while Bertiaux strikes in Sheikha Fatima race in Toulouse BY DUANE FONSECA completed the 2000m contest HATAAB, trained by in 2:13.72 and placed nearly two Thomas Fourcy, won the lengths ahead at the wire. K Group 2 Prix Carthage Meanwhile, Belgium’s Alice Hannibal Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Bertiaux on Sha’hir claimed Al Nahyan Cup in style, claiming a success in the HH Sheikha Fatima nearly two length win in the 2000m Bint Mubarak Ladies World turf contest at Toulouse in April. Championship race, booking her Nine started in the Euros 35,000 spot at the world finals in Abu in the Sheikh Zayed Cup, which Dhabi in November. Another of kicked-off the Festival’s premier Amer’s sons, Sha’hir had already series in Europe. Qatar’s Al Shaqab won the Festival’s Wathba Stud Racing was strongly represented Farm Cup race earlier this year, and by Khataab, Metrag and Meblsh he carried that same momentum and it paid off as trainer Fourcy when running under Bertiaux, who saddled both the winner Khataab is a PE teacher from Belgium. as well as the third-placed Meblsh. Trained by Francois Rohaut, Khataab Jerome Crabbe on the 5yo son of Sha’hir won narrowly from Amer did very well to stave off Al Shaqab’s Khozan who was UAE capital in November. “I am Michel Garbel, Director of Finance the challenge of Peter Sogorb’s ridden by Sweden’s Charlotta looking forward to the final race. and Administration at the Toulouse Mehdaaf Athbah under Jean- Ericsson. Dutchwoman Leonie The race was very impressive and track, Nicole Kraft, Director of Bernard Eyquem, while Meblsh Vethaak placed third aboard certainly the competition fierce. the French Arabian Racehorse under Julien Auge finished third to Chalwa du Breuil in the 1600m The trainer’s instructions helped Association, Lara Sawaya, Executive make it a 1-3 for Fourcy. contest that carried a total prize me to control the horse and Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Khataab, a winner of a Group purse of €33,000. unleash it in time, and I am very Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global 2 race here last October and also It was Bertiaux’s 16th victory in happy with this win which will Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, third to Lightning Bolt in the Group 151 rides and she is now looking be a good addition to my career and other French officials attended 1 UAE President’s Cup UK Derby, to riding in the world finals in the record,” she said. the prize giving ceremony.

Sha’hir 18 2017 May 23 Inaugural Sheikh Mansour Festival races in Algeria a big success BY DUANE FONSECA 2:41.61 and won by nearly two ARABOUH ALMISK lengths from Adahis De Croats, and Ghilas made history with Drug in third place. In the M when they won the two second Wathba Stallions Cup, run Purebred Arabian races organised over a shorter distance of 1600m, as part of the HH Sheikh Mansour and for locally-bred Purebred bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabians, Ghilas finished first. Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival Anwar ran into second place while in Algeria last week. in third was Iraq, the horses vying The two races were the festival’s for a slice of the €5,000 on offer. first in the northern African The two races, under the country and were run on the Al festival’s umbrella were the manager of the Horse Racing Sawaya added: “After the Kharouba race track in Algiers. first in Algeria and held as per Committee in Algeria, gave away grand success of the festival’s Marabouh Almisk prevailed directives of HH Sheikh Mansour the prizes. World Arabian Horse Racing in a field of 11 runners to win bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy The UAE envoy HE Al Zaabi Conference in Marrakesh and the €5,000 Wathba Stallions Prime Minister and Minister of thanked HH Sheikh Mansour for the festival’s races there, Algeria Cup. It was his first success after Presidential Affairs. bringing the festival to Algeria. is the next success for us. HH a largely forgettable series of HE Ahmed Ali Al Zaabi, UAE “We enjoy strong relations with Sheikh Mansour is keen that runs but he came home leading ambassador to Algeria, Lara Algeria and these races will be a Arabian horses all over the a 1-2-3 finish for owner Ahmed Sawaya, executive director of the huge boost to Purebred Arabian globe and their racing events Fegholi. Marabouh Almisk clocked festival, and Ahmed Ryan, general racing here,” he said. are promoted.” The festival had decided to rename the Wathba Stud Farm Cup as the Wathba Stallions Cup at the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference which was held in Marrakesh, Morocco. Sawaya added: “We will have another race on 14 October. These races will carry prize funds of €5,000 each and are aimed to promote Purebred Arabian racing Marabouh Almisk Gillas at the grassroots level.”

H E DERMOT WELD stable made a triumphant Zhukova takes War from the Men T return to the scene of one of its greatest triumphs as the US Triple Crown thanks to his Mare Turf would be a definite paper. They told me she likes to Zhukova and John Velazquez historic success in the Belmont possibility to finish off the year,” be close to the pace and with no overwhelmed her US-trained Stakes in 1990 with Go And Go. said Mark Weld. pace at all, I knew she was going rivals for a six length success in “Belmont has always been good Velazquez, down to his to break great and be right there. Saturday’s Grade 1 Man o’War to us and this is right up there for minimum at 8st, was impressed She handled the grass really well Stakes, giving rise to hopes of us,” added Mark Weld. “This was with the daughter of Fastnet and coming from Europe you a long overdue Breeders’ Cup a major target and the rain came, Rock. “She gives you so much could tell she was used to this success for her pioneering trainer. which was a huge help. Johnny confidence,” said the jockey. type of surface. When I asked On paper the only mare in the was very complimentary about “She broke well and there really her to run down the lane she had 1m3f $400,000 feature seemed her and said she could have a wasn’t much speed in the race on another gear.” to have plenty in her favour future here. getting weight from her four “We thought there would be rivals and so it proved. no early pace and were worried Velazquez settled Zhukova she could get caught out but her behind Charming Kitten, who class has prevailed. set a pedestrian gallop at the “We’ve had her since she was head of a tightly bunched field a foal bred by my grandmother. until the Irish visitor eased into This is huge for us today. We the lead on the far turn and then have a lot to look forward to.” stretched clear. For all his globetrotting exploits, “We’re absolutely over the Weld has never won a race at the moon with that,” said Mark Weld, Breeders’ Cup and Zhukova is assistant trainer to his father, likely to be given the chance to fill who remains the only European- the gap on the trainer’s CV. “She’ll based trainer ever to win a leg of come home now but the Filly and 18 24 May 2017

Sheikh Mansour Festival lauded for getting world Arabian racing galloping BY DUANE FONSECA years in 2018. It is one of the Sawaya also announced that the only made possible due to the HE HH Sheikh Mansoor biggest race days in the world Group 1 €1.2million Sheikh Zayed Festival’s support. bin Zayed Al Nahyan when the Preakness Stakes is run bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown “Although this three year T Global Arabian Horse Flat and we will now also see Purebred race in Abu Dhabi on November programme has now come to Racing Festival has been hailed as Arabians running that day.” 10 along with the world finals an end, it has prompted the the reason behind the resurgence Meanwhile, Madrid has been of the HH Sheikha Fatima bint British Horse Racing Authority, of Purebred Arabian racing around named host city of the 2018 World Mubarak Ladies and Apprentice in conjunction with Racing the world. Arabian Horse Racing Forum, championship races. Foundation, to continue this work Praise was heaped on the which is how the conference will One of the key sessions at the and we are now able to offer any Festival during the three day be addressed from next year. Also conference in Morocco titled jockey in the UK the opportunity to World Arabian Horse Racing undergoing a name change is the ‘Jockeys’ Weight Control and visit the University, be assessed and Conference in Marrakesh, Wathba Stud Farm Cup which Nutrition’, focused on the well being have their own unique nutritional Morocco, between May 4-6. Over will now be known as the Wathba of riders, with industry experts, and weight management 400 delegates from 86 countries Stallions Cup. doctors and riders presenting their programme produced.” attended the conference, which Wathba Stallions is the breeding viewpoints on the topic. Mullen, who is also the Festival’s was followed by the ‘UAE Abu arm of the Purebred Arabian The discussion was moderated ambassador, added: “Five years ago Dhabi Day’ race meeting at the horses of HH Sheikh Mansoor by UAE-based racing TV jockeys never thought of their food newly inaugurated race course in bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy presenter Laura King and the and training methods as athletes Saada Commune in Marrakesh. Prime Minister of the UAE and panel featured, UAE Champion but now they do. We can see a Speaking during the ‘Future of Minister of Presidential Affairs. Jockey Richard Mullen and French change in the mentality of jockeys.” Arabian Racing’ session on the Sawaya said the programme rider Xavier Ziani, and other Speaking on the opening day of final day of the conference, Lara is due for expansion. “The name industry specialists like Mahi the conference during the Racing Sawaya, the Executive Director change is with immediate effect Aramideh (UK), Acaena Amoros and Training session, UAE handler of the Festival, said: “The fact 86 and next year we are planning to (Spain), Dr Jamal Hout (Canada), Helal Al Alawi urged the hosting countries are represented is proof increase races in this series from 61 Kai Schirmann (Germany) and Dr of more maiden races. of the current status that Purebred to 90. We will also try and discuss Philip Pritchard (UK). “We have nearly 500 horses Arabian racing is enjoying. with racing authorities in the UAE Speaking on behalf of The coming every year and at the end “We are aiming at getting more and around the world to ensure Liverpool John Moores University, of the season about 400 are still of Asia involved next year and that the conditions for these Dr Pritchard thanked the Festival maidens and then next season that will add to the tremendous races caters to the requirements for its support in the research these along with another 500 progress that Arabian racing has of the small owners and private and development of the jockeys new horses pose a huge problem already made.” stables that the Festival is trying weight management programme. for connections to find races,” Al It was also announced that the to promote,” she said. Dr Pritchard said: “This work was Alawi said. Festival will sponsor a $200,000 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup race on next year’s Preakness Stakes race meet card to coincide with the centennial year of the birth of the founder of the UAE. The Preakness is run on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan will feature on the 2018 schedule at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Sawaya added: “The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a pioneer in promoting Purebred Arabian racing and the UAE marks the beloved leader’s 100 18 2017 May 25

Local Daissaoui watches his trio shine in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup in Morocco BY DUANE FONSECA French apprentice Yoann WNER TRAINER Kamal Bonnefoy showed excellent riding Daissaoui clinched skill in winning the HH Sheikha O a 1-2-3 in the Listed Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan World Championship race aboard Cup race, following up from his Jasma I, while Michala Wathba Stud Farm Cup success Kucharikova of Slovakia booked earlier on the inaugural card of the her spot in the final in Abu Dhabi Hippodrome de Marrakesh, which by winning the Moroccan leg of the was inaugurated in the Moroccan HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak city on May 7. Ladies World Championship race Daissaoui opened his account on Djourman BS. Syndella with Brown De Saularie in the Daissaoui’s top jockey El Prix Wathba Stud Farm, the first Kandoussi on Brown De Saularie Jbilou, 21, who rode Syndella, off the gates and was at the rear of four HH Sheikh Mansour bin demolished seven rivals as the 3yo said: “This is indeed a very great for a long period. But once we Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian son of No Risk Al Maury won the win for me. There were better turned for home there was a gap Horse Flat Racing Festival races Moroccan Dirhams 70,000 race horses than mine but she showed and he took off. The Dutch jockey before claiming all three top spots by over ten lengths from Izetta a lot of heart and kept fighting who came second chased and my in the feature race which was won Top De Montjoi in the Wathba until the end. My trainer asked me horse kept moving ahead to win in by Syndella under Khalid Jbilou. Cup. He failed to land a double on to just keep him off the pace and a close finish,” said Kucharikova, In winning, Syndella beat the card though despite riding we took the chance.” who will be starting her law Bachar De Carrere (Abdelkader favourite Bachar De Carrere in the Speaking of his success on practice in September. El Kandoussi) and Salma Al Zayed Cup and finished second to the night, Daissaoui added: “I “I am very, very happy. This is my Khalediah (Said Samir). In Syndella while Salma Al Khalediah am very, very happy with this 8th career win and I mostly take part between Daissaoui’s double, was third. success during an international in the Festival races now. This is the race meeting on the opening day second time I have qualified for the of Hippodrome de Marrakesh. It final. In 2013 I won in Duindigt and was a nice surprise when Syndella qualified but finished sixth.h won the Zayed Cup.” I am looking forward to Abu In the Ladies Championship race, Dhabi in November and will be Kucharikova did well to thwart the happy to finish 5th and above.” challenge of Dutchwoman Cindy Frenchman Bonnefoy will also Kilkenburg aboard Nectanebo Al be joining Kucharikova in Abu Boraq. “My trainer asked me to Dhabi but will be chasing the world ride him hard. He was very slow title in the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship. Jasma I looked headed for a win but nearing the finish she started to stray wide before the French 24yo steadied her back on track to win by less than a length from Akho Amyr Event under Briton Emma Tutty. In third was Moroccan Walid Bendhekidel on Brown Du Saularie Djouman BS Jasma I Marhaban Maamora. 18 26 May 2017 BLOODSTOCK

675,000gns Scat Daddy colt Scat Daddy colt Intello colt 575,000gns Intello colt Godolphin and Shadwell play as records tumble in Newmarket BY BEVERLEY TOWNSEND stood alongside Sheikh Fahad. TRONG TRADE throughout Remarkably it is the second son of at last month’s Tattersalls the mare Gender Dance to top a S Craven Breeze-Up Sale Craven Breeze-Up Sale, after her saw records set across the board, Elusive Quality colt, subsequently highlighted by a top price of named Great White Eagle and 675,000gns for a colt by Scat Daddy. a Group Three winner, sold for After the two days, 98 lots sold 760,000gns in 2013. for 14,120,000gns, a new record, Redvers commented: “When bettering the previous record people buy the sale topper, they set in 2008 by more than two always come out with the cliches million guineas. The average and that they thought it was the best John Ferguson Angus Gold median both rose 30% and 42% horse in the sale, and that it ticked winners Sabratah and Raw Impulse. are a big fan of the sire and have to 144,082gns and 110,000gns, all the boxes. Ferguson, who fended off interest had some luck with him; they are both new records as well. The “This horse had some minor from eventual underbidder Kerri obviously getting more difficult to sale saw a total of 57 lots sell for issues as a yearling when he was Radcliffe as well as Alastair Donald get hold of now! Alban Chevalier du 100,000gns or more, eclipsing the not sold for $65,000 but he has of SackvilleDonald, said: “He is a Fau of The Channel Consignment previous record of 40 set in 2008. proved he can gallop. He has a beautiful individual and he moves highly recommended this horse. The top lot on the second day great mind and this sale has been very well. He is from a top consignor “He did a great breeze this week and the entire sale was a Scat tremendously successful for us. who does a great job and this sale and is a gorgeous sound horse.” Daddy colt from Jim McCarten’s “We are delighted to have can produce quality horses.” Hillen was delighted with his Gaybrook Lodge Stud who was bought him, and in fact are quite The second top price for the purchase and explained: “It is knocked down to David Redvers surprised to have managed to get second day was the 400,000gns more than we thought we’d have for 675,000gns. him. He is exactly the sort of horse paid by Stephen Hillen and Kevin to pay, but the market is savage Bidding for the colt was frenzied we are looking for. He will probably Ryan for the Siyouni colt out of the and if you want horses you have to from the start with Cheveley Park be trained here in Newmarket.” Shirocco mare Acentela consigned get involved.” Stud’s Chris Richardson, agents Godolphin will be campaigning from Church Farm and Horse The sole offering in the sale Nicolas de Watrigant, Stephen the top lot from day one, and Park Stud. The sale was a massive by Kentucky-based sire Point Of Hillen, Justin Casse and Kerri second most expensive of the sale, pinhooking triumph after being Entry made the second highest Radcliffe all trying to secure the after John Ferguson signed the purchased for €62,000 as a yearling price of the first evening when prized lot. Ibrahim Araci and docket at 575,000gns for a colt and will go into training with Ryan. selling to Angus Gold, on behalf underbidder Richard Knight were by Intello. “We loved him when we saw him; of Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell also keen but none could match Out of Listed-winning mare he is a lovely, big sort,” said John Estate Company, for 390,000gns. the efforts of Redvers, who was Marika, he is a half-brother to Listed Cullinan of Horse Park Stud. “We Consigned by Malcolm Bastard, the bay colt is a half-brother to Taareef, winner of the Group 2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein and the Group 3 Prix Daphnis from the family of Marianna’s Girl, herself the dam of five Stakes winners. Wycombe House purchased the colt as a yearling in the US for $140,000 and Bastard commented: “He is a beautiful mover. He is a big, strong horse with pace and as a May foal you would hope for Point Of Entry colt 390,000gns Point Of Entry colt 400,000gns Siyouni colt some more improvement.” 18 2017 May 27 Kodiac colt for Godolphin after smashing record BY BEVERLEY TOWNSEND the clearance rate went from 72% NTICIPATION was, last year to 90%. understandably, high for a Offered as Lot 89, the sale Astellar renewal of the Goffs topper is out of a half-sister to the UK Breeze-Up Sale last month, Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes winner after the exploits of recent Royal Ponty Acclaim and having seen off Ascot winning graduates Quiet interest from Alex Elliott and Kerri Reflection, My Dream Boat, Prince Radcliffe, who was accompanied Of Lir and Ardad, the last two who by husband Jeremy Noseda, the were joint sales toppers last year hammer fell in favour of Richard when selling for £170,000, and O’Gorman, who was standing with the sale did not disappoint. Mark McStay. Kerri Radcliffe Richard O’Gorman Records were smashed as Commenting afterwards, the longest serving breeze-up O’Gorman said: “He is for John is the Grade 2 Rampart Handicap at £100,000, Richard O’Gorman consignor, Tally Ho Stud, offered Ferguson and Godolphin. He did a winner and Grade One performer quickly bid £110,000 and, while a colt by its resident sire Kodiac very good breeze and the sire has Bella Chiarra. Matt Coleman and Alex Elliot who achieved a massive £360,000, been very successful at this sale, Radcliffe said: “He looks were soon involved, it was Richard breaking the previous record of so we are hoping for the best.” precocious and hopefully will be a Brown of Blandford Bloodstock £340,000 paid for the Exceed And O’Gorman had also bought Royal Ascot 2yo. He is for the same who stepped in and took over on Excel filly Likely by David Redvers another six figure lot shortly owners who I buy for in America.” the final bid £210,000. He is out in 2014. before when he paid £100,000 for The colt was purchased by Jim of a winning Danehill Dancer half- Recording substantial gains all an Acclamation filly. McCartan under his MC Bloodstock sister to the Champion Stayer and round, the sale saw a total of 12 Having been underbidder on for just $5,000 at Keeneland in sire Leading Light. six figure lots, double that of last the top lot, Radcliffe was quickly September. Another American Brown said: “I thought he did a year, and they attracted buyers back in action a few lots later and import to make a serious impact very good breeze. I have bought from 12 different countries. would not be denied, securing at the sale was a Lonhro colt from a couple by the sire before and The aggregate rose 53% to a son of More Than Ready for Justin Rae’s Fairgreen Stables. he works across hemispheres. £5,403,000, the average was up £200,000. Bred in the US, he is Purchased from Keeneland for He is for someone who might 37% to £45,025, the median saw out of a placed half-sister to two $17,000, he realised £210,000 race him abroad in time, so that a 36% increase to £30,000, while Stakes horses and his second dam on this occasion. Having opened would be beneficial.”

£360k Kodiac colt £200k More Than Ready colt £210k Lonhro colt Cape Cross euthanised OTH Godolphin and Darley years when he became the flagship of were paying tribute to Cape the operation. B Cross, a foundation sire of the “He has been an integral part of the global breeding operation who was put Godolphin and Darley stories, and an down last month, aged 23, following integral part of Kildangan,” Osborne said. complications associated with old age. “He was our first major success Cape Cross, a Group One winner as a stallion. He was Champion First in the Godolphin colours, was a Season Sire, making an immediate phenomenal success at stud, siring impact, and went on to sire a champions such as Golden Horn, collection of outstanding racehorses, Sea The Stars and Ouija Board, and who left their mark in some of the becoming only one of 17 stallions to world’s great races. have produced more than one Epsom “As an individual, he was the boss. Derby winner as well as becoming You did it his way. He very much ruled broodmare sire of a blue riband winner. the roost,” he added. Joe Osborne, managing director In 2000, Cape Cross started of Godophin, Ireland, where Cape shuttling to the southern hemisphere, Cross stood at Kildangan Stud in first to Sir Patrick Hogan’s Cambridge the northern hemisphere, said the Stud in New Zealand, then to stallion had been hugely influential, Kelvinside stud in Australia. He was particularly in Darley’s formative retired from stallion duties in 2016. Cape Cross 18 28 May 2017

ORMER Champion South African Sprinter, National Blue and white silks are the colours F Colour, enjoyed a remarkable afternoon at Turffontein recently when two of her foals were on red letter day for National Colour victorious in Group One company. Brothers Mustaaqeem and Rafeef, who are both Australian-bred sons of Redoute’s Choice out of National Colour trained by Mike De Kock for Sheikh Hamdan, won the SA Nursery over 6f and Computaform

Sprint over 5f respectively. © JC Photos © JC Photos Both colts put clear water between themselves and their rivals, too; Mustaaqeem won the 2yo contest by four lengths from National colour Mustaaqeem Rafeef compatriot and stablemate Naafer, a son of Lonhro, while Rafeef won Rafeef was an A$800,000 She went on to win at Nad Choice, who is owned by the prestigious sprint by one and a purchase by the operation from Al Sheba and ran with credit in Mustaaqeem and Rafeef’s quarter lengths from the Overlord the same sale in 2013. Europe in 2008, finishing sixth breeder Arrowfield Stud. gelding Talktothestars. National Colour, a daughter to Equiano in the King’s Stand Mustaaqeem and Rafeef Mustaaqeem topped the of the Danzig stallion National Stakes and a close second to become the 31st and 32nd final session of last year’s Inglis Assembly, was trained by Sean Borderlescott in the Nunthorpe. Group or Grade One winners for Easter Yearling Sale when Tarry to win the Computaform National Colour has clearly Redoute’s Choice, who is standing bought by Angus Gold on behalf Sprint, South African Fillies Sprint clicked brilliantly with influential the coming southern hemisphere of Shadwell for A$1.75 million. and Mercury Sprint at three. Australian sire, Redoute’s season at a fee of A$137,500.

of the rest by a commanding margin for Sunny Skies as new little more than hand riding. Bred and owned by Normandy Farm, the Kentucky born juvenile is out of the Kingdom starts well unraced Marquetry mare Skyscape, and is a half-sister to the Grade 2 winner Sky Cape. for Darley’s Animal Animal Kingdom has already been BY BEVERLEY TOWNSEND represented by a trio of winners in the southern hemisphere, where he stands INNER of both a Kentucky at Arrowfield Stud, headed by Earth Derby and a Dubai World Angel, a daughter of Golden Slipper W Cup, one of the race’s past winner Miss Finland. winners, Animal Kingdom, opened his Victorious in the 2011 Kentucky Derby, northern hemisphere stallion account the son of Leroidesanimaux also won the recently Sunny Skies made a successful 2013 Dubai World Cup for trainer Graham debut at Keeneland. Motion and is standing the 2017 northern The Kenny McPeek-trained filly made hemisphere covering season at Darley’s all in the 900m maiden and came clear Jonabell Farm at a fee of $30,000. Animal Kingdom New connections hoping star ﬁlly will be big in Japan NBEATEN dual Normand to success in a trio of and Oaks double when bred from Group One winner La Listed events, the Group 2 Prix his base fee. She followed in the U Cressonniere has become de la Nonette, and the memorable footsteps of Avenir Certain, who the latest high class recruit to Classic double of the Poule d’Essai had emerged from the stallion’s the exceptional collection of des Pouliches and the Prix de Diane. first crop. broodmares at Teruya Yoshida’s She was retired a couple of weeks The announcement represents Shadai Stallion Station. ago after the recurrence of the another huge feather in the cap The daughter of Le Havre will back injury that curtailed her 2016 of Al Shaqab’s Shalaa, in his first stay in Normandy for her maiden campaign. Her exploits contributed season at Haras de Bouquetot at cover, by Al Shaqab’s young sire significantly to the rapid ascent of a fee of €27,500. The 2015 Prix Shalaa, before being shipped to Le Havre, who began his career Morny and Middle Park Stakes Teruya Yoshida her new owner’s farm in Japan, at Haras de la Cauviniere in 2010 winner has also included dual Prix The Fugue; Grade 1 Madison where she will doubtless be at a fee of just €5,000, but is now de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Treve Stakes winner Shotgun Gulch; last considered an ideal mate for their rated one of the best young sires in in his first book. season’s Prix Saint-Alary winner Champion Sire Deep Impact. Europe at €60,000. Others set to be covered by the Jemayel; Group 2 Prix de Malleret The 4yo was trained by Jean- La Cressonniere became the son of Invincible Spirit are Avenir scorer Al Wathna; and Prix Saint- Claude Rouget for Ecurie Antonio second daughter of Le Havre to Certain’s dam Puggy; Twyla Tharp, Alary second and Prix de Diane Caro and Gerard Augustin- complete the French 1000 Guineas the dam of outstanding racemare third Rjwa. 18 2017 May 29 ‘Captain America’ to stay in Newmarket BY BEVERLEY TOWNSEND

OBUST trade at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze- Steve Rogers Up and Horses in Training R (aka Captain America) Sale saw turnover surge into record territory for the third consecutive time at Tattersalls in 2017. A total of 36 lots sold for 50,000gns or more during the breeze-up section, up from 17 last year, with 11 lots breaking the six figure barrier. The ‘breezers’ Michael Bell Steve Rogers realised 5,497,700gns, a record for the category at this sale, taking The overall top lot came turnover for the whole sale to late in the evening when 6,152,800gns for the 204 lots sold. Stephen Hillen struck to secure The sale kicked off with the the Kodiac colt out of the horses in training section that saw Green Desert mare Greenflash f 51 lots sell for 655,100gns and or 240,000gns. 240,000gns Kodiac colt the Roger Varian-trained Steve Hillen secured the colt after Rogers make 105,000gns. The seeing off the efforts of agents 6yo son of Montjeu has an official David Redvers and Richard Knight. rating of 105 and was knocked “He’s been bought for Pat down to fellow Newmarket trainer Gallagher and goes to Richard Kodiac colt Michael Bell. Hughes,” said Hillen. “He breezed “He is for Ed Ware of 32Red,” tremendously well and really said Bell. “Ed found him in the attacked the hill; that’s what we catalogue and was looking for a want to see, horses finishing out good Saturday horse and a horse their breezes well. We tried hard to run at Ascot. on the Dawn Approach earlier “This horse is very consistent, today, but we are delighted with he has been in good hands and all this purchase.” the lads in Roger’s yard liked him The first of the three to realise 170,000gns Dawn Approach colt which is always a good sign! 170,000gns was lot 214, the “He should be a lot of fun and chestnut Dawn Approach colt out Dawn Approach colt to agent Jeremy Brumitt after he has relatively low mileage for a of the Rainbow Quest mare Whisp. saw off Cheveley Park Stud’s Chris 6yo. At Royal Ascot he could be Stephen Hillen opened up the 170,000gns when knocked down Richardson. one for the Queen Alexandra bidding at 100,000gns before it to bloodstock agent Richard Frisby. It was a case of second time Stakes and then further down the raced to 170,000gns when knocked “He has been bought for Godolphin lucky for Brummitt, having been line for the Ebor.” down to Richard O’Gorman, and over the next few days Sheikh underbidder on him at €55,000 as That section realised standing next to John Ferguson. Mohammed will decide which a yearling. 655,100gns for the 51 lots sold The successful purchaser Dick trainer he will go to,” said Frisby. “I liked him then, and I hate to before the breeze-up lots which O’Gorman said: “This colt did a very “The horse has a lovely page, a be proved wrong about anything!” were headlined by a son of Kodiac good breeze and the first runners stallion’s page if he is good enough.” smiled Brummitt. “I am not looking who sold for 240,000gns late in for the sire did extremely well this The final of the trio to sell for for a 2yo; we are after a 3yo type, the evening and was followed week.” A few lots later lot 223, the 170,000gns was lot 254, the grey and he has done everything I by a trio of lots who realised Acclamation colt out of Zibeling colt by Lethal Force out of Cool expected of him since last year. He 170,000gns apiece. became the second lot to realise Catena who was knocked down is to go abroad.”

170,000gns Acclamation colt Acclamation colt Lethal Force colt 170,000gns Lethal Force colt 18 30 May 2017

BY BEVERLEY TOWNSEND OLLOWING a buoyant 2016 renewal, which saw a Records tumble at Arqana as F 30% leap in turnover and 20% in average price, the 2017 Arqana Breeze-Up Sale set new Shadwell head buyer’s list records last weekend. horses I’ve bought, and will be The aggregate for the 92 horses trained in England by my husband.” sold reached €12,498,000, up Sheikh Hamdan’s racing another 23%, while the average manager, Angus Gold, was paying price now stands at €140,174, up his first visit to Deauville for the

27% from last year. The clearance breeze-up sale and ended the day ©ZuzannaLupa rate was 74%. as leading buyer after spending ©APRH The market was strong from €1,490,000 on five horses. start to finish and a buoyant sales He made his presence felt from ring went surprisingly quiet when the outset when paying €400,000 Kerri Radcliffe, standing at the top for the fourth lot in the ring, a Angus Gold Gold again of the stairs next to her husband colt by Style Vendome, whose Jeremy Noseda, paid €1.4 million first crop has already lifted two powerful, with great presence. She a Choisir mare who could run and for a powerful son of Street Sense. winners from four runners. is bred to be fast and definitely Jean-Claude Rouget told me she The price is a new record for the “He is a very nice, straightforward, looks fast. She will go into training was very fast. He loved the filly sale and the highest at all European uncomplicated horse who looks to with Francois Rohaut and I hope and I was very keen to get him a breeze-up sales so far this year. have a very good mind on him,” she is as fast as she looks!” good one if I could.” Bred by Godolphin, the colt was said Gold. “The stallion seems very Shadwell’s most expensive Bidding on behalf of Godolphin, sold for $15,000 as a yearling and promising having already sired a purchase of the day was for a Dick O’Gorman paid €550,000 is out of the Listed Prix Coronation couple of winners and the trainers €650,000 Siyouni filly bound for for a Siyouni colt out of the winner Mystic Spirit, who is a half- like his progeny. Jean-Claude Rouget. Sinndar mare Ponte Di Legno, sister to the Grade 1 Woodward “It is more than likely he will likely She is out of Listed-placed Reech a winner at two and daughter and Travers Stakes scorer Alpha. head to England to be trained.” Band from the family of Kentucky of the Group 1 Prix Maurice de “I’ve been to every breeze-up Gold’s support to French sires Oaks winner Fran’s Valentine. Gheest heroine Porlezza. sale in the world this year and this continued to materialise with the “I thought she was a beautiful, “He is a very nice horse who is the nicest horse I’ve seen,” a purchase of a daughter of Elusive quality filly with a fantastic breezed very well,” commented relieved Radcliffe enthused. City for €320,000. temperament by a great stallion Richard O’Gorman. “Siyouni is a “He is for Phoenix “I thought she was a fantastic who is doing particularly well with very good sire.” Thoroughbreds, like all the other filly,” expressed Gold. “Masculine, his fillies,” said Gold. “She’s out of Dubai-based businessman Hussain Lootah had never attended Arqana before but made his trip worthwhile by purchasing four juveniles for a cumulated €885,000. ©ZuzannaLupa ©ZuzannaLupa ©ZuzannaLupa The dearest of the quartet was

©APRH a sharp filly by Mastercraftsman and the first foal out of the winning Galileo mare Goddess Of Love. She was signed for by agent €1.4 million Street Sense colt €650,000 Siyouni filly €550,000 Siyouni colt top lot posing Richard Knight at €320,000. Maiden Classic winner for Tamayuz HEIKH HAMDAN’S However, though the as a yearling but we refused their Tamayuz enjoyed his finest Derrinstown Stud stallion was offers and fortunately it has S hour to date when his registering his first Classic worked out well for us. This has daughter Precieuse won the Abu success, remarkably it was the been a very lucky race for us, and Dhabi Poule d’Essai des Pouliches third in this particular race for it’s fantastic: we own the mare, at Deauville on Saturday. the breeders who found due and the grandmother, and the reward for their faith in the now next mother we owned as well. 12yo sire. “So, I guess you could say, Brendan and Anne-Marie it’s been a long time coming, if Hayes of Knocktoran Stud also you like!” Tamayuz sold Valentine Waltz and Tie Precieuse is a second elite Black, winners in 1999 and 2006 scorer for Tamayuz following while the second dam is a half- respectively, as yearlings. But Haydock Sprint Cup winner sister to King’s Best and Galileo’s they had resisted all offers for G Force, though he is also magnificent dam Urban Sea. Precieuse, bred from a daughter represented by a Champion The homebred Tamayuz, a of the accomplished runner and Rookie Sire in Sir Prancealot. The dual Group One winner at a mile producer Zeiting. son of Nayef actually belongs to during his career with Freddy “She was a beautiful filly,” a great modern family, as his Head, is down to a fee of €8,000 Brendan Hayes recalled. “Quite dam is a half-sister to Prix du after starting out at Derrinstown Precieuse a few people wanted to buy her Jockey Club winner Anabaa Blue, at €15,000. 18 2017 May 31 Seemar hopes Stratton can follow North America Street ONSIDERING the amazing Gosden for whom he made seven success achieved by starts. Both wins were achieved on C North America, a bargain the all-weather and his pedigree Dh140,000 purchase at the 2016 would offer every hope the UAE edition of the ERA’s (Emirates dirt surfaces will suit him; both his Racing Authority) April Sale, it sire, Medaglia D’Oro and dam, Life was not surprising to find his At Ten, were Grade One winners trainer, Satish Seemar, eager for on dirt. new recruits at this year’s renewal Only a 4yo and with few miles and it was he who signed for the on the clock, he could easily top lot. progress into a Carnival horse and At Dh1,000,000, Stratton Street is, currently, rated 93 on dirt, just was by far (more than 100%) the below the qualifying threshold. most expensive individual to go His other two significant Stratton Street (Dhs 1,000,000) through the ring and it was Seemar purchases both cost him who signed the docket for the 3yo Dh400,000, the first being rig by Street Cry. Portamento, a 5yo entire son of Racing in Dubai A winner once, in France when Shamardal who landed five races trained by Andre Fabre, he has for Charlie Appleby. an official ERA rating of 95 so is He has a Carnival rating but April Sale qualified to take his chance at the has not been seen in competitive 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival action since August 2015 when he and, given his sire, the chances are ran twice in Listed company. the dirt will suit him. A dual winner on the all- 2017 By the way, for those who may weather, his dam, Octave, won the Lot Horse Purchaser Amt.AED 1 Trenches (USA) Ali Rashid Al Rayhi 160,000 not know, the aforementioned American Oaks and Mother Goose 2 Welford (GB) Mike Kaye 160,000 North America won his first four Stakes, both on dirt, so, with three 3 Chess Master (IRE) Ahmed Bin Harmash 100,000 UAE starts, culminating in the turf wins to his name, he looks to 4 Beachcomber (USA) Satish Seemar 180,000 Group 3 Firebreak Stakes and have plenty of options. 5 Lavaspin (GB) Satish Seemar 180,000 rocketing through the ranks, Unraced beyond 6f, the straight 6 Roaring Trade (USA) Sultan Harib 110,000 before failing to fire in the Meydan turf track could prove ideal 7 Memento Mori (USA) Abdul Hamid Ali Hassan 150,000 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World with three sprint victories, under 8 Whitman (GB) Kamal A. O. Einairi 355,000 9 Street of Dreams (GB) Doug Watson 120,000 Cup night when the ‘sloppy’ track similar conditions, to his credit. 10 Persius (USA) Rashid Brousely 110,000 appeared not to suit him. For the same price he secured 11 Highlands (GB) Ahmed Al Shamsi 90,000 Another very active trainer was Ali Quartier Francais, a 3yo 12 Parade’s End (USA) Adnan Khan 90,000 Rashid Al Rayhi who was responsible unraced son of Street Cry and 13 Strong Challenge (IRE) Ahmed Bin Harmash 80,000 for the purchase of the second top a full-brother to Group 3 victor 14 Bathos (IRE) Erwan Charpy 180,000 lot and a pair of a trio who shared Discourse. They are half-siblings 15 Lumineer (USA) Rashid Brousely 55,000 ‘bragging rights’ in third. to Grade One winner Bandini. His 16 Stratton Street (USA) Satish Seemar 1,000,000 17 Earl of Kent (USA) Rashid Brousely 60,000 For Dh450,000 he acquired new connections will be hoping 18 Jamesian (IRE) Maria Richie 110,000 Daily Bulletin, twice victorious he can pick up a maiden before 19 King’s Shadow (USA) Syed Hashish 75,000 when trained in England by John progressing through the ranks as 20 Beaverbrook (GB) Salim Bin Ghadayer 360,000 he gains experience. 21 Montsarrat (IRE) Ahmed Bin Ghalita 200,000 Pirate’s Cove 22 Portamento (IRE) Ali Rashid Al Rayhi 400,000 was also sold for 23 Spiritous (USA) Erwan Charpy 220,000 Dh400,000, on this 24 Merzario (USA) Dhruba Selvaratnam 200,000 25 London Gazette (USA) Justin Bryne 90,000 occasion Salim bin 26 Diverted (USA) Rashid Brousely 45,000 Ghadayer, who also 27 Daily Bulletin (USA) Ali Rashid Al Rayhi 450,000 bought the next two 28 Barchan (USA) Buti Bintooq Al Marri 260,000 most expensive lots, 29 Penmanship (USA) M I Nagem 340,000 signing the docket. 30 Serengeti Sky (USA) Withdrawn 0 Trained in France 31 Quartier Francais (USA) Ali Rashid Al Rayhi 400,000 by Andre Fabre, he is 32 Hornsby (GB) Salim Bin Ghadayer 375,000 33 Broadcloth (USA) Fathi Esaed Egziama 60,000 a 4yo gelded son of 34 Madjbor (IRE) Mohd Ramadan 27,000 Dubawi who has one 35 Leicestershire (USA) Helal Al Alawi 85,000 victory, from seven 36 Pirate’s Cove (IRE) Salim Bin Ghadayer 400,000 starts, to his name. 37 Timekeeping (IRE) Yousuf Bin Ghilan 200,000 He is a half-brother 38 Rothenburg (USA) Helal Al Alawi 300,000 to seven winners, 39 Sartorial (IRE) Satish Seemar 280,000 including Cutlass 40 Ocean Bluff (USA) Maria Richie 220,000 Total Amount - AED 8,277,000 Bay who won the Average 206,925 Portamento (Dhs 400,000) Group 1 Prix Ganay. 18 32 May 2017 NICHOLAS GODFREY'S INTERNATIONAL POST

Weld, his family and Pat Smullen celebrate his 4000th winner, Sea Swift

Weld legacy already cemented but continues to grow IVEN Dermot Weld’s well in its box as the dual Group drawing away with consummate let’s be frank here: you won’t deserved reputation as an Three winning mare dismissed ease to score by a six length find many more straightforward Ginternational pioneer, it her rivals with contempt under margin that was in no degree opportunities to secure a top came as a bit of a shock to learn John Velazquez in the Man flattering to the winner. level victory than the Man last weekend that he had not o’War Stakes at Belmont Park I have often questioned why o’War, where rain softened saddled a winner in America since on Saturday. On paper there more European trainers don’t ground (officially yielding) led 2008, when Winchester won the had been every reason to think consider such richly endowed to three non-runners to leave Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes. the daughter of Fastnet Rock opportunities across the Atlantic just five runners. A quite brilliant piece of would be hard to beat, and so it and this is surely part of Weld’s Of them, only ex-German Wake placement with Zhukova soon proved in the race itself as she genius over the years: he sees Forest was a previous Grade One put that particular statistic back tracked Charming Kitten before the chance, and he takes it. And winner and, consistent as he is,

Go And Go Vintage Crop 18 2017 May 33

What is more, the 68yo also Britain and Ireland has managed sits in the enviable position of to emulate the feat, apart from establishing a new record mark Weld himself, who won again every time he saddles a winner with Media Puzzle in 2002. at home in Ireland, having in Though, somewhat oddly, he August 2000 surpassed Senator has never seriously targeted Jim Parkinson’s tally for career Dubai, he did achieve a notable victories. Weld achieved that landmark when King Jock became notable feat when he saddled his 3,000th career winner when the 2,578th winner of a boldly scoring under long term sparring wonderful career; he topped partner Pat Smullen at Nad Al 4,000 when Sea Swift won at Sheba in February 2006. Naas in June last year, weeks I was fortunate enough to be after he won his first Epsom able to quiz Weld at length about Dermot Weld Derby with Harzand. his cosmopolitan outlook when I Not forgetting his prolific visited his yard at The Curragh the 7yo would never get near history at the Galway Festival a couple of years ago. He told his training life with three winners winning a Group One in England (Flat and jumps), Weld’s domestic me how he knew all about racing on New Year’s Day in 1972, and or Ireland. Moreover, none of efforts would be reason enough in the States 20 years before 82 altogether that first season, Zhukova’s remaining rivals were in itself to celebrate a career that he began targeting their races, he faced stiff competition in those proven on the ground, and she began at the start of 1972, when having spent a couple of summers early years. “I was very young and was getting stacks of weight. a 23yo Weld took over from his working the backstretches of New I had to take on men like Vincent Still, she could hardly have father Charlie at Rosewell House. York alongside noted veterinarian O’Brien and Paddy Prendergast been more impressive, winning Yet it would be hard to imagine a ‘Doc’ Reid. “It gave me a valuable so I went in at the deep end and imperiously despite the most less parochial individual: without insight into the importance of the rest is history,” he explained, pedestrian of gallops, which can’t any shade of exaggeration, the Belmont Stakes, and I saw adding that his rivals’ strength was have suited such a stout stayer, and Weld has to be regarded as the maybe 130,000 people at the race, one reason he was soon casting Weld duly claimed another Grade most pioneering trainer racing which is the most valuable on the his net to foreign shores, almost One success back at the New York has ever seen, a latterday Davy east coast,” he recalls. “So even as a necessity. “The competition venue where he achieved one of Crockett of The Curragh. before I had qualified as a vet, I was very keen and I felt that it his most celebrated triumphs via Weld’s CV is almost was working there for experience would be difficult to take on those Go And Go in the 1990 Belmont overwhelming, carrying such and for money, to help put myself two world class trainers on a small Stakes. The Irish maestro a litany of groundbreaking through college.” island. It entered my head, as soon remains the only European-based feats that a full house of Irish He also went to South Africa as practically possible to run my trainer ever to win a leg of the Classics and his 21 domestic and Australia, where he rode out horses on the international stage, US Triple Crown, while Zhukova trainers’ titles are often almost for Sydney legend Tommy Smith it might even be a lot easier than may now be handed the chance overlooked amid exploits in the morning before working in Ireland and gradually we went to become Weld’s first Breeders’ further afield. As well as his US with top vet Percy Sykes in the through Europe. The practicalities Cup winner in the Filly and Mare successes, he saddled Additional afternoon. And if Weld has trained weren’t there to travel further but Turf. Weld may never have scored Risk to score on the opening day winners on four continents, he has then opened up rather quickly at America’s championship of international racing in Hong ridden a winner on a fifth: thrice at the end of the 80s, and the series, where Brief Truce’s third Kong, a few years before the Champion Amateur, he partnered opportunities came.” place in the Mile at Gulfstream coup de grace, the improbable a horse called Poplin, who won the Park in 1992 remains his only victory of Vintage Crop in the Freight Services Champion Hurdle They’re still coming. Just look placed effort, but otherwise his Melbourne Cup in 1993. In nearly in Pietermaritzburg in 1970. at Zhukova! achievements worldwide remain two decades since that historic Although Weld could hardly Nicholas Godfrey, little short of startling. success, no other trainer based in have asked for a better start to Racing Post international editor

King Jock Media Puzzle 18 34 May 2017 THE WRIGHT WORD 1. Wright 2. Word Walker taking steps to make mark 3. HAT a tie for climaxes a proper early year sprint Kock has been particularly adept international racing programme for 3yos, who no at using this route, and he would W that was a couple of longer have to be tested at a mile have been on the plane again this weekends ago. The first of the and when found wanting, brought year had his World Cup fourth year’s Classics in Britain and the back to five and six furlongs. Mubtaahij not picked up an injury US; two hugely rich Group One Even Hong Kong, the land of rich just hours before his planned trip races in Hong Kong; a couple of pickings, suffered a small field for from Meydan to the airport. million dollar races in Adelaide, and an enormous prize for the second The QEII Cup is an ideal race a Grade One mile race in Tokyo; weekend running. The Audemars for horses whose programmes something there for everyone. Piguet QEII Cup over ten furlongs are built around being at peak Thank goodness Dubai is taking drew eight runners, only one of form in the first four and a half a break, otherwise there might not whom, and Hong Kong-owned at months of the year, whether they have been enough good horses to that, came from Europe. come under northern or southern go around. A week later the Champions Mile hemisphere seasonal time slots. As it was, there was a distinct offered £32,000 for finishing sixth It is not such a good idea for shortage on numbers in some but only seven turned out, and horses with a mid year platform places. Not the Kentucky Derby, of the two challengers from Britain in mind; it comes too early and is course, where every year it seems were owned by businessmen with too competitive, which probably Riggins in a Listed race, who the field fills, although whether offices just up the road from Sha explains why Britain has not had a dead-heated for first place; his the quality gains anything from a Tin Racecourse. runner for the last two years. second was also Riggins, owned maximum turnout is another matter. The QEII Cup and Champions Maybe there just aren’t enough by Dubai Thoroughbred Racing, The 2000 Guineas at Mile used to be run on the same suitable Group One horses around in a Carnival handicap at Meydan, Newmarket was its lightest on day. Then BMW came along as at the moment, but reestablishing which he did not win. runners for some years, blighted sponsor of the Mile and neither a programme that includes the His first runner in Australia, perhaps by the concentration of they nor Audemars Piguet wanted QEII Cup and Champions Mile Ruscello, won the Group 3 top horses in a few hands, which to share the limelight, so the two would not only better satisfy Lexus Stakes at Flemington; his means stablemates can take up were kept apart. But, as can happen international media men and first runner in the US, Mutatis other alternatives with no real with commercial sponsorship, women, who presently head home Mutandis, earned valuable black loss of opportunity. Then there BMW gave up, and now there is after one or kick their heels for a type by finishing third in the is probably the influence of the talk of the three feature races couple of days between the two. It Grade 1 Flower Bowl Stakes at fast established Commonwealth being gathered together again. would probably encourage some Belmont Park. Stormy Antarctic Cup at Royal Ascot, which Hong Kong Jockey Club officials connections to load horses on the was his first runner in Hong Kong. have not voiced their feelings plane to contest both races. Whether by design or an accident formally, presumably for fear Not that the Upper Lambourn of accommodation availability, of irritating Audemars Piguet trainer Ed Walker would have Walker has pursued a nomadic path management, which has been done anything different. The as far as his stabling arrangements sponsoring for 19 years and Champions Mile was the target have been concerned. He began has one more renewal left on for Stormy Antarctic, owned by in part of St Gatien stables, its contract, but nor have they Hong Kong-based Siu Pak Kwan, moved after two years to Grange seriously attempted to prevent as soon as he finished his 3yo House stables, then a year later media commentators airing the season with a creditable run went into part of Henry Cecil’s idea of creating a combined feature behind the peerless Minding in Warren Place for two years, before programme that would perhaps the QEII Stakes in mid October. spending a year at Lester Piggott’s tempt more overseas runners. Sadly for Walker, the venture Eve Lodge stables. Traditionally the QEII Cup has turned into what he readily Last year came the biggest been a staging point for Dubai admitted was ‘a disaster’, when move of all, from Newmarket to Ed Walker World Cup night runners. Mike de Stormy Antarctic took off with Lambourn, where he replaced jockey Karis Teetan shortly after David Lanigan in Kingsdown the halfway mark. The colt’s goose stables, from where Peter Nelson was cooked as soon as he turned trained the Derby winner Snow into the straight, and although he Knight and which were bought in collected the thick end of £53,000 2009 by Swedish businessman for his efforts in finishing fifth, and owner Bjorn Nielsen.

photos Cedric Lane photos this was not the ending that the Walker seems settled in his venture deserved. new quarters, but don’t rule Nevertheless, Walker’s remains out another switch in time. The a name to remember. He has Hong Kong Jockey Club is on the been a trainer on the move, in lookout for a new trainer, with more than just the sense of being the northern hemisphere its upwardly mobile, since he left his chief target. “My CV isn’t strong job as assistant to Luca Cumani enough yet to be considered,” and started with his own licence Walker says, “but if the chance in Newmarket in 2010. ever arose, it’s an option I would His first runner was at Kempton take very seriously.” Stormy Antarctic with one time Cumani inmate Howard Wright 18 2017 May 35

OMEBACK plans for the 2015 Dubai Turf winner C Solow are back on hold Solow’s return delayed and he has been ruled out of a return to Royal Ascot next month on the Polytrack at Chantilly in with trainer Freddy Head still not early March, and has not been happy with his brilliant miler. seen since. The now 7yo enjoyed a Head said: “His progress is slow. spectacular campaign in 2015, He’s not that well and we have had claiming Group One victories in a few problems. He’s not going to the Dubai Turf at Meydan, Prix be running in the near future and d’Ispahan at Longchamp, Queen he won’t be going to Ascot. Anne at Royal Ascot, Sussex “I think it will be the backend, Stakes at Goodwood and the QEII maybe September or October, back at Ascot on Champions Day. before he runs and he’s such a However, he made just one lovely horse, I don’t want to take appearance last season, winning any risks with him. If I’m not 100% a minor conditions event happy with him, he won’t run.” Solow Too fast for the Classics! Candy still sweet on Limato IDAN O’BRIEN has given Lacken Stakes at Naas on his next his strongest indication start and it is very possible that but Bentley loses ride Ayet Caravaggio, unbeaten will happen. in four juvenile starts last year, “He is a very quick horse and his ENRY CANDY reports will be kept to sprint distances work has been speedy, so that’s Limato on target to this summer after he elected not the way we are thinking with him H defend his Darley July to run the Group 2 Coventry and at the moment.” Cup crown after recovering from Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner in a frustrating trip to Meydan. the French 2000 Guineas. The handler has begun O’Brien is instead charting a preparations for the 5yo’s path towards the Group 3 Lacken return to action after giving Stakes at Naas on Sunday for last him plenty of time to recover season’s Phoenix Stakes winner, from pulled muscles he suffered after which the Commonwealth following his run in the Al Quoz Cup at Royal Ascot, the scene of Sprint in March. his Coventry Stakes victory, would Should all go well, then Limato be an obvious target. could run first in the Diamond O’Brien said: “Caravaggio is Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot very good. He might run in the Caravaggio on 24 June ahead of the July It was also confirmed Harry Cup on 15 July. Bentley would no longer be “Limato had his first leg Limato’s jockey with owner Paul stretch on the grass last week Jacobs explaining: “Every jockey Lot to Admire as since he travelled back from has their own individual style, and Dubai,” said Candy. horses are intelligent animals. I Lemaire takes Lead “To be honest, he was sore felt that if Harry were to get on with pulled muscles when we Limato again it might trigger a for landmark victory arrived back home and it has reminder of what happened three been a long process putting him months earlier when nothing well beaten in the Yushun back together. went right in Dubai. Then we Himba (Japanese Oaks). “I have just given him plenty would have a serious problem on However, she has now notched of rest and he looks back to his our hands. That’s my personal consecutive victories and for old self now. He did not work feeling, and Henry is happy to go both Lemaire and the trainer, with anything at all but the along with it.” Naosuke Sugai, it was an 11th manner he did it, and his general A disappointed Bentley FIRST Group One Grade One success in Japan. attitude, made me think that he added: ““I’m not going to hide success for Admire Lead “I had every confidence in is back in good form. my disappointment, it’s a real Awas also a 600th victory her today because I knew the “I plan to run him next in the setback and a big hit for me. But in Japan for jockey Christophe soft track wouldn’t bother her Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal it’s part of the game, it happens. Lemaire as the pair landed at all. I was able to position Ascot and, unless anything goes “I spoke to the owner this Sunday’s Victoria Mile in Tokyo. her well and although she has wrong, the Darley July Cup is week and he has decided to Now a 4yo, the Stay Gold a good turn of foot, her charge where we will then be heading. change the rider, which is filly registered two wins out of doesn’t last long so I tried not “I think that he put up a career completely up to him, he owns four starts in her debut season to drive her in the early stretch. best when he won the race last the horse and he pays the bills but was winless in all six of She kicked off the season with year. It’s a very important race; so it’s his choice. her 3yo campaign starts after two wins and then a second in a any Group One is fantastic, but “I will never forget the races I challenging the fillies’ Classics, Grade Two race, so it’s obvious the July Cup is one of the best, if won on Limato and they won’t finishing fifth in the Oka Sho she’s progressed enormously,” not the best, sprints of the year, be taken away from me, they’re (Japanese 1000 Guineas) and commented Lemaire. and it’s a wonderful race to win.” something I’ll always remember.” 18 36 May 2017 ENDURANCE BY DUANE FONSECA

‘Very Special’ success for Al Khayari as Emiratis take Windsor by storm AEED HAMOUD SAEED hours 47minutes and 48 seconds. A total of eight Emirati riders Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin AL KHAYARI described All four Emirati riders finished competed in the event, but Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince S his success as ‘very special’ a second adrift of each other four, Rashed Theyab Ghanim Al of Dubai, both met with Queen after leading home an Emirati top with Saeed Mohammed Khalifa Mazrooei, Salem Hamad Saeed Elizabeth II during the event. four in the prestigious endurance Al Mehairi taking second on Malhoof Al Kitbi, Hamad Obaid Al Khayari was thrilled to have riding part of the Royal Windsor Za’amahm while Abdulla Ghanim Rashed Al Kaabi and Ghaith Abdul won and said: “I had a really good Horse Show at Windsor Great Al Marri and Mansour Saeed Wahid Khamis, did not finish. ride today and it was a great result Park in the UK last week. Mohammed Al Faresi placed His Highness Sheikh Mohammad for the UAE. It’s a real honour to Riding Dahi, Al Khayari did well third and fourth riding Tom bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- ride this lovely course in Windsor to complete the CEI 120km 2-star Jones TE and Oued El Kebir President and Prime Minister of Great Park and to win at Royal event in a total ride time of 4 Larzac respectively. the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Windsor is so very special.” 18 2017 May 37

Royal Windsor endurance been an amazing atmosphere director Nick Brooks-Ward said: here and it was really nice to have “We had a really good ride here. the graded riders and see them The rain overnight meant the out on the course.” going was perfect and welcoming. Sarah Davenport, aboard The novice riders enhanced the Blakeswater Wilfred, won the already very special atmosphere. national 40km class in a time of As ever we are hugely grateful to 2:18.56. Lisa Hayworth and Elaine the Crown Estate for allowing us Fry were second and third. to ride through Windsor Great Riding Kilteeven Ginger Mist, Park, to the Kingdom of Bahrain Hayworth completed the ride in for their support and to the 2:30.54, while Fry clocked 2:37.19 volunteers, officials and everyone aboard Najmeh Bint Kray. who makes this event the success Of the starting field of 103 in all it continuely is.” categories, 54 horses completed A total of 46 riders started, the rides with the remainder however, only 16 completed the either retiring or failing to meet 120km event. the stringent vetting criteria Bahraini rider Abdulla required to qualify for the next Mohamed Al Subaie won the phase of competition. CEI 1-star 80km ride on board Henham Romeo with a time of 3:46.24, with two British women riders, Beth Langley and Annie Joppe placing second and third respectively. Langley rode HS Ametista and was way off the pace set by Subaie, completing the 80km ride in 4:25.22. Joppe, meanwhile, was a further four seconds adrift aboard Fantom. Langley was happy with finishing as runner-up and said: “I’m really pleased with my result, she’s a great horse so I was hoping for a good ride. The course was lovely, but deceptively difficult and technical to ride. There has 18 38 May 2017 QATAR BY DUANE FONSECA

Courtofversailles

Courtofversailles, Topsy Turvy make an impression with fine double triumphs in Doha OURTOFVERSAILLES turned the lead off Proposed before rode the Julian Smart-trained Tayf, with Mahess Du Soleil out to be the star act of edging the Ahmed Kobeissi- Barwod to third. placing third a further length and C April at the Qatar Racing trained and Adnan Hawa-ridden While Mullen and Smart were a quarter behind. and Equestrian Club in Doha, Hall Of Mirrors by a neck at the denied in late April, early in Trainer Ibrahim Al Malki following up on his Group One wire. Roman Legend, the charge the month they did land a big visited the winner’s enclosure success in the Qatar Gold Trophy of Jassim M Ghazali, placed one when Gazwan carried his when Saleem Golam rode Topsy by capturing the prestigious Al third under Harry Bentley, while imperious form and bounced back Turvy to a two and a half length Gharafa Cup three weeks later. Proposed faded to fourth. from his fourth in the 2400m success in the 1700m Mesaimeer The Rashid Al Jehani-trained The Al Jehani star did not let Group 1 HH the Emirs Sword Cup on the dirt card a day earlier, 5yo, Courtofversailles, who had the momentum slip and was back for Purebred Arabians to win the in a race where Stevie’s Wonder last won in November and was in the winner’s circle on 27 April Qatar Gold Sword. and Generalship placed second runner-up twice this season, was when he landed the 1600m Al The Group 1 Qatar Gold Sword and third. asked to go in the final straight Gharafa Cup again under Ladjadj, was contested over 2000m and Jassim claimed a one-two a after being kept close to the winning the feature run by a Mullen rode Gazwan to his fourth week later when Muraqabah, leaders by rider Stephan Ladjadj commanding four lengths from victory in five starts this season. It under Tadhg O’Shea and Abrar, for most of the race. Black Granite, saddled by Jassim turned out to be a tough contest the mount of Mullen, placed in And he flew in the final 300m and ridden by Bentley. UAE for the 6yo, who won by a neck that order in the Al Wukair Cup of the 2200m contest, snatching Champion Jockey Richard Mullen from the Alban de Mieulle-saddled sprint over 1200m on dirt.

Topsy Turvy Topsy Turvy’s connections 18 2017 May 39

Al Malki picked up a second came good again to win by a length feature win in April when Crafted, and a quarter from Karraar with with Adnan Hawa astride, was Djaouad a further seven lengths adjudged the winner by a short back in third. head in the 1400m Al Mamoura Al Malki and Golam made their Cup on turf. Hawa was crafty first entry in the winner’s circle and persuaded Crafted to poke when Izghawa won the 1200m his head in front ahead of before fillies and mares handicap sprint. the Mohammed J Ghazali-saddled Izghawa was dominant and placed Itorio, who ran under O’Shea. six lengths ahead of stablemate Kobeissi may have been Sylvia Pankhurst, with Ventura denied feature success in April, Shadow in third. but he was present to watch Then on the final day, Open Footprintinthesand claim another N’ Shut finally picked up his first victory in the Balhambar Cup over success in the country when 1400m on turf. The field of six saw landing a third win for the trainer Footprintinthesand get sucked and jockey pair in a conditions into a match race with Jassim’s Al race over 2400m. Crafted (centre) winner of the Al Mamoura Cup Hareth, with the former winning by a neck under Golam. Littlemissblakeney repaid the patience of handler Al Malki when she claimed her first success in more than two years since making her debut in Qatar. The 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Runs Prizemoney 5yo bay mare’s previous best OWNER so far had been two third place Umm Qarn 36 26.5 31 28 20 202 4,742,568 finishes earlier in the season, but she came good under Golam to H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani 20 24.5 25 18.5 16 155 4,487,560 win the 1400m Abu Dhalouf Cup Mr. Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari 60 43 29.5 43 37 374 4,123,348 by a head from the much fancied Injaaz Stud 23 19 9.5 16 15 176 2,007,520 Hillside Dream. Mr. Maher Ebrahim Lutfalla 1 0 0 0 0 1 1,641,600 Last week’s 1400m Club Breeders Trophy was won by Al Wasmiyah Farm 3 2 0 2 0 18 1,618,680 Hadi Al Ramzani’s Djahab. Ridden Sh. Faisal Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Al Thani 32 16 10.5 10 13 119 1,475,732 by Tomas Lukasek, the 3yo bay Al Jeryan Stud 8 12 12 18 10 109 1,257,088 filly picked up her second win in Mr. Abdulatif Hussain Al-Emadi 13 15.5 4 11 6 69 1,194,792 as many starts, having shed her maiden status a month earlier. Mr. Mohammed Kazim Al Ansari & Sons 14 12 8 3 3 85 1,187,368 And she ran out a big winner, TRAINER claiming the feature by 14 lengths from Raqee, with Qaswarah taking Jassim Mohammed Ghazali 90 74 50.5 53 40 517 857,169 third a further 11 lengths adrift. A. de Mieulle 37 29.5 34 31 22 217 606,309 The season’s last weekend of Julian Smart 16 23.5 24 19 14 146 544,333 racing in Doha saw Al Malki claim a treble when Topsy Turvy won Ibrahim Al Malki 61 54.5 37.5 38 37 389 475,830 the feature Muaither Cup, on Mohammed Jassim Ghazali 28 25 15 37 26 282 255,225 dirt, over 1900m under Golam. A. Kuwaiti, Bahrain 1 0 0 0 0 1 205,200 Topsy Turvy had won the 1700m Mesaimeer Cup on 5 April, but Andreas Wohler, Germany 1 1 0 0 0 2 181,800 H. Al Ramzani 16 20 15.5 28 16 219 171,998 Ahmed Kobeissi 14 12 8 3 3 94 148,421 Mubarak Al Khayarin 13 10 11.5 10 18 150 119,477

JOCKEY Harry Bentley 64 45 30.5 29 12 247 634,683 Alberto Sanna 28 35 33 47 25 294 455,747 Adrie De Vries 9 2 2 4 0 33 323,316 O.Peslier 7 2.5 1 1 2 21 311,208 Richard Mullen 18 16 19 17 9 128 307,614 Eduardo Pedroza 30 30 13.5 20 19 178 291,952 Gerald Avranche 25 23 34.5 22 27 241 290,944 Alan Munro 7 3 6 1 0 31 270,430 Saleem Golam 25 24.5 19 18.5 14 255 181,840 Gaetan Faucon 17 14 21 11 15 130 172,580 18 40 May 2017 CHENGDU DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CUP

Skygazer © Neville Hopwood

Ffrench’s mount sees the stars in China HE FOURTH running to be able to ride a winner for him The Chengdu Dubai International played out over two races on the of the Chengdu Dubai makes it extra special.” Cup race meeting, with a total card, the Wenjiang Sprint and the T International Cup, at Jinma In winning, Skygazer atoned for prize purse of RMB3,750,000 Guangsha Handicap. Lake Racecourse in Chengdu, a stalls incident during last year’s (Dh2,000,000), represents a joint A group of five Chinese jockeys: China, was won by the Ali Rashid race in which he unseated jockey venture between Meydan Group, Bate Bayier, Ma Liankai, Wenxun Al Rayhi-trained Skygazer Tadhg O’Shea and ran loose as the Sichuan Provincial Government, Wang, Yu Xuewen and Chen Yi, under Royston Ffrench, while race began. Chengdu Municipal Government, spent time riding out for Dubai the meeting’s inaugural jockeys’ Ffrench’s mount of 2014 was the Wenjiang District Government Racing Club trainers in Dubai challenge went to the international also back in the money in Sunday’s and China Guangsha Group. during the 2016-17 season raiders, 28-20. second race, the Meydan Handicap It takes place in the Wenjiang before returning to Chengdu for Ffrench, who was claiming his over 2418m. District of Chengdu and features the raceday. second Chengdu Dubai International A winner over 2200m at Abu horses, jockeys and trainers from They competed against nine Cup after his victory in the same Dhabi Racecourse earlier this Dubai Racing Club. jockeys who rode during the 2016- race in 2014 on the same trainer’s UAE season, Mutual Force was The race day was attended by 17 Dubai Racing Club season: Mutual Force, was delighted with partnered this time by Dutch around 6,000 spectators as well Adrie de Vries from Holland, Pat his winning return to China. jockey, Adrie de Vries, who with as dignitaries from Meydan Group Dobbs and Marc Monaghan from “It’s fantastic to ride a winner four wins across four meetings and Chengdu’s government bodies. Ireland, Sam Hitchcott, Adam here in Chengdu and it was a great at Jinma Lake, is now the leading For the first time the race McLean and Royston Ffrench performance from the horse,” said jockey of the Chengdu Dubai meeting featured an international from the UK, South Africa’s Ffrench. “It’s for my old boss and International Cup meeting. jockeys’ challenge which was Bernard Fayd’Herbe, Jesus © Neville hopwood © Andrew Watkins

Adrie De Vries, Gilani Siddiqui and Hu Yiping accept the Mutual Force trophy for the Meydan Handicap from Mohammad Al Shehhi 18 2017 May 41 © Neville hopwood

Maria Ritchie, Wenxun Wang and Ren Ningning accept the Damar trophy for the Wenjiang Sprint

Rosales from Argentina and Buamim, president and CEO of Watkins© Andrew France’s Gerald Avranche. Dubai Chamber of Commerce Twelve points were awarded for and Industry. Al Shehhi said: “It a win, six for second, four for third has been a great pleasure for and two for fourth. us to return to Chengdu for the The opening contest on the fourth running of the Chengdu five race, all turf card, the 1400m Dubai International Cup and Wenjiang Sprint, was also the first renew ties with our Chinese leg of the jockeys’ challenge and partners. We are very thankful was won by Chinese rider, Wenxun for the wonderful hospitality Wang on Damar, trained by Maria and the warm reception we have Ritchie. Damar was recording received here. consecutive victories at Jinma “Today we were treated to Lake, having landed the same race some exciting racing action at Muhtaram in 2016 and was Ritchie’s first win Jinma Lake Racecourse and it of two on the day. is satisfying to see how this She doubled up with victory in significant raceday for China has © Neville hopwood the concluding 1600m Wenjiang flourished and developed into a Meydan Classic courtesy of world class event. This year we are Muhtaram under Jesus Rosales. also pleased to showcase Chinese The Guangsha Handicap, also jockeys for the first time through over 1600m, was the second and the Chengdu Dubai International concluding leg of the jockeys’ Cup Jockeys’ Challenge. challenge and the maximum 12 “The Chengdu Dubai International points were won by Irish rider, Cup is also representative of the Pat Dobbs on the Satish Seemar- successful and dynamic economic trained Sky Jockey. engagement between Dubai and HE Engineer Mohammed the UAE, and our Chinese partners. Al Shehhi, board member, The opportunity to grow this Meydan City Corporation and relationship further is exciting, undersecretary of the Ministry and we are keen to take our trade of Economy, attended the race and economic partnership to even Maria Ritchie, Jesus Rosales and Yu Shili accept the day along with HE Hamad greater heights in years to come.” trophy for the Wenjiang Meydan Classic © Neville hopwood © Andrew Watkins

Bhupat Seemar, Pat Dobbs and Tan Jun, accept the Sky Jockey trophy for the The Guangsha Handicap 18 42 May 2017 ALL-WEATHER CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS DAY

Winning Story continues for Godolphin on a Good Friday INNING STORY, trained on the inside but I had that much may go next to the Chester Cup me into the race for a bit longer. by Saeed bin Suroor horse underneath me that when and then a race such as the “Things have not always been W and ridden by Silvestre I asked him to go, he went on for Yorkshire Cup; races over two straightforward for him, but he de Sousa, landed the 1m6f All- me. It is very nice to be riding for miles will suit him.” has grown up and really enjoys Weather Marathon Championships the team.” racing on this surface. He had very in a course record time of 3:15.18s, Bin Suroor added: “Winning Convey takes Moore good form at times last year and one and a half seconds faster than Story is doing really, really well big race success had too much class for them today. the previous best, on last month’s and the jockey gave him a really Convey, the favourite, came “He ran very well over seven All-Weather Championships Finals good ride. Silvestre looked after through to win the most valuable furlongs at Haydock Park last Day at Lingfield. him during the race and the way race on the card, staged on Good year so I am not sure gelding has “Winning Story did not jump that he won was great. Friday, the £200,000 Easter made a huge difference to him. well,” said the jockey, “so I was not “I wasn’t too worried about Classic over 1m2f on the Lingfield People were being a bit harsh last as handy as I had wanted to be. It his position. I did say to ride him Polytrack. year but his form was very solid; was a strong pace and it suited the handy but the horse was unlucky The 5yo Dansili gelding, trained he didn’t run too many bad races. horse who galloped to the line well. at the start. It is a two mile race by Sir Michael Stoute for owner “Hopefully, he will run in some top “Winning Story likes this so the jockeys can take their Robert Ng, skipped clear from his class races on the turf this year.” surface. There was a bit of trouble time during the race. “This horse eight rivals under Ryan Moore. Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, Thought goes one racing manager to the owner, better than Second commented: “Convey has always Second Thought, also favourite, been a horse with a lot of talent still has a near impeccable record, and he has improved for being having only been beaten once, on gelded over the winter. his first start, and he maintained “It has helped him and he was his strong level of form when impressive in the Winter Derby taking the 6f 3YO All-Weather and was very good again today. Championships. He is now three from three on the “It has been a very good all-weather.” afternoon,” said trainer William Convey also takes the title of Haggas, whose Muffri’Ha was All-Weather Horse of the Year second in the earlier 32Red 2016/17. Ryan Moore added: All-Weather Fillies and Mares “It was fairly straightforward. Championship. “The race was a Convey started well and there bit rough in places, which wasn’t wasn’t much pace early. We were ideal and it was a bit of a mêlée, in a nice spot, although I would but the horse was cool and Convey have liked some horses to bring did it well. 18 2017 May 43

Second Thought Kimberella

“I think Second Thought is apprenticeship and I feel like we always held Kimberella in high Dubai earlier this year. Realtra pretty smart; he has a turn of foot have come through the ranks regard and his win in the 6f All- qualified for this race by winning a and I don’t have many with a turn together. It was very special for Weather Sprint Championships Fast-Track Qualifier at Deauville, of foot! him to ride this winner today. just confirmed the owner’s belief. France, in late December. “Robert Winston took a bold “I have not had the horse very “He is a joy to own,” said Varian said: “It is great to win route up the straight, but he was long so I am not sure how much Titcomb. “He has won two races here today. I did not have much right, the horse did not let him of the credit I can take, but we on the bounce now and both in confidence really as she ran down. The horse is doing very well qualified him. good times. He broke a Ripon terrible in Dubai and I could not, physically at the moment.” “We were delighted to be sent course record last year; he is fast. for the life of me, put my finger Jockey Robert Winston aded: a horse of his calibre. We have He is rated 107, we’ll go up in the on why. “It was a very rough race early on. looked after him and taken special handicap for this win. We might “I checked her out physically, We did not get the position we care of him. He gets turned out have no other option with that she was fine, she was healthy, and wanted and I had to take a chance every day with the others. He handicap mark but to go Stakes so we went for the blinkers today. and come down the inside. The was jumping about this week and racing now.” Whether it is solely that or being gaps came and I just want to say I was thinking ‘that’s great, he is Jockey Paul Hanagan, riding for back home, I don’t know. thank you and well done to Second well but please don’t hurt yourself trainer Richard Fahey after the “She is good on her day and she Thought’s owner Liam Sheridan.” because it is the big day on Friday’. horse moved to the new trainer came back to life today so I am “It is a really important win for after former handler Dandy delighted. We have used Andrea Carr Indebted us. It is not just me, it is everybody, Nicholls retired, was delighted a lot for four or five seasons; he to shiny new Sovereign from grandma in the office and my and said: “Everything went to has a very good retainer and we Trainer Ruth Carr enjoyed husband mending water troughs. plan, I tracked Robert Winston are delighted to use him when he her biggest win as a trainer with Everything that goes on builds up on Lancelot Du Lac throughout, it is available.” Sovereign Debt, runner-up for to days like this.” proved to be the right horse and it Winning jockey Andrea Atzeni the last two years in the same race Winning jockey James Sullivan, panned out well; the race just all added: “Realtra had done well two when trained by Dandy Nicholls also celebrating his biggest fell in the right place.” years ago. For some reason Realtra who retired earlier this year, winner, added: “Sovereign Debt is did not perform on her two starts in the £150,000 All-Weather a very good horse. I wanted to sit Meydan form in Dubai, where she put in two Mile Championships. prominent on him and I was right advertised in style disappointing performances, so it The 8yo grey, owned by Lady where I wanted. Realtra, a 5yo daughter of is great to put that behind her. O’Reilly and Partners, swept “It was a little tight turning Dark Angel, defeated favourite “On return from Dubai, Roger through in the final furlong to into the home straight but, in Muffri’ha by a neck in the Varian and I decided we needed the delight of Carr who said: fairness to the horse, he put his 7f All-Weather Fillies and to change something and we put “Sovereign Debt deserved this head down and went through Mares Championships. blinkers on for the first time; it victory; obviously I did not with it the whole way to the line.” She ran on strongly under seems to have done the trick.” train him until this year but it is Andrea Atzeni to the delight of The runner-up, the William fantastic for our yard. Fahey also scores with winning trainer Roger Varian, Haggas-trained Muffri’Ha, had “James Sullivan has been riding new recruit from Nicholls who had been mystified by the also campaigned in Dubai, finishing for us since he came out of his Owner Clive Titcomb has mare’s two disappointing runs in ahead of Realtra on both occasions.

Sovereign Debt Realtra 18 44 May 2017 HONG KONG Realism success not New for Moreira fans BY HOWARD WRIGHT MASTERCLASS in riding

tactics by Hong Kong © Cedric Lane A Champion Jockey Joao Moreira and Japanese grit landed Neorealism victory in Sha Tin’s 1m2f Group 1 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup, banishing memories of a disappointing effort over course and distance last December. Winning trainer Noriyuki Hori reckoned Neorealism had learned from the experience of his initial overseas foray as he sought his first win in Group One company, but Moreira’s enterprise on his first ride aboard the 6yo was the deciding factor. Neorealism Hooded in the parade, on his toes at the start and more slowly worked in his favour, because I was away from the gate than intended, able to relax him. But down the Neorealism was settled in sixth on back straight I had to make a move. the rails as The United States set “Mr Hori gave me the freedom to a pedestrian pace, before Moreira work out the tactics and it worked took matters into his own hands out perfectly.” shortly after halfway. Hori, who did not commit to In the space of a few strides he future plans, added: “We had talked sent Neorealism to the front and about possible patterns of the race after turning into the straight two beforehand but Joao gave the horse lengths clear he strode on stoutly the best ride. Joao rode him in the to repel the late finish of Pakistan mornings, so he has come to know Star, with last year’s winner him well.” Werther also staying on in the last Silvestre de Sousa praised furlong but a short head down on Pakistan Star, saying: “They went racing manager for owner Robert A well established local race, the runner-up at the line. just too slowly for him in the early Ng, said: “He likes a bit of cut in the it was being contested under The winning time of 2:4.59s on stages but he finished off the ground but it had dried out and he international Group Three status good to firm ground was way short race well.” was hemmed in, then done for toe for the first time and 4yos filled of standard and more than four Hugh Bowman, rider of Werther, when the pace quickened.” the first five places. seconds outside the course record. returned with a similar observation, Earlier, last year’s Group 1 Grand Eagle Way, whose farewell race Moreira, who was winning saying: “The slow early sectionals Prix de Paris winner Mont Ormel, in Australia last June resulted the race for the first time and didn’t suit him.” Europe’s sole now renamed Helene Charisma, had in a Group One win in the registering his fourth victory of contender, the French-trained to give best to stablemate Eagle Queensland Derby, was a third five on the card, said: “I’d had it in Dicton, never threatened, finishing Way as John Moore saddled a one- winner in the first six races for mind to lead but unfortunately he seventh, beaten just short of seven two in the 1m4f Group 3 Queen Champion Jockey Moreira, who didn’t jump out well, which probably lengths. Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, Mother Memorial Cup. took the final turn in eighth place before making his move in one of only a handful of 1m4f races staged in Hong Kong. Once Eagle Way went to the front a furlong and a half out, there was never a doubt that the favourite would be caught, but Helene Charisma and Doug Whyte chased him down to get within three quarters of a length at the post. Gold Mount, who raced as Primitivo in Britain and was sold to Hong Kong after completing a four timer for Alan King’s yard in Royal Ascot’s King George V Handicap last summer, stayed on stoutly in the last two furlongs to be beaten a further length and three quarters into third under Eagle Way Silvestre de Sousa. 18 2017 May 45

Contentment for some, disappointment and tragedy for others BY HOWARD WRIGHT by a neck, with Helene Paragon a 4yo, was travelling in midfield Notlistenin’tome, back to form RITISH hopes were quickly length away third. when Joao Moreira was sadly after a flop on dirt in Dubai, was dashed in a dramatic Jockey Brett Prebble, winning forced to pull him up with three half a length back in third. B Champions Mile at Sha the race for the third time, said: “He and a half furlongs to run. Lameness earlier in the week Tin, where Convey and Stormy hadn’t peaked in his preparation Lucky Bubbles, runner-up in resulted in the withdrawal of Antarctic filled the last two but he had the blinkers on and I the 6f Chairman’s Sprint Prize Aerovelocity, the only Hong Kong places behind Contentment who was told to ride him confidently. last year, followed Contentment’s horse to have won Group Ones improved on his runner-up spot a He’s best with something to guide lead by going one better to in three jurisdictions and who year earlier. him and it probably helped when record his first Group One now retires to a legends’ park in The race was marred when hot Helene Paragon went past us, success under visiting Australian Australia, and Dundonnell. favourite, Rapper Dragon, the because he ran on again.” jockey Hugh Bowman. Hong Kong Derby winner, broke Winning trainer John Size, who Always consistent, down at halfway and suffered a expects Contentment to return with three wins and © Cedric Lane fatal injury. to Japan for a repeat run in next four placings in seven A 6yo, Contentment, who month’s Yasuda Kinen, added: outings before being finished second to Japan’s Maurice “The track was riding softer demoted from third in the race last year, bounced back underfoot and that must have in last month’s Sprint to form. Having managed only helped him.” Cup, Lucky Bubbles one placing in nine starts this Rapper Dragon, who started the enjoyed the run of the season, he beat December’s Hong hot favourite after proving himself race to beat rising star Kong Mile winner Beauty Only Hong Kong’s star middle distance Mr Stunning by a neck.

Hugh Bowman salutes theLucky crowd Bubbles 18 46 May 2017 2000 GUINEAS DAY

Godolphin thwarted by Churchill who highlights a treble for Moore ODOLPHIN’S Barney Roy, Partnered by James Doyle, the Champion Juvenile in Europe of “My horse does everything the winner of the Greenham Godolphin colt did well to finish 2016 and ridden confidently by right way,” said Moore of the hot GStakes having been as close as he did, stumbling with Ryan Moore. favourite, who dazzled in front of a purchased privately to stay with just over one of the eight furlongs In landing the spoils they modern day record 2000 Guineas trainer Richard Hannon, was remaining before running on strongly. provided trainer, Aidan O’Brien, an crowd of 19,412. a gallant second in the 2000 However, he never really looked unprecedented eighth victory in “He’s a beautiful athlete with Guineas at Newmarket. likely to catch Churchill, the the first Classic of the UK season. a great mind. Through the race A son of Galileo, whose he always filled me with a lot most famous colt, Frankel, of confidence. All his career was represented by his first he’s done everything right and two Classic runners in the race he’s improved. and I couldn’t be with Godolphin’s Dream Castle happier with him. fifth, one place ahead of the “He’s beat the best there was at sire’s second runner, Eminent, two and so far he’s put up the best connections will consider the performance at three. I think he’ll Derby at Epsom for Churchill. keep on performing and improve “He’s not Frankel, but he’s a on today.” good horse,” said part-owner O’Brien would surely agree with Michael Tabor, whose blue and everything Moore said. Indeed orange colours were donned future opponents should note by Ryan Moore in a Guineas that the man who moved past in which the simplicity of the John Scott, responsible for seven success was striking. 2000 Guineas winners between For while the opposition was 1842 and 1862, said somewhat stumbling or attempting to come encouragingly: “We’re delighted from off the pace in a steadily run to get him started.” race, like eventual third Al Wukair, Churchill is clearly far from Churchill, a winner here last finished. Whether he is now October in the Dewhurst, forged done with racing over a mile clear against the fence, retaining is unclear and only two of the his lead decisively through the O’Brien eight winners went on Churchill final furlong. to contest the Derby. 18 2017 May 47

Churchill’s connections Seventh Heaven’s connections

King Of Kings ran his last “If we knew he would stay it “All of us partners want to win finishing runner-up to Jack Hobbs race at Epsom after breaking would be an easy decision,” added the Derby; the Derby is the Derby. in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema down on the Downs. Camelot, Tabor. “If you know they’re going It’s special. We’ll see.” Classic, which was contested on however, completed the coveted to stay a mile and a half they Earlier Seventh Heaven yielding ground at Meydan. Classic double. usually do not have the speed. He defied a Group One penalty to Moore felt she was better “Distance is usually not a has the speed. run out an impressive winner of suited by the faster surface at problem to a Galileo,” said O’Brien. “When you own a horse like this the 1m4f Group 2 Jockey Club Newmarket and said: “She felt “He can go any route. He stayed a you have rose coloured glasses Stakes to initiate doubles for fantastic; I think good ground is mile well today and you’d say he’d on. That’s the truth. You think Moore and O’Brien. very important to her. She’s not definitely get a mile and a quarter the horse can do anything. I would Last year’s Irish and Yorkshire really had her conditions since very well. With a mile and a half like to think he’d get the trip, but I Oaks winner loomed up two the Yorkshire Oaks but she’s done you’re never sure, but I’d say he don’t know. furlongs from home and drew very well from three to four.” © AK could go down a lot of roads.” “We have plenty of other horses clear to win by five lengths. O’Brien added: “She’s a lovely Asked the same question, who could be Derby horses. I’m not The French raider One Foot mare and we know she gets a mile Moore’s answer was one that ruling it out, though, not at all. We’ll In Heaven kept on best to finish and a half well. She loves good made you listen. see how the other trials go. Who as runner-up. ground and she’s progressing all “Well, look, I mean, his daddy won knows? Something could come out Seventh Heaven had run the time. Physically she’s doing a Derby,” he said, adding: “I doubt of the pack who looks unbelievable. creditably on her seasonal well and we came here with one there would be a better ride.” Do you run Churchill then as well? reappearance in March when eye on the Coronation Cup.

Seventh Heaven 18 48 May 2017 Permian

“You’d have to be happy. She has level yet, although he is rated 101 a high cruising speed but it takes a so he was never far away from it. little while for her to hit top gear.” “He went in a handicap at Bath Seventh Heaven, who is owned first time out when he was possibly by the Coolmore partners, runs in quite unlucky and he would have the colours of Derek Smith, who won if our other horse had not said: “We expected her to win and shoved him at a crucial point. she did it very well. “He ran a great race again at “This fast ground is probably Epsom. We knew we wanted to the key to her and she loves a test him and this was a good test. galloping track as well.” “It’s possible we will see him Moore went on to complete a before Ascot. Maybe he will go to treble, sporting the silks of Sheikh York or he might come back for a © AK Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum 1m2f race here. aboard Permian in the Newmarket “It is a big jump from 1m2f to Stakes, a 1m2f Listed contest. 1m6f so my hunch is he is going to The Mark Johnston-trained colt, go for the King Edward VII rather runner-up to the highly-regarded than the Queen’s Vase.” distance. Carrying a 7lb penalty as to keep her doing the same. We Cracksman in his previous start, Sir Mark Prescott hit the nail a result of her Group One success were going to go to Haydock for stretched away in the closing on the head when asked, in the in last year’s Prix de l’Abbaye, the the Temple Stakes but I think stages to score by four and a half wake of Marsha’s excellent 4yo was always in command as she we will possibly wait for Ascot lengths from Speedo Boy. performance to win the 5f denied Washington DC, another now,” he said. Johnston said: “Obviously it was Group 3 Palace House Stakes, representing O’Brien and Moore. “She’s a filly though, so she’ll a bit of a strange race with James what makes the filly so good. “She “I think it was good to win with be remembered for her best Doyle going off so quick on the goes very quick,” he said simply. a penalty because, unless I’m mad, performances, unlike colts who early leader. That she does and this victory in Lochsong was the last to do it,” are remembered for their worst, “Ryan Moore said he stayed a strong looking renewal Marsha said Prescott. and so we can be brave. So, maybe every inch of it. To be honest, we confirmed herself among the very “She’s obviously run very we’ll go to Haydock, whereas if she didn’t really think he was Stakes best around over the minimum well today and we have to try was a colt I’d wait for Ascot.”

Marsha Marsha’s connections Horsemanship, knowledge & experience.

At Derrinstown we have never wavered from our desire to give breeders access to some of the best bloodlines in the world at fees which they can afford and this policy has served both the stud and our clients for over three decades.

Derrinstown: Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland T: +353 (0) 1 6286228 F: +353 (0) 1 6286733 E: [email protected] W: derrinstown.com 18 50 May 2017 1000 GUINEAS DAY

Winter prevents Rhododendron blooming and Godolphin celebrate a treble HE MIGHT of Godolphin and Winter too strong in the final two Trained last year by David and he was asking me how she Ballydoyle dominated 1000 furlongs, supplying jockey Wayne Wachman, who retired at the was going but he wouldn’t have T Guineas day at Newmarket, Lordan his first Classic success in end of the campaign, Winter was any grudges, he’d probably be sharing five of the seven races the process. second to another O’Brien inmate, delighted that between them with three for the Having already won the previous Hydrangea, in her one previous “I rode the filly and she went on former but it was Aidan O’Brien day’s 2000 Guineas, over the same 2017 outing. to win because he told Aidan she who snared another Classic. straight mile, this victory took the Lordan has ridden her in all five was a filly that will probably come However, this time it was Ryan trainer’s tally in England to ten outings and was not surprised. this route.” Moore winning on a hot favourite; wins from 20 races, counting the “David knew what he had in If Wachman was watching the he was ‘only’ second on the five most recent renewals of the this filly and he was happy with performance he would have been O’Brien-trained Rhododendron 1000 and 2000 Guineas, as well his decision,” said Lordan. “I was thrilled, for Winter delivered on who found stable companion as the Derby and Oaks at Epsom. talking to him over the week her promise with aplomb. She

Winter Winter’s connections 18 2017 May 51

was settled wide by Lordan while aforementioned stablemate Hydrangea, the third of the Ballydoyle trio, made the running upfront with Intricately, trained by O’Brien senior’s son Joseph and ridden by another son, Donnacha. Winter surged to the front more than two furlongs from home, a vigorous, powerful move that swiftly left her rivals chasing her heels. Meanwhile, Ryan Moore, bidding for a Guineas double on Rhododendron, found his path momentarily impeded by a weakening Hydrangea and was forced to switch inside. Rhododendron, once in the clear with room to race, finished with purpose but Lordan and Winter had already flown. “Wayne gave her a great ride,” said O’Brien. “She’s a big powerful filly. She gets a mile very well and Frontiersman’s connections you’d say she’d get a mile and a quarter all right, she could get In doing so she provided her further as well. Ryan’s filly ran jockey with a record sixth success a very good race too so we’d be in the contest and made it two delighted with her as well.” consecutive wins, from three Lordan was celebrating a dream starts, this season. start to his new job, having only Last summer, perhaps prompted

© AK joined Ballydoyle in January. “Any by her dam being the triple Oaks time you win an English Classic or winner Alexandrova, Somehow an Irish Classic it’s very special. had been competing over 1m4f And it’s my first,” said Lordan. “It’s but seems happier over shorter. even better as I’ve started the new O’Brien said: “She’s a really job with Aidan, so it’s starting off progressive filly and she’s best very smoothly.” when you don’t break her rhythm. Much of what O’Brien achieves She’s out of Alexandrova, who in these races is owed to supersire was a superstar, and is by Fastnet Galileo, who completed a clean Rock. What we know about Frontiersman sweep of the Guineas with this Fastnet Rock is that his horses get win. “He’s an incredible stallion,” better as they get older. She’s four it today and Ryan was always out of Ouija Board who won seven said O’Brien. “It’s what he puts now and very progressive. happy with her.” Alexandrova Group or Grade One contests. into them mentally. They’re “She’s a lovely mare and we was not the only multiple Oaks These included both the English genuine, they have a will to win. always liked her a lot last year,” winner responsible for a winner and Irish Oaks in 2004. It’s a total extreme in animals.” he said. “She won really nicely at on the card; the opening 1m4f Only a 4yo, he won in style and O’Brien was enjoying a big Gowran and the idea was for her handicap was won comfortably Buick said: “We never went quick race fillies’ double having already to come here and if she ran well to by Frontiersman. at any stage of the race. combined with Moore who was go for the Lockinge. With William Buick in the saddle “It’s taken a long time for him to aboard Somehow who was “The trip doesn’t seem to bother for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, piece all the information together. victorious in the 1m1f Group 2 her and I think she has the speed he made it three victories from When he finally grows up, he’ll be Dahlia Stakes. for a mile now. She really enjoyed seven outings and is the fifth foal a pretty talented horse.”

Somehow 18 52 May 2017

Leshlaa (left)

Appleby said: “He’s physically The team completed a double Dubai Horizon in the concluding very happy with her because the done well through the winter and when Buick steered juvenile 1m2f handicap. ground was a bit of a question I think he’s a horse with a bright Way Of Wisdom to make a Winning jockey Jamie Spencer mark and she should improve for future. I think he’ll get further in winning debut in a 5f maiden, the said: “Stepping up in trip seemed that run. time, so he has lots of options, pair scoring by only a neck but to work. “She came out of the race well including at Royal Ascot. looking in control throughout the “On pedigree, he was always and it’s very exciting,” said Balding “The Hardwicke might be a bit final furlong. going to get this trip and I think it who won the 2003 Oaks with too ambitious at this stage. He is Appleby said: “I think we’ll was a good performance.” Casual Look. a horse who surprised me acting stick to five furlongs and be The aforementioned Ouija “The plan is to go to the Oaks on this quick ground as he does looking at something like the Board won the Listed Pretty Polly so we’ll probably take her for a not have the action for it. Windsor Castle or the Norfolk at Stakes before her Classic victories little gallop at Epsom on Breakfast “The Wolferton and the Duke Royal Ascot.” and the Andrew Balding-trained With the Stars morning and let of Edinburgh are options. In an Saeed bin Suroor then supplied Horseplay is likely to try and her have a look at the track. ideal world, you would be sticking the third Godolphin winner emulate her. “That is next week and ten days at a mile and a half but on that when Leshlaa, seemingly the She won this year’s renewal in before the actual big race so then, evidence I would not worry about outsider of four runners for the style and is likely to have a look hopefully, it’s all systems go for coming back in trip if I had to.” owner, denied stable companion at Epsom before the big race. “I’m the Oaks.” © AK

Way Of Wisdom

18 54 May 2017 KENTUCKY DERBY & OAKS

Always Dreaming

Always Dreaming lands Derby for Pletcher, Baffert ﬁlly wins Oaks BY MICHELE MACDONALD of Always Dreaming, a colt who While their reactions differed, been teaming up for about 24 MERICA’S masters of had tried to run off in his morning with tears streaking the face of years. “It is a long time for him to racing conducted a works and was making only his the usually stoic Pletcher and still trust in me and give me the Adazzling tutorial on the second start in a stakes. Baffert dancing jubilantly with his opportunity. It’s not very often it first weekend of May, defying A day earlier, Bob Baffert family, the results demonstrate happens in this business.” the rainy and muddy conditions teamed with Mike Smith to just why they stand at the top of With Always Dreaming, both at Churchill Downs by brilliantly triumph in the Kentucky Oaks American racing. Similarly, their trainer and jockey had to call on securing two of the sport’s most as Abel Tasman delivered an Hall of Fame riders have ruled the all their expertise to ensure the coveted trophies. ‘Arrogate like’ performance while ovals over much of three decades. colt could perform at his best in Todd Pletcher and John slogging through the slop from From this perspective, the the challenging Derby conditions Velazquez capped a more than two last in a breakthrough victory in Derby and Oaks offered the fomented by over 150,000 decade collaboration by capturing the United States for Meydan best of the best. Yet they also screaming spectators. the Kentucky Derby through deft designer Teo Ah Khing’s China provided lessons in loyalty Lightly raced, Always Dreaming harnessing of the explosive energy Horse Club. and perseverance. had failed to win in two starts as In one of the more moving a juvenile for trainer Dominick moments of the weekend, Schettino, who helped select the Velazquez reached up and hugged colt as a yearling for co-owners Pletcher as both waited for the Anthony and Mary Ellen Bonomo. festivities on the Derby trophy They paid $350,000 at Keeneland presentation stand, the gesture for the first crop son of Kentucky symbolic of their dedication to Derby and Preakness Stakes each other’s success. runner-up Bodemeister. “We have had a great When the Bonomos merged relationship for a long time now, forces with Vincent and Teresa and we have won a lot of races Viola, Siena Farm and West Point together. This one we hadn’t, and Thoroughbreds, they moved this is the one we wanted to win Always Dreaming and other together. And I’m glad we could do runners to Pletcher. On January it,” Pletcher declared. 25, Always Dreaming won a “It is very special,” Velazquez maiden race in his initial start said, noting he and Pletcher had for the seven time Eclipse Award 18 2017 May 55 winning conditioner and he has been unbeaten since then, earning his ticket to the Kentucky Derby with a five length score in the Florida Derby, his stakes debut. But when Always Dreaming arrived at Churchill Downs, he became so excitable and rank that exercise rider Adele Bellinger could not adequately hold him in his morning gallops. “I think he really came in here and he knew it was game time and he was ready to go. So, our challenge was keeping him on the ground for ten days,” Pletcher said. The colt was pulling so hard against Bellinger that Pletcher decided to add draw reins and call on another exercise rider, Nick Bush, who has accompanied many of his runners to Dubai World Cup day competition. “Nick Bush did a heck of a job; Adele did a heck of a job galloping him all winter,” Pletcher said. Abel Tasman “But I can tell you, I was nervous watching him gallop. Because he “We have to make adjustments was so ready to go, I just felt like all the time in training. That’s what if he ever built up a head of steam, we do,” he said. “But I don’t recall he was going to go too far, too fast. having to do it in a high profile “You worry about all those situation; certainly not with the things. But the most important likely Derby favourite. thing is to bring the best horse to “I don’t think we were going to the Derby, and I think that’s what get to the race in as good a shape we were able to do.” as we did without the draw reins. Velazquez and Always Dreaming … We felt the draw reins would bounced out of the starting gate control him better, bring his from post position five in the 20 head down, give the rider better horse cavalry charge and obtained control. The main thing is I wanted a good position early. to control the pace of his gallops. As Godolphin’s UAE Derby He was, essentially, wanting to run winner Thunder Snow began the race in the morning, and we bucking and leaping just strides couldn’t do that. out of the gate in perhaps the “It paid off. I think it was a big to Paradise Woods in the Santa he lost impressive Grade One most unusual antics in the 143 part of why he was successful,” Anita Oaks, Baffert added small winner and likely Kentucky Derby year history of the Kentucky Pletcher said. blinkers to the filly’s equipment, favourite Mastery to an injury Derby, Always Dreaming had Always Dreaming came out and that slight adjustment following his San Felipe Stakes surged to the front, but Velazquez of the Derby bouncing with an seemed to make all the difference. win on March 11. let longshot State of Honor take energy that Pletcher said was Even though the sloppy Churchill Following their big victories, the lead through a half mile. amazing. The colt was to run surface was speed favouring, Abel Pletcher continues to lead all Ranging up outside of State of next in the Preakness Stakes Tasman uncorked a huge rally North American trainers with a Honor, Always Dreaming cruised on May 20, with Lookin At Lee under Smith after Paradise Woods historic record of nearly $340 past him. While Wood Memorial and Classic Empire among his hooked up in a speed duel with million in purse earnings, while Stakes winner Irish War Cry and expected challengers. Always Miss Sky Warrior, and she handily Baffert remains the undisputed Santa Anita Derby runner-up Dreaming has so far banked won the Oaks over Daddy’s Lil contemporary king of Classic Battle of Midway both surged $2,284,700 for his owners. Darling with Lockdown third. races with 12 victories to date in to his flank around the far turn, Meanwhile, the future also Smith gave credit to Baffert’s Triple Crown events and another Always Dreaming motored away, is bright for Abel Tasman, a blinkers, saying they kept the filly three in the Kentucky Oaks. winning by 2¾ lengths over late daughter of Quality Road bred focused on racing, while Baffert While Pletcher aims Always running Arkansas Derby third and co-owned by Clearsky Farms. joked that Smith did not follow Dreaming at matching the Lookin At Lee, with Battle of The filly moved to Baffert’s care in his directions. “The last thing I feats of Baffert-trained Triple Midway hanging on to third and early March after former trainer told him was ‘Don’t think you are Crown winner American 2016 Champion Juvenile, Classic Simon Callaghan was faulted by riding Arrogate,’ but sure enough, Pharoah, Baffert now has a Empire, rallying for fourth after China Horse Club for not making he rode her just like Arrogate,” top sophomore filly joining early trouble. sure its silks were used when she Baffert said with a laugh. Arrogate, the world’s highest Pletcher observed that solving the finished second in March’s Santa “We never had a bad day with rated racehorse, in his barn. problem with Always Dreaming’s Ysabel Stakes. her. She is just so classy,” he added With the masters at work, the morning aggressiveness probably After watching her run from of Abel Tasman, who redeemed rest of 2017 could be rich for was the key to victory. behind but finish a distant second the trainer’s Classic season after them and racing fans alike. 18 56 May 2017 FRENCH 1000 GUINEAS

Precieuse

Precious ﬁrst Classic for Chappet supplied by Precieuse © AK UTSIDER Precieuse on opposite sides of the track, Stakes for previous owner Alan Clive Cox was more than stayed on with purpose to eventually coming together in the Spence last term and is likely satisfied with Profitable who, like O foil British raider Sea Of shadow of the post, with Peslier’s to clash again there with the the winner, was having his first Grace in a tight finish to the Abu mount finding extra and pulling impressive Signs Of Blessing. start of the campaign. Dhabi Poule d’Essai des Pouliches clear at the line. Heuristique kept The Francois Rohaut-trained “That was pleasing first time at Deauville. on for third. 6yo made light of conceding 11lb out,” said Cox. “He’s a had a long The William Haggas-trained Winning trainer Fabrice to Profitable, making all under winter and I’m pleased. He’ll Sea Of Grace looked the likely Chappet said: “That was my first Stephane Pasquier to reaffirm improve from that first run. Credit winner of the mile heat, the Group One winner and in a Classic his position as one of Europe’s to the winner but I’m delighted French equivalent of the 1000 so I’m obviously very happy. leading sprinters. from my point of view, I think that Guineas, with a furlong to run but “We will now think about the Last season Signs Of Blessing will put a real edge on him.” Precieuse was delivered with a Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. faded close home to be just run Other winners on the card perfectly timed charge by veteran That looks an obvious race. There down by Twilight Son and Gold- included Sheikh Hamdan’s Olivier Peslier. is also the option of coming back Fun in the 6f Diamond Jubilee Murafrif, a homebred daughter Charm Appeal and Amaani set here for the Prix Rothschild.” Stakes at Royal Ascot before of Sea The Stars. A pleasing sixth the early gallop with Christophe Earlier, another British raider, going on to land the Prix Maurice on debut at Chantilly, on the all- Soumillon on Sea Of Grace taking Profitable, had to settle for second de Gheest at Deauville. weather in early April, she made an outside line on the right of the when Signs Of Blessing ran out a “When he’s in this kind of her first turf start a winning one pack down the middle of the track, clear cut winner of the 5f Group 3 form he can win anywhere,” said with a narrow success in a maiden while Precieuse was settled in Prix de Saint-Georges. Rohaut. “You saw last year that over an extended 1m4f. behind by Peslier. The Clive Cox-trained six furlongs up the hill at Ascot Trained by Freddy Head and As the early leaders dropped Profitable was making his debut is just too far for him, so he’ll run ridden by Jerome Moutard she back, Sea Of Grace and Precieuse in the Godolphin colours having in the King’s Stand. He’s like his hails from the same family as both lined up their challenges won the Group 1 King’s Stand trainer, improving with age.” Tamayuz, sire of Precieuse.

Signs Of Blessing Murafrif 18 2017 May 57 FRENCH 2000 GUINEAS

Brametot

Brametot lands a thriller © AK RANCE’S Champion Flat effectively with a strong finish to William Buick for Godolphin and Buick had Sobetsu in the first two Trainer Jean-Claude claim the trainer’s first victory in trainer Charlie Appleby. throughout which proved the place F Rouget put behind him a the French Classic. Sobetsu enjoyed the extra to be with few able to challenge, challenging start to the season Rouget said: “He had to be brave two furlongs and soft ground, including Coronet, the favourite when he claimed his country’s because he accelerated but then stretching clear in the home who was a never closer third. first colts’ Classic of the year when had to fight and resist. He proved straight to win unchallenged Earlier, the weekend’s big Brametot led on the line to defeat he stayed a mile really well, which after a rough start in which Lady Purebred Arabian feature, the Le Brivido, trained by compatriot was not obvious from his pedigree. Frankel was slowly away before 1m2f Group 1 The President of and rival Andre Fabre. “There are three different getting boxed in on the rails. the UAE Cup was won by Sheikh In a competitive renewal of people to consult with on where Appleby explained: “William said Hamdan’s brilliant Muraaqib. the Abu Dhabi Poule d’Essai des we go next but my idea would be she was soon into a nice rhythm Trained by Francois Rohaut, Poulains, or French 2000 Guineas, to go for the Prix du Jockey Club. round there so we wouldn’t say the 5yo homebred son of Munjiz it produced a thrilling conclusion If you want to run in an Arc you she won’t stay a mile and a half but was produced by Francois-Xavier and the colt, owned jointly by cannot stay at a mile all year.” she is obviously good at this trip.” Bertras to challenge early leader Al Shaqab Racing and Gerald After the field split into two The Epsom Oaks was a serious Mehdaaf Athbah in the straight, Augustin-Normand, finished groups exiting the stalls, the consideration straight after the gaining the initiative over a strongly under jockey Chrisitan Frankie Dettori-ridden Rivet was race but the threat of fast ground furlong out. Demuro to nail Le Brivido and to the fore in the middle group was always a concern. A duel developed, with the pair Pierre-Charles Boudot, with British and still travelling within himself Therefore, the following day, it a long way clear, and it was only challenger Rivet back in third. with two furlongs to run. was confirmed that the French in the final stages Rohaut’s charge An outbreak of EHV-1, the But he was overtaken by Le equivalent, the 1m2f Prix de started to pull clear. equine herpes virus, forced Brivido who appeared to have Diane, was the target. It was a fifth consecutive Group Rouget to put one of his barns into sealed the win until Brametot Appleby explained: “This softer One victory for the horse who has temporary quarantine as a result emerged from the stands side ground really suits her and it can tasted defeat just once, on his of which last year’s European group to get up late. get quite quick at Epsom. She second start, in June 2015. Champion Racehorse Almanzor is Sobetsu, beaten out of showed last year fast ground is Rohaut said: “We have to be very set to miss Royal Ascot. sight, but with excuses, by not ideal. pleased with that, his first run of But Brametot, who had captured Rhododendron in the Fillies’ Mile “We discussed it with Sheikh the season and he should improve the Group 2 Prix de Fontainebleu at Newmarket last autumn on her Mohammed and have decided to from it. “He is a very good horse previously, showed the rest of previous outing, won the 1m2f target the French Oaks, not the and, hopefully, has more to come the operation could function Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary under Epsom one.” as he has not had many races.”

Sobetsu Muraaqib 18 58 May 2017 DERBY TRIALS

HURCHILL, his impressive 2000 Guineas winner besides, Ballydoyle Easy as 1-2-3 for O’Brien C th maestro Aidan O’Brien appears It was an 11 win in the race for to have a plethora of other Derby O’Brien who last won it in 2013 with contenders on his hands having Battle Of Marengo. The action then dominated the recent trials. moved to Chester and, remarkably, On the same day he saddled Ballydoyle provided the first three Winter to defeat stable companion home in the Group 3 Chester Rhododendron in the 1000 Vase over an extended 1m4f with Guineas, 24 hours after Churchill’s Venice Beach, the mount of Ryan romp in the 2000 Guineas, O’Brien Moore, defeating Wings Of Eagles provided the first three home in and The Anvil. Moore was quickly the 1m2f Group 3 Derrinstown out of the gates on Venice Beach, Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. an emphatic Tipperary maiden The finishing order may have winner last month, but he allowed Best Solution been a surprise though with The Anvil to set the tempo through Emmet McNamara making all the early stages. Interestingly, during the week three lengths to spare on runner- aboard seeming third string, Approaching the final turn, his trainer had hinted he could be up Glencadam Glory at the finish. Douglas Macarthur, denying the Venice Beach came under a better Derby prospect than the Aidan O’Brien saddled hot favourite, Yucatan, by a head with pressure and, momentarily, looked aforementioned sextet with plans favourite, Sir John Lavery, who just a neck back to Capri in third. short of room against the inside for Churchill still far from clear. produced a laboured effort and The trio actually finished in the rail but found a way out and was Also partnered by Ryan Moore, was well beaten in sixth. same order behind Rekindling, well on top at the finish to provide he stalked Max Zorin and the pair Cosgrave said: “After that, why trained by Joseph O’Brien, in the O’Brien with a fifth straight win in had to work hard to get past, not not the Derby? They went a good Group 3 Ballysax Stakes over the the race and eighth in total. managing to do so until halfway gallop and it was a good test. He same course and distance last Regarding the winner, another up the straight. stays well and handled the track, month, with Douglas Macarthur son of Galileo, the trainer said: Godolphin’s Bay Of Poets ran so that bodes well for Epsom. taking second, Yucatan third and “He’s a little bit lazy and a little bit on well to take second but never “We went by the leader more Capri fourth. babyish. We felt it would be best to looked likely to catch the winner. than two furlongs out and he High Chaparral, in 2002, was bring him here, as he had a good bit Moore said: “He was a bit sleepy stretched all the way down the the last winner of the Derrinstown to learn. He was in there against the whole way. He came out a little straight. I couldn’t fault him. He race to go to Epsom and win the the fence, he had to make room slow and was always just having a probably wouldn’t want it too fast Blue Riband. and you learn a lot in this place as look, while the loose ground was but on nice ground he’s fine. He has McNamara said: “I don’t know a lot of stuff happens very quickly. not ideal for him.” a good attitude. He would handle if Epsom is the plan next. I’ll leave “The lads will talk about Epsom; Fifth on his October debut, the 3yo something like Epsom pretty well.” that up to far more intelligent we know he stays a mile and a son of Galileo then impressed routing On ground on the soft side of good people than me, but I wouldn’t half, we know he handles quick 16 rivals in a maiden at Leopardstown after overnight rain, Sofia’s Rock mind riding him. ground and we think he’s a horse two weeks later and was making his moved into a four length lead at the “His run last time would lead who will improve.” Moore, who has seasonal reappearance here. top of the hill with Sir John Lavery you to believe I was on the best partnered the last five winners Epsom considered still looking comfortable towards of the three and there was very of the race for O’Brien, added: “I Best Solution for the rear of the eight runners. little between them. The boss man was very happy with him as he’s Godolphin charge But Best Solution was always just felt the other two might have a babyish horse and he will have HOWEVER, the ‘Ballydoyle handily placed and when the pace improved past him. They are three learnt as he went round there. Bandwagon’ ground to a halt the rose he quickly passed the leader very nice horses and it was great “It was all new to him and he was next day when Godolphin’s Best and moved clear, in contrast to to be on one of them. trying to organise himself round Solution advertised his Derby Sir John Lavery, who was unable “He’s a typical Galileo. He those tight bends as he’s a long claims with an emphatic victory in to accelerate when asked by Ryan sticks his head down and tries striding horse.” the Lingfield Derby Trial, a Listed Moore. The winner of the Group 3 really hard for you. He should At this stage of proceedings contest over just shy of 1m4f. Autumn Stakes at Newmarket last not have any problem getting Ballydoyle still have no less than With Pat Cosgrave in the saddle year as a juvenile, Best Solution a mile and a half. Turning in I 26 entries in the Epsom Derby and for trainer Saeed bin Suroor, the had failed to impress in two dirt thought I was in trouble but he it was another of these, Cliffs Of son of Kodiac surged to the front outings at Meydan earlier this stayed and stayed and stayed. Moher, who won the 1m2f Listed over two furlongs out and kept year. Bin Suroor explained: “He He is very uncomplicated.” Dee Stakes, the following day. on resolutely to have more than didn’t like the kickback in Dubai but racing there gave him more experience and he has progressed. “He’s in the Derby and the Irish Derby and the longer trip will suit him. Epsom is more likely, but Sheikh Mohammed will make the decision. Epsom is a similar track to Lingfield which is why he came here, and it will suit him.” Cosgrave added: “A lot of horses don’t take to the dirt. That’s all Douglas Macarthur (right), Yucatan (left) Venice Beach (centre), Wings Of Eagls (left) it was and he’s come back and & Capri (centre) & The Anvil (right) shown that in style.” 18 2017 May 59 OAKS TRIALS

Enable

Trial results should Enable Gosden big say at Epsom MPRESSIVE was the obvious “For a stayer she showed a stay a mile and a half but reaction after the John good turn of foot,” said Dettori. there is a question mark I Gosden-trained Enable ran “I thought I was on a good stayer about Shutter Speed on out the comfortable winner of so had better kick first, and she her pedigree, which is why the Cheshire Oaks with Frankie quickened well.” she is going to York, so she Dettori able to ease down in the Abdullah’s racing manager will have the option of the Prix contest over an extended 1m3f. Teddy Grimthorpe added: “She de Diane as well. Homebred by Khalid Abdullah, handled the track well. She is quite “How lucky are we to have the filly represents the first crop a lengthy filly but that’s the beauty these sort of choices? It’s a happy The race wasn’t run at a of Nathaniel and showed a smart of coming to these sort of races, position to be in.” breakneck tempo but Camerone turn of foot to shoot clear of the they are educational both for the Enable could face a rematch with gave way in the straight and it favourite, Alluringly, a rare reverse horse and for the connections!” runner-up Alluringly. Coolmore’s looked as if the prize would go to for Aidan O’Brien and Ballydoyle. A Classic bid is certainly on UK representative Kevin Buckley Ballydoyle as Pocketfullofdreams As was Nathaniel, the filly is the cards, and he said: “The said: “We’re happy enough. It’s a loomed up travelling ominously trained by John Gosden who also way she travels you’d be pretty tight track, she settled well and well under Ryan Moore. has the same owner’s Shutter confident she’d find a mile and a two good fillies put nine lengths She didn’t stick on as well Speed, who beat Enable at half to her liking.” between themselves and third. as many might have expected Newbury last month, and goes He continued: “Distance is going “She will improve an awful lot. however, and once Hertford on trial in this week’s Musidora to be an issue with Shutter Speed. An Oaks, whether that is Epsom Dancer engaged top gear it always Stakes at York. I’m pretty confident Enable will or The Curragh, is well within looked as if she would win. The her compass.” final margin was a comfortable It was a case of Dettori and one and a half lengths. Gosden again at Lingfield three John Gosden said: “I thought days later as they gained another she would be in the three. I Oaks trial victory courtesy of didn’t think she would win as I Hertford Dancer. thought two of the other fillies She mowed down the much would be too good but she tries fancied Aidan O’Brien-trained her heart out. Pocketfullofdreams well inside “When they are tough and they the final furlong to record a ready try and they don’t give up that’s success in the Listed event over half of the battle. This was an an extended 1m3f. Oaks day for her. We’ll box clever Only fourth favourite, in a field and think of something else for of six, Hertford Dancer settled on her, but not the Oaks. “I think the rails in behind Camerone, who that would be a bit unwise as the was bidding to give Ralph Beckett owners would have to give back all a fourth Lingfield Oaks Trial, and their money won here today and Pocketfullofdreams, who was some more to run as she would Hertford Dancer notably tricky to get into the stalls. need to be supplemented.” 18 60 May 2017 ITALY - DUBAI & DIAR DAY

DIAR gets off to a ﬂying start with Meblsh and Vulcano winning Arabian features HE Dubai International the French raider Meblsh claiming will probably continue to travel Bughanaim felt he could have Arabian Races (DIAR) the main Arabian event, the 1900m to compete in other international given the colt a better ride. T started in brilliant style in Listed Premio Dubai International Arabian races of this quality, “The horse really surprised Rome with clear skies and top Arabian Races 2017, bounding probably in Italy again. me and I gave him a very poor quality racing being the order clear in the last furlong to run out “We will see how he recovers ride,” said the 26yo from of the day at the Capannelle a hugely impressive winner. from this race and we may consider Qatar. “I had him in a bad Racecourse last Sunday. Thomas Fourcy, who trains the going to Newbury at the end of position, but he was brave and The Shadwell-sponsored event Al Shaqab-owned 5yo, said: “This July, along with other horses.” took the gaps when they opened. was supported by two Arabian horse always showed quality and Although Meblsh ended up He is a very talented horse, with races under the DIAR banner, with we are very happy with his win. He winning easily, his jockey Faleh lots of quality.” 18 2017 May 61

The Italian-bred pair of Nil Aziz Key, a 3yo filly by Derrinstown Stud and Nil Ashal placed second and stallion Tamayuz, who had provided third. The first three home qualify the winner of the Group 1 Poule for the bonus scheme, available d’Essai des Pouliches, Precieuse, on Dubai Day at Newbury on 30 the previous afternoon, in Deauville. July. If a qualified horse wins at The meeting began with the Newbury, it stands to gain a bonus 1600m Listed Premio Tadolina on top of the stated prize money. UAE Embassy Stakes in which the Vulcano By Bonorvesu also 5yo mare Mamma Ela registered qualified for the bonus scheme at her biggest career victory, staying Newbury after winning the Premio on strongly to deny hot favourite, Shadwell Arabian Stallions, a Aury Torch, by a neck. Porto Blanco 1500m conditions race for 3yos, It was a fourth consecutive and by a comfortable margin. Vento Di 12th career victory in total, to this season with a game win in the 1400m was won cosily by Gallura and Verdigo, who finished the obvious delight of her trainer, Listed Premio Circo Massimo. Poppet’s Lachy. second and third respectively also Luigi di Dio. The Premio Shadwell Arabian Over 2400m, the Premio qualified for the bonus. Only five went to post for the Stallions, a 1500m conditions Shadwell Stakes provided Antonio In addition to the Arabian races, featured 1800m Group 2 Premio contest, was won emphatically by Fresu, fresh from his excellent companies from Dubai, including Presidente della Repubblica, four Vulcano By Bonorvesu who was season in the UAE, a winning Emirates Airline and Jebel Ali trained by Alduino Botti and it far too good for seven rivals but opportunity and he grasped the Racecourse, sponsored a card of was his Time To Choose who the following Premio Emirates opportunity aboard Mushibest. Thoroughbred races. landed the spoils, chased home by Airlines was much closer. Only six lined up for the Premio Shadwell, an avid supporter of Greg Pass, the one contender not A 1400m handicap, it went HH Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, racing in Italy for more than 15 saddled by the same handler. to Porto Blanco who narrowly over 1200m, but it produced years, stand two Thoroughbred A 4yo, the winner showed denied Monte Oe, the pair well a gripping conclusion in which stallions at Allevemento Besnate, grit and determination to post clear of Richard Parker. Sharara just thwarted In Haste. Arcano and Mujahid, who is Italy’s a career best effort. A handicap The Capannelle are sponsors A great day was enjoyed by all leading sire. The final race on winner last May, he was victorious at Jebel Ali Racecourse and it with Purebred Arabian racing, the card was named in honour of in the Listed Premio UNIRE in was reciprocated; the Premio mixed with quality Thoroughbred Mujahid and was won by Sunset December at Naples and returned Jebel Ali Racecourse, over action, again proving a real winner.

Mebish Vulcano By Bonorvesu Dhs 5

THE VOICE OF HORSE RACING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Dhs 5 R AB EMIRATES 29 March 2014 ISSUE 531 Dhs 5 ISSUE 532

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Ruler Of The World - 2013 Epsom Derby

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contact us at PO Box 53300, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 - 342 9999, Fax: 04 - 342 2121 E-mail: [email protected] Al Adiyat now on sale every Thursday in ENOC/EPPCO stations in Dubai and Northern Emirates 18 2017 May 63 LOCKINGE PREVIEW

Ribchester

Lockinge looks a clash to savour LWAYS one of the early third attempt, in the 6f Group 2 Mill Trained by Hugo Palmer and However, prior to that he was season highlights in England, Reef Stakes, at Newbury, over 6f. also a 4yo, he was a dual Group more than three lengths adrift of ASaturday’s Lockinge Stakes, That was actually his first start One winner last year, winning both Ribchester in Deauville and the 6yo, over a straight mile at Newbury in the Godolphin blue having the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket trained by David Simcock, may find and the first Group One of the UK been purchased privately after and Royal Ascot’s St James’s the youngsters a bit too sprightly. season for older horses, looks set finishing second in the Group 2 Palace Stakes. Surprisingly, Aidan O’Brien has to be a cracker. Gimcrack Stakes. He finished the season only won the race on a solitary Godolphin have a phenomenal Last year, as well as his disappointingly and was a long occasion, in 2003 with Hawk Wing record in the contest with a record aforementioned Group One way behind Ribchester at Deauville who destroyed his field. seven winners, including both the victory, he also won the 7f Group before well beaten in the Queen The Irish Champion Trainer has two most recent renewals and 2 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Elizabeth II Stakes. two potential runners with the three of the last four. He has the benefit of a run This will be his first start since improving 4yo filly Somehow set They look set to be well under his belt this season having which should not be a concern to step up in class having won her represented with Ribchester, finished third, at Meydan, in the given his 2000 Guineas victory two most recent starts in Listed trained by Richard Fahey, appearing Dubai Turf. was on seasonal debut last year. then Group Two company. their strongest candidate. Considered unlucky when third Lightning Spear was third Stable companion, Cougar A 4yo son of Iffraaj, all three in the Sussex Stakes last year, in the aforementioned Queen Mountain, would actually be of his career victories have been Fahey’s charge was one place and Elizabeth II Stakes having having his fifth outing of 2017. achieved in Group company as he a short head behind Galileo Gold previously landed the Group 2 He was well beaten at Meydan in actually lost his maiden tag, at the who looks a big player on Saturday. Celebration Mile at Goodwood. March in the Dubai Turf.

Galileo Gold Lightning Spear