Friday, February 9, 2001

BEST PRICES FOR THE TOTE GOLD TROPHY

WEATHER UPDATE - PRECAUTIONARY INSPECTIONS AT HAYDOCK NAD NEWBURY TOMORROW BUT CATTERICK IS LOST

Catterick: Abandoned (frozen).

Haydock: Precautionary inspection 7.30am. Frost forecast.

Lingfield (AW): No problems.

TATTERSALLS TICKETS SELL OUT ON SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE DAY

Availability at the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham for those who have not yet booked is now restricted to Club badges on the Tuesday and the Wednesday, and the Courage Best Enclosure on the Tuesday.

Racegoers are recommended to purchase their tickets or badges without delay.

All three days of the Festival are "all-ticket", with advance booking essential. The advance booking telephone number at Cheltenham is 01242 226226.

It was announced on January 2 that badges and tickets for the Club and Tattersalls Enclosures for Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup Day, Thursday, March 15, 2001 had been sold out and, shortly afterwards, the Courage Best Enclosure sold out for that day as well.

Tattersalls Enclosure tickets for Wednesday, March 14, sold out on January 30.

HAYDOCK AND LINGFIELD PROVIDE SCOOP6 VENUES

The mystery Tote Direct punter from Ladbrokes in Clapton will be searching for clues as to the winner of the 3.40 at Haydock- tomorrows Bonus Race.

"We were determined to have a Scoop6 operating last week, said Tote spokesman Jeremy Scott. Losing Wetherby last Saturday morning was obviously disappointing, but the early abandonment gave us time to reprogramme our systems and communicate the new scenario of running all Scoop6 legs from Sandown."

"Considering the late change of plan, we were delighted to have produced such a strong pool last Saturday, with over £170,000 being bet. Our mystery £2 line punter from North London who Scooped the entire Win pool was even more delighted the bet went ahead."

Last week Jim Littlewood from Newmarket went against bookmaker opinion and was rewarded for choosing 16/1 chance The Extra Man as his selection in the Bonus race-the Tote Scoop6 Sandown Handicap Hurdle. This brave choice meant Jim scooped the entire £76,103 Bonus fund to himself.

An ex-jockey himself, this week Jim kindly donated £1,000 to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Tomorrow's Scoop6 legs are:

leg 1 3.10 Haydock - Halliwell Landau Novices Chase
leg 2 3.40 Haydock - Mere House Handicap Chase - (Bonus race)
leg 3 3.55 Lingfield - Lily Handicap
leg 4 4.10 Haydock - Ladbroke Casinos Handicap Hurdle
leg 5 4.25 Lingfield - Jack & Jill Cole Handicap
leg 6 4.40 Haydock - Walrus Hunters Chase

CHANNEL 4 SCHEDULE FOR TOMORROW

LATEST NEWS FROM JEBEL ALI

Within 24 hours of his comeback win aboard Best Of The Bests in the previous evening's Listed Maktoum Challenge, Dettori replaced Kieren Fallon aboard Flight Pattern, who led throughout to defeat Moonis and Bin Cyclone, in the Dhs350,000 Jebel Ali Sprint.

Just on an hour later Dettori was back in the winner¹s circle after Zoning's narrow but strong success in the Jebel Ali Mile Prep.

It was the latter success that proved Dettori¹s fitness, the jockey taking Zoning straight to the front and then having to ride hard all the way up the 800m straight to deny Willie Supple Meadaaar.

Altichiero was third with Conflict a good fourth. This was the first defeat of Conflict in the Emirates, the horse won three from three last season including the Listed Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup Night.

Dettori's victory aboard Flight Pattern was slightly easier, the jockey having no hesitation in taking the horse straight to the front from the 1,000m start.

This was a strong renewal of the Jebel Ali Sprint containing two previous winners of the Nad Al Sheba Sprint, now the Dubai Golden Shaheen, in Mudallel and Ramp And Rave, and that is the race Flight Pattern will now head for.

This was the second success for Dettori in the Jebel Ali Sprint having won the race aboard Abreeze two years ago.

Fallon had ridden Flight Pattern when the horse won the Jebel Ali Sprint Prep however decided to ride Countless, who was outpaced before finishing sixth.

Fallon did, however, get amongst the winners at Jebel Ali, calling on his renowned vigour to ride Sun Charm to a narrow victory over Meshty in the main handicap of the day.

JEBEL ALI
Friday, February 9, 2001
Weather: Fine. Dirt Track: Fast.

The UAE Dirham (Dhs) is fixed at US$3.68.

195: Race One. Purebred Arabians. 1,000m. 4YOs 00-108. 5YOs+ 00-100.

Prizemoney: Dhs100,000. 1st: Dhs50,000. 2nd: Dhs24,000. 3rd: Dhs14,000. 4th:Dhs9,000. 5th: Dhs3,000.

1. MUFAQ (US) 57kg
7 b h Djourman ­ Best (Besbes)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

Breeder: M Jean Cambon.

Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: W Supple.

2. KEEP GOIN (US) 53.5kg
7 b h Wiking ­ K T P Alekatsa (Takela)
Owner: H M R M.

Breeder: Mr James A Wagner.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: A Whelan.

3. ISKA AL MELS (FR) 59kg
5 ch h Dormane ­ Cindhia (Djenoun)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Vert Duzan (FR), Kudor (GB), Fine Fellow (US), Tchula (US), Hilwan (FR). 8 ran. Margins: .5len, .5len. Time: 1:06.49.

196: Race Two. Thoroughbreds. 1,000m. NH & SH 3YOs & Up 00-95.

Prizemoney: Dhs90,000. 1st: Dhs45,000. 2nd: Dhs21,600. 3rd: Dhs12,600. 4th: Dhs8,100. 5th: Dhs2,700.

1. PROUD IRISHMAN (USA) 54kg
6 ch h Irish Open ­ Proud Victoria (Proudest Roman)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Brereton C Jones.

Trainer: D Selvaratnam. Jockey: P Smullen.

2. HOLY POLE (USA) 55.5kg
5 dk b/br h Polish Numbers ­ Heavenly Magic (Clever Trick)
Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Smith Farm & Stable & Kokomo Stable.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: S Sanders.

3. MITCHIGAN (IRE) 56.5kg
5 b h Mujadil ­ Bomblet (Persian Bold)
Owner: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Mohammed Al-Saud.

Breeder: Mrs Ann Eervine.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

Then came (in order): Caballero (GB), Always Believe (USA), Aljawf (USA),Mile High (GB). 7 ran. Margins: Nk, 3.25len. Time: NTT.

197: Race Three. Jebel Ali Sprint (Listed) Thoroughbreds. 1,000m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ SW.

Prizemoney: Dhs350,000. 1st: Dhs210,000. 2nd: Dhs70,000. 3rd: Dhs35,000. 4th: 17,500. 5th: Dhs10,500. 6th: Dhs7,000
1. FLIGHT PATTERN (AUS) 57kg
5 b h Manshood ­ Fly Baby (African Sky)
Owner: Silver Fern Syndicate.

Breeder: Emirates Park P/L Victoria.

Trainer: G Rogerson. Jockey: L Dettori.

2. MOONIS (GB) 56kg
5 b h Green Desert ­ Badrah (Private Account)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: W Supple.

3. BIN CYCLONE (USA) 56kg
7 b h Shadeed ­ Dubian (High Line)
Owner: Sheikh Mayed bin Khalid Saqr Al Qasimi.

Breeder: Gainsborough Farm Inc.

Trainer: A M Abdulla. Jockey: C Avery.

Then came (in order): Mutamayyaz (USA), Mudallel (GB), Countless (USA), Ramp And Rave (USA), San Salvador (USA). 8 ran. Margins: .5len, .75len. Time:
NTT.

Comment: This was a good performance of sustained speed by the
Australian-bred Flight Pattern going straight to the front and lowering the course record set by Ramp And Rave in March last year. This renewal of the Jebel Ali Sprint contained two previous winners of the Nad Al Sheba Sprint, now the Dubai Golden Shaheen, in Ramp And Rave and Mudallel, the latter returning to the course after a lay off of just under two years. Jockey Frankie Dettori had no hesitation in going straight to the front on Flight Pattern and the horse repeated his victory in the Jebel Ali Sprint Prep over the same course and distance at his previous run. In that event Ramp And Rave was considered a little unlucky and was expected to provide stern
opposition here however he was disappointing in finishing next to last.

Moonis was allowed to settle near the tail of the field with his rider
Willie Supple giving the horse as much cover as possible however when he got out Flight Pattern had set up a winning break. Bin Cyclone, way out of the handicap in this, ran the best race of his career in finishing third, just in front of Mutamayyaz. Flight Pattern continues to improve and showed that he is among the leading sprinters in the Emirates. His next test now will be how he performs against international company in the Dubai Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup Night.

198: Race Four. Thoroughbreds. 1,400m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-100.

Prizemoney: Dhs100,000. 1st: Dhs50,000. 2nd: Dhs24,000. 3rd: Dhs14,000. 4th: Dhs9,000. 5th: Dhs3,000.

1. SUN CHARM (USA) 58kg
4 b/br c Gone West ­ Argon Laser (Kris)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Green Gates Farm.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: K Fallon.

2. MESHTY (IRE) 55.5kg
6 b g Lahid ­ Merry Devil (Sadler's Wells)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: James F Hanley.

Trainer: D Selvaratnam. Jockey: P Smullen.

3. ELGHANI (GB) 59kg
4 br c Lahib ­ Fawaakeh (Lyphard)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Mumtaaz (GB), Bedey (USA). 5 ran. Margins: Sht hd, len. Time: 1:25.26.

199: Race Five. Thoroughbreds. Jebel Ali Mile Prep. 1,600m. NH 4YOs+ & SH
3YOs+ SW.

Prizemoney: Dhs120,000. 1st: Dhs60,000. 2nd: Dhs28,800. 3rd: Dhs16,800. 4th: Dhs10,800. 5th: Dhs3,600.

1. ZONING (GB) 58kg
4 b c Warning ­ Zonda (Fabulous Dancer)
Owner: Mr Mohammed Juma Al Naboodah.

Breeder: Mr Mohammed Juma Al Naboodah
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori.

2. MEADAAAR (USA) 58kg
4 ch c Diesis ­ Katiba (Gulch)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Shadwell Farm Inc.

Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: W Supple.

3. ALTICHIERO (GB) 59.5kg
5 b g Polish Precedent ­ Anna Matrushka (Mill Reef)
Owner: The Lamprell Partnership.

Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: G Birrer.

Then came (in order): Conflict (FR), Siege (IRE), Jila (IRE), Goombayland (IRE). 8 ran. Margins: Sht hd, 3.5len. Time: 1:36.81.

200: Race Six. Thoroughbreds. 1,800m. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-70.

Prizemoney: Dhs65,000. 1st: Dhs32,500. 2nd: Dhs15,600. 3rd: Dhs9,100. 4th: Dhs5,850. 5th: Dhs1,950.

1. FATEK (IRE) 56kg
4 b c Darshaan ­ Hiwaayati (Shadeed)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Makotum Al Maktoum
Breeder: Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd.

Trainer: P Brette. Jockey: W Ryan.

2. MASHAB (GB) 55kg
6 b h Pursuit Of Love ­ Kukri (Kris)
Owner: Mr Mohammed Saeed bin Khadiah.

Breeder: Farmers Hill Stud.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: S Sanders.

3. PLUTOCRAT (USA) 55.5kg
4 ch c Silver Hawk ­ Satin Velvet (El Gran Senor)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Darley Stud Management Inc.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: J Carroll.

Then came (in order): Ocean Of Storms (IRE), Kamin (USA), Swadene (USA), Great Lion (USA), Victreebel (NZ), Badr Rainbow (GB), Mufarej (USA), Bourkan (GB), Vitellozzi (GB), Direct Reaction (IRE), Coburg (GB), Ballyhurry (USA). P/U Laabed (GB). 16 ran. Margins: 4.5len, nk. Time: 1:48.97.

WILLIAM HILL SET TO APPEAL AGAINST HIGH COURT DECISION

"We are naturally disappointed at the decision, and will now consider the judgement in detail before deciding whether to appeal" said David Hood, spokesman for the company.

"In the meantime it is business as usual, as we took the precaution of taking a licence on the best terms we could get, so we will continue to feature British horseracing on both our UK and International Internet sites.

We have also made a formal complaint to the Office of Fair Trading on the grounds that the terms of the said licence represent an abuse of the BHB's monopoly position in the supply of information"

IMPRESSIVE REAPPEARANCE FROM BEST OF THE BESTS

While the race was robbed of some interest by the race morning withdrawal of China Visit, Best Of The Bests showed that he could be the dominant force in 2001 with his 12 length victory over stablemates Sobieski and Nooshman. English raider, Sugarfoot, was fourth of the four runners.

Best Of The Bests was timed to run the 1,800m on the dirt in 1:47.85 which was faster than what get Away With It took to defeat Worldly Manner in the race last year while it was 0.65 seconds faster than what China Visit took to win the UAE Derby last March.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said that Best Of The Bests had clearly passed his first test on the dirt surface and while he said discussions were still to be had with the horse¹s owner, it was likely the horse¹s next target would be the US$6,000,000 Dubai World Cup on March 24.

"He was very fit and he took to the dirt very well," bin Suroor said, "We are very, very pleased."

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Best Of The Bests jumped straight to the front and was never headed however what was particularly significant was that he was pushed right out hands and heels to the line.

This was Dettori¹s first ride at Nad Al Sheba since the win of Dubai Millennium in last March's Dubai World Cup however he won't decide on a ride in this year's event until after the third and final round of the Maktoum Challenge at Nad Al Sheba on March 1.

That event is likely to see the return racecourse appearance of Ekraar who is also on the Dubai World Cup trail.

Earlier in the programme Vulpix strengthened his claim for the US$250,000 UAE 2000 Guineas at Nad Al Sheba on March 1 with a narrow but authoritative victory over stablemate Dubai Down Under in the UAE 2000 Guineas Prep.

Vulpix had to fight hard to get the better of Dubai Down Under and while he will face harder opposition in the UAE 2000 Guineas he is a horse of some promise.

The UAE 2000 Guineas was won last year by Bachir when the race was called the Khor Dubai and Vulpix can expect strong opposition from Al Quoz Stables.

Nad Al Sheba Results
Thursday, February 08, 2001

142: Race One: Thoroughbreds. 1,500m Handicap. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-50.

(Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs55,000. 1st: Dhs27,500. 2nd: Dhs13,200. 3rd: Dhs7,700. 4th: Dhs4,950. 5th: Dhs1,650.

1. MUSTAFHEL (GB) 62kg
5 b h Wolfhound ­ Kadwah (Mr Prospector)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd.

Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: R Hills.

2. FADWA (GB) 57.5kg
5 ch m Mizoram ­ Mey Madam (Song)
Owner: Mr Mamoum Ahmed Mekki.

Breeder: Galadari Sons Stud Co Ltd.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: G Birrer.

3. GALLAASH (USA) 51.5kg
6 b g Gulch ­ In View (In Reality)
Owner: Mr Mohammed Nayamat.

Breeder: Morven Stud Ltd.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: A Delpech.

Then came (in order): Prompt Delivery (USA), Stavanger (IRE), Over The Line (USA), Titanic (IRE), Overenthuse (USA), Music Theatre (GB), Benevento (USA), Tell Them All (GB), Aylesbury (IRE), Tremel (USA), Current Power (USA), White Lavender (IRE). N/R: Franco Mina (IRE). 15 ran. Margins: Nk, .5len. Time: 1:31.74.

143: Race Two: Thoroughbreds. UAE 2000 Guineas Prep. 1,500m NH & SH 3YOs.

Conds. SW. (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs120,000. 1st: Dhs60,000. 2nd: Dhs28,800. 3rd: Dhs16,800. 4th: Dhs10,800. 5th: Dhs3,600.

1. VULPIX (AUS) 57.5kg
3 b c Snippets ­ Hannah Baby (Marscay)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla.

Breeder: Mr W J Betar, AUS.

Trainer: G Rogerson. Jockey: W Smith.

2. DUBAI DOWN UNDER (NZ) 57.5kg
3 b g Prized ­ Skylarking (Twig Moss)
Owner: Racing For Charity Syndicate.

Breeder: Mesdames J A Glazebrook & J M F Gould.

Trainer: G Rogerson. Jockey: S Sanders.

3. FLYING SPRINGBOK (AUS) 57.5kg
3 b g Thunder Gulch ­ Tessuti (Sackford)
Owner: Team South Africa.

Breeder: Segenhoe Stud.

Trainer: G Rogerson. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Mythical Jinks (USA), Asgoodasgold. 5 ran. Margins: Sht hd, 7.5len. Time: 1:30.33.

144: Race Three: Thoroughbreds. 1,600m Handicap. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-90.

(Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs80,000. 1st: Dhs40,000. 2nd: Dhs19,200. 3rd: Dhs11,200. 4th: Dhs7,200. 5th: Dhs2,400.

1. ASAAL (GB) 60kg
4 b c Machiavellian ­ Rawaabe (Nureyev)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: W Supple.

2. PETARY (GB) 53.5kg
4 gr g Petong ­ Daffodil Fields (Try My Best)
Owner: Mr Faisal bin Salem Al Suwaidi.

Breeder: Red House Stud.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: T Durcan.

3. SICNEE (USA) 60.5kg
5 gr h Rubiano ­ Lets Be Personal (Grey Dawn II)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Summer Wind Farm.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: J Carroll.

Then came (in order): Iljasoor (USA), Alhasad (USA), Bathwick (IRE). N/R. Pengelly (USA). 6 ran. Margins: 2.25len, 2.5len. Time: 1:37.5.

145: Race Four: Thoroughbreds. 1,500m. Handicap. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-80.

(Dirt)
Prizemoney: Dhs70,000. 1st: Dhs35,000. 2nd: Dhs16,800. 3rd: Dhs9,800. 4th: Dhs6,300. 5th: Dhs2,100.

1. RASIN (IRE) 52kg
7 b h Lahib ­ Yaqatha (Sadler's Wells)
Owner: Mr Salim El Shade.

Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: W Supple.

2. WAFFIGG (IRE) 52kg
4 b c Rainbow Quest ­ Celtic Ring (Welsh Pageant)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Orpendale and M Tabor.

Trainer: D Selvaratnam. Jockey: D O¹Donohoe.

3. ANTHEM (GB) 59.5kg
5 b g Saddler's Hall ­ Full Orchestra (Shirley Heights)
Owner: Mr Mohammed bin Hindi.

Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud.

Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: S Sanders.

Then came (in order): Edraak (IRE), Girllon (ARG), Ambassador (USA), Waseem (GB), Royal Request (IRE), Randsom¹s Handsome (USA), Malik (IRE), African Knight (AUS), Tasdid (GB). N/R Eaglesham (IRE). 12 ran. Margins: 8len, nk.

Time: 2:57.9.

146: Race Five: Purebred Arabians. 2,400m Al Maktoum Challenge Rd II (Group
I). 4YOs+ SW. (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs180,000. 1st: Dhs90,000. 2nd: Dhs30,000. 3rd: Dhs15,000. 4th: Dhs7.500. 5th: Dhs4,500. 6th: 3,000.

1. NYATIH (FR) 55kg
5 gr h Tidjani ­ Danaide Al Maury (Baroud III)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: EARL Haras Du Bosquet.

Trainer: J Wickham. Jockey: T Durcan.

2. NIVOUR DE CARDONNE (FR) 56kg
6 ch h Manganate ­ Pistache Du Cassou (Baroud III)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Mr Jacques Mazet.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: R Hills.

3. DAMESS (GB) 56kg
6 b h Manganate ­ Diskoteka (Strij)
Owner: Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Breeder: Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Trainer: L Y Carter. Jockey: W Ryan.

Then came (in order): Khoutoubia (FR), Al Mu¹tassim (FR), Idole D¹Auvergne(FR), Al Reef (FR), Singlet (US). 8 ran. Margins: 1.25len, 3.5len. Time: 1:46.65.

Comment: With half a mile to go in this contest it certainly appeared that Nivour de Cardonne would repeat his Group I triumph in the Dubai Kahayla Classic last March, such was the way he was travelling in comparison to those around him. Prior to the race this event again looked a match between Khoutoubia and Nivour De Cardonne who fought out a thrilling finish in the first round over 1,600m three weeks previously. Pat Smullen settled Khoutoubia near the rear of the field and racked Nivour de Cardonne
throughout. At the 800m when Nivour de Cardonne went to improve Khoutoubia appeared to be resenting the kickback and lost ground. Nivour de Cardonne was travelling easily and went up outside the leaders who were tiring while Nyatih, who was behind them throughout was being pushed along. When the field turned for home Nivour de Cardonne had the measure of those behind him and it appeared those in front however when Nyatih got the split between the two leaders and went to the front. Nivour de Cardonne came up on his outside however Nyatih, rated 19 pounds below the other horse, never gave in and despite running about a little in the closing stages outstayed Nivour de Cardonne in the final stages. Damess stayed on well all the way down the straight to be third while Khoutoubia finished fourth without threatening. Nyatih's performance here could be considered a surprise, he finished eighth in the opening round before winning a Limited Conditions event at Abu Dhabi. Prior to the race it appeared he would struggle however he is now a Group I winner and on the strength of this performance a deserved one.

147: Race Six: Thoroughbreds. 1,800m. Al Maktoum Challenge Rd II (Listed).

NH 4YOs+ SH 3YOs+ SW. (Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs350,000. 1st: Dhs210,000. 2nd: Dhs70,000. 3rd: Dhs35,000. 4th: Dhs17,500. 5th: Dhs10,500. 6th: 7,000.

1. BEST OF THE BESTS (IRE) 58kg
4 ch c Machiavellian ­ Sueboog (Darshaan)
Owner: Godolphin.

Breeder: Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd.

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori.

2. SOBIESKI (IRE) 58kg
4 b c Polish Precedent ­ Game Plan (Darshaan)
Owner: Godolphin.

Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: J Carroll.

3. NOOSHMAN (USA) 58kg
4 ch g Woodman ­ Knoosh (Storm Bird)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Gainsborough Farm Inc.

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Sugarfoot (GB). 4 ran. Margins: 12len, len. Time: 1:47.85.

Comment: This was the most impressive performance seen at Nad Al Sheba since Dubai Millennium's victory in the Dubai World Cup last March. Best Of The Bests showed clearly that the dirt track poses no problem and he was given a thorough hit out by Frankie Dettori in this. Jumping straight to the front with Nooshman and Sobieski sitting behind him, the only other runner Sugarfoot took a keen hold under Kieren Fallon last of the four runners. Best Of The Bests set a solid pace and when they turned for home he was asked for a little more and the way he responded was devastating. After he got eight lengths clear it would have been thought that his rider would ease up and give him a nice run to the line however Dettori pushed him right out hands and heels to the line to win by an ever widening 12 lengths. The race was robbed of a fair amount of interest with the race morning scratching of China Visit however it is debatable whether he would have held out Best Of The Bests here. The first part of the equation is over and the Dubai World Cup awaits Best Of The Bests.

148: Race Seven: Thoroughbreds. 1,400m. Maiden. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+ 00-50.

(Dirt).

Prizemoney: Dhs50,000. 1st: Dhs25,000. 2nd: Dhs12,000. 3rd: Dhs7,000. 4th: Dhs4,500. 5th: Dhs1,500.

1. CANYONLANDS (GB) GBkg
5 b h Gulch - Queen's View (Lomond).

Owner: Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

2. REZIF (USA) 58kg
4 ch c Machiavellian - Waqood (Riverman).

Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd.

Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: R Hills.

3. LA MANDRAGOLA (GB) 58kg
4 b c Machiavellian - Wajd (Northern Dancer).

Owner: Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, GB
Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: M Hills.

Then came (in order): Al Nimr (NZ), Substitute (USA), Maybe A Chance (NZ), Alfath (USA), Seven Emperors (IRE), Al Farazzdaq (NZ), Cyclonic (USA), El Mashadd (GB), Green Paper (GB), Saat Al Sifr (IRE), El-Jazim (IRE). N/R: Coronation Gold (USA) (Late). 14 ran. Margins: .5len, 1.25len. Time: 1:24.63.

STRONG INTERNATIONAL DEMAND AT TATTERSALLS FEBRUARY SALE

At the conclusion Tattersalls' Chairman Edmond Mahony commented;

"Last year's inaugural February Sale which included the late Peter Winfield's dispersal made an encouraging start and we are delighted that the sale has built upon the success of last year. To better the average of last year's sale, and more importantly the median, shows that the February Sale has quickly established a niche in the International Sales calendar, and the number of overseas buyers, notably those from France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and Sweden have all made a significant contribution to the record figures.

Buyers from Britain and Ireland have been equally prominent, and a measure of the strong trade has been the 30 five figure lots compared with the 22 five figure transactions at the larger Sale in 2000. The Sale topping 62,000 guineas ALZAO filly out of CLASSICAL FLAIR showed the strong demand for well bred fillies and mares, while competition for the early season yearlings mirrored the exceptionally strong Tattersalls December Foal Sale.

The top price of 34,000 guineas for the MARK OF ESTEEM yearling colt out of FESTIVAL SISTER comfortably eclipsed the corresponding high priced yearling of 12,000 guineas last year and we look forward to developing the Tattersalls February Sale further in years to come."

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS DANGERS OF RAGWORT

Government Minister Baroness Hayman will address the seminar, which takes place at the Saddlers Hall in London on April 4.

EXTRA FIXTURES ANNOUNCED BY BHB

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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