Sunday, February 8, 2004
TRAINERS BALDING, MEADE AND OLD TARGETING MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL
The 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National weights were announced on Tuesday and Andrew Balding, Noel Meade and Jim Old reveal that they hope to have runners in the greatest jump race in the world which is staged at Aintree on Saturday, April 3, while racecourse chairman Lord Daresbury is keen for his Hermes III to participate over the National fences.
BALDING AIMING WELBURN AT AINTREE
Andrew Balding, trainer of last year’s Martell Cognac Grand National fourth Gunner Welburn, said: “The Martell Cognac Grand National will be the aim again.”
Gunner Welburn finished 28 length behind Monty’s Pass in the £600,000 event in 2003, having led from the 19th obstacle until two out.
However, the Kingsclere-based trainer is somewhat pessimistic about the 12-year-old’s chance this year.
“Gunner Welburn failed to win it last year with 10st so I don’t see how he can win it with 10st 5lb. But I suppose it could have been worse looking at the way the weights have been compressed.”
On his two other visits to Aintree, Gunner Welburn won the Martell Cognac Foxhunters’ Chase in 2001 and returned the following year to finish the 13-length runner-up to Torduff Express in the same contest.
“Gunner Welburn seems to like the fences at Aintree but the trip in the National is obviously a big question mark,” continued Balding.
Gunner Welburn was pulled up on his last start in the Tote Classic Chase at Warwick on January 10, having been successful in the skybet.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby just after Christmas.
“We think the Warwick race probably just came too soon for him. He’s a horse who likes to have his races spread out,” explained the handler.
“More than likely, he’ll run in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup, the amateur riders’ race on February 19 at Sandown. His jockey then will probably be Dominic Alers-Hankey.”
MEADE LIKELY TO BE REPRESENTED
Noel Meade has six entries in the 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National, with the Irish trainer’s main hopes being the 2003 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup third Harbour Pilot, Arctic Copper and the 2002 Irish Grand National hero The Bunny Boiler, who is the main hope.
His three remaining entries - Native Sessions, Coq Hardi Diamond and Star Clipper - are unlikely to make the cut for the race which has a maximum of 40 runners.
The County Meath handler commented: “I don’t know what is going to happen with Harbour Pilot yet. He runs on Sunday in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown and then the main plan is to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup - we will see about Aintree after that.”
“Arctic Copper is certainly a possible runner while, if everything goes right, it is the intention to run The Bunny Boiler.
“Although The Bunny Boiler lost his form last season, the only time he ran well was when he fell at the first in the Grand National and went round on his own.
“He actually finished in front on his own last year but that was not much good without the jockey! He did seem to enjoy running round Aintree on his own though so it’s definitely our intention to have another go at the Martell Cognac Grand National with him.”
OLD IS HOPING WAIN MOUNTAIN GETS IN THE MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL
Jim Old wants to run Wain Mountain in the Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 3.
The chaser has been allotted 9st 12lb for the £600,000 contest and would need a number of horses above him in the weights to defect if he is to get a run.
“We would like to run Wain Mountain in the Martell Cognac Grand National and I think his weight is fine,” said the Wiltshire-based trainer. “But obviously it is going to be pretty dodgy whether he gets into the race or not.
“He’s only eight so it doesn’t matter if we don’t get in this year. He’s going to run certainly once, if not twice, beforehand and then, if he gets into the National, well great, and if he doesn’t maybe we’ll be looking to get into the Martell Cognac Topham Chase at the same meeting.”
Wain Mountain has done well, winning two novice chases at Uttoxeter during the 2001/2002 campaign and being in the first four on all of his subsequent seven outings.
“He’s a grand horse who is consistent, though he hasn’t been very lucky,” continued Old. “The trouble is that when they keep going up in the weights and they’re not winning that’s all a bit frustrating.
“We would have liked to have won two races on the way up and then gone up with the amount that he’s kept going up over the last 18 months.”
On his latest start Wain Mountain was caught in the final strides by Tipsy Mouse, who denied him by half a length in a handicap chase at Haydock Park on January 24.
“Wain Mountain is fine and he goes back to Haydock again for the next meeting [on February 14] for a 0-140 handicap chase [the Evelyn And Geoffrey’s Golden Wedding Handicap Chase].”
Asked if he had always thought of his charge as a typical Martell Cognac Grand National horse, the trainer replied: “I think the first time Wain Mountain ever jumped fences we did think yes he would be. We schooled him over fences and thought ‘wow’ - he is a fabulous jumper and he enjoys it.”
HERMES III IS A LIKELY RUNNER OVER
THE GRAND NATIONAL COURSE
Hermes III, owned by Aintree’s chairman Lord Daresbury, is set to run at the course in April - although it is likely to be in either the Martell Cognac Topham Chase or the Martell Cognac Foxhunters’ Chase rather than the Martell Cognac Grand National itself.
The nine-year-old won three times last season, at Wetherby, Perth and Sandown Park, when trained by Nicky Henderson and is now under the care of Mick Easterby in Yorkshire.
Lord Daresbury revealed today: “I purchased Hermes III for my son Thomas to ride in hunter chases. He is due to run soon.
“We will have to see how it goes but we will definitely be aiming him at the Martell Cognac Grand National meeting.”
BETTING NEWS FROM LEADING BOOKMAKERS
Corals - David Stevens reported: “There have been two stand-out horses for support since the weights came out - Timbera and Be My Manager.
“Be My Manager is the choice of Mr Futter - who of course caused us so much grief last year when backing Monty’s Pass to win. Obviously, Be My Manager is not his horse but he very publicly backed it with one of our competitors and punters seem to have latched on to that.
“At the top of the weights, nothing has been that popular - Rince Ri and Hedgehunter are still favourites. I think at this stage people tend to concentrate on horses at bigger odds.”
Ladbrokes - Balthazar Fabricius declared: "By 10 o'clock the morning after the weights were announced, we had already laid Joss Naylor to lose over £100,000 while Timbera can hardly be described as friendless.
“Notable bets include £2,000 and £1,000 on Joss Naylor at 25/1 and a wager of £1,000 about Be My Manager at 50/1. The latter wager, among others on the Martin Todhunter trained nine-year old, has forced a cut in price from 50s to 33s.
"The Martell Cognac Grand National betting is well and truly off and running. We have nine horses at this early stage that we are hoping will be beaten.”
Tote - Andy Clifton explained: “The biggest move has probably been for Nicky Henderson’s The Bushkeeper. He was 66/1 with us on Wednesday and after Nicky (Henderson) gave it quite a good talking up at the weights lunch, which was reported in the press, the price halved so he’s 33/1 to win now.
“We also laid Joss Naylor which was put up by Pricewise (of the Racing Post newspaper) and he’s now 16/1 from 25/1.
“We also had some very good money for Timbera, an Irish horse put up by a couple of tipping lines and he’s 16/1 from 33/1. These three would be the best-backed ones to date.”
William Hill - David Hood commented: “Since the weights were published, our best supported horses have been Be My Manager who is 25/1 from 66/1 and Hedgehunter, who is now 12/1 favourite after being backed at 14/1 with us at the weights lunch.
“Since then, we have also seen Timbera come in from 33/1 to 14/1 and Clan Royal, whom we initially pushed out to 25/1 from 20/1, is now back into 20/1.
“At this early stage, the market has been very lively. The Martell Cognac Grand National is the biggest betting race of the year bar none but the ante-post market has been unusually lively at this early stage this year.
“Quite often, when the weights come out, there are one or two stand-out horses and there is a bit of activity, but this year it has certainly been more brisk than normal.”
THE MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL
Class A, Showcase Handicap, Total Prize Fund £600,000, Aintree, Saturday, April 3, 2004. Four Miles & Four Furlongs (Over the Grand National Course). For six-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the Senior BHB NH Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 1. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at January 21 may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse’s racecourse performances to February 1 would merit a minimum rating of 110, and that the horse has either won a Steeple Chase or Hurdle Race, or has run at least three times collectively in Steeple Chases or Hurdle Races run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority by February 1. At the Handicapper’s discretion, such horses may be allotted a rating. The decision of the Senior BHB NH Handicapper shall be final. Entries closed Wednesday, January 21, 2004 (122 entries), entries revealed Thursday, January 22, 2004. Weights revealed Tuesday, February 3, 2004. First confirmation stage Tuesday, February 17, 2004; second confirmation stage Tuesday, March 23, 2004. Five-day confirmation stage Monday, March 29, 2004. Final declaration stage 10am, Thursday, April 1, 2004. Confirmation of riders must be made by 1.00pm Thursday, April 1, 2004. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Thursday, February 5, 2004. May not include some overseas form.
Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer
3P1-153 FIRST GOLD (FR) 11-11-12 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
11-23F22 RINCE RI (IRE) 11-11-10 Frank Moriarty Ted Walsh IRE
2/3333-0 HARBOUR PILOT (IRE) 9-11-10 Kays Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
F022-145 FONDMORT (FR) 8-11-10 Bill Brown Nicky Henderson
11F4-42 LE COUDRAY (FR) 10-11-09 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
3163-560 COMMANCHE COURT (IRE) 11-11-08 Dermot Desmond Ted Walsh IRE
144-F3FP VALLEY HENRY (IRE) 9-11-08 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
3641-50 MONTY'S PASS (IRE) 11-11-07 Dee Racing Syndicate Jimmy Mangan IRE
14P52/F- WHAT'S UP BOYS (IRE) 10-11-06 Mrs J F Deithrick Philip Hobbs
P2-111P IRIS ROYAL (FR) 8-11-06 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
16U3/-660 ALEXANDER BANQUET (IRE) 11-11-05 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
P-11110 SWANSEA BAY 8-11-05 Peter Bowling Peter Bowen
24/13-36 KINGSMARK (IRE) 11-11-04 Sir Robert Ogden Martin Todhunter
PU3/-131 ARTIC JACK (FR) 8-11-04 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
2422004 ARCTIC COPPER (IRE) 10-11-03 Grand Alliance Racing Club Noel Meade IRE
UP4P-21 BALLYBOUGH RASHER (IRE) 9-11-03 Comtake-Welding Engineering Specialists Howard Johnson
3U1-66F AD HOC (IRE) 10-11-02 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
111P/5P- SHOOTING LIGHT (IRE) 11-11-02 John Brown & Michael Blackburn Martin Pipe
3-161F2 RISK ACCESSOR (IRE) 9-11-01 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
404-3562 DAVIDS LAD (IRE) 10-11-01 Eddie Joe's Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE
220P-4P CHIVES (IRE) 9-11-01 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight
06-F216 BINDAREE (IRE) 10-11-01 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
1P12323 PALADIN (FR) 9-11-00 Naji Pharaon Jacques Ortet FR
1P-PPF0 MORE THAN A STROLL (IRE) 12-10-13 Mrs D Grehan Arthur Moore IRE
45-1U1332 RULE SUPREME (IRE) 8-10-13 John Lynch Willie Mullins IRE
411PP-0 MINI SENSATION (IRE) 11-10-12 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
440-4F0 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) 7-10-12 Clive Smith Paul Nicholls
4-2555P ALCAPONE (IRE) 10-10-11 Ann Daly Mouse Morris IRE
P-121141 PUNTAL (FR) 8-10-10 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
000-431 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 9-10-10 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight
244320 WAHIBA SANDS 11-10-09 David Johnson Martin Pipe
310-2431 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 8-10-09 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE
2133F-1 SCOTS GREY 9-10-09 Henry Ponsonby Nicky Henderson
12-U11P SHARDAM (IRE) 7-10-08 Howard Parker Nigel Twiston-Davies
230-43560 TAKAGI (IRE) 9-10-08 Dermot Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
5250U6-4 FADALKO (FR) 11-10-08 Sir Robert Ogden Martin Todhunter
5/1P32-P5 MACS GILDORAN 10-10-08 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
5/1110-2 JOSS NAYLOR (IRE) 9-10-08 Darren Mercer Jonjo O'Neill
033-342 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (IRE) 12-10-07 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain
0403-262 EXIT SWINGER (FR) 9-10-07 Sandicroft Stud I Paul Nicholls
1U11-54 A PIECE OF CAKE (IRE) 11-10-06 Lightbody Celebration Cakes Ltd Mary Reveley
121B14F TAKE THE STAND (IRE) 8-10-06 The Courters Peter Bowen
12/F132- SHAMAWAN (IRE) 9-10-06 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
1P20U-3 YOU'RE AGOODUN 12-10-06 Jeff Lammiman Martin Pipe
P00U0-0P THE BUNNY BOILER (IRE) 10-10-05 The Usual Suspects Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
10/-22P21 TYNEANDTHYNEAGAIN 9-10-05 Norman Mason Richard Guest
P241-55 TIMBERA (IRE) 10-10-05 Mrs J M Breen Dessie Hughes IRE
0-113410 WHEREAREYOUNOW (IRE) 7-10-05 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
P/5022U- RED STRIKER 10-10-05 Norman Mason Richard Guest
014-P1P GUNNER WELBURN 12-10-05 William Ritson/David Hall Andrew Balding
15-3651 KELAMI (FR) 6-10-04 Haras d'Ecouves Francois Doumen FR
13-1452 JURANCON II (FR) 7-10-04 David Johnson Martin Pipe
06-0601P ROYAL ATALZA (FR) 7-10-03 Terry Ramsden Conrad Allen
/313//11/- THE BUSHKEEPER (IRE) 10-10-03 Brian Stewart-Brown Nicky Henderson
1113P-3 HERMES III (FR) 9-10-03 Lord Daresbury Mick Easterby
312203 JUST IN DEBT (IRE) 8-10-02 J W Hazeldean Martin Todhunter
PUP-353 EXIT TO WAVE (FR) 8-10-02 Malcolm Pearce & Gerry Mizel II Paul Nicholls
51411-1 CLAN ROYAL (FR) 9-10-02 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
3000-11 BE MY MANAGER (IRE) 9-10-02 Brian Murfin Martin Todhunter
6P02-FP AKARUS (FR) 9-10-01 A J White Martin Pipe
U0-U042 SPOT THEDIFFERENCE (IRE) 11-10-01 J P McManus Enda Bolger IRE
1/0P6-3P BOUNCE BACK (USA) 8-10-01 Belinda Harvey Martin Pipe
P50-P03 INNOX (FR) 8-10-01 Marquesa de Moratalla Francois Doumen FR
41F/31-1 JOE BLAKE (IRE) 9-10-00 Ronnie Bartlett Len Lungo
120-434 ARDENT SCOUT 12-10-00 Alicia Skene & W S Skene Sue Smith
11563/-4 ASSESSED (IRE) 10-10-00 Festival Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
10P-0P5 ROYAL PREDICA (FR) 10-9-12 Peter Deal, J S Dale & Alan Stennett Martin Pipe
22/24-322 WAIN MOUNTAIN 8-9-12 Bill Smith and Mick Dudley Jim Old
12-P111 BEAR ON BOARD (IRE) 9-9-12 J E Brown Alan King
221133///- TOTO TOSCATO (FR) 10-9-12 Lady Clarke Martin Pipe
33/P403/-1 SIMPLY GIFTED 9-9-12 Steve Hammond Jonjo O'Neill
11-1 LORD ATTERBURY (IRE) 8-9-12 David Johnson David Pipe
P25P-35P MONTIFAULT (FR) 9-9-12 Anne Fulton Paul Nicholls
312/2U6- MANTLES PRINCE 10-9-12 Emlyn Hughes' Cleobury Golfers Alan Juckes
U05-00P IZNOGOUD (FR) 8-9-12 County Stores-Avalon Surfacing Martin Pipe
04F-42P MAXIMIZE (IRE) 10-9-12 David Johnson Martin Pipe
6000-40 BLOWING WIND (FR) 11-9-12 Peter Deal Martin Pipe
43D0P-P GOOD SHUIL (IRE) 9-9-11 R Newsholme D Gorton F Wilson & B Walsh Charlie Mann
11-30U0 SKYCAB (IRE) 12-9-11 P H Betts (Holdings) Ltd Nick Gifford
600032/- DARK STRANGER (FR) 13-9-11 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
11- ONLY ONCE 9-9-11 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
253-3436 BALLYAMBER (IRE) 9-9-10 Sean Mulryan Willie Mullins IRE
35-1222 FASGO (IRE) 9-9-09 F A Smith Paul Nicholls
10/2F3-3 GOLA CHER (IRE) 10-9-09 Fred & Sue Welch Alan King
110-121 WORLD WIDE WEB (IRE) 8-9-08 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
211-1PP BALLYBROPHY (IRE) 9-9-08 Keith Berry Simon Sherwood
12144-1 MR BOSSMAN (IRE) 11-9-08 T N Siviter Richard Guest
P1-113P WHAT ODDS (IRE) 8-9-08 Dee Racing Syndicate Tucker Geraghty IRE
43P2/-PP MAN ON THE HILL (IRE) 10-9-07 David Johnson Ferdy Murphy
4F-5FPP WONDER WEASEL (IRE) 11-9-07 Alan Halsall Kim Bailey
PF-P105P WINDROSS 12-9-07 Mrs Peter Prowting Alan King
236P/34-0 CELIBATE (IRE) 13-9-07 Stamford Bridge Partnership Charlie Mann
1U0-243 MOOR LANE 12-9-07 Bob Michaelson Andrew Balding
21130-U2 LORD JACK (IRE) 8-9-07 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Richards
35PP/05- SMARTY (IRE) 11-9-07 Tracy Brown Mark Pitman
211D20 NATIVE PERFORMANCE (IRE) 9-9-06 Donal O'Connor Michael Hourigan IRE
3//113/1/- KING ON THE RUN (IRE) 11-9-06 Lady Harris Venetia Williams
4341-PP0 NATIVE SESSIONS (IRE) 9-9-06 R D Murphy Noel Meade IRE
1205-0P0 SILVER STEEL 9-9-05 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
P-F11112 MAGICAL BAILIWICK (IRE) 8-9-04 Islands Racing Connection Martin Pipe
1141-1F3 KINGS MISTRAL (IRE) 11-9-04 R V Shaw Patrick Chamings
1P2/P-U5 SILVER STREAK (IRE) 10-9-04 Mrs Timothy Pilkington Nick Gifford
600-P32 TOM COSTALOT (IRE) 9-9-03 Gerard Nock Susan Nock
6//F41-001 COQ HARDI DIAMOND (IRE) 10-9-03 Catherine Howard Noel Meade IRE
00/1-0F51 LUZCADOU (FR) 11-9-02 A G Chappell Ferdy Murphy
22564-1 DESAILLY 10-9-02 The Team Toby Balding
013-412 STAR CLIPPER 7-9-01 Des Sharkey Noel Meade IRE
2P1/P-UP3 GRANIT D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 10-9-01 Walter Gott Ferdy Murphy
U3-F64S6 MONTREAL (FR) 7-9-00 David Johnson Martin Pipe
0P-0022 IMPERIAL DE THAIX (FR) 8-8-13 Jeff Lammiman Martin Pipe
P46-411 INDIAN CHANCE 10-8-12 Chris and Stella Watson and Jock Cullen Dr Jeremy Naylor
0F-P6P32 BRAMBLEHILL DUKE (IRE) 12-8-12 Mel Davies Venetia Williams
1/5//P-P0UP STORMYFAIRWEATHER (IRE) 12-8-11 Bridget Hanbury Nicky Henderson
22P-P2RP KILDORRAGH (IRE) 10-8-08 Carrie Zetter-Wells Lawrence Wells
342-421 SCOTMAIL BOY (IRE) 11-8-07 George Tobitt Howard Johnson
FP-61PFP KILLULTAGH THUNDER (IRE) 8-8-06 Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
212320 NOSAM 14-8-06 Norman Mason Richard Guest
24/42/-21 JANUS DU COCHET (FR) 7-NQ
12-6100 BROWNIE RETURNS (IRE) 11-NQ
4/2///15-16 GLADTOKNOWYOU (IRE) 11-NQ
100/1-140 SECRET NATIVE (IRE) 9-NQ
F5P-P060 VANILLA MAN (IRE) 11-NQ
122 entries
30 Irish-trained
4 French-trained
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL RACING CARNIVAL NEWS
NAD AL SHEBA RACECOURSE, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH 2004
GODOLPHIN’S UAE 1,000 GUINEAS
Godolphin’s UAE 1,000 Guineas success continued at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday evening in a race that they have made their own, after winning all four runnings. On the third race meeting of the Dubai International Racing Carnival, it was the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Catstar, under Frankie Dettori, who made all to win the US$250,000 1,000 Guineas, sponsored by BBC World, over 1,600 metres.
Catstar broke well and set sail for home into the straight, the Saudi Arabian filly Ibda Ae, trained by Saud bin Saad, looked dangerous but she could not keep up the pace. Menhoubah, trained by Clive Brittain and ridden by Eddie Ahern, was always going well and stayed on well in the final furlong to finish second, beaten only a length and a quarter. Satish Seemar’s Festive Style was third with Ibda Ae taking fourth.
Dettori, who celebrated his first win in the Dubai International Racing Carnival with his trademark flying dismount, said, “She is a very talented filly, there was a question mark whether she was going to get the mile, she has showed a lot of speed at home .
“I was surprised how well she settled in front and she handled the dirt well, once I was in the front I was happy to set my own fractions.”
D’Anjou, under Michael Kinane, gave Irish trained John Oxx a win with his first runner in the Emirates when he landed the US$ 150,000 Al Fahidi Fort (Group III) over 1,600 metres on the turf.
The race was taken along by the Rashid Bouresly- trained St Expedit, with Brett Doyle, in the saddle, at the 200 metre marker it was Irish raider, the Dermot Weld-trained One More Round who came to take the lead under Pat Smullen. D’Anjou, a son of Marju, was always looking handy and was ridden to lead 50 metres out running on to a two and a quarter length win.
One More Round stayed on for second with the Mike de Kock-trained Surveyor in third place.
Mawwal, trained by Doug Watson and ridden by Willie Supple, showed a good turn of foot to win on his career debut, taking the US$90,000 Al Muraqqabat, sponsored by BBC World, for Thoroughbreds over 1,500 metres.
The Mark Johnston-trained West Country, under Stanley Chin, led the field into the straight with the Ted Durcan-ridden Literator challenging, but at the 300 metre marker it was the fast finishing Mawwal, a four-year-old son of Groom Dancer, who took the lead crossing
the line three and a quarter lengths ahead of the Rod Simpson-trained Russian Relation.
After the race Supple said. “He travelled really well and picked up well when I asked, We are happy with this trip so 1,400 metres is what we will stay at.”
Gary Hind rode the second of his evening’s winners when partnered the Rashid Bouresly-trained Conceal to a length and a half victory in the US$ 90,000 Al Riqqa International Rated Stakes, sponsored by BBC World over the straight 1,000 metres.
Conceal was always disputing the lead with the Allan Smith-trained Raging Creek, but was in control of the race from the 400 metre and ran on well. Lord Nelson, trained in Macau by Malcolm Thwaites stayed on for second with Mark du Plessis in the saddle and the Gary Moore-trained Elegance Champion was third, under Frankie Dettori.
David Loder trained his first winner of the Dubai International Racing Carnival when Razkalla, under Jamie Spencer, won the Al Seef International Rated Stakes, sponsored by BBC World over 2,000 metres on the turf track.
Mkuzi, from the Oxx stable, made the early running with the Seemar-trained Simeon leading the field into the straight, Razkalla came with a great run to get up in the final 75 metres to win by a length and a quarter from the South African raider Prince of War and Clodion in
third.
Mushaagib, the mount of Gary Hind, beat race favourite Big Easy, the mount of Ted Durcan, in the opening race of the evening, the Al Safa, sponsored by BBC World over 1,400 metre for Purebred Arabians.
Big Easy, trained by Satish Seemar, led until the 200 metre post when Mushaagib came with a great run from mid-division to run on to cross the line over three lengths from Big Easy and the Richard Hills-partnered Bengalant in third.
NAD AL SHEBA
Thursday, February 7TH, 2004
Weather: Fine. Dirt. Track: Fast. Turf Track: Good To Firm
Key: The figures beside the race conditions (ie 00-80) are for horses
rated in that division and these figures are in pounds. All races on
dirt unless stated.
Race One. Al Safa, sponsored by BBC World. Purebred Arabians. 1,400m.
NH & SH 5yo+. Conditions
Prizemoney: US$ 25,000.
1st: US$ 16,250. 2nd: US$ 5,000. 3rd: US$ 2,500. 4th: US$ 1,250.
1. MUSHAAGIB (US) 55.5kgs
1994 ch h Magnus – Ten Cents Akiss (Sambor)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Ronald Scott
Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: G Hind
2. BIG EASY (US) 58.5kgs
1997 b h Burning Sand – Refleksja (Gwydion)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Bobby Hurst
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan
3. BENGALANT (GB) 55.5kgs
1998 ch h Bengali d’Albret – Vert Glante (Dunixi)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Mr & Mrs J D Kippen
Trainer: Gillian Duffield. Jockey: R Hills
Then came (in order): Danidor (FR), Winner du Causse (FR), Bolet de
Ghazal (FR), Zai al Qamar (FR), Fine Fellow (US), Sadeem (FR), Vising
(US), Djeldor de Bozouls (FR), Croixnoire (US), WFA Lancer (GB). 13
ran. Margins: 3 ¼, 2, 3. Time: 1m 35.06s
Race Two. Al Muraqqabat, sponsored by BBC World. Thoroughbreds 1,500m.
NH & SH 3yo+ . Maiden
Prizemoney: US$ 20,000.
1st: US$ 13,000. 2nd: US$ 4,000. 3rd: US$ 2,000. 4th: US$ 1,000
1. MAWWAL (GB) 62kgs
2000 b g Groom Dancer – Proudfoot (Shareef Dancer)
Owner: Malih Lahej Al Basti
Breeder: Milton Park Stud Partnership
Trainer: D Watson. Jockey: W Supple
2. RUSSIAN RELATION (USA) 62kgs
2000 b g Kris S – Tereshkova (Mr Prospector)
Owner: Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum
Breeder: Gainsborough Farm LLC
Trainer: R Simpson. Jockey: R Burke
3. LITERATOR (FR) 62kgs
2000 b g Danehill – Karamzin (Nureyev)
Owner: Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Darley Stud Management
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan
Then came (in order): West Country (UAE), Starsailor (GER), Istithmar
(FR), Godalming (USA). 7 ran. N/R: Late Decision (USA).
Margins: 3 ¼, 2 ½, 7 ½. Time: 1m 34.50s
Race Three. Al Riqqa, sponsored by BBC World International Rated Stakes.
Thoroughbreds 1,000m.
NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 90-105. TURF
Prizemoney: US$ 90,000.
1st: US$ 58,500. 2nd: US$ 18,000. 3rd: US$ 9,000. 4th: US$ 4,500
1. CONCEAL (GB) 58.5kgs
1998 b g Cadeaux Genereux – Mystery Play (Sadler’s Wells)
Owner: Bouresly Racing Syndicate
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Trainer: R Bouresly. Jockey: G Hind
2. LORD NELSON (AUS) 55kgs
2000 gr c Unbridled’s Song – Kate’s Choice (Imposing)
Owner: Australian Racing Institute
Breeder: Interhealth Energies Pty Ltd
Trainer: M Thwaites (Macau). Jockey: M du Plessis
3. ELEGANCE CHAMPION (AUS) 56.5kgs
1999 b g Fuji Kiseki – Carinosa (Kenmare)
Owner: Xiao Shao Yu & Partners
Breeder: Gawler Park Stud
Trainer: G Moore (Macau). Jockey: L Dettori
Then came (in order): Magic Master (SAF), Raging Creek (USA), Royal
Beacon (GB), Monkston Point (IRE) 7 ran. Margins: 1 ½, ½, 1 ¼. Time:
59.84s
Race Four. Al Fahidi Fort (Gr.III), sponsored by BBC World.
Thoroughbreds 1,600m.
NH 3yo+ SH 4yo+ . TURF
Prizemoney: US$ 150,000.
1st: US$ 97,500. 2nd: US$ 30,000. 3rd: US$ 15,000. 4th: US$ 7,500
1. D’ANJOU (GB) 57kgs
1997 b g Marju – Rose de Thai (Lear Fan)
Owner: Barouche Stud
Breeder: Barouche Stud Ltd
Trainer: J Oxx (IRE). Jockey: M J Kinane
2. ONE MORE ROUND (USA) 57kgs
1998 b g Ghazi – Life of the Party (Pleasant Colony)
Owner: Dr M W J Smurfit
Breeder: Kenneth L Ramsey & Sarah K Ramsey
Trainer: D K Weld (IRE). Jockey: P Smullen
3. SURVEYOR (SAF) 60kgs
1999 ch g Western Winter – Crescent Fields (Northfields)
Owner: P T Dimakogiannis
Breeder: Lammerskraal Stud
Trainer: M de Kock (SAF). Jockey: W Marwing
Then came (in order): St Expedit (GB), Bowman (USA), Gateman (GB),
Northern Rock (JPN), Skoozi (NZ), Cat Belling (IRE), Mahfooth (USA). 10
ran.
Margins: 2 ¼, shd, 1 ¾. Time: 1m 35.97s (Track Record)
Race Five. UAE 1,000 Guineas, sponsored by BBC World Thoroughbreds
1,600m.
NH & SH 3yo Fillies.
Prizemoney: US$ 250,000.
1st: US$ 162,500. 2nd: US$ 50,000. 3rd: US$ 25,000. 4th: US$ 12,500
1. CATSTAR (USA) 55kgs
2001 dk b or br f Storm Cat – Advancing Star (Soviet Star)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Summer Wind Farm
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori
2. MENHOUBAH (USA) 55kgs
2001 dk b or br f Dixieland Band – Private Seductress (Private Account)
Owner: Saeed Mananah
Breeder: Woodlynn Farm Inc & Elliot Horowitz
Trainer: C Brittain (GB). Jockey: E Ahern
3. FESTIVE STYLE (SAF) 59kgs
2000 dk b or br f Fort Wood – Fanciful (Ringaro)
Owner: Fort Knox Syndicate
Breeder: M J McGrath & L C Baxter
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: R Moore
Then came (in order): Ibda Ae (KSA), Tamarillo (GB), Pomeranze (IRE),
Nabtat Saif (GB), Screaming Shamal (USA). 8 ran. Margins: 1 ¼, 1 ¾, 3
Time: 1m 40.46s
Race Six. Al Seef, sponsored by BBC World. International Rated Stakes.
Thoroughbreds 2,000m. TURF
NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+. 95 - 110
Prizemoney: US$ 100,000.
1st: US$ 65,000. 2nd: US$ 20,000. 3rd: US$ 10,000. 4th: US$ 5,000
1. RAZKALLA (USA) 60kgs
1998 b g Caerleon – Larrocha (Sadler’s Wells)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Gainsborough Farm LLC
Trainer: D Loder (GB). Jockey: J P Spencer
2. PRINCE OF WAR (AUS) 57kgs
1998 b r Royal Academy – Scribbling (Palace Music)
Owner: L M Nestadt & Bernard Kantor
Breeder: Stone Lodge Farm
Trainer: M de Kock (SAF). Jockey: W Marwing
3. CLODION (IRE) 56.5kgs
1996 B G Nikos – Didia Clara (Sea Break)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Claude Cohen
Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: T Durcan
Then came (in order): Scott’s View (GB), Courageous Duke (USA), Mkuzi
(GB), Simeon (GB). 7 ran N/R: Aravis (FR). Margins: 1 ¼, nk, ¾.
Time: 2m 03.24s
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