Friday, February 11, 2005

JACK SULLIVAN CLAIMS THE CHALLENGE....STAGELIGHT WINS THE GUINEAS

After the race Butler, who has been a long time supporter of racing in Dubai, said, "Jack Sullivan had been training well in the morning and we were confident of a good run, though winning was a dream. He is a dirt horse through and through. Last year in England he was confusing us on
the turf so we decided to stop and wait for the Carnival. The plan is now to possibly drop him back to a mile on Super Saturday (March 5th) and then aim him for the Godolphin Mile."

Stagelight, trained by Jeremy Noseda and the mount of Eddie Ahern, showed his class when battling to the line to win the US$250,000 UAE 2,000 Guineas (Gr.III), sponsored by Al Rostamani Group, over 1,600 metres on the dirt.

Stagelight, winner of the Guineas prep race at Nad Al Sheba two weeks ago, raced in fifth in the early stages with the Clive Brittain-trained Tony James setting the pace. Mazin Al Kurdi's Space Maker, the mount of Richard Mullen, led the field into the straight with Stagelight preparing to begin his run.

Ahern got to work to take the lead on Stagelight 400 metres from home with the Ted Durcan-partnered Gypsy Johnny, who was only a length third to Stagelight in the prep, came with a challenge but could not reach the winner, who ran on to a three length victory.

Gypsy Johnny took second with the Mick Kinane-ridden Mr Pensky, trained in Saudi Arabia by Barton in third. Becrux, trained by de Kock, looked to be going well into the straight but weakened to finish 13th.

Fight Your Corner gave Dettori and Godolphin their first winner of the 2005 Carnival when getting up in the final three strides to win the US$110,000 International Rated Stakes over 2,400 metres on the turf.

Bonecrusher took the field along and into the straight with the Kevin Darley-partnered Carte Sauvage taking up the lead 500 metres out. Taif, trained by Barton and ridden by Kinane soon disputed the lead with Carte Sauvage and the pair set sail from home.

Dettori had Fight Your Corner, a six-year-old son of Muhtarram, in a perfect position and came between the leading pair to win by half a length from Taif, who was half a length ahead of Carte Sauvage.

Godolphin followed up quickly with a win in the following race, this time with Qais, in the US$90,000 International Rated Stakes, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group, over 1,400 metres on the dirt.

Dettori aboard Rosencrans led the field along with the Kerrin McEvoy-partnered Qais, stalking the leader into the straight and coming to dispute the lead 400 metres out before leading from the 300 metres, running on to an easy five length win.

Kill Cat, trained in Italy by Antonio Peraino and partnered by Weichong Marwing came with a late run to steal second place by half a length from Rosencrans.

After the race McEvoy said," Rosencrans broke well so I decided to sit at his girth and then my horse dug deep. It was a nice win. This is my first meeting since getting back to Dubai and I am looking forward to the rest of the Carnival."

Doug Watson's Alshawameq, the mount of Richard Hills, was an easy winner of the fourth race, the US$110,000 International Rated Stakes over 1,600 metres on the turf. The son of Green Desert was always in the first two and ran clear of the field at the 400 metres post and ran on to a length and a quarter win.

Brittain's Membership, Kinane in the saddle, was last coming into the straight but came with a burst of speed from the 400 metres post to take second, with the Philip Mitchell-trained Forever Free in third.

Botanical gave Dettori a double for the evening and Godolphin a third win with the easiest of victories when making virtually all in the US$110,000 International Rated Stakes over the straight 1,200 metres on the dirt, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Botanical, a four-year-old son of Seeking The Gold took the field along before showing them a clean pair of heels at the 400 metres pole, crossing the line five and a half lengths in front of Sleeping Weapon and San Salvador.

Seihali, trained by Dhruba Selvaratnam and ridden by Pat Smullen, justified favouritism in the final race of the evening, winning the US$110,000 International Rated Stakes over 1,600 metres on the turf.

Royal Epic, trained by Mazin Al Kurdi, stayed on under pressure to win the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge (Gr.I) for Purebred Arabians over 2,400 metres.

Partnered by Ryan Moore, Royal Epic took the lead 150 metres out from the Gillian Duffield-trained Jiyush, ridden by Richard Hills. Jiyush began to battle back but it was Royal Epic who crossed the line a length and a quarter ahead of Jiyush and Bopp Moon.

RACING IN DUBAI, UAE
DUBAI RACING CLUB
NAD AL SHEBA RACECOURSE

Thursday, February 10th, 2005
Dirt Track: Fast. Turf Track: 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 otherwise stated.

Race One. Al Maktoum Challenge Round II (Group I),
sponsored by Al Rostamani Group. Purebred Arabians 2,400m. NH & SH
4yo+.
Prizemoney: US$ 55,000.

1st: US$ 35,750. 2nd: US$ 11,000. 3rd: US$ 5,500. 4th: US$ 2,750

1. ROYAL EPIC (US) 56kgs

1998 b g Wiking – Samoa Star (Samstar)

Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Breeder: Godolphin Racing Inc

Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: R Moore

2. JIYUSH (GB) 56kgs

1997 b h Manganate – Ester du Paon (Cheri Bibi)

Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Breeder: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Trainer: Gillian Duffield. Jockey: R Hills

3. BOPP MOON (GB) 56kgs

1997 ch h Dormane – Duma (Naftalin)

Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Breeder: Mrs D Camp-Simpson

Trainer: D Watson. Jockey: W Supple

Then came (in order): Djelmane (FR), Wayne Rooney (FR), Tidjam Lotois
(FR), Abyaneh (FR), Van Nistelrooy (US), Kerjam (FR), Ryan Giggs (FR).

All 10 Ran.

Margins: 1 Ό, ½, 3 Ό. Time: 2m 49.42s



Race Two. International Rated Stakes, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Thoroughbreds 2,400m. NH 4yo+ & SH 3yo+. 90-105 TURF

Prizemoney: US$ 110,000.

1st: US$ 71,500. 2nd: US$ 22,000. 3rd: US$ 11,000. 4th: US$ 5,500

1. FIGHT YOUR CORNER (GB) 60kgs

1999 b h Muhtarram – Dame Ashfield (Grundy)

Owner: Godolphin

Breeder: Laharna Ltd

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori

2. TAIF (KSA) 59kgs

2000 b h Another Review – La Devinette (Scenic)

Owner: Prince Sultan Mohammed Saud Al Kabeer

Breeder: Prince Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer

Trainer: J Barton (KSA). Jockey: M J Kinane

3. CARTE SAUVAGE (USA) 56.5kgs

2001 gr or ro c Kris S – See You (Gulch)

Owner: Mr & Mrs Heywood & Mr & Mrs Bovington

Breeder: Martyn P Burke

Trainer: M Johnston (GB). Jockey: K Darley

Then came (in order): Anani (USA), Top Seed (IRE), Surbiton (USA),
Mutasallil (USA), Ringsider (IRE), Bowman (USA), Bailador (IRE), Poker
d'Assi (BRZ), Bonecrusher (GB), Impaciente GG (URU), Proven (USA), Red
Crescent (SAF), Guambia Bo (ARG). 16 Ran. NRs: Henri Lebasque (IRE),
Clodion (IRE).

Margins: ½, ½, 3 Ύ. Time: 2m 32.38s





Race Three. International Rates Stakes, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Thoroughbreds 1,400m. NH 4yo+ & SH 3yo+. 85-100

Prizemoney: US$ 90,000.

1st: US$ 58,500. 2nd: US$ 18,000. 3rd: US$ 9,000. 4th: US$ 4,500

1. QAIS (USA) 56kgs

2000 b h Seeking The Gold – Snow Bride (Blushing Groom)

Owner: Godolphin

Breeder: Gainsborough Farm Inc

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: K McEvoy

2. KILL CAT (IRE) 55.5kgs

2001 b c Catrail – Feather River (Strike The Gold)

Owner: Francesco Magliari

Breeder: Orpendale & John T L Jones

Trainer: A Peraino (ITY). Jockey: W Marwing

3. ROSENCRANS (USA) 59.5kgs

2001 b c Forest Wildcat – General's Mistress (General Meeting)

Owner: Godolphin

Breeder: Swifty Farms

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori

Then came (in order): Elmonjed (USA), Attache (GB), Grand Stand (NZ),
Delude (IRE), Boston Lodge (GB), Bentley's Ball (USA), Distant
Connection (IRE), Sleipner (BRZ), Meshty (IRE), Naaddey (GB), Raheibb
(IRE), Harrison Point (USA), Master Robbie (GB). 16 Ran. NRs: Bo Bid
(USA), Rydal (USA), Flushing Meadow (USA), Shafeeq (FR).

Margins: 5, ½, ½. Time: 1m 25.93s







Race Four. International Rated Stakes, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Thoroughbreds 1,600m. NH 4yo+ & SH 3yo+. 90-105. TURF

Prizemoney: US$ 110,000.

1st: US$ 71,500. 2nd: US$ 22,000. 3rd: US$ 11,000. 4th: US$ 5,500

1. ALSHAWAMEQ (IRE) 54kgs

2001 b g Green Desert – Azdihaar (Mr Prospector)

Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd

Trainer: D Watson. Jockey: R Hills

2. MEMBERSHIP (USA) 60kgs

2000 ch h Belong To Me – Shamisen (Diesis)

Owner: Saeed Mananah

Breeder: Darley Stud Management

Trainer: C Brittain (GB). Jockey: M J Kinane

3. FOREVER FREE (GER) 57kgs

2000 ch g Platini – Forever Nice (Greinton)

Owner: Ransom Family And Friends

Breeder: Gestut Erftmunhle

Trainer: P Mitchell (GB). Jockey: R Moore

Then came (in order): Walmooh (GB), Landslide (IRE), Bettalatethannever
(IRE), Outcraft (BRZ), Desert Lord (GB), Senhor Vencedor (BRZ), Sarayat
(GB), Emran (USA), Luen Yat New Star (NZ). All 12 Ran.

Margins: 1 Ό, 3 ½, 2 Time: 1m 37.99s



Race Five. International Rated Stakes, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Thoroughbreds 1,200m. NH 4yo+ & SH 3yo+. 85-105

Prizemoney: US$ 110,000.

1st: US$ 71,500. 2nd: US$ 22,000. 3rd: US$ 11,000. 4th: US$ 5,500

1. BOTANICAL (USA) 55.5kgs

2001 b c Seeking The Gold – Satin Flower (Shadeed)

Owner: Godolphin

Breeder: Darley

Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: L Dettori

2. SLEEPING WEAPON (USA) 60kgs

1999 b h Gulch – Beating The Buzz (Bluebird)

Owner: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Breeder: Freshman Group LLC

Trainer: D Watson. Jockey: W Supple

3. SAN SALVADOR (USA) 59kgs

1997 dk b or br g Dayjur – Sheer Gold (Cutlass)

Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Breeder: Robert n Clay & Stud TNT

Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: T Durcan

Then came (in order): Tarfaa bint Swain (USA), Rotulo (ARG), Dream
Impact (USA), Quiet Times (IRE) , Persuasivo Fitz (ARG), Bold Demand
(GB), Instant Recall (IRE), Tala Ya (USA), Faithful Warrior (USA),
Prince of Denmark (IRE), Imshy (IRE). All 14 Ran.

Margins: 5 ½, ½, ½. Time: 1m 12.15s



Race Six. UAE 2,000 Guineas (Gr.III), sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Thoroughbreds 1,600m. NH & SH 3yo.

Prizemoney: US$ 250,000.

1st: US$ 162,500. 2nd: US$ 50,000. 3rd: US$ 25,000. 4th: US$ 12,500

1. STAGELIGHT (IRE) 55kgs

2002 b c Montjeu – Zivania (Shernazar)

Owner: Fieldspring Racing

Breeder: Kildaragh Stud

Trainer: J Noseda (GB). Jockey: E Ahern

2. GYPSY JOHNNY (GB) 55kgs

2002 gr c Bachir – Gentle Gypsy (Junius)

Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum

Breeder: A C Birkle

Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: T Durcan

3. MR PENSKY (ARG) 59kgs

2001 b c Numerous – Suspensky (Ahmad)

Owner: Prince Sultan Mohammed Al Kabeer

Breeder: Haras Firmamento

Trainer: J Barton (KSA). Jockey: M J Kinane

Then came (in order): Kandidate (GB), Urquell (ARG), Blue on Blues
(ARG), Duque de Enghien (PER), Im Spartacus (GB), Clasp (GB), Space
Maker (GB), Xtra Torrential (USA), Al Qudra (IRE), Becrux (ITY), Ned
Kelly (SAF), Juantorena (GB), Tony James (IRE). 16 Ran. NRs: Caesar
Beware (IRE), Bounty Quest (GB), Falick Tayeb (GB), The Carbon Unit
(USA).

Margins: 3, Ύ, Ύ. Time: 1m 40.42s



Race Seven. Al Maktoum Challenge (Gr.III), sponsored by Al Rostamani
Group. Thoroughbreds 1,800m. NH 4yo+ & SH 3yo+.

Prizemoney: US$ 200,000.

1st: US$ 130,000. 2nd: US$ 40,000. 3rd: US$ 20,000. 4th: US$ 10,000

1. JACK SULLIVAN (USA) 57kgs

2001 ch g Belong to Me – Provisions (Devil's Bag)

Owner: International Carnival Partnership

Breeder: Hermitage Farm LLC

Trainer: G Butler. Jockey: D Holland

2. CHIQUITIN (ARG) 57kgs

2000 b c Fitzcarraldo – Murias (Big Play)

Owner: Prince Sultan Mohammed Saud Al Kabeer

Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud

Trainer: J Barton (KSA). Jockey: M J Kinane

3. KANEKO (TUR) 57kgs

2001 b c Pivotal – Kalimat (Be My Guest)

Owner: Celalettin Alkan

Breeder: C Alkan

Trainer: K Saglam (TUR). Jockey: H Karatas

Then came (in order): Grand Emporium (SAF), Inamorato (USA), Curule
(USA), State Shinto (USA), Checkit (IRE), Fandango Dancer (GB). All 9
Ran.

Margins: 1 Ό, 2 ½, 1 Time: 1m 52.55s



Race Eight. International Rated Stakes, sponsored by Al Rostamani Group.

Thoroughbreds 1,600m. NH 4yo+ & SH 3yo+. TURF

Prizemoney: US$ 110,000.

1st: US$ 71,500. 2nd: US$ 22,000. 3rd: US$ 11,000. 4th: US$ 5,500

1. SEIHALI (IRE) 59.5kgs

1999 b h Alzao – Edwina (Caerleon)

Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Breeder: Rathbarry Stud

Trainer: D Selvaratnam. Jockey: P Smullen

2. IQTE SAAB (USA) 58kgs

2001 b c Bahri – Shuhrah (Danzig)

Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Breeder: Shadwell Farm LLC

Trainer: D Watson. Jockey: R Hills

3. TERFEL (GB) 55kgs

1999 ch g Lion Cavern – Montserrat (Aragon)

Owner: Daniel James Murphy

Breeder: Mrs A Yearley

Trainer: D Murphy (SING). Jockey: M Fenton

Then came (in order): Bahiano (IRE), Mugharreb (USA), Bayeux (USA), Harb
(IRE), Jazz Scene (IRE), Nashaab (USA), Uhoomagoo (GB), Naahy (GB).

All 11 Ran.

Margins: 1 Ύ, Ύ, ½. Time: 1m 38.82s

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

©Racenews 2002
designed and produced by Racenews Internet Services