Seemar Relishes Prospects For 2014 Dubai World Cup Carnival Season

Surfer and Reynaldothewizard To Fly Zabeel Racing International Flag

Reynaldothewizard’s Group 1 victory in the 2013 Dubai Golden Shaheen has gone down in trainer, Satish Seemar’s books as his biggest career victory to date.

Seemar, who has been a fixture of racing in Dubai since the very first days of racing under rules in the desert, is the master of Zabeel Stables, home to HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s Zabeel Racing International string.

“Last season was one of our most exciting,” says Seemar from behind his desk at the spectacular Zabeel yard. “Probably it was my career best win with Reynaldothewizard and we also had some great results with Surfer.

“Of course we have had quieter and more successful seasons, but I can’t say that I have been disappointed with any season that we’ve had at Zabeel.”

The “quieter” season that Seemar refers to is the 2011-12 term, when he saddled just 17 winners. Compared to his 2012-13 tally of 32, which saw him finish third in the UAE Trainers’ Championship, just two victories behind Champion, Ernst Oertel, the figure is low by Seemar’s own high standards.

“Every season has been great as far as I’m concerned,” says the trainer who benefits from a long-standing team that includes stable jockey, Richard Mullen and assistant, Bhupat Seemar, a nephew of the trainer. “Patience is one of the most important attributes in this game and sometimes the horses need time to come into themselves, or they are injured, or sometimes you have to view a season as a foundation year,” said Seemar.

And it was at the 2013 Dubai World Cup Carnival that Seemar’s patience really paid off.

First up Surfer, a winner on seasonal debut in a Conditions race at Meydan on December 19, finally shed his maiden tag. The son of Distorted Humor must have held the dubious record of being one of the highest-rated maidens in the world when he rounded off his 2011-12 season with second-place in the Listed Super Saturday Al Bastakiya, a race worth US$250,000.

The runner was gelded in the closed season and promptly stormed to his first win in a maiden on seasonal return last November, scoring a four-length victory over Interpret, trained by Musabah Al Muhairi.

Surfer then landed second place in the 2013 Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2, finishing behind the in-form Hunter’s Light. He was later fourth in the Group 1 third round of the same series where once again, Godolphin’s Hunter’s Light came out on top. Surfer ended his season with a seventh in the Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup day.

“We were very bullish for both Surfer and Reynaldothewizard on Dubai World Cup day,” recalls Seemar. “But we fancied Surfer a little more. Sadly he didn’t find his ground because the weather can be pretty warm for the first few races on the big day which can make the all-weather a little slower.

“It was great to see him come back into form the other night at Meydan,” says the trainer. “It may not have been the greatest race, but he did it well.”

Reynaldothewizard was to make up for any disappointment in Surfer’s World Cup-day performance when he landed one of the world’s biggest sprint prizes, the Group 1 US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen, part of the Global Sprint Challenge.

“He’s a seven-year-old and he is the type of horse where everything has to be perfect for him to win,” says Seemar. “He needs at least five weeks between races, even four weeks is a little bit short for him. We know that we can’t take any short cuts with him. After the Golden Shaheen we had invites all over the world and it was very tempting, but we had to do what was best for the horse and we knew he just wouldn’t be suited to travelling.”

Yet Seemar has trained horses for foreign races. Indeed, he holds the distinction of preparing the first UK winner saddled by a UAE-based trainer. It was in 1993, before the world-renowned Godolphin racing operation was the global force that it is now, that Seemar campaigned HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s filly, Dayflower to victory in the Middleton Stakes at York.

“It’s been an honour to train for the Royal family for so many years and to be part of this incredible transformation of racing in Dubai,” says Seemar, who was first recruited to train for the Al Maktoum family when he met Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at the Keeneland Sales while he was working in the USA.

“When I first started training for Sheikh Mohammed I was a real rookie, I’d never trained a horse before, it was nerve-wracking. But when an owner like Sheikh Mohammed has faith in you and has such a strong vision for where he is going, it inspires you with confidence and you find that you are doing things that you never thought would have been possible.”

These days Zabeel Racing International horses make up the bulk of Seemar’s large string, but he does boast some interesting runners for private owners.

One of these is Dubai-based Jimmy Long, the man behind Thistle Bloodstock. Long enjoyed a satisfying win at Meydan on December 19, when his home-bred Ralston Road, the 2013 St Leger seventh, was a winner by a nose in a photo from Izaaj in a 2000m Conditions race.

Ralston Road is one of seven for Thistle Bloodstock including Janna’s Jingle, Scotland Forever, Across The Rhine, Hold The Line, Letterfromamerica and Bethany Bay.

“It’s great to have Jimmy’s horses,” says Seemar. “He is an incredibly knowledgeable and positive owner and Ralston Road is definitely Carnival material.”

Seemar also trains Seachantach, owned by Hamad Abdullah Al Muhairi, a winner in Dubai last season and the former David Brown-trained Temple Meads, winner of the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes in 2010, owned by Ali Haddad.

“Seachantach went to England and he’s come back and I think we should be seeing him on the racecourse soon,” says Seemar of the runner who was trained by Marco Botti during the summer. “Temple Meads has had some problems, he’s a good horse but it’s a waiting game with him.
“I have plenty of little treasures out in the barns but they are not proven here yet so we will see how they do when they are ready to run.”

One of these is Conveyance, a Grade 3 winner over 1600m in the USA. He was second to Bankable in the 2011 Mahab Al Shimal and then eighth in the Godolphin Mile to Godolphin’s Skysurfers but has not been on the racecourse since.

“He’s had soundness problems but he is a lovely horse and if you ever see him come out on a race day then keep an eye on him,” says Seemar.

Satish Seemar (right) and Bhupat Seemar (left) lead in the triumphant Reynaldothewizard, ridden by Richard Mullen following his victory in the Group 1 US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen

Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Neville Hopwood

Reynaldothewizard claims one of the world’s premier sprint prizes, the Dubai Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup 2013

Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Neville Hopwood

Jockey Richard Mullen celebrates after crossing the line in the Dubai Golden Shaheen

Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Andrew Watkins

Arena Racing Company ("ARC") announces resignation of Chairman

ARC regrets to announce the resignation of Lord Howard of Lympne as the company's Chairman.

Tony Kelly, Managing Director of ARC, said: "We are sad to lose Lord Howard as our Chairman but I understand that his decision is not related to the business or policies of ARC. 

"The Board of ARC wish Lord Howard well in his future endeavours and thank him for his invaluable input into the Company over the past six years."

@AlTamimiStables Al Tamimi Stables launches SENSE: A unique social enterprise that combines nature and therapy

SENSE introduces a new concept of Animal Assisted Therapy and nature-based therapies

In conjunction with the 2013 Big Start competition, Al Tamimi –Investments will introduce SENSE, a unique social enterprise, on 12^th January 2014. Winner of the Big Start 2013, this new initiative is aimed at using the facilities and surroundings of Al Tamimi Stables to provide people with a positive outlook and offer healing through interaction with the environment and animals.

The unique Animal Assisted Therapy provided by SENSE will bring people closer to the environment and aid recovery without any negative side effects. The initiative has been founded on the basis of the natural environment having a positive influence on an individual’s overall health. Thanks to its location, a lush farm spread over 30 acres, away from the fast pace of city life, the serene surroundings are ideal for rejuvenation and relaxation. Spending time amidst nature and animals can dramatically reduce stress, decrease mental fatigue, restore mental clarity and boost stamina. It is also beneficial for children, especially those with disorders such as Autism and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity.

Animal Assisted Therapy improves the physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning of individuals by leveraging the abilities of animals, including horses, rabbits, fish, dogs and cats, in a controlled manner. The therapy is effective in treating anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, loss, abuse and trauma, Dementia and behavioural problems among children and adolescents.

 Animal Assisted Therapy is recognised for its curative properties and unique quality of using animals to help both children and adults cope with and recover from health problems. Animal Assisted Therapy is specifically used to target a variety of goals including improving a patient’s range of strength, motion, endurance, balance, mobility and sensation. Patients can also benefit from psychosocial benefits such as increase in self-esteem, building rapport, motivation and stress reduction.

Animal Assisted Therapy is considered as an adjunct to existing therapy. A therapist can incorporate the animal into any therapy being already practiced by the professional. This therapy is a practice modality and thus is aptly described as Animal “Assisted” Therapy.  It can be used by a speech therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, rehabilitation therapist, psychologist and counsellors within their scope of treatment to facilitate on-going therapy. The therapy animals offer right amount of entertainment, distraction and pleasure to the therapy process, which motivates clients to work harder. All therapies are specially tailored to the age and abilities of each individual.

“I have grown up in the company of my pets. This inherently led me to realise that they always showered me with unconditional love and I was always happy around them. On hectic days, my tensions vanished as soon as I would return home and my pets surrounded me. Their sheer presence proved to be a great stress buster and provided a social and emotional anchor in my life. I surf the net avidly and have read several articles on how animals and nature influence human beings generally (and also with conditions such as depression, suicidal tendencies, Autism, Cancer and AIDS) and improves quality of life for people. I noticed a lack of exposure to animals and nature-based activities in Dubai. This motivated me to pitch the idea to venture capitalist firm Al Tamimi Investments. I am glad they recognised the value of the initiative and its contribution to the community in Dubai. I am immensely excited to be working hand in hand with Al Tamimi Stables, and SENSE could have never found a better place to show what it offers - nature-based therapies at its best,” commented Aditi Sen, Founder & General Manager, SENSE.

 “We are extremely proud to work with Aditi Sen, the most recent winner of the Big Start competition 2013, on launching this new concept and bringing the community together at a truly niche out-patient rehabilitation centre. SENSE aims to create community support groups that empower people to share their challenges and experiences. It is the first enterprise in the Middle East to offer animal assisted and nature-orientated therapies, provided by highly qualified experts. This initiative supports holistic healing and we encourage everyone, irrespective of age, background and culture, to join us at SENSE and discover a revitalising journey through nature,” states Brian Galligan, General Manager of Al Tamimi Stables.

For more information on therapies at SENSE, please call 06 7431122.

Richard Hughes Plans Extended 2014 Dubai World Cup Carnival Campaign

First Dubai World Cup Day Winner on British Champion's Wish List

Two-time British Champion Jockey, Richard Hughes is set to have an extended stay in Dubai this season as he bids to snap up some high-class rides on Dubai World Cup day.

The Dublin man, who says he would love to ride a winner on the world’s richest day of racing, plans to spend five weeks of the Dubai World Cup Carnival based at Meydan Racecourse.

“The racing at the Dubai World Cup Carnival is second to none and there’s no doubt that come March this is where you want to be,” he said while in Dubai last weekend. “Riding a winner in the Carnival is like riding 100 winners in the UK, so I’ve decided have a five-week stint here this season.”

Hughes may be yet to ride a winner in the Dubai World Cup Carnival, but he did manage to add a Purebred Arabian Group 2 title as well as his first ever Meydan victory to his impressive CV on Thursday.

Heading back to his English home by way of the Indian 1000 Guineas following his spell in Hong Kong with Newmarket 1000 Guineas winner, Sky Lantern, Hughes cemented his top-class riding abilities in the minds of the UAE’s trainers by driving Rabbah de Carrere over the line in the Mazrat Al Ruwayyah.

Having hit the front the Majed Al Jahouri-trained runner obviously decided he had done enough and it was only the determination of Hughes that drove the son of champion race mare, Mizzna to the wire ahead of a sustained challenged from trainer, Ernst Oertel’s Shayel Aldhabi.

“It’s fantastic to get my first winner at Meydan,” said Hughes, who had claimed second-place in the Indian 2000 Guineas on Sunday aboard Circle of Life trained by former Indian Champion Jockey, Pesi Shroff. “So many people do and it would be terrible to say that I didn’t.”

Following time off in January which will be spent with wife Lizzie and children, Harvey and Phoebe on a well-earned holiday in Barbados, master tactician Hughes will head back to Dubai for February and March.

“I’d love to ride a winner on Dubai World Cup day,” said the jockey who will contest the Indian Derby on February 2 before returning to Dubai. “Most years I have only had a few rides for my trainer [Richard Hannon] over here but I’ll stay longer this time. It’s a good spot for me as well because I like my golf and it’s probably the best place in the world for golf.

“It’s going to be great to spend some time with the family and recharge the batteries after the season I’ve had,” he said. “Obviously, it does help when Richard Hannon is doing so well but my season went from strength-to-strength really. It’s been hard work but I’m not afraid of hard work. Mind you a lot of fellas work hard and don’t get the breaks I’ve had so I know how lucky I am.”

Hughes, who pares his 5ft9in frame down to weights below 55kg (8.6 stone) and turns 41 in January, said he has never been happier in his work. And it’s no wonder Hughes is a happy man.

His second season as Britain’s Champion Jockey featured a number of career highlights including his first British Classic courtesy of Sky Lantern in the 1000 Guineas followed by a second British Classic a month later with Talent in the Epsom Oaks. Royal Ascot’s Coronation Stakes also fell to Hughes and Sky Lantern while Toronado took out the Sussex Stakes and Olympic Glory claimed the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes under the jockey’s guidance. His total of 208 winners made Hughes the first jockey to ride more than 200 winners in a British flat season since Kieren Fallon in 2003.

“I feel great and my weight has never been better,” he said. “Riding is my job and I can’t wait to get to work every day. Of course managing your weight is easier when things are going well and it’s much easier now that I am not drinking any more. I might be turning 41 next year, but I feel as good as I did at 21. When you are turning up to ride horses like Toronado and Sky Lantern it’s a huge boost for a jockey.”

Richard Hannon Snr, Hughes’ father-in-law as well as his main employer, is set to hand over his hugely successful training operation to his son, Richard Jnr in a matter of days. Yet the jockey, who had his first ride for Hannon in 1994 aboard the maiden, Jacquelina, and his first Hannon-trained winner in 1995 at Royal Ascot courtesy of Sergeyev in the Jersey Stakes, says he expects very little to change at the Hannon’s Marlborough yard.

“It will be a different name and that’s it,” said Hughes. “I think he will be sticking round for a bit longer, the only difference would be that he can finally go for that week’s holiday if he feels like it.”

Purebred Arabian, Rabbah de Carrere provided British Champion Jockey, Richard Hughes with his first Meydan winner in the G2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah on Thursday evening. Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Andrew Watkins

Oertel Claims Listed Victory with Nymphea du Paon

Adrie de Vries Rides Winning Double For UAE Champion Trainer

Champion Trainer Ernst Oertel supplied two of the three feature race winners at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening, highlighted by the impressive local debut victory of Nymphea Du Paon in the Listed Abu Dhabi Championship.

With regular pilot, Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea, suspended, Dutchman Adrie De Vries came in for the pick of the trainer’s mounts and he was never far off the pace on Nymphea Du Paon, a Group 2 winner in her native France and now winner of all three starts.

“She is a very nice filly indeed,” said De Vries. “The wide draw was a bit of a concern but I was able to get across and there was never any real worry after that.

“She should have a big future and is an exciting new recruit who has not been in the UAE very long.”

Earlier, Oertel provided both first and second in the opening Abu Dhabi Fillies’ Classic, with De Vries aboard winner Fatat Al Arab who won comfortably from stable companion Al Yawazi.

The jockey said: “She is a nice filly and clearly improving with racing. This is always a good yard to ride for as they have some lovely horses.

“It is a good opportunity for me but obviously you have to feel sorry for Tadhg O’Shea.

The jockey and trainer were then denied in the following Abu Dhabi Colts’ Classic, like the Fillies’ equivalent over 1600m, when his mount Molahen El Alhan, was bested by AF Al Hazer.

Royston Ffrench took the ride, helping his mount retain his unbeaten record on this, his third career start for trainer, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami. Ffrench was clearly impressed.

“He is a really nice young horse and an exciting prospect,” said the jockey. “I won on him on his debut when he was very green and a big baby. I then deserted him last time and he won well under Harry Bentley.

“He is improving and has a nice turn of foot so you can ride him with a bit of confidence.”

Satish Seemar and Richard Mullen have been in great form in recent weeks and combined to win the only Thoroughbred race, a 2200m handicap, with Inthar who was having his first start for the yard.

Previously with Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, Inthar was recording only his second career victory and first on turf having only previously won a maiden on Polytrack at Lingfield.

Mullen said: “We were hoping he would go close as he has been going well at home. He is a nice addition to the yard and clearly versatile as to underfoot conditions.

“Hopefully he can build on this.”

The 1600m maiden provided the Jaber Bittar-trained Bayan the perfect opportunity to open his account with Pat Cosgrave in the irons. Runner-up in a similar race over 1400m last Sunday, he made no mistake this time with Cosgrave saying: “We thought the extra 200m was to our advantage and so it proved.”

He was not the only horse narrowly denied seven days ago to go one better with Solo Restoreto, trained by Eric Lemartinel, prevailing in a 1200m handicap for apprentice Noel Garbutt.

The pair were touched off over 1600m at the previous meeting.

@WetherbyRaces Cape Tribulation fitter ahead of William Hill Rowland Meyrick

Cape Tribulation will bid for back-to-back victories in Wetherby's Grade Three William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong, the highlight of the two-day William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26.

The nine-year-old was a hugely impressive 11-length winner of the £40,000 contest last year and followed that up with a decisive half-length success in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham in January.

Malcolm Jefferson's charge rounded off last season with creditable efforts in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Betfred Bowl at Aintree, but has failed to fire in two starts this term. He was pulled up in the Grade Two bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on November 2, before trailing home in 16th under top-weight in the Grade Three Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 30.

Jefferson, who also captured the Wetherby prize with According To Pete in 2011,  reported: "Cape Tribulation is on course for the William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

"We were expecting a bit more from him at Newbury, but it is not the easiest race in the world to carry top-weight. Jack Doyle felt he needed it a bit and he has actually come on for the run.

"We lost a little bit of time with him at the end of last season and he was meant to go to York on the Flat for the race he was just beaten in last year, but he was just held up.

"There is only so much work you can do with them and he came back very fat this year, which has meant it has taken that bit longer to get him fit. He seems in good nick now though and I am very happy with him.

"He has come down a bit in the ratings and, with Wayward Prince running, he won't carry top-weight, so that will be a help."

The William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase boasts a tremendous roll of honour, featuring the subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Forgive 'N Forget (1984) and The Thinker (1986). No horse has ever won back-to-back renewals.

A six-race programme at Wetherby on Boxing Day gets underway at 12.45pm and runs through to 3.25pm, with all the races sponsored for the first time by William Hill.

The same sponsor also backs all six races on Friday, December 27, when the highlight is the £20,000 William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase.

Jefferson has a good recent record in the two-mile contest, having scored with Calatagan in 2006 and 2007, and will be represented this year by unbeaten chaser King Of The Wolds. The six-year-old has scored in novice handicap company at Sedgefield over two and a half miles and Fakenham over two and three-quarter miles.

Jefferson added: "King Of The Wolds will be my runner in the William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase.

"I don't think the drop back in trip will be a problem, especially on soft ground and given the way he jumps. He has won a two-mile novices' hurdle at Wetherby anyway (on December 27, 2012).

"He has done well in his two starts over fences so far and I am hoping for a nice run. We like the horse."

Entries for the William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival close tomorrow, Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21.

Gates open at 10.00am on both days of the William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival, with complimentary mince pies and mulled wine on offer for the early arrivals. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wetherbyracing.co.uk. There is free entry for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

Eight-time course winner and local favourite Mister McGoldrick will be in attendance on Boxing Day as part of a display from New Beginnings, the Yorkshire-based enterprise that provides a safe, secure and supportive environment for retired racehorses.

The William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival at Wetherby forms part of the wider Go Racing In Yorkshire Winter Festival, which continues at Catterick on Saturday, December 28 and Doncaster on Sunday, December 29. This four-day jumping extravaganza takes place for the first time in 2013 and follows on from the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival which has been held very successfully for the past six years.

A racecard competition with the prize of a two-night stay in the Crown Hotel at Bawtry will run during the Go Racing In Yorkshire Winter Festival, while the most successful trainer and jockey over the four days will each win an overnight stay at the Raithwaite Estate, the luxury country retreat situated close to Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast.

Going

The current going at Wetherby is Good to Soft.

Wetherby's Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, reported: "We have had a reasonably dry last month or so, with the exception of a couple of days of prolonged rain.

"The latest weather forecasts for the next seven days suggest that further rain showers, possibly heavy at times, will pass over Wetherby tomorrow and on Monday. Tomorrow also looks to be another quite windy day.

"The forecast temperatures are above average for this time of year, with between 7C and 10C from now right though into Christmas week, before possibly dropping back to 4C/5C around Christmas Day and beyond."

@AWChamps An All-Weather jockey's life at Christmas - George Baker

The Festive period over Christmas and the New Year is time for celebration. While the majority of the population will happily be tucking into turkey, Christmas pudding and other such seasonal delights, the life of a busy All-Weather jockey is very different and most definitely not a gluttonous one.

There is no racing on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and Monday, December 23 is also a racing-free day in 2013.

At six foot, George Baker is one of the tallest jockeys in the weighing room and with a riding weight of nine stone, the Festive season is not a time for the 31-year-old to indulge.

Baker said: "I get some time off over Christmas. Being a Flat jockey, it is a bit quieter for us at this time of year than for the Jump jockeys. I will have three days off and I will take a total break during that time.

"I don't actually find it too difficult with all the food and drink everywhere at Christmas, you just have to be sensible. In the lead-up to Christmas, I still have to watch my weight as I may well be riding the next day.

"It just nice to have some time off to relax though. I will take a total break from everything during the three days I have off and I won't even be riding out during that time."

After the three-day break, the All-Weather season recommences with a seven-race card at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26.

Baker added: "If I can get rides on Boxing Day, it's great but it's not the end of the world if I don't.

"Again, it would be very different if I was a Jump jockey at this time of year. I would think that for the last 10 Boxing Days, I have probably had about half of them off. You like to keep busy, but don't always want to go racing just for one ride."

The past 12 months have been very fruitful for Baker. For the third time in his career he has ridden over 100 winners, which included a first Group One success in the British Champions Fillies' & Mares Stakes at Ascot in October aboard Seal Of Approval.

He concluded: "Prize money-wise, it has been fantastic and all round it has been a very enjoyable year. As of January 1, 2014, it is back to zero though! Fingers crossed next year will be as good."

 

@AWChamps On-fire Gosden aims yesterday's Lingfield Park Listed winner Dick Doughtywylie at £200,000 Coral All-Weather Championships Final

                              

2.35pm £37,000 Listed Coral App Download From The App Store Quebec Stakes, 1m 2f, Polytrack

Newmarket trainer John Gosden sent out the first and second in this Listed race but probably not in the order he expected, with 5/1 chance Dick Doughtywylie (Rab Havlin) beating 5/4 favourite Gatewood (William Buick) by a half-length.

 

Five-year-old Dick Doughtywylie was slightly slow into stride and came around the nine-strong field to take up the running after two furlongs.

The son of Oasis Dream was challenged strongly by Gatewood inside the final furlong but was never headed and kept on gamely to triumph in 2m 5.03s, with Galician a neck back in third.

Gosden, whose wife Rachel Hood bred and owns the winner, commented: "It was a good run from Dick Doughtywylie who stuck his head out and bravely fought off all challengers.

"The All-Weather Championships Final is very much the target for Dick Doughtywylie who will be freshened up now.

"Gatewood is not quite back to his best after his time in Australia."

Gosden has his horses in tremendous form and this was his 10th winner from 19 runners on the All-Weather this month.

Havlin added: "I am delighted for Dick Doughtywylie. He is such a yardstick in the stable as he is one of the main lead horses.

"He battled and is really tough - a pleasing result."

Havlin, enjoying his best ever year with 61 winners in 2013, is in nearly as good form as the trainer, with 12 successes from 45 rides in December.

Dick Doughtywylie has run three times during the new All-Weather Championships, which started on October 26, and so he is qualified to go for the £200,000 Middle Distance Final sponsored by Coral on Good Friday (April 18) over 10 furlongs at Lingfield Park.

Horses qualify for the six championship contests on All-Weather Championships Finals Day (Good Friday, April 18, 2014) by running in a minimum of three races at Britain's All-Weather tracks - three owned by ARC, Lingfield Park, Southwell and Wolverhampton, and The Jockey Club's Kempton Park - between October 26 and April 12 or else by succeeding in one of the 16 Fast Track Qualifiers.

@AWChamps Tarooq breaks track record in today's Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Handicap £45,000 at Lingfield Park

Tarooq landed today's feature £45,000 Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Handicap at Lingfield Park, setting a new course record of 1m 8.75s for the six-furlong course. All of the first six horses home bettered the previous track record of 1m 9.42s set by Valbchek on November 16.

Making his second appearance for North Yorkshire trainer David Barron, the seven-year-old was settled eighth of the 12-strong field before being delivered with a challenge two furlongs from home by Graham Gibbons.

The winner, returned at 7/1, took the lead entering the final furlong and ran on well to repel the strong late challenge of Scottish raider Hawkeyethenoo (5/1) by a length and a half, with 5/2 favourite Lancelot Du Lac a further neck back in third.

The son of War Chant was winning for the fourth time on the Polytrack at Lingfield Park.

Graham Gibbons said: "They played into his hands as they went very, very quick. I just stayed on the inside. I got a nice run round and he has done it well.

"I knew I wouldn't be able to be anywhere else from where he was drawn (4). He takes a while to warm up but he knows his way around.

"I knew he would come on from his first run for us because we hadn't done a lot with him. He is quite smart around here.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he kept going on the All-Weather. It's up for David to decide.

"This was another step up for him. I don't think he has to be tucked up that he was today, it was just the way the race unfurled for him."

Tarooq is now eligible for the new £1-million All-Weather Championships Final Day, having previously run on October 26 at Wolverhampton and at Kempton Park on November 21 (on his first start for Barron).

Horses qualify for the six championship contests on the new £1-million All-Weather Championships Finals Day (Good Friday, April 18, 2014) by winning a specified "Fast Track Qualifier" or running in a minimum of three races at Britain's All-Weather tracks - three owned by ARC, Lingfield Park, Southwell and Wolverhampton, and The Jockey Club's Kempton Park - between October 26 and April 12.

The next Sprint Fast Track Qualifier for horses aged four plus is the £37,000 Listed Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Cleves Stakes over six furlongs at Lingfield Park on Saturday, February 22.

The Sprint All-Weather Championships final is the £150,000 bookmakers.co.uk Stakes over six furlongs at Lingfield Park on Good Friday.

Dubai World Cup Carnival Candidates Test Big-Season Credentials at Meydan

Purebred Arabians Face off In Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah

Thursday (tomorrow) sees the best Meydan card of the season so far as a host of Dubai World Cup Carnival runners take to the track as well as the Purebred Arabians who will contest the first Group race of the new term.

The fourth meeting of the season, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, features three fascinating Conditions races alongside a Group 2 Purebred Arabian highlight.

Multiple Group 1 winner, Meandre faces seven rivals in a 2000m Conditions contest and is back with Doug Watson for whom he ran once in Singapore earlier in the year, following his sixth-place finish in the 2013 Dubai World Cup for Andre Fabre.

He then ran four times in Europe, including a Group 1 victory in Germany from which he was originally disqualified but later re-awarded the race.

“We had hoped to go to Hong Kong with him,” explained Watson. “So, when that invitation failed to materialise this was the obvious race for him as he is fit and ready to go.

“He is going great at home and really pleasing us so we can use this to find out if he can transfer his Group 1 turf form to the all-weather. It is a good opportunity to try him on the other surface, knowing we can go back to turf if we need.

“We are looking forward to running him.”

Satish Seemar would appear to provide the main opposition in the shape of Farrier, a winner at Jebel Ali on his seasonal return and the mount of Richard Mullen who said: “We were delighted with his comeback win and hope he is a genuine Dubai World Cup Carnival horse. This will be a good test for him against Meandre.”

Meandre carries a penalty as does stable companion Barbecue Eddie, winner of last season’s Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1. The Dubai favourite is making his seasonal debut for Watson.

“Obviously he is a real star in the yard and is in great form. He normally runs well fresh so hopefully he can break well and get a good position from his middle draw,” said the trainer.

“It actually looks a good little race and he has that Group 2 penalty but it is the perfect slot to bring him back before Al Maktoum Challenge RI.”

He faces eight rivals in a 1600m conditions race, including Farrier, second in last season’s Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge II. He too represents the Seemar and Mullen combination.

“He was progressive last season apart from disappointing in the Godolphin Mile and we are hoping there is more to come. Barbecue Eddie is an obvious danger and I am sure it will not be the only time they clash this season,” said Mullen.

There is also a quality 1200m Conditions race but the only Purebred Arabian contest, the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah, is the most valuable race on the card and, again, Watson holds a major chance. He saddles last year’s winner, Quite A Show.

“He rather surprised us when he won this last year under a Group 1 penalty after two runs at Abu Dhabi,” said the trainer. “We are following a similar path, hoping it works again and he is not penalised this year.”

Multiple Group 1 winner, Meandre seen here during Dubai World Cup week 2013 contests a Conditions race at Meydan on Thursday. Credit: Dubai Racing Club//Neville Hopwood

@CheltenhamRaces Twiston-Davies looking to fruitful Cheltenham return on New Year's Day with Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup winner Double Ross

Double Ross could return to Cheltenham on New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2014) for either the £50,000 Grade Three Fairlawne Handicap Chase or the £32,000 Grade Two Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday Novices' Chase, both over two miles and five furlongs.

The seven-year-old recorded a gutsy two-length success in the £100,000 Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup, run over the same course and distance, at The International on December 14.

Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge got off the mark at the third time of asking over fences when beating Attaglance in a novices' chase at Perth in September and went on to make the frame in competitive contests at Chepstow and Ascot.

Twiston-Davies reported: "Double Ross could now go to Cheltenham for either the Fairlawne Handicap Chase or Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday Novices' Chase - we will have a look at both.

"I was very pleased with his performance at the weekend and he has come out of the race great. 

"He surprised us a bit because we thought he needed soft going, but he handled the better ground fine.

"I thought he was getting tired at the end and we will just have to wait and see how far he can go."

New Year's Day at Cheltenham

New Year's Day at Cheltenham offers the perfect opportunity to see in 2014 with a bang, offering a seven-race card running from 12.10pm through to 3.40pm.

The two richest races on the card are the £50,000 Grade Three Fairlawne Handicap Chase (2.30pm) and the £32,000 Grade Two Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday Novices' Chase (1.20pm), which in recent years has been won by horses of the calibre of Champion Court (2012), Calgary Bay (2009), My Way de Solzen (2007) and The Listener (2006).

New Year's Day is also a highlight for Pony Club members and their families, who have the chance to look behind the scenes in special racecourse tours.

Family Fun Zone will also be open on New Year's Day offering free fun for the kids including face painting, balloon modelling, colouring and loads more including special appearances of Peppa Pig at selected times.

It is located in the shopping village and open from 10.30am until the last race. Adults need a Club/Tattersalls ticket to access the Family Fun Zone and children must be accompanied at all times.

Gates open at 10.30am and accompanied children aged under 18 gain FREE admission

UAE Launches Title Defense of FEI World Dressage Challenge Wednesday

Country’s Best Dressage Riders Compete for Top International Judges

UAE-based riders have the chance to claim the FEI World Dressage Challenge for the second consecutive year in the annual global competition, which is held tomorrow,  (Wednesday December 18, 2013) at Emirates Equestrian Centre (EEC).

The event is designed to allow riders in developing dressage countries, which do not have their own dressage Grands Prix, to compete against other nations without the need for expensive and time-consuming international travel. It sees competitors remain in their home countries and perform dressage tests for traveling international judges who then pool all results to establish a league table of high scores.

Countries are divided into geographical zones, with the UAE falling into Zone 4, alongside Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Turkey. The UAE leg, which is supported by Bonjour Equestrian Supplies, along with Dubai Equestrian Club, Emirates Equestrian Centre and the Emirates Equestrian Federation, runs from 3.30pm-

In 2011 the UAE finished 10th out of 53 participating countries but last season UAE riders leaped into the global top spot, with UAE-based Cristina Calin-Thompson finishing top of  Zone 4 in the Prix St George category with a score of 66.5 per cent on Reem Al Abbar’s bay gelding, Webster.

In the Medium class the UAE obtained all three top Zone 4 results with Lynn al Redha scoring  70.9 per cent on Legrande, Dianne Breeze getting 68.53 per cent on Bellisimo Vita and Tracy Wyngard-Gill posting 65.5 per cent on Pikarda.

The UAE’s combined results across all classes were good enough to dominate the rankings following the country’s best-ever showing in the event. “The standard of tests was very high last season and we are hoping that UAE-based riders can replicate the same kind of performance this season,” said Lilian Sternvad, Dressage Coordinator at EEC, who has been organising the event at EEC since 2003. “The feedback from the judges was very positive and they were very impressed with the professionalism of the riders and the standard of performance.

“The World Dressage Challenge is an excellent tool for countries that don’t have their own Grand Prix. The riders compete under international rules and at international levels against riders from other countries. Over the years I have seen a huge improvement on the standard of tests produced by the riders in the UAE.”

Grandstand Stables Gearing up for 2014 Dubai World Cup Carnival Season

Stable Stars Mufarhh, Tamaathul and Derbaas in Action Thursday

Ali Rashid Al Raihe and his team at Grandstand Stables have long been a force to be reckoned with in UAE racing.
Al Raihe may have relinquished his UAE Champion Trainer’s title to Abu Dhabi-based Ernst Oertel last season, but the Emirati’s credentials are there for all to see.

He became one of only a few locally-based trainers to have claimed a Group 1 on Dubai World Cup day, when Al Shemali landed the 2010 US$5m Dubai Duty Free under stable jockey, Royston FFrench. Until last season he had claimed three consecutive UAE trainer’s championships and he has an enviable haul of Dubai World Cup Carnival Group races to his credit.

This season’s National Day Cup runner-up, Derbaas, who followed stablemate Nawwaar home, has been a great servant to the yard. His best result to date is arguably the 2011 Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort, which came off the back of a three-race winning streak.

First City touched off De Kock`s stable star, Mahbooba, in the Group 2 Cape Verdi by a nose a year later but it was years earlier that Tropical Star started Al Raihe on the road to big-race success when the sprinter claimed the Mahab Al Shimaal in 2006 and the Al Shindagha Sprint in 2007.

This term Al Raihe has around 68 horses in training and is working from a season-ready core of about 40. He has also taken delivery of some new youngsters who offer intriguing prospects for the future.

“The amount of horses is not large, but we have made a good start to the season,” said Al Raihe. “We also have some nice new horses but they will need some time as we don’t like to rush them when they first arrive in the yard.”

Among them are Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s new UAE recruits, the former William Haggas charge, Mundahesh, rated 86, who had a winning local start over 1400m at Meydan on November 21 and the 87-rated Ghaamer a three-year-old from Dermot Weld’s yard. The three-year-old Ribaat, who is rated 97, makes the transfer from Roger Varian while Mutazamen, rated 80 from Richard Hannon’s yard, was last seen finishing down the field in a Heritage Handicap. Mayaasem, rated 84 was previously under the care of Charlie Hills’ and also joins the Grandstand Stables’ ranks.

There are also three new untested Jaber Abdulla-owned horses including the unraced Max Beauty and Royal Hunter and the maiden, Waahy, who was runner-up in a maiden on December 5.

“We won’t look at starting many of these new horses until toward the end of December or January,” said Al Raihe. “Where there are race videos available we watch them to get as much information about the horses as possible. We also want to see how they go over here and how they adjust to their new surroundings before they will appear in a race.”

Tried and tested Grandstand Stables stars include the versatile and consistent Haatheq, the 2013 Godolphin Mile and Jebel Ali Mile runner-up who made a winning return to Meydan’s all-weather track on November 21 as well as this Thursday’s performer, Derbaas. Both are said to be in good form.

“Haatheq has been with us a while now and we are familiar with how he likes to be trained, so he’s become quite straightforward. He made a pleasing start to the season and we will be looking at the Jebel Ali Mile and Stakes and of course the Dubai World Cup Carnival,” said the trainer. “We are happy with Derbaas. He won the National Day Cup Prep and was runner up in the actual race.”

The sprinter Tamaathul another runner who, like Haatheq acquitted himself very well on Dubai World Cup day finishing fourth in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, will also be in action this season.

“We were expecting a big run from him on Dubai World Cup day,” said Al Raihe of the grey who makes his seasonal debut in a 1200m Conditions race on Thursday. “He is the 1200m record-holder over the grass at Meydan and he will probably follow a similar campaign this season.”

Al Raihe identified Dubai World Cup Carnival winner, Mufarrh, who holds an entry to this Thursday’s Conditions race over 1600m as well as Bravo Ragazzo, a winner already this season and Blue Sea as horses to keep an eye on.
As well as his four-legged charges, Al Raihe is also mentoring stable apprentice, Saeed Al Mazrooei.

“He has the right attitude,” said Al Raihe, who has been training for 28 years and in that time helped shape the early career of Emirati jockey, Ahmed Ajtebi. “Saeed rides well and is strong in a finish. He works very hard and rides out every morning. Whatever horse we give him, he keeps his head down and gets on with his job and we like his commitment.”

The Ali Rashid Al Raihe trained Haatheq wins on seasonal debut under Dane O'Neill Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Andrew Watkins

@DRC_Meydan Meydan Pillar Partner Al Tayer Motors Powers First Group Race of the Season

Al Tayer Motors, one of the UAE’s leading automobile dealerships, sponsors a six-race card at Meydan Racecourse on Thursday, highlighted by the Group 2 Dh150,000 Mazrat al Ruwayah for Purebred Arabians.

A long-term supporter of horseracing at Meydan, Al Tayer Motors, is making its first visit to the Dubai track this season, and will be back on February 13, 2014 when three Group 3 Thoroughbred contests are run as part of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Al Tayer Motors also sponsors the newly-upgraded Group 2 $1m Dubai Gold Cup on Dubai World Cup day.

“Al Tayer Motors, together with Jaguar and Land Rover, is pleased to present an exciting evening of equestrian action as part of Racing at Meydan 2013. This is one of our longest sporting associations and we look forward to the entertaining event, which gives the local and regional horseracing talent a platform to showcase their sporting prowess,” said Ashok Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Al Tayer Motors.

Malih al Basti, Chairman of Meydan Racing Committee, said: “We welcome Al Tayer Motors back to Meydan as a sponsor for the 19th season. Al Tayer Motors has a long history of generous support of horseracing in the UAE and this commitment was underlined last season when the company became a pillar partner with a significant presence on Dubai World Cup day, namely through the Dubai Gold Cup.

“Horse racing continues to go from strength-to-strength in the UAE, thanks to the support of forward-thinking local companies like Al Tayer Motors.”

Al Tayer Motors was established in 1982 and represents major European and American automobile manufacturers including Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln, Ferrari, Maserati, Spyker and DAF Trucks across the UAE.

Admission is free to the public areas of Meydan Racecourse and tickets start at Dh50, gates open at 5pm and the first race starts at 6.30pm.

For further details please contact: +971 4327 2110, ticketoffice@dubairacingclub.com or click http://www.dubairacingclub.com/buy-now/race-season-tickets for online bookings.

For behind-the-scenes news and views from Dubai Racing Club, follow us on Twitter at @DRC_Meydan or DWC_Meydan and like us on facebook by clickingon our Dubai Racing Club facebook page here: http://tinyurl.com/b8dqu5w

@WetherbyRaces Parrott eyes Wetherby return for Wayward Prince

Wayward Prince is likely to return to his beloved Wetherby for the £40,000 William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong, the highlight of the two-day William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26.

 

Hilary Parrott's charge has made the frame in all four of his visits to the Yorkshire track and secured his biggest success over fences when capturing the Grade Two Towton Novices' Chase in February, 2011.

The nine-year-old has filled the runner-up spot in last two renewals of the £100,000 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase and came fourth in the 2011 Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

His latest outing at Wetherby saw Wayward Prince come within a neck of victory in the Grade Two bet365 Charlie Hall Chase on November 2, when just beaten by Harry Topper, with Unioniste, Benefficient and Long Run behind him.

He was pulled up on his most recent start in a Listed chase at Aintree on December 7, which he won last year, having sprawled on landing at the first fence.

Parrott, who trains in Gloucestershire, revealed: "If Wayward Prince is all right after his funny experience at Aintree, he will go for the William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

"He did the splits after jumping into the back of a horse at Aintree and was a bit sore in his back afterwards, but we have had him treated and he appears to be OK.

"I will work him this week and if that goes well, I will take him to Wetherby on Boxing Day.

"I was gutted at Aintree because it was an encouraging run at Wetherby before that, but that's racing I suppose.

"He likes good ground. It was beautiful ground when he was second in the Charlie Hall, so let's hope it's like that again."

The William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase boasts a tremendous roll of honour, featuring the subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Forgive 'N Forget (1984) and The Thinker (1986).

The last two renewals have gone to horses from the yard of Malton handler Malcolm Jefferson, with According To Pete winning in 2011 and Cape Tribulation triumphant 12 months ago.

A six-race programme at Wetherby on Boxing Day gets underway at 12.45pm and runs through to 3.25pm, with all the races sponsored for the first time by William Hill.

The same sponsor also backs all six races on Friday, December 27, when the highlight is the £20,000 William Hill Castleford Handicap Chase over two miles.

Entries for the William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival close on Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21.

Gates open at 10.00am on both days of the William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival, with complimentary mince pies and mulled wine on offer for the early arrivals. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wetherbyracing.co.uk. There is free entry for accompanied children aged 17 and under.

Eight-time course winner and local favourite Mister McGoldrick will be in attendance on Boxing Day as part of a display from New Beginnings, the Yorkshire-based enterprise that provides a safe, secure and supportive environment for retired racehorses.

The William Hill Yorkshire Winter Festival at Wetherby forms part of the wider Go Racing In Yorkshire Winter Festival, which continues at Catterick on Saturday, December 28 and Doncaster on Sunday, December 29. This four-day jumping extravaganza takes place for the first time in 2013 and follows on from the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival which has been held very successfully for the past six years.

A racecard competition with the prize of a two-night stay in the Crown Hotel at Bawtry will run during the Go Racing In Yorkshire Winter Festival, while the most successful trainer and jockey over the four days will each win an overnight stay at the Raithwaite Estate, the luxury country retreat situated close to Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast.