Tag: Spirit Dancer

Saudi Cup Meeting Attracts Entries From 15 Countries

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) has released the names of the 1162 entries–including 41 Grade I/Group 1 winners–from no fewer than 15 racing jurisdictions around the world for the US$33.5 million Saudi Cup meeting to be held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh Saturday, Feb. 23, 2024. Prize money is up by $2.25 million as compared to the 2023 renewal, reflecting the upgrades of the Neom Turf Cup (2100mT) and 1351 Turf Sprint to international Group 2 status. One of the two races for Purebred Arabians–the Al Mneefah Cup– has been accorded Group 1 status for the first time.

White Abarrio (Race Day) is chief among the entries for the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup. The Rick Dutrow, Jr. runner is doing his preparations in California for the 1800-meter test, where he could face Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), whom he defeated when last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita in early November. The Japanese–which have 110 entries across the races–could also be represented by reigning G1 Dubai World Cup winner and Breeders' Cup Classic fifth Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) as well as Godolphin's Japanese champion dirt horse Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid), who earned a spot in the Saudi Cup field when winning the G1 Champions Cup in December. National Treasure (Quality Road), victorious in last year's GI Preakness S., is one of five entries for trainer Bob Baffert, who has also nominated GI Malibu S. winner Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) and Zedan Racing Stable's Hejazi (Bernardini), runner-up in that seven-furlong test Dec. 26. The Brad Cox barn could be represented by Saudi-owned GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), while Scotland Yard (Quality Road) is among the chief local chances. Aidan O'Brien has entered Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) for what would be their dirt debuts in the Saudi Cup.

Japan's Silver Sonic (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) carried 125 pounds to victory in last year's G3 Longines Red Sea Turf Cup H., but if he is to defend his title in the $2.5-million contest, he will need to tote 134 against a field in which G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin winner Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) is top-weighted at 136 pounds. The 3000-meter staying test has also attracted G2 Yorkshire Cup hero Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}, 133), Godolphin's group/graded winner Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}, 133), the Dermot Weld-trained 9-year-old G3 Loughbrown S. winner Falcon Eight (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}, 129), Enemy (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}, 126) and G3 Bahrain Trophy second Tower of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for Ballydoyle.

The connections of Simca Mille could opt for the G2 Neom Turf Cup, a $2-million race over an extended mile and a quarter. John and Thady Gosden sent out Mostahdaf (GB) (Frankel {GB}) to a barnstorming win in last year's race and the father-and-son partnership has Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training acquisition Jack Darcy (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) engaged. Luxembourg holds a Neom Turf Cup entry, while narrow GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Mawj (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) has also been handed this stamina-stretching option by Saeed bin Suroor. Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) could try to make it consecutive wins in the race for his sire, having most recently defeated the Gosdens' Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) and Point Lonsdale in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy back in November. American entries include Missed the Cut (Quality Road), unplaced when well-fancied last year, and the consistent Webslinger (Constitution).

America's Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed) has endured a pair of excruciating defeats in the 1351 Turf Cup and could return for a third attempt at the race, as he remains in training into an 8-year-old campaign in 2024. The globetrotting Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) dropped his head down on the line first in last year's race for trainer Yoshito Yahagi and could be back to defend his title against a group that could also include Saudi Arabia's Raaed (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a cracking third last year, Godolphin's Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Amo Racing's Walbank (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), an impressive handicap winner over 1200 metres at Meydan for George Boughey Jan. 5, and Forbidden Kingdom (American Pharoah), all-the-way winner of the GII Joe Hernandez S. for MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm at Santa Anita Dec. 30.

Japanese runners have proved formidable in the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and a strong team includes Remake (Jpn) (Lani), who was a good third to the now-retired top American sprinters Elite Power (Curlin) and Gunite (Gun Runner) in the 1200-meter test last February. The North Hills homebred was last seen finishing runner-up to Igniter (Jpn) (Espoir City {Jpn}) in the valuable Listed JBC Sprint at Ohi Racecourse in November, and he also holds an entry. Speed Boat Beach could be re-routed for this shorter option, while other entries from the US include reigning G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Sibelius (Not This Time), the in-form Bold Journey (Hard Spun) for 2023 winning conditioner Bill Mott, Forbidden Kingdom, Hejazi and recent Oaklawn allowance winner Skelly (Practical Joke). Last year's Saudi Derby winner Commissioner King (Commissioner) features among the local Sprint contingent.

Over 200 entries were taken for the G3 Saudi Derby going a metric mile on the dirt. Zedan Racing's 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic), recent winner of the GII San Vicente S. for Bob Baffert, has been given an entry as has his Grade I-placed stable companion Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso) and San Vicente runner-up Pilot Commander (Justify). Yahagi's Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) holds an entry as does his stablemate Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who appears set to make the journey to the desert after convincingly defeating Aigle Noir (Jpn) (Bricks and Mortar) in the Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki last month. An intriguing possibility from the Weld yard is Taraj (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), placed in one of two starts on the turf and a latest maiden winner going a mile over the Dundalk all-weather Nov. 24. Among the locals, Saudi Neom (Connect) is among the possibles, having run his record to two wins and a second from three runs with a victory over the Derby course and distance Jan. 6.

Top Qatari galloper Bolthole (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}), third in last year's Listed H. H. The Amir Trophy and winner of a Class 2 conditions race over 2000 metres at Al Rayyan Jan. 4 for Wathnan Racing and Alban de Mieulle, is the joint-highweight for the $500,000 Saudi International H. (90-110) over 2100 metres on the grass.

Click here for the full list of entries.

 

The post Saudi Cup Meeting Attracts Entries From 15 Countries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

‘My Best Day In Racing’ – Sir Alex Ferguson Nets $1m Bahrain Riches

In the pantheon of the promotional stakes, the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) winning the $1-million G2 Bahrain International Trophy would have ranked pretty highly as a dream result for everyone associated with this relatively new race. 

To have one of the most recognisable sporting figures in the world in attendance all week was something, but for Spirit Dancer to play with his rivals in a similar fashion to some of the best teams Ferguson assembled at the helm of Manchester United exceeded all expectations. 

You don't last 26 years at Manchester United, manage the careers of some of the biggest names in football–think Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo–and amass 38 trophies without being a tough task master. 

But Ferguson has been nothing but warm to anyone in Bahrain this week who has politely asked for a photograph or to simply reminisce about previous glories. The reaction the 81-year-old met Spirit Dancer taking care of a Group 1 field in all but name was one of genuine delight with the Scottsman labelling the victory as his greatest ever in racing. 

“That's the best ever in racing, without question,” Ferguson said moments after Spirit Dancer crossed the line over two lengths clear of the John and Thady Gosden-trained Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) in second with Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) a close-up third.”

He continued, “When you looked at the field I was worried. I'm seeing Godolphin with five, [Aidan] O'Brien's got a runner, [Andre] Fabre's got a horse there. And we're just a wee stable from Yorkshire.

“He won well, too, very well. It was Ged [Mason] who jumped on me–100 yards away he looked as though he was going to win but I'm not counting my chickens at that point, I'm just praying. He carried me over the line with him.”

Ferguson has enjoyed his fair share of success in racing. Few will forget his association with Coolmore in the late nineties and early noughties, highlighted by Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire), but more recently he has been concentrating on the jumps and enjoyed a host of success with trainer Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton, with Clan Des Obeaux (Fr), What A Friend (GB) and Protektorat (Fr), respectively. 

But Spirit Dancer represents the latest chapter in Ferguson's racing endeavors as the Richard Fahey-trained 6-year-old is one of the first horses to have graduated from the owner's stud farm in Hemel Hempstead.

Ferguson explained, “He was my first foal. It was a new adventure for me to get into breeding to be honest. I bought a mare from Germany. She's at Hemel Hempstead and is from a good family. 

“The first foal was a Frankel, and that's why we're down here today. We've had other horses that have done well but the Frankel has been fantastic. I told Oisin [Orr, jockey] going out there to remember he's [Spirit Dancer] a Frankel.”

He added, “And the hospitality has been amazing here. I know I was signing a lot of autographs and taking a lot of photos but it's only a photograph, it only takes a second and you shouldn't ignore people wanting your photo, especially kids. You have to have patience for that type of thing and I've always shown that anyway. It's fantastic, I can't believe it.”

It may have been lost in the occasion somewhat the brilliant job that Fahey has done with Spirit Dancer. He delivered the horse in peak condition for the day that mattered and took great satisfaction in the result, even if the trainer admitted to being slightly surprised at the ease in which it was achieved. 

Fahey said, “It was an easy race to watch because we always felt we were going to win. Once he hit the front he wouldn't be stopping and it would take a good one to beat us. The fancied ones were in front of us, we passed them and they don't often come back. I'm absolutely over the moon. It's a special moment for everyone. We did see the trophy the other night, it looked like the FA Cup, Sir Alex is used to picking up the FA Cup. It was a fantastic result.”

On future plans, he added of his G2 Neom Turf Cup qualifier, “We were mentioning going to Saudi in February, we'd see how he ran today. Have horse, will travel, so we'll see how he comes home. I genuinely thought it was a tough race and he needed to step up but it was a comfortable race to watch. It's a huge moment for me. We've had Royal Ascot winners and things like that but with Sir Alex there it's been a great week with the build up.  He put no pressure on me, the horse, or anybody. It was 'lets enjoy this'. He's an absolute gentleman. Some great stories and a great man.”

The win also represented a special success for jockey Oisin Orr. The Classic-winning pilot made the decision to join the Fahey stable earlier this year due to a shortage of rides in his native Ireland and the Donegal man has not looked back. 

He said, “The horse was a big price but I think he really needed his last run because Richard had given him a break after the horse had won three in a short space of time. So, he did need it at Newmarket and Richard had him spot on for today. 

“I thought I was actually getting there a bit soon. All he does is gallop-he's tough and he was very good there today. It's right up there with my best days in racing. You never complain when you come over here and win something big like that. It's good when it works out.”

He added, “It was great to get the opportunity to come over to England to ride for Richard Fahey this year and I haven't looked back since. Then to go and win a million-pound race, it's great.”

Just one thing Orr didn't tell Ferguson in the razzmatazz of it all. He's a Liverpool fan. But something says even that couldn't take the gloss of the whole occasion.

Pedigree Notes

The G3 Strensall S.-winning gelding who was fourth in the G3 Darley S. last month, counts as part of Frankel's 133-strong battalion of stakes winners and is one of 91 group/graded winners. He is bred on the same cross as G1 Prix de la Foret winner Kelina (Ire), G2 Prix de Sandringham winner Obligate (GB), and fellow group winners Eternal Pearl (GB) and Delaware (GB), who are all out of daughters of his Juddmonte studmate Oasis Dream (GB).

The third foal and one of five winners for his unraced dam Queen's Dream (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Spirit Dancer is the best of the lot. His yearling half-brother is by Masar (Ire). Queen's Dream is a sister to a quartet of stakes winners led by her full-brother, Group 1 winner and sire Querari (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), and her half-sister, multiple group winner Quidura (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was thrice placed at the highest level in the U.S. Spirit Dancer's third dam is the G2 German 1000 Guineas heroine Quebrada (Ire) (Devil's Bag).

Friday, Sakhir, Bahrain
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY-G2, $1,000,000, Sakhir, 11-17, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:06.82, gd.
1–SPIRIT DANCER (GB), 128, g, 6, by Frankel (GB)
1st Dam: Queen's Dream (Ger), by Oasis Dream (GB)
2nd Dam: Quetena (Ger), by Acatenango (Ger)
3rd Dam: Quebrada (Ire), by Devil's Bag
O-Done Ferguson Mason; B-Sir Alex Ferguson & Niall
McLoughlin; T-Richard Fahey; J-Oisin Orr; $600,000. Lifetime
Record: GSW-Eng, 23-7-6-2, $906,075. Werk Nick Rating:
   A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross
   pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style
   pedigree.
2–Israr (GB), 128, c, 4, Muhaarar (GB)–Taghrooda (GB), by Sea
The Stars (Ire). O/B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited; T-John
& Thady Gosden; J-Jim Crowley; $200,000.
3–Point Lonsdale (Ire), 128, c, 4, Australia (GB)–Sweepstake
(Ire), by Acclamation (GB). (575,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT).
O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor &
Westerberg; B-Epona Bloodstock Ltd; T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan
Moore; $100,000.
Margins: 2 1/4, SHD, NK.
Also Ran: Real World (Ire), Birr Castle (Fr), Astro King (Ire), Nations Pride (Ire), Above the Curve, Calif, Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire), Highland Avenue (Ire), . Qaader (Ire), Dubai Future (GB), Layfayette (Ire). Scratched: Goemon (GB), Tawaareq (Ire), Zagato (GB). Click for the Bahrain Turf Club chart.

VIDEO.

 

The post ‘My Best Day In Racing’ – Sir Alex Ferguson Nets $1m Bahrain Riches appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights