UAE | Horse Racing Free Tips

‘I Learned From My Mistake’: Mahmood Al Zarooni Returns To Training After Eight-Year Ban

Former Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni is to restart his training career in the UAE with a mission to “clean my name”.

Al Zarooni served an eight-year steroids ban, which he completed in April 2021, and is setting up a public stable at Sharjah racecourse.

“I applied for my licence to the Emirates Racing Authority and they approved it,” he said. “I want to come back and show that Mahmood wasn't cheating. I want to clean my name.

“I made a big mistake and I learned from my mistake. I want to prove that I was clean, I was trying my best to be clean but this mistake happened.”

Al Zarooni, 45, trained three Classic winners during his time in charge of one of Sheikh Mohammed's two Newmarket stables. However, he was cast out of the sport in disgrace when he was disqualified for eight years by a BHA disciplinary panel after 11 horses in his care tested positive for the anabolic steroids ethylestranol and stanozolol.

The ban was reciprocated worldwide but now Al Zarooni is free to work again in horse racing and has formed a partnership with Marwan Abdul Rahman, who has been working as an assistant trainer in Dubai.

“Marwan had talked to me about doing something together,” said Al Zarooni. “When my ban finished and I got my clearance for the BHA we decided to have a public stable and we will be based in the Sharjah Equestrian Club.

“Sheikh Adbullah Bin Majid [chairman of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club] is one of the founders of the sport of horse racing here and has always been a grateful supporter to all small trainers and owners. I have been one of them during my early days before joining Godolphin. I would like to thank him for his support and hope my second rising will be from his center.

“Sharjah has everything you need in terms of facilities so I hope we can do good,” he went on. “I hope owners will support us. I would like to have some international owners, especially English owners, because I receive many messages from them asking me to come to Newmarket. I love and miss Newmarket but it's difficult to do that at this time.

Al Zarooni added: “Marwan is a horse guy, he's been an assistant trainer for about four years. I think we can do good.

“The stable is ready and we have around 20 horses there already. I have been visiting every two or three days but from next month I will be full time. We have to start from the bottom and see where we can reach. It won't be easy.”

As a Godolphin trainer, Al Zarooni's major wins included the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks with Blue Bunting in 2011, the Dubai Sheema Classic and Prince of Wales's Stakes with Rewilding the same year, and the Dubai World Cup in 2012 with Monterosso.

He recorded his last Classic victory with Encke, who in landing the 2012 St Leger denied Camelot an historic Triple Crown after the Coolmore colt had won the 2,000 Guineas and Derby.

Al Zarooni has claimed the use of steroids was for therapeutic treatment on horses out of training and not to cheat. In Dubai, the administration of steroids was permitted out of competition until May 2013.

“Eight years was too harsh,” he said. “I am not saying I shouldn't have been punished. I had to be punished, but I think eight years was like a sentence for killing someone. I thought they would ban me for three years, four years maximum. So I am still feeling bitter.

He added: “I am very happy to be back doing what I like. It's been a very tough eight years. Working with horses is like a drug, so to be away from them hurt. I am very happy that I will be with them again.

“I am sure it will be a very difficult time to start with the coronavirus situation as there is a shortage of Asian riders and I am too heavy to ride. We will start from zero again and try our best.”

This story was reprinted with permission by Horse Racing Planet. Find the original piece and more content here.

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Plenty of Action During Tuesday Track Work at Meydan

Morning action at Meydan continued apace on Tuesday, with several Dubai World Cup night contenders stretching their legs just a few days before the blockbuster nine-race card on Saturday.

Last year's JRA Champion Dirt Horse and G1 Champions Cup hero Chuwa Wizard (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), who goes for the $12-million Dubai World Cup, galloped over the dirt track on Tuesday morning with regular pilot Keita Tosaki in the irons. He was ninth in the Saudi Cup in February.

“He has trained well so far,” said Tosaki. “The trainer told me to start a slow gallop at the beginning and then in the rest of the work I should decide the way he ran. I asked my horse to run comfortably and drive a bit more strongly towards the end of the stretch. He is more enthusiastic about his job compared to last time in Saudi, and I really understand how he is doing well and how good his condition is. He appears ready to race.”

Japan also fields a strong challenge in the $5-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. Chrono Genesis (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}), a three-time winner at the highest level in her native land including the G1 Arima Kinen Grand Prix in late December, galloped over the turf track with pilot Yuichi Kitamura on board.

“I picked up from the third bend and drove her comfortably to bring out her flexibility, without having too strong a breeze in the stretch,” said Kitamura. “It was my first ride on the turf track at Meydan, and the ground seems to be firmer than I expected. I thought it would be more cushioned but the grass itself is in really good condition. The ground won't be her issue anyway. I am very proud of how well she has travelled for the first time with a long flight. She feels really good and is settling in well at the quarantine barn.”

G1 Japanese Oaks heroine Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) worked on the dirt track with jockey Oisin Murphy aboard at 5 a.m.

“I have asked Oisin to get a feel for her and he said she was very fresh and sound,” said trainer Yoshito Yahagi. “I want her to put on a bit more weight as she lost some weight while she was isolated in Japan. But her flight experience last year when she came to Dubai helped her a lot this time. Since she arrived in Dubai, she has settled in well and her appetite has been back, and I hope she keeps improving her condition for Saturday's race. Oisin will give her a gallop either on dirt or turf tomorrow. He can choose whichever he likes.”

Simon and Ed Crisford's $4-million G1 Dubai Turf duo Court House (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}), who was second in the G2 Al Rashidiya in February and G3 Darley S. third Epic Hero (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) breezed 1200 metres on Tuesday morning. Head lad Dan Hutchinson was on Epic Hero and Ryan Powell rode Court House.

“Both worked very well this morning, they are fit and ready and we couldn't be happier with them.” Simon Crisford said. “Court House has run extremely well on the Meydan turf in his last two starts so we are hopeful he can run another consistent race. He's training well and enjoys racing up with the pace.

“Epic Hero has done very well since his first Carnival race and we are hopeful he can run a nice race. Obviously, he will need to improve on his best form, but he deserves to take his chance.”

Last out G1 Jebel Hatta victor Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) who is also targetting the Dubai Turf, was also in action, and breezed a quarter mile on the Meydan grass.

Trainer David O'Meara said, “Lord Glitters did a nice breeze over 400m on the grass this morning. That will be his final piece of fast work before the weekend and he is in good order.”

Trainer Nigel Tinkler's stakes winner Acklam Express (Ire), from the first crop of leading European first-season sire Mehmas (Ire), breeze on turf under rider Rowan Scott. Second and third in the G2 Meydan Sprint and G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint in February and March, respectively, he is entered for the $1-million G1 Al Quoz Sprint.

Tinkler, who is currently in the UK said, “Acklam Express worked this morning and he worked very nicely as he followed Lord Glitters during his gallop. He has been doing very well in Dubai and seems to like it there.”

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Mogul on Song For Sheema Classic

Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) is in good form ahead of a start in the $5-million G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on Mar. 27. Last seen in action taking the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in December, the Coolmore partners-owned 4-year-old also saluted in the 2020 G3 Gordon S. at Goodwood in July, ran second in the Aug. 19 Great Voltigeur S. and returned to the winner's circle in the G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp in September. Fifth in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf a month prior to his Hong Kong triumph, the 3.4-million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling will fly to Dubai on Monday and step out for morning trackwork after clearing 48 hours of quarantine on Thursday.

“We're happy with everything he's done,” trainer Aidan O'Brien, who won the race with the late St Nicholas Abbey (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) in 2013, told the Tamarkuz Media notes team. “He had a little break after Hong Kong and then he got going again and seems to be in good form. He's a horse who takes his racing very well and we think he's ready to start back again.

“I suppose it is his first run of the season, but he ran in December and that's hopefully an advantage. He wouldn't have had as long a break as he would have had last year, so we're hoping he's well enough and fit enough to do himself justice, really.”

Comparing Mogul and his year-older full-brother Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) who won the 2019 G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Juddmonte International S., O'Brien added, “Mentally they're a bit the same, but physically they're different. Mogul is probably a stronger, more powerful type of horse than Japan. Japan looks like a mile and a quarter, mile and a half horse, physically, whereas this horse looks more like a sprinter-miler. They're relaxed horses who sleep and eat well.

“He's a big, strong, powerful horse and there's a lot of Danehill in him, so he [Japan] carries plenty of condition. Even though he is fit and has done plenty of work, he still looks round and strong and looks more like a horse who will improve with the run, but that's the way he always looks.

“The quicker the ground the better. The flat track will suit him and a nice even pace will suit him. He likes to take his time and he comes home well. He's flying out on Monday and we will be on the track as soon as we can.”

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Mystic Guide Headlines Expected Field Of 14 For 2021 Dubai World Cup

A cast of 14 Group or Grade 1 winners with a combined 23 victories at the highest level are set to line up for the 25th running of Dubai World Cup day at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday March 27, 2021.

A total of 117 horses from 11 countries will compete across a spectacular day of racing worth USD$26.5m that features six Group 1 and three Group 2 contests.

The Group 1 $12m Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline and held over 2000m (1 1/4 miles) welcomes a 14-strong line up headed by the highest-rated Mystic Guide, trained by Michael Stidham in the USA. Mystic Guide is one of three Godolphin-owned runners in the field with the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Gifts of Gold also representing the home team. The third Godolphin runner comes in the shape of Magny Course, the charge of French maestro Andre Fabre who is making his dirt debut in the Dubai World Cup.

Yet the Godolphin runners face stiff competition from a three-strong team of US raiders including the 2021 Pegasus World Cup runner up, Jesus' Team, for trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo and the Miguel Angel Silva-prepared Grade 2 winner Sleepy Eyes Todd. Title Ready winner of January's Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes trained by Dallas Stewart completes the US lineup.

Japanese interests are represented by Grade 1 winner, Chuwa Wizard, who claimed the Champions Cup at Chukyo Racecourse in December 2020 for trainer Ryuji Okubo, while Uruguay's Ajuste Fiscal lines up for trainer Antonio Cintra. Bahraini handler, Fawzi Nass saddles a first Dubai World Cup runner with Salute The Soldier, whose route to the Dubai World Cup included victory in two out of the three traditional Dubai prep races – the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 over 1900m and the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 over the same 2000m of the Dubai World Cup.

Great Scot, third in The Saudi Cup last month, flies the flag for Saudi Arabia and trainer, Abdullah Mishriff. Local hopes will be pinned on the 2020 Group 3 Firebreak Stakes winner, Capezzano and this season's Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 runner up, Hypothetical from the yard of Salem Bin Ghadayer. Musabbah Al Mheiri saddles the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 winner, Military Law, while Doug Watson is represented by Thegreatcollection.

A stellar renewal of the Group 1 $5m 2410m Longines Dubai Sheema Classic seems certain with Japan's supermare, the multiple Grade 1 winner, Chrono Genesis, trained by Takashi Saito, lining up against dual Group 1 winner and Hong Kong Vase star, Mogul, who represents Irish supremo Aidan O'Brien. The Bill Mott trained four-time Group 1 winner, Channel Maker will be looking to go one better following his runner up spot to True Self in the Neom Turf Cup in February while the John Gosden-trained 2021 Saudi Cup hero, Mishriff is stepping up in trip and making a return to turf.

The 1800m $4m Group 1 Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World features a strong UK contingent, with Lord North winner of the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes from the Gosden yard, Lord Glitters, victor of the Group 1 Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday trained by David O'Meara, the Sir Michael Stoute trained Regal Reality as well as the Simon Crisford-trained pair of Court House and Epic Hero all lining up.

The Group 1 $1.5m 1200m Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News, boasts a multi-national field including the Doug O'Neill trained Wildman Jack winner of the 2020 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint and fellow US-based Group winner, Yaupon trained by Steve Asmussen who seeks redemption following his Breeder's Cup Sprint tilt in November. The Americans will take on Capella Stakes victor, Justin trained by Akira Murayama who renews his rivalry with Copano Kicking and Matera Sky, the winner and runner up respectively in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint three weeks ago. Canvassed winner of the Super Saturday Group 3 prep race, the Mahab Al Shimal for Doug Watson, renews his rivalry with the Ismail Mohammed trained Good Effort who was second by a neck on that occasion.

Elsewhere on the card Japan's Pink Kamehameha, trained by Hideyuki Mori seeks victory in the Group 2 1900m $750,000 UAE Derby Sponsored by Emirates NBD having already landed the Saudi equivalent over a mile.

Stablemate France Go De Ina and the Yukihiro Kato trained Takeru Pegasus complete a powerful Japanese Derby challenge while Dubai World Cup Carnival star, El Patriota(URU) prepared by Cintra represents Uruguay.

The Group 1 US$1m Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by AZIZI features Godolphin's Charlie Appleby trained Space Blues, fresh from victory in The Saudi Cup's 1351 Turf Sprint, Dubai World Cup Carnival star Equilateral trained by Charlie Hills and Cowan who was a fast-finishing second in the Saudi Derby and is another prepared by Asmussen.

Testing their staying power in the Group 2 $750,000 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors are the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak-winner Subjectivist, trained by Mark Johnston alongside Group 2 winners, Walderbe, trained by Germany's Ralf Rohne, the Andrew Balding trained Spanish Mission and Red Verdon trained by Ed Dunlop.

The Group 2 $750,000 Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One features 2020 Curlin Stakes winner, Parsimony trained by Doug O'Neill alongside Saudi raider Urban Icon, trained by Saud Saad M Alkahtani, Multiple UAE Champion Trainer, Doug Watson saddles the trio of Midnight Sands, Premier Star and Golden Goal, while Satish Seemar's Zabeel Stables also sends out three including Secret Ambition, Roman Rosso and Tuz. The Salem Bin Ghadayer trained Blown By The Wind lines up alongside Japan's Dieu Du Vin and the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Dubai Mirage.

The Dubai World Cup is being held behind closed doors on Saturday March 27, 2021 and will see a modification to the purse structure meaning that prize money will be paid out to 8th place.

DUBAI WORLD CUP 2021 CURRENT INVITED FIELDS

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