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Dubai Carnival Opens at Meydan Racecourse
The architect's future design, in the aerial view above, of Dubai's new US$2 billion hotel and Meydan Racecourse complex not only shows the vast ambition of the project, but the artistic integrity of its exquisite Arabic design.
The racecourse's 1,750m Tapeta synthetic surface will replace Nad al Sheba's 2,200m Dirt course and will become the new home of the US$10 million Dubai World Cup on March 27 and many other major races.
In fact, there is speculation that the Dubai Racing Club might stage world-class races later in the year which would bridge the seasons between Europe and both the Near and Far East.
They could be staged at the beginning of the Dubai racing season in November and could compete with the Breeders' Cup.
Meydan's racecourse and one floor of the grandstand's corporate section were ready in time for opening day of the Dubai Carnival January 28 and the first leg of the Maktoum Challenge sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Farm.
The eight-race card was worth US$930,000.
It was only fitting that the first race would be a US$55,000 Group 1 for Anglo Arabs at 1,600m. It is the UAE Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 sponsored by Jazil of Shadwell Farm on Dirt.
The Anglo and Pure Bred Arabian races and Challenge are very popular with local residents and the horses regularly compete in Europe.
Sheikh Hamdan's gorgeous colt No Risk Al Maury FR (Kesberoy) trained by Britain's Gill Duffield, won the event by 3/4 length with his Santhal FR (Djebbel) second and Kandar Du Falgas FR (Kesberoy) ridden by Tadhg O'Shea fourth. Vite Royal USA (Monarch AH) was third.
British jockey Richard Hills made history as the first winning rider on the Meydan Racecourse and earned his 450th victory in the UAE. It certainly pays to be Sheikh Hamdan's retained jockey.
The mile thoroughbred US$200,000 Maktoum Challenge Group 3 sponsored by Invasor ARG, Shadwell Farm, was the highlight of the day as it is a Trial for the Dubai World Cup and Godolphin Mile.
Last-year's runner-up in the DWC and winner of the 1-1/4 mile Group 1 Turf Singapore Airlines International Cup, 6yo Gloria De Campeao BRZ (Impression ARG) won by 1/2 length and is entered in the DWC by his French trainer Pascal Bary.
There is symmetry in the ultra-tough Brazilian horse by an Argentinian sire winning the Trial race sponsored by the great DWC winner from Argentina--Invasor.
Godolphin's favoured twosome My Indy ARG (Indygo) and Midshipman USA (Unbridled's Song USA). Midshipman faded and only managed fourth.
Compensating for the loss, the inimitable Frankie Dettori dictated tactics from the front on Godolphin's Whispering Gallery (Daylami IRE) in the Mustanfar sponsored by Shadwell Farm 1m2f (Handicap) on Tapeta and won by 3-1/2 lengths.
Whispering Gallery was British bred. Four British-based trainers were victorious: Gill Duffield, Luca Cumani, John Best and Jeremy Noseda.
Kieren Fallon won his first-ever Dubai Carnival race on Cumani's Drunken Sailor Ire (Tendulkar USA) in the Dumaani sponsored by Shadwell Farm (Handicap) 1m3f on Tapeta.
Cumani's Monte Alto IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE) was second by 2-1/4 lengths. Lindner GER (Golan IRE) was third by 7-1/4 lengths.
Multiple-UAE Champion Jockey Ted Durcan brought his 25.1 Sir Gerry USA (Carson City USA) to a half-length victory in the 6f (Handicap) Kayrawan sponsored by Shadwell Farm on Tapeta for trainer Best.
UAE jockey Ahmed Ajtebi had a crashing fall and has just been released from hospital.
South African trainer Mike De Kock and jockey Christophe Soumillon teamed for two impressive victories in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial sponsored by Dayjur of Shadwell Farm (Conditions Race for Fillies), 7f, and the Intadab sponsored by Shadwell Farm (Handicap), 1m1-1/2f on Tapeta.
Four-year-old Raihana AUS (Elusive Quality USA) won the first and 5yo Lizard's Desire SAF (Lizard Island AUS) the second race for owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.
The final race was won by British Jeremy Noseda's Leahurst IRE (Verglas IRE) for owner Mrs Susan Roy in the 7f (Handicap) Daaher sponsored by Shadwell Farm on Tapeta.
These races were the groundbreaking tests for jockeys who must deal with a new surface, a sharp bend, high camber at the bends and a short home straight of only a furlong-and-a-half.
Horses unfamiliar with All Weather surfaces take time to learn action changes and to use different muscles.
The surfaces favour Turf horses over Dirt which is why Rachel Alexandra's owner Jess Jackson will not enter her in the Dubai World Cup.
Jockeys believe speed is essential in the first furlong to gain a good position in the first five and any horse coming from behind is at a disadvantage.
That leaves a serious question of Zenyatta's chances to win on this racecourse as she likes to run last despite having the speed others do not.
Frank Gabriel, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, is courting Zenyatta as a prime candidate for the Dubai World Cup. Her connections have tentative US racing plans arranged to defend her Breeders' Cup Classic 2009 victory.
Without her presence, Gloria De Campeao has been installed as favourite for the Dubai World Cup after his Trial victory opening night.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Dubai's Future Bright with Oil Discovery
Many in the financial world thought they would cash in on Dubai's cash-flow troubles. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi stepped in with a short-term loan and Dubai World went into negotiations with their bankers from a position of greater strength.
Prominent members of Dubai's financial sector expressed shock at the bankers' demands and the damaging international media campaign launched against the country.
Then, large reserves of oil were discovered off the coast and the anti-Dubai campaign damped down.
Another reason Dubai has regained world respect is the exemplary police work from Dubai's Chief of Police (a media genius) and its security forces in exposing 27 Mossad conspirators who murdered a Hamas leader in Dubai.
The country has given warning that "Spies must go."
It appears that Emiratis can manage their own country very well.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Prominent members of Dubai's financial sector expressed shock at the bankers' demands and the damaging international media campaign launched against the country.
Then, large reserves of oil were discovered off the coast and the anti-Dubai campaign damped down.
Another reason Dubai has regained world respect is the exemplary police work from Dubai's Chief of Police (a media genius) and its security forces in exposing 27 Mossad conspirators who murdered a Hamas leader in Dubai.
The country has given warning that "Spies must go."
It appears that Emiratis can manage their own country very well.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Rachel Alexandra 2009 Eclipse Horse of the Year
The incredible Rachel Alexandra wipes out the colts in the $1,250,000 Haskell Invitational including Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird by six lengths in near-record time. Jockey Calvin Borel gives his habitual winning finger. Photo Bill Denver/Equi-Photo.When a typical comment on Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglio D'Oro USA) winning the 2009 Eclipse Horse of the Year as well as Three-Year-Old Filly is "Rachel Alexandra did through the ballot box what no horse could do on the racetrack." (Jay Privman, Daily Racing Form), it is obvious something has gone wrong with the Eclipse voting process.
The Daily Racing Form suggested there be a Co-HOY Award, but the two other voting organizations (the National Turf Writers Association and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association) voted against it.
Out of 232 voters, three abstained or did not vote. The DRF voted 31-23 for RA, NTWA 71-51 for RA and NTRA 28-25 for RA totalling 130 for RA and 99 for Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE).
Controversy lingers over which female is superior and if the Eclipse Committee made a harmful decision having long-term implications for racing.
Voting has revealed we were correct in assuming that Rachel Alexandra would win no matter how many races Zenyatta could win. East-Coast voting bias triumphed.
Zenyatta's owner Jerry Moss expressed her fans' and his own pained disappointment in a very gracious, but challenging way "Zenyatta has never lost. She's perfect. Nobody beat her on the racetrack. They beat her by proxy."
That sums up how many feel across the world.
Pity that both outstanding females were not celebrated.
In the end, it took away much joy and spoiled what might have been. Also, the controversy detracted from all the other awards.
Rachel's owner Jess Jackson observed that "either horse deserved this award. Together Rachel and Zenyatta won nine Grade 1 races. Together they conquered four of the best groups of males who were running last year. ...there has never been a year like this one for fillies."
Fans also voted Rachel's Grade 1 Woodward Stakes win at Saratoga Racecourse as the New York Racing Association's "Story of the Year".
Zenyatta was voted Older Female and was joined by Gio Ponti as Older Male and Male Turf Horse.
Pity that Europe's Conduit lost Male Turf as he was the best Turf horse with back-to-back Breeders' Cup Turf victories.
As expected, Lookin At Lucky and She Be Wild swept the Two-Year-Old category and Summer Bird and Rachel Alexandra the Three-Year-Old.
Female and Male Sprinters were Informed Decision and Kodiak Kowboy.
France's Goldikova was chosen as Female Turf Horse. She is incomparable.
Mixed Up was the Steeplechase Horse (they should see Kauto Star and Denman).
Godolphin Racing was winning owner, Juddmonte Farms winning breeder.
Jockey Julien Leparoux and Apprentice Jockey Christian Santiago Reyes took their competitive categories.
Rachel's trainer Steve Asmussen was chosen Trainer of the Year (see column below for details of his impressive 2009 record).
The Award of Merit went to owner/breeder William S Farrish of legendary Lane's End Farm. He was Ambassador to the UK under President Ronald Reagan and both he and his wife are close friends of The Queen.
Finally, we at Racing International were very pleased that Monique Koehler, founder of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, was honoured with a Special Award.
TRF is one of the charities RI supports. (http://www.trfinc.org)
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Females Dominate
For the first time in North American history, two females are the leading thoroughbred earners, according to Equibase Company LLC (official database for racing information).
Zenyatta topped the list with $3,330,000 and Rachel Alexandra was second with $2,746,914.
Rachel Alexandra's trainer Steve Asmussen won a single-season record 650 races out of 2,944 starts and earned $21,876,405.
Garrett Gomez was leading jockey with $18,571,171 winnings for 210 out of 967 mounts for the fourth consecutive year.
Michael Gill won 370 races from 2,247 starts and earned $6,669,950 to lead all owners.
Juddmonte Farms Inc was second with 27 wins out of 116 starts and earnings of $6,525,818.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Zenyatta topped the list with $3,330,000 and Rachel Alexandra was second with $2,746,914.
Rachel Alexandra's trainer Steve Asmussen won a single-season record 650 races out of 2,944 starts and earned $21,876,405.
Garrett Gomez was leading jockey with $18,571,171 winnings for 210 out of 967 mounts for the fourth consecutive year.
Michael Gill won 370 races from 2,247 starts and earned $6,669,950 to lead all owners.
Juddmonte Farms Inc was second with 27 wins out of 116 starts and earnings of $6,525,818.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Dubai World Cup Invitation for Zenyatta
Despite 6yo Zenyatta's connections announcing plans for an exclusive American campaign, they will be invited to compete in the Dubai World Cup.
Frank Gabriel, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, said it is his aim to "secure a line-up of the highest quality for the Dubai World Cup" and "a horse of the calibre of Zenyatta will be of paramount importance".
Should Zenyatta accept the Club's invitation, she could compete against the outstanding mare Vodka JPN (Tamino Gimlet JPN), winner of the Japan Cup and Japan's Horse of the Year for the second year, in the $10 Million Dubai World Cup.
Other invitees will be Hong Kong winners Vision D'Etat FR (Chichicastenango FR) and Presvis (Sakhee USA) along with US Grade 1 winner Gitano Hernando FR (Hernando FR).
Jess Jackson, owner of Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA), has already ruled out racing his Dirt specialist on the new DWC Tapeta surface.
Rachel could meet Zenyatta in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, on April 3 which would temporarily settle their fans' feud over which female is better.
On the other hand, what a fabulous international race it would be if all three great fillies raced each other in the DWC!
And Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA) competed in the mile.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Frank Gabriel, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, said it is his aim to "secure a line-up of the highest quality for the Dubai World Cup" and "a horse of the calibre of Zenyatta will be of paramount importance".
Should Zenyatta accept the Club's invitation, she could compete against the outstanding mare Vodka JPN (Tamino Gimlet JPN), winner of the Japan Cup and Japan's Horse of the Year for the second year, in the $10 Million Dubai World Cup.
Other invitees will be Hong Kong winners Vision D'Etat FR (Chichicastenango FR) and Presvis (Sakhee USA) along with US Grade 1 winner Gitano Hernando FR (Hernando FR).
Jess Jackson, owner of Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA), has already ruled out racing his Dirt specialist on the new DWC Tapeta surface.
Rachel could meet Zenyatta in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, on April 3 which would temporarily settle their fans' feud over which female is better.
On the other hand, what a fabulous international race it would be if all three great fillies raced each other in the DWC!
And Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA) competed in the mile.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Zenyatta Not to Race in Dubai World Cup
Trainer John Shirreffs indicated that Zenyatta might return to racing in the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita on March 13 and then the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, on April 3.
That regime would eliminate the Dubai World Cup on March 27.
Shirreffs indicated that Zenyatta's ultimate goal is to defend her Breeders' Cup Classic title and emulate Tiznow in winning the Classic back-to-back.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
That regime would eliminate the Dubai World Cup on March 27.
Shirreffs indicated that Zenyatta's ultimate goal is to defend her Breeders' Cup Classic title and emulate Tiznow in winning the Classic back-to-back.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Zenyatta Shall Race at Six
Trainer John Shirreffs and owners Jerry and Ann Moss confirmed on January 16 at Santa Anita that Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) will race at six.
"She seems to be still growing (at 17.5 hands), which is a strange thing to say. ...She's a real star. ...I believe racing needs stars, and we've got one."
Given her outstanding performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic, the logical next race for Zenyatta would follow Curlin's USA (Smart Strike CAN) agenda: the $10 million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (Group 1) at the new Meydan Racecourse (Dubai World Cup) on March 27.
Meydan's main track is a synthetic Tapeta Footings surface and 13 of Zenyatta's 14 victories were on synthetic surfaces.
Moss continued "We're open to all kinds of races, but as usual we are going to take it race to race. ...John (Shirreffs) will make a decision as to when she's right and when she should go."
The wildly-emotional excitement of her connections and her fans will help get them past her expected loss Monday of the Eclipse Horse of the Year Award.
Further polls by TVG and the Racing Post (78%) show overwhelming voter preference for Zenyatta over Rachel Alexandra and Gio Ponti for HOY.
This appears to be a shock to Rachel fans, but shows clearly that the Breeders' Cup Classic is accepted as the most important international-class race in the USA and it is respected as such worldwide.
Zenyatta loves to race and she is being allowed to do what she loves best.
If only the connections of Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE) would change their minds as well. He, like Lady Z, could never wait to get out on a racecourse and "take them out".
To keep up with the latest detailed news of all of the horses above, join their fan clubs on www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com.
PS: Curlin, twice HOY and highest-earning racehorse at $10.5 million, has produced his first foal--a filly out of Zophie.
Will Zenyatta or Rachel best him in earnings? Or will his filly foal?
Racing International http://www.racingint.com/
"She seems to be still growing (at 17.5 hands), which is a strange thing to say. ...She's a real star. ...I believe racing needs stars, and we've got one."
Given her outstanding performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic, the logical next race for Zenyatta would follow Curlin's USA (Smart Strike CAN) agenda: the $10 million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (Group 1) at the new Meydan Racecourse (Dubai World Cup) on March 27.
Meydan's main track is a synthetic Tapeta Footings surface and 13 of Zenyatta's 14 victories were on synthetic surfaces.
Moss continued "We're open to all kinds of races, but as usual we are going to take it race to race. ...John (Shirreffs) will make a decision as to when she's right and when she should go."
The wildly-emotional excitement of her connections and her fans will help get them past her expected loss Monday of the Eclipse Horse of the Year Award.
Further polls by TVG and the Racing Post (78%) show overwhelming voter preference for Zenyatta over Rachel Alexandra and Gio Ponti for HOY.
This appears to be a shock to Rachel fans, but shows clearly that the Breeders' Cup Classic is accepted as the most important international-class race in the USA and it is respected as such worldwide.
Zenyatta loves to race and she is being allowed to do what she loves best.
If only the connections of Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE) would change their minds as well. He, like Lady Z, could never wait to get out on a racecourse and "take them out".
To keep up with the latest detailed news of all of the horses above, join their fan clubs on www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com.
PS: Curlin, twice HOY and highest-earning racehorse at $10.5 million, has produced his first foal--a filly out of Zophie.
Will Zenyatta or Rachel best him in earnings? Or will his filly foal?
Racing International http://www.racingint.com/
Zenyatta's BC Classic NTRA Winner
Sixty-eight percent of voters in the online poll conducted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association overwhelmingly selected Zenyatta's Breeders' Cup Classic (Grade 1) victory over world-class males as the United States' racing "Moment of the Year".
Of the other 13 entries, Rachel Alexandra's victory over older male horses in the September 5 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse gained 10% to finish a distant second just ahead of Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win at 9% of the vote.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Of the other 13 entries, Rachel Alexandra's victory over older male horses in the September 5 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse gained 10% to finish a distant second just ahead of Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win at 9% of the vote.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Zenyatta Is Still Working Out
Zenyatta wearing her winner's garland at the Breeders' Cup Classic 2009 with jockey Mike Smith and groom Mario Espinoza. Racingfotos
UPDATE: Rumours abound that, if Zenyatta is not named Eclipse Horse of the Year (which she won't be), she will race at six.
Zenyatta's (Street Cry IRE) owner Jerry Moss is having a more than a bit of fun with all the speculation over her continuing workouts at Hollywood Park.
With a recorded 48s per half mile on her last blowout, she looks in fighting form and many hope the 6yo will return to race Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) at every distance and every course in the USA to finally settle which is the better female horse.
Moss said trainer John Shirreffs continues to work her out, because she is a powerful athlete who needs exercise and it is too cold to send her to Kentucky for breeding.
Shirreffs said his mare was "breathing fire".
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
IFHA World Thoroughbred Rankings
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities issued their World Thoroughbred Rankings.
Trained and bred in Ireland, 3yo colt Sea The Stars (Cape Cross IRE) is first at 135. He has retired to the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud where he will stand at 85,000 Euros per
His 2yo half brother out of their late dam Urban Sea has joined STS at Gilltown.
The unnamed colt by Invincible Spirit IRE is said to be very much in the STS' mold.
Mare Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA), trained by Freddie Head in France, is second in the rankings at 130 and will race again this year at five.
Coolmore's fine twosome who will race this year at four are Rip Van Winkle IRE (Galileo IRE) and Fame And Glory (Montjeu IRE). They earned a 129 and 128 rating respectively.
Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) shared a 128 rating with FAG.
With STS and Lady Z out of the way (if she is outof the way), other horses including Coolmore's twosome have a chance to win major mid-distance races.
Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) is the sole 127. RA was rated at 125 in November after her last race, but the international handicappers decided to raise her 2lbs after their December meeting.
Five horses are rated 125: Godolphin's Cavalryman (Halling USA), Conduit IRE (Dalakhani IRE), Gio Ponti USA (Tale of the Cat USA) Youmzain IRE (Sinndar IRE) and Gladiatorus USA (Silic FR).
Conduit has retired to stud in Japan, but eight of the top eleven will race in 2010.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com
Trained and bred in Ireland, 3yo colt Sea The Stars (Cape Cross IRE) is first at 135. He has retired to the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud where he will stand at 85,000 Euros per
His 2yo half brother out of their late dam Urban Sea has joined STS at Gilltown.
The unnamed colt by Invincible Spirit IRE is said to be very much in the STS' mold.
Mare Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA), trained by Freddie Head in France, is second in the rankings at 130 and will race again this year at five.
Coolmore's fine twosome who will race this year at four are Rip Van Winkle IRE (Galileo IRE) and Fame And Glory (Montjeu IRE). They earned a 129 and 128 rating respectively.
Zenyatta USA (Street Cry IRE) shared a 128 rating with FAG.
With STS and Lady Z out of the way (if she is outof the way), other horses including Coolmore's twosome have a chance to win major mid-distance races.
Rachel Alexandra USA (Megdaglia D'Oro USA) is the sole 127. RA was rated at 125 in November after her last race, but the international handicappers decided to raise her 2lbs after their December meeting.
Five horses are rated 125: Godolphin's Cavalryman (Halling USA), Conduit IRE (Dalakhani IRE), Gio Ponti USA (Tale of the Cat USA) Youmzain IRE (Sinndar IRE) and Gladiatorus USA (Silic FR).
Conduit has retired to stud in Japan, but eight of the top eleven will race in 2010.
Racing International http://www.racingint.com