November 7 - It's no secret that the Sheiks that rule the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are as passionate about thoroughbred horseracing as they are about oil, and as proof of this, Sheik Hamdan - brother of Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum - has been stocking up on some tried and tested US horses for Dubai.

According to recent reports, Sheik Hamdan - who owns Shadwell Stable - has been quietly snapping up older runners that he intends on running in next year's prestigious as well as highly lucrative Dubai International Racing Carnival. The Carnival is expected to attract top thoroughbreds from all over the world.

On Monday this week, Shadwell Stable acquired the highly-rated turf specialist War Monger from owner Peter Vegso. Under the guidance of respected trainer Bill Mott, War Monger galloped his way to an impressive victory in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf over 1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream earlier this year.

Despite that fact that the Sunshine Millions Turf was War Monger's only win this season, Sheik Hamdan has obviously recognized the potential in him and is eager to see the thoroughbred strut his stuff in the Dubai International Racing Carnival, which begins at the picturesque Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on January 15th.

Other recent Shadwell Stable acquisitions comprise various stakes winners and proven sprinters including Pascal, Tasteyville, Summer Doldrums, Indian Chant, Merchant Marine and Barbecue Eddie. No stranger to the UAE, Barbecue Eddie finished fourth in last year's Dubai Golden Shaheen to Benny the Bull.

Summer Doldrums impressed with victories in stakes races over dirt, turf and synthetic surface - the Whirlaway, Colonial Turf Cup (Gr 3) and Presque Isle Downs Mile respectively - while Merchant Marine secured a third place in this year's $1-million Jockey Club Gold Cup, a race won by top Kentucky colt, Curlin.

Said Shadwell Stable racing manager Rick Nichols, 'While we're not seeking out anything specific, when we find particularly nice American thoroughbreds we acquire them and send them over to Dubai where they are worked into the program. Sheikh Hamdan wants to watch some good horses run next year.'

Other Articles:

Jockey Jacqueline Davis Wins Like Her Dad - 11-09-08

Valedictum to Try for 2nd Emirates Stakes Win - 11-08-08

Soldiers Dancer Set for Battle with Silver Tree - 11-07-08

My Princess Jess has a Shot in Mrs Revere Stakes - 11-07-08

Tattersalls December Sale Catalogue Released -11-07-08

Big Brown Assigned $65,000 Stud Fee - 11-07-08

Viewed Wins Coveted Melbourne Cup Title - 11-06-08

Graded Winner Mushka Fetches $2.4m at Keeneland - 11-05-08


2012/04/02 06:43:44 AM