Sport | Horse Racing
Madjani looks set to land a second Classic
The final field for the $250,000 Group 1 Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians is yet to be announced, but Gillian Duffield's Madjani already looks the one to beat.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:32 May 3, 2009
Abu Dhabi: The final field for the $250,000 Group 1 Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians is yet to be announced, but Gillian Duffield's Madjani already looks the one to beat.
"Madjani is in great form. He did his last piece of work yesterday. Now all we can do is to pray for him to run," said Duffield, who is back here after a short break in the UK to attend her daughter's wedding.
Madjani, owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, was in great form while winning the President's Cup last month and looks all set to bag his second Kahayla Classic title in two starts.
Duffield, however, said a couple of runners from France were coming in with some very good form.
"I think Djezika will be running. She is a top class filly and has won a Group 1 race on dirt in France," said Duffield.
Djezika is owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs. Placed eight times in nine starts, the Dormane filly has won four races. "Three French horses are expected to run in the Kahayla and this will be a good test for the UAE-based Purebred Arabians," said Neil Abrahams, Handicapper at the UAE Equestrian and racing Federation.
"Madjani has a devastating ability, but with these international runners joining the field, the prospects are good for a top quality race," he said.
Sport Editor's choice
-
Winning Desert Classic close to McIlroy's heart
Joint-leader draws inspiration from girlfriend's personal pursuit of perfection
-
Top teams hold on to their positions
Of the strugglers, Emirates continue their climb up the table after some superb performances while Sharjah drop
-
Staking a claim
Mendip bounces back to his best form to win middle leg of Al Maktoum Challenge
