Dubai: Shadwell-bred Mubaraza bids to end his winless run by taking the Chester Cup Heritage Handicap, the most prestigious event staged at Chester’s May Festival of racing this week.
Despite delivering some high-spirited efforts, Mubaraza has not seen the winner’s enclosure since he landed a two-mile handicap at Newmarket in July 2012.
Trained by Ed Dunlop, who is best remembered for his exploits with the globetrotting race mare Ouija Board, dual winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf among an incredible seven Group 1 victories, the five-year-old can return to his winning ways in what looks a competitive renewal of the 3,600m contest, which was established in 1824.
Mubaraza will race in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who won the Vase in 2009 with Daraahem.
On his seasonal appearance at Ripon three weeks earlier, Mubaraza finished a promising half a length behind the Richard Fahey-trained Angel Gabrial, who also opposes on Wednesday.
“He ran a really good race at Ripon and we were very happy with him,” Angus Gold, racing manager to Shaikh Hamdan, said in the Sportinglife.
“He was giving 6lb to the winner and Paul Mulrennan said afterwards he ended up getting there a bit soon.
“The horse couldn’t have done better and, as long as he’s progressed from that, I think he’ll run a good race.
“Five looks a good draw and is encouraging.”
Angel Gabrial is one of five horses owned by Dr Marwan Koukash, who won this contest 12 months ago with Address Unknown.
Another of his contenders is Suegioo, who also made his seasonal appearance at Ripon.
Trainer Marco Botti said: “He ran a good race at Ripon. I wish there were a few more days between that race and the other.
“He stays, but he was a little but rusty when he ran at Ripon and he did his best in the final furlong and stayed on.
“I’m hoping the sharper track at Chester will suit him.
“He’s got a good draw [14]. I can’t complain about that.”
The race has attracted a field of 17.
