Veteran on song
Satish Seemer is hoping to run Terrific Challenge in the Al Quoz Sprint
Dubai : Trainer Satish Seemar is hoping to run Terrific Challenge in the $1 million (Dh3.67 million) Al Quoz Sprint if all goes according to plan after his star sprinter produced a bold showing at the Jebel Ali Racecourse yesterday.
Terrific Challenge showed why he can be a real contender for the new sprint contest that has been added to a mouth-watering Dubai World Cup card on March 27, by winning the Shadwell Farm-sponsored Jebel Ali Sprint in impressive fashion for jockey Ted Durcan.
The eight-year-old, who has had to endure his share of training setbacks, looked in top condition as he outsprinted a top class field of 16 runners including last year's winner Hammadi, two-time Jebel Ali scorer Alsadeek and South African raider Frosty Secret.
Top class field
Dohasa, ridden by former British champion jockey Kieren Fallon, was a close second and Jebel Ali-trained Alo Pura third in a well-contested race over 1,000 metres.
"He didn't just win, he won well, beating a top class field," said Seemar, a former UAE champion trainer.
"He's a veteran and like most veterans there's a bit of wear and tear, but he's a very nice horse to have in the stable.
"The 1,000 metre trip up the hill really suits him."
Seemar, who was picking up his 13th winner of the season, said he was hoping Terrific Challenge would get an invitation to run at the Dubai World Cup meeting.
"I would go for the turf race on Dubai World Cup night, that's his next level," said the Zabeel Stables handler.
"I would not look at the Golden Shaheen (Tapeta), that's not his surface."
The unlikely pairing of Godolphin pilot Frankie Dettori and ace South African trainer Mike De Kock combined for a double with Wonder Lawn in the Emirates NBD handicap and Biarritz in the Emirates Airline-sponsored conditions race.
Dettori said: "They have both won well and they are the first winners I have ridden for Mike, from not many rides."
The home team of Dhruba Selvaratnam and William Buick began the afternoon on a high after Shemoli won the opening Commercial Bank of Dubai handicap. Reigning champion trainer Doug Watson was kept waiting until the last race of the day, the Al Shafar Group handicap, before he sampled success with Numair, the mount of Wayne Smith.
