Articles from the author

Ted Durcan will always remember November 22, 2000. So will the record books, as the Dubai-based English jockey became the inaugural recipient of the Steve Cauthen Award, instituted to recognise riding excellence in the UAE.

Kieren Fallon has a reputation for being the man for the occasion, and after a six-month spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, he re-established himself in the best possible way by sensationally winning his comeback race on Hunting Tiger at Nad Al Sheba here last evening.

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum consolidated his lead at the top of the owner's championship with an emphatic hat-trick at the Jebel Ali Racecourse yesterday, a feat highlighted by a record breaking performance from the promising colt Pentagonal.

A target in itself. That's how trainer Todd Pletcher is viewing his first-ever Dubai World Cup campaign with Harlan's Holiday, the lone American runner in tomorrow's $6 million mile and a quarter race.

There was another remarkable victory for the Christian Wroe-trained Ikaab at Nad Al Sheba yesterday, on an evening when the talented, but luckless Billy Newnes broke a 97-day losing streak to score what was his long-awaited second win of the season aboard the impressive Bathwick.

Nancy Petch has always brought her unique style and commitment to promoting the $6 million Dubai World Cup. And there's no reason why she is going to change that now.

Trevor McKee, who trains New Zealand's champion mare and leading Dubai Duty Free contender Sunline, yesterday rejected claims that the foot and mouth scare in Dubai could force them to change their plans.

Muwakleh, so impressive in the Moonshell Mile three weeks ago, repeated the dose in the first running of the $250,000 UAE 1,000 Guineas at Nad Al Sheba last evening.

Kevin Greely, the ERA Racing Secretary, is willing to make a bold prediction. He foresees racing history being made here in Dubai when the entire Dubai World Cup race card will comprise Group One races.

In the catalogue of cliches identified with thoroughbred horse racing there is one which goes: "The winner came from off the pace." Kevin Greely, the Emirates Racing Association's Racing Secretary.

Whichever way you look at it, the Emirates World Series Racing Championship cannot help but fascinate.

Australian-bred Flight Pattern can secure his reputation as a top quality sprinter by beating a high quality field in today's Dh350,000 Jebel Ali Sprint (Listed), is one of the highlights of the season.