Saudi trainer wants to go the Mile with Consul General

Dubai: Nawaf Al Mandeel, a second generation trainer from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is hoping his star runner Consul General will make an impact in his debut in the Group 2 $1 million Godolphin Mile.

"I have been here with my two horses Consul General and Stock Market. I am really looking forward to a big run from Consul General for he has been impressive in his three starts here in the Dubai International Racing Carnival," said Al Mandeel, whose father was a champion trainer in Saudi Arabia for four successive years.

"I usually assist my father and now I have some horses of my own," the Saudi trainer told Gulf News during the track work last morning.

Great venue

"Meydan is a fantastic racing centre; the hospitality here has been great. Everything here is the best of bests," said Al Mandeel.

Commenting on his runner's chances in the 14-strong Mile's contest on the Tapeta, Al Mandeel said: "Consul General has run three times and all three times he finished third. On Saturday I am expecting him to do something, run a big race.

"The horse to beat in the Godolphin Mile is Desert Party. He is a Group 1 horse and should be the favourite. The other good horse is Cat Junior. He had a good win here.

"But the first time he ran in the Maktoum Challenge my horse beat him. That does give me some confidence and this being my first time here I am hoping for a good result," Al Mandeel said.