Dubai: Treble Jig has given his connections something big to dream about after making UAE racing history at the Jebel Ali Racecourse yesterday.
The five-year-old son of Gone West, who annihilated the opposition when landing the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes two weeks ago, ran another cracker to win a thrilling renewal of the Listed Jebel Ali Mile, the second of three major races that are staged at the course. In doing so, the £12,000 (Dh69,092) bargain purchase at the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales last August became the first horse to win both the pattern races since they were first run in 1993 and has sparked trainer Musabah Al Muhairi's big-race hopes.
"We will now take him to Meydan where we will look for some nice races at the Carnival," said the Emirati handler. "I think he's capable of much more over a longer distance [than the mile]. Obviously we are dreaming of the big day [Dubai World Cup, March 31]. It's a lot to dream about but it's every trainer, owner and jockey's dream to have a horse that can compete at the Dubai World Cup meeting. We hope Treble Jig is that kind of horse."
Jockey's pride
Jockey Wayne Smith, who rode a confident race aboard Treble Jig, had every reason to be optimistic.
"He's a horse that just loves to get on with it. He loves his racing and has a great attitude," said Smith. "There's nothing more here [Jebel Ali] for him so we'll take him to Meydan and look for race over a longer trip. Hopefully he can progress from there and get into one of the races on World Cup night."
While Al Muhairi was celebrating after completing a three-timer with wins by Kanaf and Wadi Wanderer, former champion trainer Doug Watson was denied what would have been a memorable fifth straight Jebel Ali victory with Kilt Rock.
Owned by the EERC syndicate the five-year-old son of Giant's Causeway was beaten a head by Kanaf, ironically ridden by Tadhg O'Shea, who was in the irons when Kilt Rock scored his fourth win two weeks earlier. Meanwhile, Jaci Wickham continued her strong showing in the Emirates Horse Breeders Society Challenge series when she saddled the first two home yesterday.
