Dubai: Doug Watson and Tadhg O’Shea, recently crowned UAE champion trainer and champion jockey, respectively, will be looking forward to making a big impression when Jinma Lake Racecourse in China hosts the Chengdu Dubai International Cup on Saturday,
Watson and O’Shea will be joined by several trainers and jockeys from Dubai at the event, which was staged for the first time in 2014 and consists of five of five turf races highlighted by the featured RMB1.5m (Dh852,000) Chengdu Dubai International Cup presented by Longines and run over 2218m.
Watson, who saddled the first three home in the Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup day last week, told local Chinese media: “As a yard we’ve had a really nice season. One Man Band was fourth here last year before going on to win on Dubai World Cup day, so it’s great to be back and we are hopeful of a successful day on Saturday.”
O’Shea, who claimed back the jockey’s championship from Richard Mullen in the 2015-16 season, said: “I’m very lucky to be back here this year. I was fortunate enough to have a winner here last season and it would be a great way to cap off a good few months if I was able to repeat that this time.”
UAE-based trainers, Musabah Al Muhairi, and Erwan Charpy and assistant trainers Claude Piccioni, Bhupat Seemar and Jilani Siddiqi were joined by jockeys, Richard Mullen, Fernando Jara, Sam Hitchcott, Jesus Rosales, Marc Monaghan and Szczepan Mazur at a pre-event press conference.
Also meeting the media were a group of Chinese jockeys who have been invited to observe the event on Saturday.
“This event is helping to raise awareness about horse racing in China,” said Wong Wen Xun, who is based at the Beijing JingHuaXing Equestrian Club and rides in 1000m speed races.
“It can have a big impact and is very important to help open the communication between Dubai where horse racing is well-established, and China. We can share information and knowledge and maybe one day Chinese jockeys can even fly to Dubai to compete in a race there. “
Five races worth a combined total of RMB3.75m will be contested on Saturday - including the featured 2218m RMB1.5m Chengdu Dubai International Cup presented by Longines. Also on the card is the Wenjiang Meydan Classic over 1600m, The Meydan Handicap over 2418m, the Guangsha Mile and the 1400m Wenjiang Sprint. The first race goes to post at 1.20pm (9.20am UAE).
Chengdu is situated in the South West of China and is the capital of Sichuan province. It is a city of historical and cultural significance and acts as a centre for politics, culture, science, education, commerce, finance and international trade. An accessible transportation and communications hub, Chengdu also possesses the largest airport in the region. It is one of the largest cities on mainland China.
