Eric Lemartinel has an eye on a one-two finish in the National Day Cup Group One race for Purebred Arabians at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club tonight, but most eyes will be on Mizzna.
The seven-year-old mare made easy work of the National Day Cup Prep race in the capital three weeks ago under jockey Gerald Avranche, and the pair will vie to reclaim the Cup she won in 2007.
"She is ready, she knows her job and she's ready for it. As long as there are no incidents in the race she should have a very good run," said Lemartinel.
Mizzna did not compete in last year's cup as a chipped bone in her left foreleg left her sidelined for a year. She cut an unassuming figure alongside her stable companions on the gallops this week, as she prepared for tonight.
"She knows she has a race coming. She's ready to spring into action when the time comes," said Lemartinel. "Winning the [National Day Cup] Prep race was exactly what we expected of her.
Race card
"Last time she was more ready [for the National Day Cup], but because of the injury we have not worked her as hard. She is a brave horse. We expect her to win.
"It is very important for me that she wins. I will be very happy for Mizzna and [owner] Sheikh Mansour. Everybody loves to see the champion come back to form.
"We hope this will be her best season. She will compete in the Dubai Kahayla Classic on World Cup night in March. Her mother, [Arabian racer Alanudd] won the Cup three times. Maybe she can do the same."
Mizzna won the Dubai Kahayla Classic in 2008, after coming third in the US$250,000 (Dh919,000) race in 2007.
The 1,600m National Day Cup has attracted a strong field, including Mizzna's stablemate Shadiyda - also owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed - who came a close second to the mare in the National Day Cup Prep race.
"Shadiyda is Mizzna's biggest competition," said Lemartinel of the 2007 UAE Arabian Derby winner. "Mizzna will have to watch out for him. The distance is a bit sharp for Shadiyda, but he should run a good race.
"Quaolina is one to watch. She's not run for a while, but if she's ready she will be one of the top opposition."
The Doug Watson-trained mare will have a tough fight for the finish line, with Palapal, Ordoki, Time Out and Remarkable Man all competing for the placings.
Watson may have a better chance of a win in the National Day Cup Listed race for thoroughbreds, the fourth race of the night.
The Dubai-based trainer saddles two in the 1,600 metre race, including one of the race favourites, top-rated Kalahari Gold (112) who will run under Tadhg O'Shea.
Erwan Charpy runs two horses both of which could finish well in the pack, including six-year-old Emirates Gold (100) who is looking for a third win in the National Day Cup for thoroughbreds.
The Ali Rashid al Raihe trained four-year-old Fathayer, National Day Cup Prep for thoroughbreds winner, will also run under Royston Ffrench.
@Email:sports@thenational.ae
5.00pm: Jowharat Al Asayl - Al Jaziyah W'rsan
5.30pm: Wathik W'rsan - Royal
6.00pm: Shoof Elajab - Jinad
6.30pm: Kalahari Gold - Eddie Jock
7.00pm: Mizzna - Shadiyda
7.30pm: Le Gusta Bailar - Royal Class
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
The chef's advice
Troy Payne, head chef at Abu Dhabi’s newest healthy eatery Sanderson’s in Al Seef Resort & Spa, says singles need to change their mindset about how they approach the supermarket.
“They feel like they can’t buy one cucumber,” he says. “But I can walk into a shop – I feed two people at home – and I’ll walk into a shop and I buy one cucumber, I’ll buy one onion.”
Mr Payne asks for the sticker to be placed directly on each item, rather than face the temptation of filling one of the two-kilogram capacity plastic bags on offer.
The chef also advises singletons not get too hung up on “organic”, particularly high-priced varieties that have been flown in from far-flung locales. Local produce is often grown sustainably, and far cheaper, he says.
Poacher
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
SHAITTAN
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
