ABU DHABI // The capital’s racetrack remains the only blot in an otherwise impressive record for Paddy’s Day, the American challenger in next week’s €1.2 million (Dh5m) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, the World’s richest race for Purebred Arabians.
Paddy’s Day finished last in the 15-runner field in the first edition of that race. He now returns to the track with something to prove for a horse that has won 16 of his 23 starts.
The five-year-old bay son of Burning Sand has also been placed second six times and once finished fourth early in his career. His winnings include three Group 1, two Group 2 and three Group 3 prizes.
However, all his success was achieved on the dirt and left-handed track and, perhaps, the right-handed turf track in Abu Dhabi last year was an entirely different challenge for him.
Paddy’s Day arrived early and is entered in Sunday night’s Prep race over 1,600 metres in Abu Dhabi’s curtain raiser meeting.
It would be interesting to see if he can stand the test of running twice in two weeks with the Jewel Crown drawing some of the top local entries led by the Dubai Kahayla Classic winner AF Mathmoon, and across the border from Qatar the last year’s winner Kalino and runner up Sahabba.
Scott Powell, Paddy’s Day’s trainer, thinks his horse can handle the test, after he had a spin on Thursday on the track.
“He seems to have taken the trip well and it is exciting to be back here for such an amazing event,” said the American, who is also a co-owner of Paddy’s Day.
“This opportunity for a prep race before next week is ideal for him and we are really looking forward to running him.”
Paddy’s Day has not been out of the first two since his defeat in Abu Dhabi, a stretch including five victories and all three of his career Group 1 prizes.
Challenging Paddy’s Day will be the Majed Al Jahouri-trained Shateh, Ali Rashid Al Raihe’s AF Maqayes and five entered by Eric Lemartinel.
Like Paddy’s Day, the Lemartinel-trained Abu Alabyad did take aim at the €1.2million jackpot last year, faring a lot better than his American rival when finishing fifth.
Ridden by Frenchman Gerald Avranche, the six-year-old chestnut son of Akbar appears the best hope of the Al Asayl Stables.
Adrie de Vries rides stable companion RB Torch, who looks like Lemartinel’s other main hope.
Tadhg O’Shea, the four-time UAE champion jockey is onboard his Grandstand Stables AF Maqayes.
“It is a tough race and we will find out if he is good enough at this kind of level,” said O’Shea.
“He kept improving last season, winning six times over shorter trips but should stay the mile and can hopefully have another good season.”
Race card:
5pm: Yas Island Maiden 1,400m
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club for Private Owners Conditions 1,400m
6pm: Al Hosn Maiden 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup Prep 1,600m
7pm: Corniche Handicap (rated 0-85) 2,200m
7.30pm: Al Rawdah Handicap (64-84) 2,200m
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