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| Staff Writer |
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Charlie Fellowes, one of the most highly regarded trainers in the world, once again starts his journey to hallowed Meydan racecourse to win the race he considers a ‘bogey’ with his champion, Prince Of Arran.
Charlie Fellowes is a self-confessed, consummate lover of everything horseracing. He fell in love with horses at the tender age of seven and has never looked back. According to his website, he developed an infatuation with the magical combination of intense competition and nature at its magisterial best’.
Every year Fellowes strives to continue to beat their prize money and winners’ tallies.
Here, Prince Of Arran’s handles talks to Ten Furlongs about the Dubai Gold Cup race, the bizarre concept of racing without spectators and the state of British racing
Q: Prince of Arran has run for the second time in Saudi. What did you think of the facilities and of course what inspires you to travel and try out new racecourses?
A: I was very impressed with the Saudi Cup raceday and the way it was organized. I also hope to have runners in Qatar and Bahrain in the future. For me, it’s a new string to your bow. I was my horses to race against the best horses in the world.
Q: What sort of horse is Prince Of Arran?
A: Prince Of Arran is a very intelligent horse. He is always interested in what is happening around him and he loves new scenery. It keeps him interested. He looks after himself. That is why he enjoys travelling and we can take him to international races.
Michael Walker, his work rider from Australia was the key to his progress. He was not an easy horse as a 3YO. Now he really enjoys his training. He has won US$2.8 million in prize money, quite a big achievement for such a young trainer like me.
Q: What are your thoughts for Prince of Arran as he once again attempts the Dubai Gold Cup?
A: He will be attempting the Dubai Gold Cup for the third time. It has been a bogey race for him – three years ago he had far too much ground to make up, then two years ago he was really sick afterwards, and last year we were all set to run when the event was postponed, so we have got unfinished business out there.
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Q: How did Prince Of Arran come to you?
A: Prince Of Arran is owned by Saeed Bin Obeida, an Emarati. He was introduced to me by my previous boss. He is their homebred. They also own Subood, Prince Of Arran’s grand dam.
He was a good looking horse. In fact, he is the most good-looking horse I’ve ever held. They are great owners. I have five horses with them including a very nice 2YO filly.
Q: Do you go to the sales for your owners?
A: Although I hate being away from my yard, I do go to sales in Ireland, France and around the UK.
Q: How did you get into racing?
A: In England, most trainers either have a father or a godfather or an uncle who are from the industry. But no one in my family is in racing. My mother had a share in a syndicate and I got interested in racing as a seven-year-old. I watched racing on TV. Eventually, I went to work for Nicky Henderson, who is a National Jumps trainer for two weeks and knew that I wanted to work in racing for the rest of my life.
When I was 18 I went to work for Godolphin for six months. I worked with Saeed Bin Suroor and it spiralled from there. My parents supported me all the way. My dad was nothing but supportive. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am. Even my wife is not from the industry. We met at the university. But she understands and has been fully supportive. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Q: You are fairly young and come from a non-racing background. Where does the bravery come from?
A: I knew what I wanted and I never deviated. I kept going. I enjoy sports. I knew deep down when I was seven years old that I was hooked. I loved horses. It was a natural with horses. I get on with them and like them. It made sense for me to run my own yard.
Q: What do you feel about the current state of British racing?
A: British racing is going through a tough time The quality is there but the prize money is really low. Hopefully, this situation will be resolved soon and we (as an industry) can find ways to improve the situation.
In the meanwhile, I love travelling my horses and am lucky that I've been able to travel them all over the world. I think its best to look further afield and embrace it.
Q: You won at Royal Ascot during the lockdown. What kind of experience was it for you?
A: It was so strange. We had two winners, but we didn’t celebrate. There was no roar and no crowds. It was really bizarre. I was at Kempton Park on a weekend, and it was the same thing. There were just three people. Its always good to have a crowd. I really hope we see them back soon.
Q: And lastly, which was the first Dubai World Cup you have saw?
A: I went to Dubai in 2005 and saw Roses In May from America win. It was at And Al Sheba.