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| Staff Writer |
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In the exciting world of professional horse racing, there are always surprises and unexpected victories that keep fans on the edge of their seats. And one trainer who has proven time and time again that he can produce spectacular results is Doug Watson. He completed a dream season, by clinching a record eighth UAE trainer's championship title, for the 2022-2023 season.
Despite his own reservations about his chances this season, those who closely follow the sport in Dubai understand that Watson should never be underestimated. Two key events that Watson is looking forward to are the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup night, which are known for attracting top-class horses and trainers from around the world.
One of Watson's star horses from last year's Dubai World Cup night, Isolate, is a potential contender for the prestigious Saudi Cup in February. Owned by RRR Racing, Isolate dominated his rivals in the Gr. 2 Godolphin Mile, winning by an impressive five and a half lengths. According to Watson, the horse has only gotten better since then. He states, "Isolate winning on Dubai World Cup night was fantastic, and he's doing really well right now. He seems a different horse this year than he was last year. They've taken really good care of him, and he's been in great shape."
In addition to Isolate, Watson has received several promising horses for the current season he was pleased to receive Sound Money from Zabeel Stables for RRR Racing.
Shadwell too has sent him a few more horses, including Shafaaf, a five-time winner in France. Watson expresses his delight at working with Shadwell's horses, stating, "It's fantastic to see her (Sheikha Hissa) being in the game and enjoying it and doing so well. It's just nice to keep those colours going."
Furthermore, Watson reveals that he will be receiving the first and second-place Russian Derby winners, Hero Mo and Kabirkhan, as well as a talented 2YO Churchill, specifically for turf races.
“He’s just come into the country”.
“And then we luckily got one of the nicest Arabians in the world, First Class. He just arrived at the barn just a few minutes ago,” he said.
Among the horses slated to return are those that have been with Watson for a while Fanaar, San Donato Mubakker, Prince Eiji, Fannar, Golden Goal, and Thegreatcollection.
“We have another we have a nice thoroughbred from a couple of years ago. He missed last season called Jadwal.”
Watson enjoyed a fair bit of success last term, with Shadwell’s Fanaar winning the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile and Prince Eiji claiming the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes and the Listed Dubai Creek Mile for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, whose colours flew to win the Listed Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup on the back of San Donato.
“We are hopeful about Canvassed. He's getting a year older. We'd love to win a nice race with them somewhere. He’s doing well at the moment. He's a beautiful horse.”
Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the 8YO son of Shamardal finished in third place behind stablemate Fanaar in the Dh500,000 Gr.3 Jebel Ali Mile by two and a quarter lengths and a head.
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Looking ahead, Watson discloses that he has some promising 2YO but prefers not to reveal too much to the media yet for fear of jinxing them. However, he enthusiastically mentions two notable additions to his stable. The first is a Tapit colt called Tapit’sTaleOfVerve, bred by Charles Fipke, a renowned geologist and philanthropist with a long history of success in racing and breeding.
“Tapit’sTaleOfVerve has got a really nice dam (Verve's Tale) that was a Group winner. The last race of her career was in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.”
The second is a Justify filly named Mizzyaan, who is the second foal out of Vale Dori, a Group One winner in Argentina.
“And the interesting one is the new one for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa that we're really looking forward to her name is Mizzyaan. She's a Justify filly out of Vale Dori who was trained by Mike Dekock and we ran against her with Polar River.
“It's her second foal, so she's a big girl. She's a very good-sized filly. And she is going take a little time to get ready, but hopefully, we can get her ready before the big races come up,” said Watson excitedly.
A Group One winner in her native Argentina, Vale Dori gave her owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum his first U.S.-based graded winner in the Gr.2 Bayakoa Handicap.
As for the races Watson has his eye on, he mentions the Maktoum Challenge (R1) and various sprint races as key targets. He also hopes for a horse to step up and compete at a higher level in the mile-and-a-quarter races, Watson remains focused on the mile races and sprints for now.
When asked about his chances of competing for the Champion's trophy, the seasoned conditioner acknowledges the challenges he faces, saying, "We're way down in numbers, and have a lot of the same horses. I'm just hoping to have a nice season and hopefully pick up a few big wins. But it's going be hard to compete at that level this year."
Yet, as Watson has proven time and time again, nothing is ever set in stone. There is always wiggle room.
By Pallavi Shevade