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Stepping up from the Bahrain Turf Series, 'Giant' Isle Of Jura is set to make a bid for victory in the 2024 Crown Prince’s Cup. The prestigious US$150,000, 2000m race, carrying Listed status, will unfold on 2nd February Friday, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. The event is part of a thrilling day featuring two Bahrain Turf Series races, alongside the Bahrain Derby and Bahrain Oaks.
A formidable international field, including contenders from the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates, has gathered for the Crown Prince’s Cup. Sponsored by Cebarco, the race has attracted nine runners, with two notable challengers from Dubai representing the powerhouse Godolphin stable. The progressive 4YO Local Dynasty, trained by Charlie Appleby, will be guided by the accomplished rider Tom Marquand. Another Godolphin entrant is Passion And Glory, ridden by Kieran Shoemark, the 2023 King’s Cup winner under trainer Saeed Bin Suroor.
The remainder of the field comprises internationally trained horses based in Bahrain and a robust home team. Isle Of Jura, running for British trainer George Scott in the familiar colors of His Highness Shaikh Nasser’s Victorious Racing, stands out. Described by his trainer as a 'giant of a horse,' the 4YO gelding showcased his prowess in the Bahrain Turf Series, winning the opening round and finishing a close second in round two. Isle Of Jura, better positioned in the weights, faces a rematch with Lucander in the Crown Prince’s Cup. Trainer George Scott expresses excitement about Isle Of Jura's elevation to a higher class and the prospect of competing in the valuable race.
George Scott said, “Isle Of Jura has not surprised me in terms of how well he has done in Bahrain. He has really thrived in the conditions and the lovely fast ground was always going to suit him. I thought he would win first time out and then we were gutted with the draw we got next time, yet despite that he ran a huge race.
“The plan was always to progress from the Bahrain Turf Series to the Cup races and this (2000m) is his distance, so I am very hopeful of a big run. It would mean a great deal to His Highness Shaikh Nasser to win a race as prestigious as the Crown Prince’s Cup.
“His Highness has been a wonderful supporter of mine and has played a key part in reviving the fortunes of the yard, entrusting me with some really talented, speedy two-year-olds, as well as Isle Of Jura, who is a completely different type of horse, a giant of a horse with a late maturing pedigree.”
Ironically, Isle Of Jura was bred by Godolphin, who will provide two of his main opponents on Friday. He was purchased by George Scott at a horses-in-training sale in March of last year, when he was only a once-raced 3YO.
“A horse of his size, scope and pedigree is not usually available, certainly not within my price range, in the sales ring. Having seen him in the flesh, we were absolutely prepared to forgive him his one poor run, we were very keen on him and felt he just needed time. Once we got him for Shaikh Nasser, then the objective was always for him to progress into a horse good enough to campaign in Bahrain.”
“Shaikh Nasser has come to watch both of Isle Of Jura’s runs this season. I think he enjoys hosting us and he certainly enjoys competing. He is so enthusiastic; he loves to win but is also so gracious when things don’t go so well. It would be a thrill to train a horse to win a Crown Prince’s Cup for him.”
Callum Shepherd will be riding Isle Of Jura once again, as the two have developed a great partnership. Shepherd has ridden the horse in six of his seven starts for George Scott.
Al Mohamediya Racing's Zagato, in the hands of trainer Fawzi Nass, leads the home team's defense as an in-form contender. Along with Isle Of Jura and Lucander, Zagato has also successfully transitioned from the Bahrain Turf Series to the Crown Prince's Cup.
Isle Of Jura