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| Staff Writer |
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Parlando makes a late move to win the race and a $40,000 additional prize, but Box To Box is denied. JM Jungle, Brazen Bolt's stablemate and sprint division winner, excels in the Al Sakhir Cup. With the Shaikh Nasser Cup triumph, Isle of Jura's stellar season in Bahrain continues.
In a race that witnessed jockey Gerald Mosse, the winner of the Melbourne Cup and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, at the height of his abilities, Parlando turned in a career-best effort to win the Vision 2030 by Beyon and, in the process, earn a $40,000 bonus in the Bahrain Turf Series.
Parlando, trained by Ian Williams, arrived late to steal the victory in the 2000-meter race and the Bahrain Turf Series from the brave Box to Box. Parlando is among the record number of international horse races in this season's competition. In the middle-distance classification, the two finished the series level on 28 points, but Parlando's connections received the $40,000 bonus prize because he won today.
After being purchased from Godolphin's stable a year prior, Parlando's victory in Vision 2030 marked his first triumph since making his racecourse debut in the UK in 2021. But he has been Ian Williams' poster child for consistency, and he had scored enough points throughout the Bahrain Turf Series to be in contention if he could win tonight and earn the total of 15 points.
Hugo Palmer's trainer, Jason Hart, was riding Box To Box, and Parlando was held up until he swooped late down the outside to deny him. Gerald Mosse provided a lovely, patient ride. Box To Box finished third out of four runners in the series.
Gerald Mosse, who has been in great form in Bahrain all season, said of Parlando: "I had ridden the horse once before, so I knew him. He travelled really nicely, and I was biding my time as I knew he would finish well. If you ride him too close to the pace, he will do too much. Today he was relaxed in behind, and when I pressed the button, he was ready to answer."
Harvey Williams, assistant to and son of trainer Ian Williams, added. "We're so happy with that result, really delighted. And to have won the Bahrain Turf Series bonus prize is great news. We will definitely be back next year!"
Brazen Bolt, whom John and Sean Quinn trained, emerged victorious in the Bahrain Turf Series' sprint class overall. Entering the last round with an unchallenged lead, the gelding concluded the series with 41 points. But in the sprint division's championship race, the Al Sakhir Cup (supported by ALBA), Brazen Bolt's stablemate JM Jungle took centre stage.
In an explosive 1000-meter race, JM Jungle easily won under Jason Hart, capping a perfect sweep of the foreign horses. Thunder Moor, driven by Callum Shepherd and George Boughey, finished second, while Roman Dragon, driven by Kieran Shoemark and Hugo Palmer, finished third.
After the race, joint licence holder Sean Quinn said: "That was a very good performance, but not a huge surprise. JM Jungle was a horse good enough to win at Glorious Goodwood last year, so he has high-class form.
"And Brazen Bolt has run another good race to finish sixth. The handicapper has understandably put him up for his successes. It's been a fantastic winter, and thank you to everybody associated with the Bahrain Turf Club; we have thoroughly enjoyed it."
The Bahrain Turf Series, which takes place from December to February, gives internationally trained runners (ranked 85–100) the chance to race against Bahraini horses. Each sprint and middle-distance division consists of five races, each paying $80,000 plus a bonus for the horse with the most points in that division.
Isle Of Jura, the most improved performer of the season, put on yet another strong show in the day's most important race, the His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup (sponsored by Bapco Energies).
HH Shaikh Nasser's race was won by Isle of Jura, who confidently coasted home by four lengths under the guidance of Callum Shepherd. The race was named in honour of the horse's owner. The 4YO whom George Scott coaches, won for the third time this season. He will now compete in the King's Cup on Friday, March 8, building on his previous victory in the Crown Prince's Cup.
After the race, winning jockey Callum Shephard said: "That was a flawless performance. Roll on the King's Cup!"