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| Staff Writer |
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Over the three decades of his career Mick Appleby has distinguished himself as a beacon of skill and dedication.
Among the prized athletes in his stable, Shadwell-bred Annaf has proven himself a star. From the vibrant tracks of Doncaster to the iconic track in Riyadh nestled among the dunes of Saudi Arabia, Annaf has left an indelible mark in racing under Appleby's expert guidance. After the Fosnic Racing-owned colt displayed a brilliant turn of foot to win the Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh, the experienced handler has pointed the 5YO son of Muhaarar towards another formidable challenge – the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan. Despite securing an invitation to the prestigious Gr.1Takamatsunomiya Kinen in Japan, Annaf’s destiny now lies in the heart of Dubai’s racing scene.
UK-based trainer Appleby, who burst onto the international scene with a win in the US$1-million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint with Big Evs last year, disclosed that Annaf will be pointed at the Royal Ascot meeting, Goodwood, and other prestigious meetings after the Dubai raid.
"This year's campaign will resemble the previous years. However, I think we should consider taking him back to South Korea.
"Japan was on our radar this year, but in the end, we've opted to take him to Dubai instead."
This ambitious itinerary underscores Appleby's commitment to maximising Annaf's potential on the global stage.
"He is a very straightforward 4YO colt. He is a dream to have, really," remarked Appleby, reflecting on Annaf's training regimen.
The astute investment in Annaf's acquisition at the Shadwell dispersal sale highlights Appleby's knack for identifying talent and potential in young racehorses.
He recalled, "We bought him at the Shadwell dispersal sale at Newmarket. He was a 2YO then who had never run. He was reasonably cheap at GBP16,000 with an incredible pedigree as well. If he can win at Group One level, then obviously, he could grow into a stallion."
ADAPTABILITY STRATEGIC VISION AFTER ANNAF'S VICTORY
Appleby's ability to adjust and make calculated decisions under duress is demonstrated by this glimpse into his race-day approach as he reflects on Annaf's recent victory.
"We were pretty confident when we were going to go there. But after the draw came out, we thought we might struggle a bit, he said.
"But the good thing was that we got Rossa Ryan to go over to ride him because he knows him very well. In fact, he made the brave move to go on the inside rail, and that served us well."
In hindsight, Appleby expressed, "The overall experience was quite remarkable. We received exceptional hospitality at the racecourse, and the substantial prize purse certainly adds to the allure." This recognition of the positive reception in Riyadh underscores the significance of international racing events and their impact on participants and trainers.
Regarding the progression of their collaboration, Appleby remarked, "Annaf has shown promise in extending his running distance to between five and seven furlongs, which opens up new race opportunities for us." This adaptability underscores Appleby's strategic approach and willingness to pursue fresh avenues for Annaf's racing career.
In response to inquiries about Annaf's unique characteristics Appleby emphasised, "Annaf is exceptionally straightforward. He presents no challenges whatsoever. He approaches his training with ease, effortlessly adapting to any regimen we implement. Working with him is a joy, as he excels in every aspect of his preparation."
This affirmation of Annaf's temperament and effortless training underscores the harmonious relationship between horse and trainer, which plays a pivotal role in their ongoing achievements on the racetrack.
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Appleby, who, together with his star, Annaf, are sponsored by Trade Access Panels Ltd, admires both the world-class facilities and competitive atmosphere at Meydan and the King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
Following his recent triumph in Saudi Arabia, Appleby has emerged as a prominent figure in the global horse racing community. The handler acquired essential skills as a stable rider under the mentorship of John Manners before transitioning to a trainer role in 2010.
Originating from Barnsley, Appleby developed his passion for horse racing under the guidance of his grandfather and noteworthy achievements, such as Danzeno's triumph in 2014, have elevated him to prominence. He has a distinguished record of over 850 victories, highlighting his expertise and proficiency in horse racing.
With over 850 victories, Appleby consistently emphasises that his training philosophy prioritises the horses' happiness and well-being. He firmly believes that content horses perform best, and he meticulously attends to their needs in training and preparation. This guiding principle, combined with his meticulous approach, has been pivotal to consistently achieving success.
BIG PRIMED FOR ANOTHER BIG YEAR
When prompted about potential contenders for World Cup night or forthcoming events, Appleby singled out, "Obviously, we've got Big Evs, a top-class 3YO. We're hoping that we're going to have an excellent year again." Appleby's statement underscores the heightened anticipation surrounding Big Evs' upcoming races by highlighting their focus on five-furlong sprints in the UK and the prospect of returning to the Breeders Cup meeting.
Appleby's thoughtful planning and consideration for the horse's well-being are reflected in his revelation: "As he's been out all summer, we decided that we were going to leave him alone and give him a good break over the winter. And then once we get running, we could eventually target him for Dubai or Saudi Arabia."
Focusing on optimising Big Evs' agility while assessing his capabilities, Appleby reflects his steadfast dedication to improving each horse's performance on the track. Discussing Big Evs' potential and future prospects, he said, "I would like to see if he can get to six furlongs. I'm not sure yet. My standard at the moment is to keep him at five furlongs because of his electrifying speed."
Considering the similarities between Annaf and Big Evs despite their distinct racing distances, Appleby affirmed, "Although Annaf and Big Evs are at different distances, they both have amazing speed and a great turn of foot."
Reflecting on the best advice he's ever received, Appleby emphasised the importance of surrounding oneself with excellence, stating, "Keep yourself in the best company and your horses in the worst company." This sage counsel underscores Appleby's dedication to maintaining high standards in his racing endeavours.