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| Staff Writer |
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Manton Estate-based Irish trainer, Brian Meehan, has set his sights on a new goal: transforming his stable star, Jayarebe, into a celebrated figure on the global racing stage. With international career victories in prestigious races such as the Gr.1 Dubai Duty-Free and the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, Meehan melds intuition with expertise to prepare to deliver this vision with precision.
The son of Zoffany, who cost US$195,000 as a yearling, is on course for what is shaping up to be a red-hot renewal of the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes on the fourth day of Royal Ascot.
A tilt at the Gr.1 Sandown Coral-Eclipse (British Champions Series) in July is also possible.
The Ascot contender has won at Newmarket twice, showcasing his prowess on both the July Course and the Rowley Mile. His performance suggested that a mile and a quarter might be his stamina limit, but he looked exceptionally strong in the later races.
The 3YO Champion's ability to handle the undulating course and come up the hill was particularly noteworthy. His form from last year was already impressive, and he has continued to improve throughout the spring.
This year, Jayarebe started his 3YO career by winning the Feilden Stakes at a mile, which seems to have suited him better, compared to when he finished six lengths behind Rosallion over seven furlongs as a 2YO. The form he displayed in the Listed race was strong which could possibly lead to many opportunities during his upcoming campaigns.
With its charm and intensity, Royal Ascot is often compared to the Kentucky Derby.
"Royal Ascot is like the Kentucky Derby on steroids," stated Mark Casse's wife, a sentiment Meehan reflected upon.
"Well, the people at Epsom might disagree. But Royal Ascot is five days of high-class racing with lots of people from around the world. It's great fun.
“It's more so now as the world has become a smaller place for a racehorse. There would have been English, French, and Irish-trained horses in those days. Now we have the Australians, Americans, Japanese, and so on. It's very intense.
"The pressure is quite intense, but we put ourselves under a lot of pressure because it's the key thing to have a winner at Royal Ascot," said Meehan.
Reflecting on his earliest visit to Royal Ascot, Meehan fondly remembered his years as an assistant for Richard Hannon.
“I was Richard’s assistant for five or six years and that would probably be my first memory of Ascot, which is very different than today.
“But it was always about the atmosphere created. It had so much mystique to it to get around.
“It's a lot easier to get around now because of the new design. But in those days, the old grandstand was intriguing.
“You didn’t know how you'd be able to get from place to place as quickly as possible if you're meeting people and then saddling horses as well and going to the paddock and so on.
“You had to know all the shortcuts and all the routes around the old grandstand that you could get in and out,” he said.
The Royal Ascot Contender's owner, Iraj Parvizi, known as the "Mad Punter," was introduced to Meehan by an agent.
"She called me up and said that Iraj had some horses and thought he and I would get on well. I was delighted, of course, to have them. He's a very straightforward person to train for and he's become a good friend," Meehan shared.
Parvizi has enjoyed top-level success with Brian Meehan-trained colts in the past and the pair could have another Group-race prospect on their hands in Jayarebe.
Remarking on the plan for Royal Ascot Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes
Meehan said, "He's also going to be entered in the Hampton Court. He will run, but it'll be one or the other. He won a one-mile listed race at Newmarket at the start of the season. He didn't handle the Chester track last time. So, it's a very obvious next step for him."
Jayarebe's journey is still in its early stages, having run only four times.
"It's more about the future with him than what we've done already. My idea is to take him on the international circuit, which I know, would also please his owner.
“He is French bred, so he qualifies for French premiums, which is a significant increase in prize money if he was to win in France," Brian remarked.
The son of Zoffany reflects the potential to reach the Breeders Cup in November, with further plans to race in Japan, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Describing the entire's temperament and attributes, the elite trainer highlighted his ample stride length.
"When he went to Newmarket, he measured over 25 feet in stride length, considerably less when he was in Chester. Hence, he didn't handle the track. He likes just to get balanced to use himself."
Looking beyond Royal Ascot, the illustrious trainer is open to various possibilities.
"I'm not sure. It will depend greatly on how he gets on at the royal meeting. Let's wait and see about York. We could give him a midsummer break for York and then think about the autumn and the winter with him."
In three words, Meehan described Zoffany Zinger as "enthusiastic, honest, and strong" echoing his potential.