 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Hamad Al-Jehani is set to introduce some international flair at Royal Ascot with Epsom runner-up Beshtani, marking one of his initial entries at the prestigious meeting.
A prominent trainer in Qatar, the 35-year-old secured victories in the Qatar Guineas with Lil’ Frank and the Qatar Derby with Jeff Koons for Wathnan Racing in December.
Having transitioned to Newmarket, he now oversees a portion of Wathnan's expanding UK string from the lower yard of Tom Clover’s Kremlin House Stable.
Despite not yet securing a win in the early phase of his new endeavor, Al-Jehani came close to a perfect start at Epsom during the Derby Festival.
Beshtani narrowly missed out on victory by a nose, while Haunted Dream finished strongly in fourth place despite a less-than-ideal start.
Beshtani has the opportunity to improve upon the near-miss at Epsom as he prepares to compete in the Royal Hunt Cup at the prestigious Royal meeting.
Additionally, the 4YO may be accompanied by stablemate Make Me King, who is also considering the option of participating in the Buckingham Palace Stakes.
“Hamad has obviously made a very good start and Beshtani running as he did at Epsom was a very good training performance,” said Richard Brown, Wathnan’s racing adviser.
“It fills us full of optimism going forwards with Hamad; he’s a great guy, has settled in really well and the early signs are hugely positive. We could not be happier.
“He will hopefully have a couple running, Beshtani in the Hunt Cup and Make Me King in either the Buckingham Palace or the Hunt Cup.”
Beshtani's odds for the Royal Hunt Cup can be as short as 12/1 at some bookmakers. This event is scheduled to take place on the second day of the five-day summer showpiece. Al-Jehani has so far fielded five runners in the UK, and his next runner is expected to be Solar Aclaim at Kempton on Wednesday.