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| Staff Writer |
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Racing at Meydan is renowned for its fierce competition and standard of excellence, where Champion Thoroughbreds command astronomical sums at prestigious sales. Yet amidst this high-stakes environment, Mendelssohn Bay is writing a different kind of success story. Purchased for US$85,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale, this progressive gelding has blossomed into one of Middle East racing's most compelling prospects, with his rise emblematic of the astute horsemanship that still thrives in modern racing.
The imposing son of Mendelssohn out of a Curlin mare has already proven his worth beyond that modest purchase price, delivering a commanding performance in the UAE 2000 Guineas that marked him as a serious contender for international honours. Under the astute guidance of co-owner Paul Ebbs and trainer Bhupat Seemar, this striking bay gelding has developed from a well-built yearling into a powerful athlete with Group One aspirations.
Now, following a decisive victory in the UAE Islands Conditions race, connections are mapping out an ambitious campaign that could see their rising star competing at the Group level. The syndicate’s penultimate dream is to one day celebrate in the winning circle at Royal Ascot.
Mendelssohn Bay’s success is a testament to the vision of the Suited & Booted Syndicate, who have transformed their passionate approach to racehorse ownership into a compelling success story that's capturing attention across the global racing community.
"The form is stacking up really well when you look at what UAE Derby winner Forever Young did in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup," notes Ebbs, his eyes fixed firmly on prestigious targets.
The physical development of their stable star has been particularly encouraging. "He's growing out of the Mendelssohn shape and he's growing into the Curlin shape," Ebbs observes, highlighting the maturation that could see the horse reach new heights this season. With Royal Ascot among their long-term objectives, the team's enthusiasm is palpable.
"Royal Ascot, yes, we'd like to have that win. We'd like to give that opportunity to one of our horses," Ebbs declares. "If Bhupat recommends one, we'll definitely go for any race, in any country, on any continent."
The story of Mendelssohn Bay's discovery reveals the keen eye for talent that defines the Suited & Booted Syndicate's approach to racing. At the Fasig-Tipton sale, the horse's presence commanded immediate attention.
"We didn't know how special he was until we saw him in the pre-parade ring at the sales," Ebbs remembers. "He was just different - very well-built, well put together for a 2YO. He had amazing muscles."
A defining moment came when the young horse reared up on his hind legs during the parade as if announcing his future champion status to the world.
"People call it quirkiness in horse racing, but I just feel it's an inner talent, an inner reassurance that the horse has got ability and character," Ebbs reflects.
The partnership with Zabeel Stables has proven crucial in developing this raw talent. Following careful preparation at Scanlan's in Florida, a measured campaign led to unexpected early success in the UAE 2000 Guineas.
"We weren't thinking we'd win the Guineas on the day - that was just an amazing joy to encounter, to be competitive and then walk away with it!" Ebbs shares, his voice still carrying the thrill of that triumph.
The success of Mendelssohn Bay represents everything special about Paul Ebbs' unique approach to racing syndicate management. As the driving force behind the Suited & Booted Syndicate, Ebbs has transformed a chance encounter at a tailor's shop into one of the most compelling operations in Middle East racing.
"You've got to buy horses for Dubai. You can't just show up in Dubai with any animals of any nature, because it's so competitive," Ebbs reflects, his words carrying the weight of nearly two decades of experience in the Emirates' racing scene.
The syndicate's journey began in 2005 when Ebbs, fresh to Dubai, found himself in a casual round of golf that would change his life's trajectory. By 2015, what started as a casual interest had evolved into serious involvement with multiple successful syndicates, working alongside industry veterans.
The formation of the Suited & Booted Syndicate emerged from an equally fortuitous encounter during a fitting for racing suits.
"When I went down to meet them, I was getting some suits made for racing. We started talking, and they said they were always interested in horses," Ebbs recalls. This chance meeting with tailors Ryan and Calvin would not only give the syndicate its distinctive name but also establish its founding principles of accessibility and shared enthusiasm.
Under Ebbs' meticulous leadership, the syndicate has developed a reputation for professional management combined with personal engagement. "We have day-to-day contact regarding the ten horses we've got. We give all our owners weekly updates on every horse," he explains, highlighting the transparency that sets their operation apart.
The syndicate's approach to bloodstock selection combines thorough pedigree analysis with practical horseman's knowledge. "When we go to a sale, we'll probably look for the best pedigree," Ebbs notes. "It's down to the horseman's touch to find the right ones in the preliminaries, where you know which one is going to be able to work and compete in Dubai with the right breeding, the right bloodline."
This professional approach extends to their careful management of syndicate growth. "Under the restrictions, we're only allowed to have 40 owners within the syndicate group. We currently have 46, so we've set up another two syndicates for our young horses," Ebbs explains. In Mendelssohn Bay himself, they've maintained an exclusive group of five owners, striking a perfect balance between intimacy and opportunity.
The transformation in their stable star's demeanour reflects the success of their patient approach. "We went to see him two days ago just to say hello. We took the kids to see him. He's lovely now - very placid, no scariness. He bows down to the kids and talks away by sticking his nose out and his head to the side. He's got a lot of love to give for such a talented animal."
What truly sets the Suited & Booted Syndicate apart is its unique blend of serious ambition with a genuine love for the sport. "We're not in it for the money - we're in it for the love of the animals and the joy of going racing," Ebbs emphasises. This philosophy has attracted around 50 quality members who share their passion for racing and community spirit.
As Mendelssohn Bay continues his journey toward Group One targets, with potential campaigns both locally and internationally on the horizon, Paul Ebbs and his syndicate stand as proof that in the high-stakes world of Dubai racing, success can be built on friendship, passion, and meticulous attention to detail. Their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring owners everywhere, showing that with the right approach, dreams of racing at the highest level are within reach.
The immediate future looks particularly bright for Mendelssohn Bay, whose recent UAE Islands Conditions race victory has opened up several exciting possibilities. The form of that race has been significantly boosted by the subsequent international performances of UAE Derby winner Forever Young, suggesting Mendelssohn Bay could be competitive at the highest level.
With the horse continuing to strengthen and mature, connections are eyeing several prestigious targets. "The Curlins do get better with age," Ebbs notes, referring to the influence of Mendelssohn Bay's grandsire. This physical development, combined with the horse's enhanced mental maturity, has given the team confidence to potentially aim at Group One targets in the coming season.
The syndicate's expansion into new ventures, including the establishment of two additional syndicates for their young horses, demonstrates their commitment to long-term growth. Their current roster of ten horses, carefully selected and managed under Bhupat Seemar's expert guidance at Zabeel Stables, provides a strong foundation for future success.
From that fortuitous purchase at Fasig-Tipton to competing at the highest levels of international racing, the Suited & Booted Syndicate exemplifies the magic that makes this sport so special. As they methodically plot Mendelssohn Bay's path to potential Royal Ascot glory, one thing is certain: under Paul Ebbs' leadership, they will continue to do things their own way - with style, substance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that has already transformed a US$85,000 purchase into one of Dubai racing's most exciting prospects.