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| Staff Writer |
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Chantal Sutherland is embracing the chance to partner with her old ally Super Chow in the Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) this weekend, having fought her way back to the saddle following a freak accident nearly two years ago that almost ended her career.
The 49-year-old has wintered in Dubai this year, working alongside trainer Bhupat Seemar and his team at Zabeel Stables.
"It's been amazing. Dubai is such a beautiful place," Sutherland said Monday at Meydan trackwork. "Bhupat is world-class, he's an incredible trainer and manager and the whole team is just so fun to be around."
Saturday sees Sutherland reunite with six-year-old Super Chow, on whom she has won five times from six rides – four in stakes company – for trainer Jorge Delgado.
"It's a huge opportunity and I am grateful to [owner Lea Farms] Bill and Paula Cosgrove and to Jorge for his loyalty and being such a great supporter of mine," she said.
Though facing formidable opposition including defending champion Tuz and Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser, Sutherland is confident in her mount's wellbeing.
"Super Chow is doing really well, I breezed him, he's strong, healthy and really happy and I guess that's all we can really ask for," she said. "Just have to see how it all plays out."
Sutherland reveals that Super Chow, who made the Gulfstream Park Sprint his eighth black-type success, has plenty of personality alongside his considerable talent.
"He is a character," she offered. "He is very serious when he wants to be, but he can be a little bit playful and you have to be careful because he'll try [to] bite sometimes. He's nice, he loves to roll in the sand, he does everything in stride, never panics, never gets too strong.
"He does his job well. He likes to be around people, he does have a masseuse that comes around and he loves cuddles. But when it comes to work, he's straightforward and has a lot of grit and a lot of heart."
Once the UAE racing season concludes, Sutherland will return to America to ride first-call for Delgado at Monmouth Park in New Jersey.
"I've kind of been on holiday here, but I look forward to riding full time again and work hard for people," she said.
A strong Golden Shaheen run from Super Chow would make for the perfect conclusion to her working holiday.