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| Staff Writer |
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Wathnan Racing are maintaining their aggressive pre-Royal Ascot acquisition strategy after securing Sandal's Song, a promising juvenile targeting the Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes .
The Mendelssohn colt, trained by George Weaver, delivered an impressive winning debut at Gulfstream Park in May, landing the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes in commanding fashion. Originally purchased for US$75,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, the son of Sandal has since arrived at the National Stud near Newmarket alongside stablemate Tough Critic.
Weaver successfully campaigned Crimson Advocate to Queen Mary Stakes glory in 2023, with that filly now in Wathnan ownership and expected to contest the Gr.2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes . The trainer's proven Royal Ascot record strengthens confidence in Sandal's Song's Norfolk Stakes prospects.
Case Clay, Wathnan's United States racing adviser, expressed optimism about the acquisition. "Sandal's Song was impressive in Florida, beating more experienced rivals with something in hand. George and his team have made this journey before, and think this colt's a great candidate for the task ahead. That's good enough for me and we're really looking forward to testing him against the Europeans."
The ownership operation of Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, has been particularly active in recent weeks, reflecting similar spending patterns from previous seasons. Their 2023 and 2024 acquisitions including Courage Mon Ami, Gregory, Haatem, and English Oak all delivered Royal Ascot success.
Wathnan's current Royal Ascot squad includes Karl Burke-trained Naval Light for the Norfolk Stakes, while recent purchases Lazzat, Flora of Bermuda, and Night Raider target various sprint contests. Juvenile Humidity, acquired from Cheveley Park Stud, heads to the Chesham Stakes, demonstrating the operation's comprehensive approach across different divisions.
Sandal's Song represents the second foal from unplaced mare Sandal, herself half-sister to graded stakes winners Qurbaan and Qareeb, suggesting strong family credentials for the Royal Ascot challenge ahead.