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| Staff Writer |
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Ten Furlongs caught up master of Skylark House, after his Breeders’ Cup debut with A Case Of You, to discuss his plans for his horses aimed at the Middle East. The trainer was enjoying a well-deserved break, his first holiday in over twenty years.
Q: What are your plans for the upcoming racing season in the Middle East region?
A: We had Saltonstall entered for the Bahrain International Trophy but he is currently on a break and won’t be ready to go. He is being prepared for racing after Christmas. We go to the Middle East with a few horses early next year. While Saltonstall will be staying in Ireland to regain his Colm Quinn BMW Galway Mile Handicap title.
Q: Could you elaborate on the horses aimed at the Middle East and the races they will be aimed at?
A: Current Option is being prepared for the 6.5-furlongs’ Turf Sprint in Saudi. While A Case Of You will have a prep race in Ireland before heading to Dubai for the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint. Once he returns we he will be aimed at the Gr.1 King Stands Stakes at Royal Ascot and then we will defend his Gr.1 Prix de L'Abbaye de Longchamp title. And then if all goes well, we will return to the US for the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. And finally, our 6YO colt Pretreville is likely to be headed to Doha for the Amir's Sword Cup.
Q: For the horses being aimed at the Middle East, what sort of preparatory races are you planning?
A: We would have them race on an All-Weather track here in Ireland and then I would like to run them off the plane if I can.
Q: What are your plans for Pretreville as he heads for Doha?
A: Last year, we found that the ground was too quick for our runner Bowerman, although he went on to win. He was sore after the race and struggled upon his return to Ireland. So, we are going to definitely wait to send Pretreville to Doha. Our decision will be based on the reports we get about the ground conditions.
Q: And are you planning to join your horses in the region?
A: Yes, I definitely will travel with them. Last year I went to Saudi and my team went to Dubai and Doha. We were all looked after very well. I couldn't ask for anything better.
Q: And what are your plans for this year's racing season in the UK and Europe?
A: We have a high a lot of quality horses in the stable at present. We won four Stakes races, including the Group One Prix de L'Abbaye de Longchamp with A Case Of You. We are targeting Group One Races with him again this year. We also have lot of very high-class handicappers. We won four Premier Handicaps this year (2021). So we will be aiming for more Premier Handicaps in the coming season year as well.
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Q: What about Harry's Bar who ran in the Riyadh Sprint earlier this year? Is he expected to make a second attempt in Saudi?
A: He could go back for the Riyadh Dirt Sprint but it will be a last-minute decision. He struggled a bit on the dirt. We realized that he needed more practice on the dirt surface and it was the same with the English horses as well. So, this year, we will make a last-minute decision on whether we feel he can handle it.
Q: What about the situation with your horses travelling abroad? Have things settled back to normal after the delays with COVID?
A: Yes, it has. We fly the horses going to the Middle East from Ireland. It’s quite easy. However, due to Brexit, it’s become tough to get horses into England. The travel costs are almost double, and the paperwork has tripled. So, I hope they do something about it.
Q: You are one of the most well-regarded trainers in Ireland. So, what does winning in the Middle East mean to you?
A: It would be brilliant to win in the Middle East. Not only is the prize money exciting but it is also the experience we get from going out there to meet new people including possible new owners. We always hope to meet people to invest in our horses back at home. Ireland has some of the best horses and the best auction houses in the world.