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| Staff Writer |
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Leading Irish trainer Ado McGuiness once again hopes to secure notable trophies in the Middle East, starting with a second consecutive win in the Gr.2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup with Pretreville.
In this exclusive interview, McGuinness reveals his ambitions for the region and reflects on his plan for his 7YO son of Acclamation.
McGuinness fell in love with horses at a young age, under the watchful eye of his uncle, Larry ‘Gusty’ McGuinness who bred the dual Grand National winner Greasepaint.
McGuinness with his cousin and Darley Flying Start graduate, Stephen Thorne, have made great strides in an aggressive horses-in-training purchase strategy.
McGuinness speaks to Ten Furlongs from his stables ahead of Pretreville’s travels, as he looks forward to the three most critical race days in the Middle East.
Q: Please tell us more about your plans for Pretreville in Doha and after his return to Ireland.
A: Pretreville will run in the ITM Cup over 1600m and will bid to emulate Bowermans’ success in the race last year. This race has been the plan for some time and I’d imagine he will have a break before competing in Stakes races on the turf in Ireland during the summer months as the good ground is important to him.
Q: Could you tell us a bit more about Pretreville’s ownership group? How did he come to you?
A: Pretreville is owned in partnership with Shamrock Thoroughbreds and Gerard Augustin Normand. He was purchased last year in the August HIT sales at Tattersalls and the existing owner Mr. Normand kindly retained 50% of him. He was a quality horse at the sale with a great profile and we were delighted to secure him.
Q: Could you tell us more about Bowerman’s Gr.2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM: Cup in 2021 and what were the learnings from that win that have helped you plan your renewed effort with Pretreville in 2022?
A: It was a fabulous occasion and the win with Bowerman gave us international recognition which is what we are working towards all the time. I love the challenge of racing and competing internationally and the ITM Cup win gave us great confidence to race more horses abroad.
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Q: How is Pretreville doing after his gelding procedure?
A: Pretreville is doing well post castration and he is a different horse this year. I am delighted with him at the moment and he is in super shape ahead of the upcoming trip to Doha.
Q: Do you have concerns about the ground in Doha?
A: I am anticipating the ground to be quick and I hope the management team at Doha will present the ground in great shape for us internationals this year.
Q: What’s next on the Middle East agenda for A Case Of You?
A: We plan to run him on Super Saturday in the Group 3 Nad al Sheba Turf Sprint and then onto World Cup night for the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint. Once he returns 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.
Q: There are many conversations in Europe about trainers setting up satellite stables in Dubai for winter racing. You are one of the few trainers with top-class horses actively contesting the races in Bahrain, Saudi, Qatar, and UAE. What are your plans for the region?
A: At the moment we will raid from Ireland as usual, and it would be premature to consider a satellite stable in the Middle East at this stage. There is a great reward for racing horses internationally with such lucrative prizemoney on offer and it is something we may consider in the future if the right opportunity presented itself.
In the meanwhile, we 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.
Q: What was your earliest impression of the track in Doha and what did you really enjoy in Doha?
A: Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the meeting last year due to the Covid restrictions, but I am really excited about attending this year and we also have owners travelling over also to enjoy the occasion.