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| Staff Writer |
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Heather Main’s stable star Island Brave is set to make his Meydan debut in a few weeks after he claimed victory in the thrilling renewal of the Old Borough Cup at Haydock.
The Donald Kerr-owned 7YO was ridden from the front by Silvestre de Sousa, beat the fast-finishing pair of Alright Sunshine and Nicholas T by half a length and a nose respectively.
Here we speak with the Wantage-based trainer about her strategy for Island Brave’s UAE season.
Q: What are your plans for Island Brave in the region?
A: Island Brave has arrived safely in Dubai and is preparing for his first run there in the 1 mile 6 furlongs Al Khail Trophy at the end of January. After the Al Khail Trophy (L:, Island brave will aim for the Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy in February. Later this season (UK: we might consider going again for the fantastic prize money of the Ebor, but only if he gets good ground and his mark continues to rise.
Q: Who will be riding Island Brave at Meydan?
A: Silvestre De Sousa will be riding him at Meydan.
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Q: Please tell us more about Island Brave and his career thus far.
A: He is our top-class stayer and stable star who has won 11 races so far and a substantial amount of prize money. He has won the Colwick Cup at Nottingham, The Winton Cup at Ayr and the Old Borough Cup at Haydock which to me was one of his most impressive victories.
We had been holding him up, but this was a drop back to 1 mile 6 furlongs, and we decided to make the running. Silvestre De Sousa gave him a brilliantly positive front running ride which Island Brave relished. He was headed in the final stages but fought back with admirable tenacity to win.
Q: Please tell us about how he came to you and about your relationship with his owner, Donald Kerr.
A: Donald was one of our first owners, and we have had a successful and fun relationship with him and his racehorses. He has just started breeding from his Camelot mare, Lady of the Court. Her first foal, Island Bandit by Zarak, that I train, won on his second start as a 2YO in a maiden at Newbury at 100-1!
Kerr also owns Dark Island among other 3YOs who will be exciting to follow.
He also has a passion for Koi carp and has had many champion Koi in Japan.
Q: Who are your stable stars currently and what are your plans for them in 2022?
A: We have an eye-catching group of 2YOs and 3YOs in our yard who will be ready to prove themselves this season. They will, hopefully, follow in Island Brave’s footsteps and show his determination, enjoyment of running and will to win.