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| Sumita Pawar |
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George Boughey, the British trainer, had a successful 2023 Carnival season, and it seems like Walbank could be his next promising sprinter. Walbank won the Azizi Venice Handicap, a 1200-meter turf race, and surprised the audience with his performance after being away from the track for six months.
Under the guidance of jockey William Buick, the 4YO raced on the far side of the track and chased Democracy Dilemma, who had taken the lead early on. Walbank finally overtook the leader in the last furlong and managed to keep Yonafis at bay by a length and a quarter.
“It was actually Kia’s -Joorabchian, founder, Amo Racing, owners, plan to have a runner in Dubai and this horse fitted the bill,” said Boughey. “My team here have done a great job. He’s a horse who had an issue or two as he got fitter but they seem to have been ironed out now.
“He could go to the [G2] Blue Point Sprint or the Listed race [Dubai Sprint] over six furlongs [1200 meters].”
Nevershow Weakness secured a commanding victory in the 2000 metre Azizi Reve Handicap, ridden to success by Tadhg O’Shea. The Bhupat Seemar-trained horse, who had previously won a maiden race over a mile in December, showcased a confident frontrunning performance, finishing three and a half lengths ahead of Lion's Mane. The win was a sweet redemption for owners Jim and Fitri Hay, who had faced disappointment earlier in the day with their horse Democracy Dilemma.
“It’s lovely to get these up-and-coming horses,” said O’Shea. “I told his owners that they’d see a different proposition when he goes up in trip and I actually think he’d get a mile a half.
“He’s been showing us all the signs at home, even before he ran.”