 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |  |
A meticulously crafted plan conceived in Newmarket last July saw Isle Of Jura cap off a remarkable winter campaign with a commanding triumph in the US$200,000 King's Cup in Bahrain today.
Named in honor of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and supported by Bapco Energies, the King's Cup marked Isle Of Jura's fourth and most prestigious victory of his Bahrain campaign.
Competing under the banner of Victorious Racing for HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, guided by trainer George Scott and jockey Callum Shepherd, Isle Of Jura secured the Listed 2400m race with a commanding lead of 2 ¼ lengths over Sovereign Spirit in second and Panning For Gold in third.
An emotional George Scott reflected on Isle Of Jura's triumph in the King's Cup, declaring it as the pinnacle of his career, "This moment stands out as the highlight of my career thus far, surpassing anything else. It's truly extraordinary. The King's Cup represents the epitome of racing here in Bahrain. Isle Of Jura is an exceptional horse, showing tremendous determination."
Jockey Callum Shepherd, forming a formidable partnership with Isle Of Jura, shared his sentiments, "It's been an incredible winter with this horse, and to culminate in this victory is monumental. Despite facing adversity, particularly when nearly knocked over on the first bend, Isle Of Jura's resilience prevailed. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Nasser for his vision to secure the 'triple crown' victory, a remarkable achievement."
“I’d also like to give enormous credit to Rosie Jessop who’s ridden him every day out here and the girls who have looked after him. They have carried out and implemented George’s plans to the letter and they have been faultless in doing so.”
Isle Of Jura will be transported back to George Scott's Newmarket yard in the United Kingdom on Saturday. Following his return, he will undergo a period of rest before being readied for a European campaign in pattern races.
Rosie Jessop, who has been Isle Of Jura’s work rider throughout his three month stay in Bahrain, said, “I am going to miss him dearly. He’s been the life and soul of my season this year. I’m just so happy and he’s made it a magical time for us.”
Commenting on the King's Cup and concluding the season, Ed Veale, Director of Racing and International Relations for the Bahrain Turf Club, expressed, "What a fitting conclusion to a memorable season. Congratulations to His Highness Shaikh Nasser, trainer George Scott, and jockey Callum Shepherd on Isle Of Jura's impressive triumph in the King's Cup."
“Today’s race had all the ingredients which have helped make this season such a success. High quality international competition taking on the best of the locally based horses and with improving horses using the race programme in Bahrain to graduate through the ranks.
“Isle of Jura has been the stand-out horse of our season. He came to Bahrain on a mark of 97 back in December but you could tell there was a lot of scope for improvement and I know how highly George Scott regarded him. George and I had actually started speaking about the horse back in July and he knew the route that he wanted to take and he’s gone and done it, which is a tremendous feat.
“He won his first Bahrain Turf Series race, then His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Cup and His Highness Shaikh Nasser’s Cup, and to cap off a remarkable campaign, he has won His Majesty the King’s Cup, worth US$200,000.
“We’re very grateful that George put his trust in the Club to send the horse here for the winter and explore our programme. He’s a great example of a horse who can come here for the Bahrain Turf Series and then graduate to valuable conditions races.”
Despite their misfortune in the King's Cup with three runners, Godolphin celebrated a victory earlier in the card as the talented Real World triumphed for the first time in over two years. Under the positive ride of Kevin Stott, who secured his maiden win in Bahrain, Real World asserted dominance in the closing stages of the US$80,000 Al Methaq Mile (Listed).
Now a 7YO, and having previously finished runner-up twice to Baaeed in Group One races, Real World displayed glimpses of his former brilliance as he comfortably defeated Wowzers and Mehmento, with last year's winner Byline failing to pose a threat.
Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor expressed his delight at seeing one of his favorites return to winning form, stating, "Real World ran well in Doha, Qatar last time, and following his impressive performance in training last week, I was confident he would perform well back at a mile, which is his preferred distance. It was a pleasure to witness."
For the complete results of the 2024 King's Cup, sponsored by Bapco Energies, please click here.