Stage set for the DDF ‘Spring Trials Meeting’

An eagerly-awaited early season guide to the Classics, the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Meeting is targeted by many leading owners and trainers, anxious to test the potential of their big race hopefuls. Commented Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman, “We are delighted to be returning to Newbury as title sponsors for what is always a pleasant, enjoyable and informative two days racing.

“It provides us with an opportunity to entertain many valued trade and business associates in a novel and exciting environment and an excellent platform to promote Dubai as a centre for world sporting excellence.”

The occasion is again expected to be graced by The Queen, who is planning to have several runners at the meeting and whose patronage of the event has become a popular tradition in recent years.

The meeting looks set to see the seasonal debut of Qipco 1,000 Guineas candidate Rosdhu Queen, unbeaten in four starts, in Saturday’s Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes.

Another potential superstar Moohaajim is a leading contender for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas following his win last September in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, being aimed at the AON Greenham Stakes the same afternoon.

Martin Harley takes the ride on the Marco Botti-trained colt in a race that could play a part in shaping the outcome of the Newmarket showpiece, with Olympic Glory and Ghurair also among the confirmed runners.

Noble Mission is expected to make his return in the one and a half miles Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes, which also enjoys Group 3 status.

Racegoers can experience a taste of UAE hospitality in the Dubai Duty Free marquee where there will also be an opportunity to win free entry into the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws, two of the airport industry’s longest running promotions offering prizes of one million US dollars and a luxury car respectively.