A ‘Terrific’ Performance

Trainer Satish Seemar teamed-up with top Irish jockey Ted Durcan to land the Dh500,000 Shadwell Farm Jebel Ali Sprint aboard Terrific Challenge at the Jebel Ali Racecourse.

By Hisham Al Gizouli

Published: Sat 13 Mar 2010, 11:53 AM

Last updated: Tue 28 Nov 2023, 9:51 AM

The former Gr-1 rider beat a quality field of 16 runners going to post in the feature race of the afternoon contested over 1000 metres dash.

Traditionally, the winner of this race receives an invitation for a line-up in the 1200m Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr-1) on the Dubai World Cup night. But as to whether a horse rated 95 pounds will be legible for a berth in such a big race will depend largely on how Terrific Challenge is going to fit in the hands of the handicapper after his impressive win.

Trainer Satish Seemar said he’s not quite sure as to what is going to happen next, but in all cases he won’t be surprised if not invited. “What matters is the fact that Terrific Challenge is back in form. The consistency he showed in his last two starts proves this. I think Terrific Challenge made a statement that he’s ok,” he said.

Former champion jockey Ted Durcan who partnered the winner said Terrific Challenge won nicely. “He started well and the speed of the race was helpful,” he said.

Durcan replaced regular partner Richard Mullen in the saddle. Mullen is serving four-day suspension last weekend in Abu Dhabi. “I spoke to Mullen this morning and he told to leave the horse alone to find his own legs,” he said.

In the meantime, the officials of the Emirates Racing Authority declined to comment on whether Terrific Challenge will receive an invitation for a second line up in the Dubai Golden Shaheen saying that they prefer to wait for the decision of the handicapper.

Frankie Dettori and Mike De Kock combined for a double with Biarritz winning the 1400m conditions race, sponsored by Emirates, in great style after stable companion Wonder Lawn had won the second 1950m handicap earlier on.

Dettori, who performed his flying dismount on both occasions, said: “They have both won well and they are the first winners I have ridden for Mike, from not many rides.”

The ‘home team’ of Dhruba Selvaratnam and William Buick rarely leave empty-handed and combined with Shemoli to win the opening 1950m handicap, while Effort won the 1200m handicap under Jesus Rosales for Abdulla Bin Huzaim. Numair was a welcome winner for reigning Champion Trainer Doug Watson in his bid to defend the crown from a determined Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

Ridden by Wayne Smith, he landed the concluding 1400m handicap.