Insight into North America

North America trains ahead of the Dubai World Cup.

For the layman, a horse is just another animal but for horsemen, they are as human as they come. Trainers, work riders and jockeys share a bond, a special bond. They communicate with each other in different ways and that's what makes the world of horse racing a wonderful experience in itself.
Each equine, be it a colt, filly, horse or mare have different personalities and experienced saddler Satish Seemar gave an insight, a glimpse into the world of his charge North America, who is a strong contender for the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday night.
The Dubai-based Indian trainer revealed that the seven-year-old son of Dubawi has different mannerisms and different shades to his personality, that makes North America unique.
"The best I like about him is he's a very low maintenance," Seemar said at the Racecourse on Wednesday morning.
"Attitude is just, he is like a non-entity in the stables. Normally, these kind of horses, he doesn't show off, he walks almost like a depressed horse every day. Puts his head down and the only time he puts his head up and looks impressive is when he's walking towards the track. And when we stand him before he does his work, he's just standing and he looks around as if he owns everything. So, that's something very special about him but in the yard, in the stables, in his box, he's just Mr. Nobody. You don't even kind of notice him," he added.
And Seemar is hoping 'Mr. Nobody' can be that 'Special Someone,' when he again takes a crack at the $12 million affair.
"For any trainer in the world and connections, it is a special race. I mean, look at the ambience, look at the prestige of the race itself. After winning such a race, you can actually think about a big step outside Dubai and that's what every trainer is hoping and striving for," said Seemar.
And Seemar, who has spent close to three decades in the UAE, felt that this year's 21st renewal will be the most open yet with any of the 13 runners in with a chance.
"Well, this year, there are no superstars, there's no champions. I know they are some good horses from the US and locally. But, I think it is a very open race, it is anybody's race and I happen to be having a good horse," he reckoned.
And while he is upbeat about North America's chances, Seemar said he's not getting too carried away, especially after what unfolded last year.
North America was a firm favourite but the distraction from the speakers saw him miss the break and he ended up finishing last. And that is something which will remain with Seemar. "I want to keep a lid (on expectations) because last year didn't work out. We were so excited and it didn't. So, I'm going to be cool and calm this year," said the four-time UAE Champion Trainer.
"What happened last year, will never leave me for the rest of my life. And I will always blame myself because I didn't look into those two things where I should've had a person in the gate, holding him. I should've known about the sound. But these are afterthoughts and you can blame what you want but you got to move on. Last year, I was so pleased with the gate, I got No.2. Perfect for him, the way he likes to run - jump out, dominate and catch me if you can. That's the way he runs. It didn't work but it will always stay with me. It just happens in life," explained Seemar.
james@khaleejtimes.com