Monday, May 13, 2013
Dubai: Gavino Sanna produced a well-timed run aboard Rio Herode to win a historic first running of the Madjani Shadwell Arabian Stakes for Purebred Arabians at Capannelle Racecourse in Rome on Sunday.
It was the first time in over a century that Italy’s famous racetrack was staging a race for Arabians on a thoroughbred card that included the prestigious Premi Presidente della Republic GBI Racing (G1). The race carried a purse of €25,000 (Dh119,327) and was part of a nine-race card, sponsored mainly by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, as part of his initiative to promote horseracing around the world.
Other races were sponsored under the banner of the UAE, Emirates airline, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Shadwell and two of the Stud’s most famous stallions - Madjani and Nayef.
The Shadwell Arabian Stakes lived up to its billing and produced an exciting finish with Rio Herode coming from off the pace to deny favourite Romulus by three quarters of-a-length at the line. Rhajid, the mount of Antonio Fadda was third and Regina Mundi, ridden by British jockey Jimmy Fortune, fourth.
Former Dubai World Cup (G1) winning jockey Mirco Demuro was the only professional to record a double when he won the €41,900 Emirates Airline thoroughbred handicap aboard Ransom Hope and followed up the success when driving Night of Light to capture the €30,800 Nayef Handicap (€30,800) 2000m: 1. Night of Light (Mirco Demuro).
Demuro, a six-time champion in Italy, won the Dubai World Cup at Meydan aboard the Japanese-trained Victoire Pisa in 2011.
The concluding race on the card, which was run at the Shaikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Conditions event was won by Jelabi Psa, ridden by Simone Mereu.
Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office and Chairman of Shadwell Stud, was present at Capannelle and gave away the prizes to the winners together with Rotary Club of Dubai’s founder Abdullah Al Ansari, a former Director of Emirates Aviation Services.
The Premio Presidente della Repubblica GBI Racing (G1) produced a memorable result for Italian trainer Stefano Botti, who saddled the first three horses home. Mario Esposito was aboard the winner Vedelago, who came home half a length clear of stable companion Orpello, the mount of Fabio Branca who in turn denied Botti’s third runner Pattaya who rallied from the back of the field to finish a good third.
Botti was enjoying consecutive wins in the race, which was first run in 1879, having won the contest last year with Crackerjack King. Vedelago was providing his sire Red Clubs with a second Group 1 success following Sky Lantern’s victory in the 1,000 Guineas on April 5 at Newmarket.
By Leslie Wilson Jr Racing & Special?Features Writer
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
