KVT looking to create magical memories at the Meydan
Syndicate upbeat on prospects in $1m Al Quoz Sprint
On Dubai World Cup night, there are many horses owned by the superpowers running but there are also those owned by less established global owners.
We caught up with Piers Winkworth, who co-owns and runs the syndicate Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds (KVT) with Sam Hoskins, who have their horse Magical Memory running in the $1-million Al Quoz Sprint (Group 1).
First of all we found out about the syndicate and Winkworth explained: “KVT is a pioneer of the UK syndication business, having been founded by Nick Robinson. This year we celebrate our 30th year of operation. We run single horse flat racing partnerships in the UK.
We currently have 12 horses, spread with some of the top trainers in the UK Andrew Balding, Ralph Beckett, Charlie Hills, Clive Cox, Mark Johnson and William Knight. We have 16 partners in each syndicate and we provide a fun, relaxed atmosphere but with the serious aim of punching above our weight. Recent star Tullius and of course Magical Memory were relatively cheap yearlings, but both have competed at the top level, are UK Group race winners and have won more than £500k each in prize money.
“Excitement about the big night is high and there are four or five of the partners [who] will be coming out to Dubai. As it was fairly last minute, many have plans for Easter but will be eagerly watching the race on the TV.”
Change of plan
Asked when he came to know and if it was always the plan, he replied: “I was chatting to Sam on Monday [March 19] in the morning and, at that stage, we had not received an invitation to Dubai, so the plan was to enter him in the Cammidge, the first race of the UK turf season, and run at Doncaster if the ground was OK. When I got off the phone to Sam, Charlie Hills called with the exciting news that he had been invited to Dubai. Racing for $1 million as opposed to £20k was a nobrainer and the Al Quoz was always the dream as a starting point this season. Magical Memory has won 8 times, 3 at Group level, but as a 6-year-old gelding, our plan is to try and target the high value races — so this race is perfect for us!”
Frankie Dettori, who has won 5 races on Magical Memory, looks set to be reunited with his old friend. “He gets on very well with the horse and it’s great for a small owner like us to have one of the world’s top jockeys wanting to ride,” says Winkworth. “I believe as soon as he heard we had been invited, Frankie was on the phone to Charlie and has called again to make sure he has the ride! He thinks we have a decent chance on a fair track and Magic always runs well fresh.”
It will be great to welcome the syndicate here and let’s hope they have the night of their lives.
Harry Tregoning is a horse racing expert and Managing Partner, Tregoning Property