Sharjah set to host first race of SERC meeting

sharjah — The first Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club meeting of the new campaign is on Saturday afternoon when there is a six race card, highlighted by the sole Thoroughbred contest, a 1000m handicap.

Thirteen have been declared with the weights headed by Paranormal, owned by Mohd Khalifa Al Basti and to be partnered by Pat Dobbs, riding for his main employer, the Champion Trainer, Doug Watson.

Formerly with Godolphin, he raced just once for them in England and made a very pleasing local debut when, at Sharjah, he was second in a 1700m maiden.

Three outings later, back on this course, he lost that maiden tag when successful in a 1200m handicap and as a four-yearold who has made only six career starts, looks the type of young horse who can progress this season.

Watson said: “He is fit, well and ready for a run so we thought this looked a good opportunity. His best runs have been when racing prominently and we think he will cope with the shorter trip.”

Ahmad bin Harmash saddles a pair of three-year-olds for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, with jockey bookings implying Al Abyad, the mount of Connor Beasley, is considered a more likely winner than Sabegg who will be partnered by Royston Ffrench.

“They have only had seven runs between them and, we hope have more to offer this season,” said bin Harmash. “Our horses mostly ran well last week so, hopefully, that can continue.”

Pat Cosgrave won on Shillong for Helal Al Alawi and The Byerley Team at Jebel Ali last Friday and the trio combine here with Logistics. Winner once, from 12 starts, that victory, last December was over 1200m here at Sharjah and he should run well.

Also successful over the Sharjah 1200m, albeit in December 2010, is the veteran, Montmorency, 11-years-old and a great servant over the years to Satish Seemar.

The mount of Richard Mullen, he was a 1000m Al Ain winner last December and should produce his usual, honest effort.

He was chased home on that occasion by Intermedium, back in opposition with Tadhg O’Shea riding for Ali Rashid Al Rayhi.