The 2014-15 UAE Champion Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi and stable jockey Silvestre de Sousa topped off a highly successful season with victory in the Chengdu Dubai International Cup presented by Longines at Jinma Lake Racecourse, China today (Friday).

Special Fighter beat off challenges from the Doug Watson-trained pair of Jutland and Henry Clay to triumph in the RMB1.5m (US$241,990) 2218m race. He was followed over the line by Counterglow, a 2.5 length second under Wayne Smith and the Richard Mullen-ridden Start Right.

Al Muhairi was completing a double after his Special Boy, winner on the same card last year, claimed the opening contest, The Wenjiang Sprint over 1400m for jockey, Tadhg O’Shea.

“It’s been an amazing season for Oasis 1 Stables and to top it off with an international win in China is fantastic for the whole team who all work very hard,” said Al Muhairi. “It’s been great to come back to Chengdu for a second time and showcase our racing to the people here.”

Doug Watson and Sam Hitchcott also combined for a double on the day when Life Partner won the Wenjiang Meydan Classic over 1600m and Hacienda claimed the Guangsha Mile sponsored by the Bank of Dalian.

Elsewhere on the card the Erwan Charpy-trained Tadmir broke his maiden in the 2418m Meydan Handicap under Adrie de Vries.

Six UAE-based trainers and 11 jockeys took part in the 2015 Chengdu Dubai International Cup. Race fields consisted of horses transported from the UAE to Chengdu. The runners will then be shipped back to the UAE.

The meeting, which consisted of five races, was attended by Meydan Group Board Member, Mr Mohammed Al Shehhi as well as Mr Saif Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Animal Affairs from the UAE Ministry of the Environment and Water. Officials from the China Equestrian Association, the Chengdu Municipal Government, Wenjiang District and Chengdu Sports Bureau were also present. 

“We have enjoyed a fantastic day of racing for the second renewal of the Chengdu Dubai International Cup. The success of this groundbreaking race meeting goes to demonstrate the spirit of cooperation that exists between Meydan Group and the Government of Chengdu. China is a significant trade partner of the UAE and we are very pleased to further strengthen these international ties with this event.

“Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the Dubai World Cup are seen as pinnacles of racing excellence around the world, and we are delighted to share the culture that underpins the UAE’s passion for horse racing with the people of Chengdu.”

 

Special Fighter carries Silvestre de Sousa to victory in the Chengdu Dubai International Cup.

Credit: Dubai Racing Club // Andrew Watkins