HORSERACING – Victorious Forever enjoyed a double win yesterday in a pair of international horseraces in Europe.
Al Aali, trained by the world-renowned George Scott, won the National Stud Handicap at Newmarket Racecourse in England; while Rizal, also trained by Scott, triumphed in the Joe Mac’s Big Retirement Bash Handicap at Hamilton Park Racecourse in Scotland.
The pair of triumphs added to the series of fine result this European horseracing season for the Victorious Forever stable, owned by His Majesty King Hamad’s humanitarian work and youth affairs representative, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman, and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
At Newmarket, Al Aali won the 10-furlong National Stud Handicap with jockey Billy Loughnane in the saddle.
The four-year-old, chestnut-coloured gelding was towards the rear at the start, but was in touch with the leaders by the race’s halfway point.
Al Aali then powered to the lead one furlong out and maintained the advantage until the finish.
Al Aali won with a two-and-a-quarter length’s gap from High Degree, who came second for owner Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum and trainer William Haggas, while ridden by jockey Cieren Fallon. Way of Life took third for Berkeley Racing, Jonathan Portman, and Olivia Tubb.
Meanwhile, Rizal won the 12-furlong Joe Mac’s Big Retirement Bash Handicap at Hamilton, ridden by jockey Daniel Tudhope.
The four-year-old bay gelding began the ride in second but then took over at the front in the final furlong to finish strong.
Rizal won with a margin of two lengths from runner-up Nightsinwhitesatin, owned by David Kilburn, Mrs Corbett, and Chris Wright and trained by Edward Bethell, with Cian Horgan in the saddle yesterday. Spirit of Jura finished third for RW Huggins and Partner, Charlie Johnston, and Jason Hart.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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