Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's Powerful Glory triumphs at Newbury
Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum’s representative Philip Robinson receives the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Trophy from Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi, Sinead El Sibai and Noel Parial
The Dubai Duty Free International Weekend at Newbury Racecourse on September 21 showcased five Dubai Duty Free-sponsored races with £350,000 in total prize money. The highlight was the £100,000 Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes for two-year-olds, marking its 51st running in honor of the legendary Mill Reef.
Powerful Glory, owned by Dubai Racing Club Chairman Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum and trained by Richard Fahey, clinched victory in the Mill Reef Stakes. Philip Robinson, representing the owner, noted, "Yes, he was favorite but he hated the ground. His extra class got him home."
The £70,000 Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap saw 12-year-old Not So Sleepy defend his title, delighting the crowd. Trainer Hughie Morrison commented, "It's character horses like Not So Sleepy that make this game what it is. He pleases himself. We thought we should have retired him three or four years ago, and he said 'no'."
Mustazeed, owned by Newmarket Racing Club members, won the Dubai Duty Free Handicap after racing just 24 hours prior. Trainer Harry Eustace explained, "You can't be dogmatic about horses. He ate up last night, didn't have to travel back to Newmarket so we thought it was worth him taking his chance."
No Half Measures claimed the £85,000 Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy, while Godolphin's Movie Maker, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, won the Conundrum Consulting Handicap.
The Dubai Duty Free Cup, held on September 20, saw Witness Stand emerge victorious. Trainer Tom Clover described the gelding as one who "loves his job."
The event featured Arabic-themed entertainment and opportunities to win prizes, including entries into Dubai Duty Free's Finest Surprise and Millennium Millionaire draws.
This weekend concludes Dubai Duty Free's horseracing season, which began in April with the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Weekend at Newbury, followed by the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh in June and the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot in August.
