Spirit Dancer© Photo Healy Racing
All eyes will be on Spirit Dancer as he returns to the Middle East on Friday looking to repeat last year’s thrilling victory in the Bahrain International Trophy.
With former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson both his breeder and among the gelding’s owners, the son of Frankel gave connections a day to remember when plundering the 10-furlong event which this year is worth $1million and run as a Group Two.
Trained by Richard Fahey, Spirit Dancer’s Bahrain success was leg one of a phenomenal winter double which also saw him land a valuable prize in Saudi Arabia in the early part of 2024.
He has followed a similar path back to the region by tuning up at Newmarket last month and Fahey is excited to see how his charge performs in a deeper contest this time around, with Ferguson one of those flying in to witness the race.
Fahey said: “He’s in great form and he’s a fresh horse who goes there in great order.
“He’s always a horse that we feel runs a better race if he’s had a race to bring him on and clear his wind and he’s had that.
“He’s travelled really well this year and he’s eating and drinking loads and we’re really pleased with him.
“It’s a tougher race this year, but he did win well last year so we will see.”
Spirit Dancer exited stall 11 when thriving in Bahrain 12 months ago and in a case of Deja vu has been handed the same spot this time around, as he faces off against the likes of Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale and Owen Burrows Alflaila, who missed last year’s race through a late setback.
Fahey continued: “It’s incredible he’s in the same stall really. We were a bit disappointed with that draw last year, but there is no point getting disappointed this time as he showed it is possible, so we will see.
“The owners arrived in the early hours of Thursday morning and were straight out on the track. They are here and enjoying themselves and enjoying this horse as well.”
Other British representation in a truly international line-up includes Charlie Appleby’s globetrotting Nations Pride, who was seventh behind Spirit Dancer last year but arrives having won the Arlington Million at Colonial Downs in the summer.
There is also John and Thady Gosden’s Lead Artist who is the only three-year-old in the reckoning and had the defending champion just over 13 lengths in arrears when striking in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket 34 days ago.
“We’re looking foreword to seeing him run, it’s another step up the ladder but he’s had a good season and I though he was impressive in his last win,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.
“He’s taking on older horses which will be a challenge and he’s the only three-year-old in the field, but he’s in good form and he’s a horse we have always liked a lot. We’re hopeful of a good run.
“I think John and Thady were keen to travel him to give him that experience he needs for next year. He’s gone through the motions this year and ran at Newmarket a few times and been down to Goodwood, but this will give him that little bit more experience which will stand to him next year.”
