Emarati Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroorhas claimed the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup trophy seven times. He hopes to make it an even eight this year. Bin Surooris also one of Britain’s leading trainers collecting the first of four British trainers’ championships in his second year in charge, before following up in 1998, 1999 and 2004.In addition to his many horseracing awards, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honouredSaeed bin Suroorrecently withthe Local Trainer Award at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards in January.
Here is an exclusive interview with Saeed bin Suroorabout his hopes and expectations for this year’s Dubai World Cup race night.
Q – You have been part of several success stories this season. Which is yourfavorite horse (in-training) and perhaps the best racing moment of the season?
A - Fortunately, we’ve had a very good Carnival again this year with 14 winners – I don’t have favorites as such, but a couple of highlights would be Benbatl winning the Singspiel Stakes and the Al Rashidiya so impressively, he’s an exciting horse to be going back to Europe with and also Promising Run winning both the Fillies & Mares G2s, she really thrives here in Dubai.
Q - Could you comment on form and preparations underway for the Dubai World Cup night? Are there any new changes which you have incorporated?
A - Most of our DWC horses ran in the trials on Super Saturday and came out of their races well, they’ll have a few easy days after before resuming training. All of my horses follow a routine and if they are happy and perform well then I don’t like to change this. Their preparations have all gone according to plan so far and hopefully will stay on track for the big night.
Q – Apart from Thunder Snow, which are the other horses you hope to race on DWC night?
A - It depends on which invites we receive but my main hopefuls are Gold Star for the Gold Cup, Benbatl and Promising Run for the Dubai Turf, Best Solution for the Sheema Classic and Racing History(along with Thunder Snow) for the Dubai World Cup.
Q - What major races are you plan target with Thunder Snow in 2018?
A - Thunder Snow will ship back to the UK in early May after completing quarantine and then we’ll aim him at the main Group races in the UK and abroad, maybe stepping him up to 10f.
Q – You have been a part of the Dubai World Cup since the event was in its infancy. Which Dubai World Cup win would you consider his best?
A - I have won seven Dubai World Cups to date but the stand out would have to be Dubai Millennium’s win in 2000. He was a fantastic horse to train and a favorite of HH Sheikh Mohammed’s. I was very lucky to have had him in my stable.
Q - After Meydan, which other race course in the world would you consider the best and why?
A - I like Ascot (UK), I am lucky to have had a lot of success there and the Royal meeting is always a special experience. You need a good horse to win races at Ascot.
Q - Which trainer (around the world) would he considers inspiring? And why?
A-I have a lot of respect for all trainers around the world, it is a tiring but very rewarding job and we all love what we do.
Q - Arabs are legendary horse men and to see Emirati men standing at that pinnacle must be a source of tremendous pride. Furthermore, we see a lot of Emiratis who own horses and ride for pleasure or sport. Doyou foresee more Emirati men and women getting involved in training of horses as well?
A - I hope so. Horses are animportant part of Emirati history and culture. It would be great to see more people, who are passionate about the sport, getting involved in the industry.
Q - Could you tell us more about Thunder Snow’s personality?
A - Thunder Snow is a great horse to train.He is very tough, enjoys his job and always tries his best, which is all we can ask for.We hope that he can go on to have a successful 2018 campaign in Europe.
Q - And finally,is there a horse which you wished you could have trained and are there any international horses in particular he wishes to see at Meydan?
There are obviously many great horses, both past and present, but I like to follow their careers rather than wish I had trained them myself. Winx, for example,an amazing mare with an impressive record and a strong advertisement for the sport, hopefully we will see her in Europe this year.
I am very lucky to have had suchwonderful horses pass through my hands and hopefully there are many more to come, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has given me and for his continuous support.
Secretariat’s World wishes Mr. Saeed bin Suroor all the very best for the Dubai World Cup race meeting.