In Conversation with Doug Watson, Head Trainer at Red Stables.

 

One of UAE’s leading trainers and the top UAE trainer of the 2017/18 season with over AED12m in prize money, Doug Watson is well on his way to the top of this season’s rankings as well. In an exclusive interview with Ten Furlong’s magazine, Watson talks about his line-up of horses for this season and the good things happening with UAE racing.

 

Q: So who are your top horses for this season?

A: Muntazah, Kimber, My Catch, Etijaah, Cosmo Charlie, Drafted, Ekhtiyaar, Stunned, Basateen, Waady, Thegreatcollection, Al Manara, G K Chesterton, Mizbah, Pouvoir Magique (FR), Ejaaby, Tried and True, Street of Dreams, Galvanize (USA), Dehbashi, Pillar of Society, Every Single Day, Lady Wedad, Razeena, Habah.  

 

Q: And who do you feel will go forward to Dubai World Cup night?

A: Muntazah (GB) and Kimber (USA) are our biggest hopes for DWC night. There are some others who are working their way to the top. While other’s still whom we bought just last year as 3YOs. They are still maturing.

 

Q: Who would you say is your all-time favourite horse?

A: Although I like all my horses, one of the nicest horses I have tried was One Man Band (IRE). He has done us proud over the years.

 

Q: What would you say was the biggest disappointment you faced last season?

A: Although disappointments are a big part of this industry, for me not getting One Man Bad (IRE) back last season (to train) was a disappointment. Another disappointment was having Muntazah (GB) run second to Heavy Metal in the Godolphin Mile. Other than that it was a very good season and I was very proud of my team.

 

Q: Who would you say is one of your most promising new horses this season?

A: English bred Ekhtiyaar (Bated Breath -Bayja by Giant’s Causeway) who is owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum came in about five weeks ago. He has a nice record in the UK. He works extremely well and likes the dirt. This gives us a couple of options (turf or dirt). He is rated a 100 and we need to get him up by a few pounds, but he is a very promising horse.

 

Q: What is the best thing about the UAE racing currently?

A: As a trainer, the things I have really liked in the last few years are the fact that we are now getting 2YOs and 3YO’s. Earlier we never used to get young inexperienced horses. Now we are seeing a lot of young unraced horses like Rayya, Bee Jersey and Cosmo Charlie.

 

Charles Fipke’s homebred Bee Jersey began his career for Doug Watson in Dubai, whereas a maiden he ran second in the Gr.3 U.A.E. 2000 Guineas to Thunder Snow, who subsequently won the 2018 G1 Dubai World Cup. Later transferred to the barn of Steve Asmussen in the U.S., Bee Jersey won five of six starts Stateside, including a 5 1/2-length success in the GIII Steve Sexton Mile S. at Lone Star.

 

Recently, Ramzan Kadyrov’s Cosmo Charlie Racing ran out an emphatic winner under Pat Dobbsin the 1600m rated conditions feature event. The 4YO gelded son of Stay Thirsty had done exactly that in an equivalent race 12 months ago.

We are also seeing a lot of new owners and some great syndicates coming into Dubai. Our stable has had a couple of new owners from Great Britain and Libya. Of course, we have exciting syndicates here as well like the EERC (managed by Justin Byrne) who are a great group and add a lot of excitement.

 

Published In Tenfurlongs Journey To The Dubai World Cup Vol - I

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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com