Classic-winning racehorse trainer William Haggas is no stranger to Meydan. Currently, two of his charges (Seniority and Original Choice) are racing in Dubai. Previously he has had many others race in both the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the Dubai WorldCup itself. Haggas has a soft laugh and a unique way with words. For a man who is the son-in-law of Lester Piggott - the greatest riding icon in memory and who trains for HRH The Queen, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum & many other illustrious clients, there are no airs. He is welcoming, soft-spoken and generous. I say generous because he kindly agreed to move the interview forward by an hour to help out this editor, who was running late. And his “O’Crikey” at the end of the interview to a question was heartwarming.Ten Furlongs speaks to legendary trainer William Haggas about the Dubai World Cup Carnival 2019:
Q: What are your plans for your charge the 4YO Sea of Class, who did so well in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?
A: She ran a hard race in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. We had planned to go to Dubai for the Gr.1 Dubai Turf (on the Dubai World Cup card) but after watching her train, we decided that we would not be sending her. I have big plans for her this year, with the Arc the obvious target in the autumn.
Q: Where will Seniority go next?
A: Seniority’s Dubai campaign has not gone well so we have decided to bring him home. He didn’t acclimatize there well. And although he ran satisfactory races, he didn’t do as well as he can do. So we decided to bring him home.
Q: And what about Original Choice, what are your plans for him?
A: Original Choice went over to Dubai with Seniority but he didn’t thrive there. He will be racing again this month in a mile and quarter race at Meydan and then he will be coming home with Seniority. I went over at the end of January to watch them race. I thought they looked fine. But it’s not enough for them to be just fine. They should blossom in their racing environment. And they weren’t blossoming there.
Q: Your charges Mutakayyef and DalHarraild have both featured in the Dubai World Cup undercard in previous years. Where are they now?
A: Mutakayyef was retired after he sustained a ligament injury while winning his second straight G2 Summer Mile at Ascot. Dal Harrald is now trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in Australia.
Q: What are your plans for the Dubai World Cup this year?
A: We hope to race our 3YO Jahbath (owned by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum)in the Gr.2 UAE Derby (1,900 meters/ 9 Furlongs, Dirt) on Dubai World Cup day. His Highness wants him to have one more race in England before going to Dubai. So he will race at Kempton on 6th March. If he runs well, we will send him to Dubai for the UAE Derby.
Q: You have achieved so much in your career, what would you like to accomplish next?
A: I haven't achieved very much at all. I am extremely fortunate to work for some great people who have upped their game this year. The quality of the 2YO we received this year, is the best we have ever had in my career. They are better class horses. I am extremely lucky.
Q: Who is your favourite racehorse of all time?
A: When I was younger it was ElGran Senor but later it became Sea The Stars. He achieved everything that a racehorse should try to achieve. He won every single possible race as a 3YO and was an excellent racehorse. Perhaps the way Frankel’s career developed combined with Sir Henry’s(Cecil) illness created a bigger story. Sea The Stars probably did more than Frankel in my opinion and if he was raced at four, he would have been even more sensational.
Published In Tenfurlongs Journey To The Dubai World Cup Vol - V
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