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Bahrain International Trophy Winner Simsir Takes On Bigger Challenge In Saudi Cup Sponsored by:
Trainer Fawzi Nass (fourth from right) celebrates Port Lions’ win in last year’s Neom Turf Cup
Ground-breaking trainer Fawzi Nass is preparing an assault on the $20 million Saudi Cup with Bahrain International winner Simsir.
Nass made history at the inaugural Saudi Cup meeting last year when his Port Lions pulled off a shock win by defeating Japan s star mare Deirdre in what is now called The Neom Turf Cup, the first turf race ever held in Saudi Arabia.
Now he has the world s most valuable race in his sights with Simsir. The 5-year-old will take on some of the world s best dirt horses, including Pegasus World Cup winner Knicks Go and rising star Charlatan, in the 1800m (nine furlongs) contest on Feb. 20.
Properly chilly.
At the races yesterday. Which would have been no surprise if I was at Lingfield Park. Watching Mamillius run in a race that did not pan out for him at all. But I was at the races in Bahrain. A chill wind (apparently blowing in from Kuwait), the palm trees bending in the breeze, the sand being whipped up. A rarity apparently.
But still an enjoyable and informative day at the track. 9 races. Gerald Mosse riding a treble. Andrew Elliott a double. Fawzi Nass training a double, and Alan Smith doing the same. Behind closed doors . But plenty in attendance, including several members of the ruling party. Pia Irwin, our superb fixer out here, getting me in front of several camera crews and radio stations. Of which there were plenty..