After Sir Alex Ferguson’s success with Spirit Dancer, Harry Redknapp and Michael Owen are aiming for victory in Bahrain.
Former Manchester United manager Ferguson won the biggest race on offer in Bahrain with a horse he bred, just as a gelding trained by Richard Fahey won the glory.
Redknapp is currently aiming for victory in the Bahrain Turf Series with Mokta Sabu, trained by Phil McEntee, while Owen is fielding Box To Box, trained by Hugo Palmer.
Long-time owner Redknapp said: “I’m really looking forward to Moktasab running in Bahrain. The horse has had a good rest since his last race in August and, like many of us, I think the winter sun will appreciate some as well. Phil is very happy with him and I hope he can get back to a winning record after losing a few pounds this year.
“We had a runner (Wonder Elzam) in the first Bahrain Turf Series in 2021 and it was a lot of fun. We will be heading to Bahrain to see Mokta Saab run during the series.”
Owen is one of the owners of Box to Box, which finished second to Spirit Dancer at York in the summer.
“Box to Box arrives after a very good season in England and has had a good trip to Bahrain,” Palmer said ahead of the series starting on Friday.
“This horse improved physically in Bahrain last year, but he came off slow a few times and didn’t take his chances. That’s not who he is. If he can jump well, it’s in his favor. There will be many.
“He will be meeting up with former stablemates Mr McCann and Mr Chronograph, both of whom are now based in Bahrain, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against them. Let’s go.”
“Roman Dragon” also marks a new journey for Owen and Palmer.
Trainer Palmer said: “Roman Dragon’s previous five wins have all come on the tight turns of Chester, so 1000m in a straight line will be a slightly different challenge for him, but he likes fast tracks and I feel good and ready to run.” His owner had heard good things about the Bahrain Turf Series and wanted to try it out. ”