The $1 million G2 Bahrain International Trophy, held under lights for the first time, featured some familiar faces in the winner's circle after the dust settled, including co-breeder Sir Alex Ferguson and co-owners Ged Mason and Peter Done's SPIRIT DANCER (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Queen's Dream {Ger}, by Oasis Dream {GB}) became the first double winner of the 2000 meter run at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Bahrain on Friday.
Just like in the 2023 edition, the gelded son of Frankel defeated a Juddmonte homebred runner and early frontrunner sent out by John and Thady Gosden Main Artist (UK) (Dubawi {Ire}) succumbed to the winner's determined advance in the last 75 meters. Group 1 winner from Victorious Racing California (German) (Areion {Ger}) came third.
Spirit Dancer won the break, fought his way back through the field under Oisin Orr and stayed there for most of the competition. He took on a challenge at the final corner, passing the leaders with every stride as he moved straight through the middle of the track, and mounted a determined rally to prevail in the final semi-final. Lifetime Record: 9/28/6/2, $2,731,263.
O-Done/Ferguson/Mason. B-Sir Alex Ferguson and Niall McLoughlin (GB). T-Richard Fahey.
Friday, Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, Bahrain
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL TROPHY-G2$1,000,000, Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, 11-15, 3 y/y, 2000 mT, 2:02.28, gd.
1–SPIRIT DANCER (GB), 128, g, 6, by Frankel (GB)
1st mother: Queen's Dream (D), by Oasis Dream (GB)
2nd mother: Quetena (D), from Acatenango (D)
3rd mother: Quebrada (Ire), by Devil's Bag
O-Done, Ferguson & Mason. B-Sir Alex Ferguson & Niall
McLoughlin (UK). T Richard Fahey. J-Oisin Orr. $600,000.
Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng & Sau, 9/28/6/2, $2,731,263. Click
for the Free catalog style pedigree from Equineline.com. Work
Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for that
eNicks report and 5-cross family tree.
2–Main Artist (UK)124, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Obligate (GB), by
Frankel (UK). O-Juddmonte. B-Juddmonte Farms, Ltd. (UK).
T John & Thady Gosden. $200,000.
3–California (German)128, g, 5, Areion (German)–Cherry Danon (Ir.), by
Rock of Gibraltar (Irish). (€95,000 RNA Ylg '20 BBASEP;
€400,000 HRA '23 ARQSEP). O-Victorious Racing. B gestures
Brummerhof (Ger). T-Carlos & Yann Lerner. $100,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, 2, 1.
Also running: Alflaila (GB), Andromede (Fr), Yamanin Sympa (Jpn), Point Lonsdale (Ire), Killer Ability (Jpn), Goemon (GB), Nations Pride (Ire), Sovereign Spirit (GB), Newborn Ireland (Irishman).
Click for that Bahrain Turf Club diagram and video.
Fergie time in Bahrain 🇧🇭
Spirit Dancer wins consecutive overtimes of G2 Bahrain International Trophy @BahrainTurfClub | @RichardFahey pic.twitter.com/Ge6AoLGaIn
– Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 15, 2024
