The rain’s not a pain, but wind is menace

Having only returned to the UAE just over six weeks ago, the weather conditions as I left the UK were, shall we say, slightly colder and wetter than here. That was, however, until we tacked up first lot last Sunday morning.

Probably before most of Dubai had even considered setting their alarms, work riders were left to keep control of their mounts with slippery reins as gale force winds made the task more challenging.

While I’m not a great fan of the wet stuff, years working in England have made me pretty much immune to soaking jeans and squelching boots, but the wind is a different matter and the last thing any rider needs is for a sudden gust of breeze to whip up underneath their horse’s tail sparking off skits of excitement and sending the string off in all directions.

And that’s without the "help" of construction lorry drivers who seem oblivious to speed bumps and charge over without any thought for horse and jockey, making a tremendous din as they take off.

Thankfully, by the time we reached second lot, the weather had abated and the sun resumed usual service as people with "normal" jobs turned over in bed for that final wink before the snooze button sounds again, none the wiser.

Lightning death

Inclement weather turned to tragedy for Australia trainer Mathew Ellerton who, after saddling Sunburnt Land to finish third in Saturday’s G1 Patinack Farm Classic was left without his most promising inmate as the thoroughbred was struck down and killed by lightning during a storm near his owner’s farm in Victoria. In the first case I have ever heard of, it is a terrible shame for connections as the horse was supposed to be enjoying a holiday after his exploits on the track. I’m sure he will be sadly missed.

Carnival-bound?

The UAE racing season is now well and truly under way and action at Nad Al Sheba has got off to a reasonably good start, albeit with quite a few small fields. Musabah Al Muhairi has, as anticipated, got his string in magnificent form and saddled a quartet of winners on last week’s card.

With the Carnival the number one priority on most other trainers’ agendas, the master at Oasis 1 Stables is certainly making hay and getting his runners out before the competition gets really stiff come January. Judging on Quorum and Knight Of Dance’s victories seven days ago, perhaps a glance at the Carnival race calendar might not be a bad idea.

Needed the run

Unfortunately luck was not on their side, but the team of Dubai Racing Club staff put up a magnificent effort finishing joint second in their group in the well-contested football tournament at Jebel Ali. A large contingent of supporters turned up and I hear a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all. I would love to say "it’s the taking part that counts", but I somehow think it would offer little consolation. But well done anyway guys – I’m told you will come on for the run!