ENGLISH TEXTS
decision on First Classs’ career. We had already worked a few times together and we took a decision together. I have worked in the Middle East for a few years and knew Doug since then. Sending him to Doug was obvious for both of us! He was the right person; he had our full confidence. There is nothing more satisfying that trusting people of your team and having confidence in each other. For me, the most important is communication and transparency and Doug is like that! You can make a plan, but the horse can’ t read! Dubai and the Gulf region are the premier region for Arabian racing considering the structure, the number of races & the prizemoney. It’ s the world stage for arabian races. All over the world, arabian racing is struggling except in France who is second to Middle East for me. Just to give an example, we had 37 arabian races last year in USA. It is also a business, so you need to go where you horse can shine and you also need to make money at some point, so you go there.
G. 2023 / 2024 season was half-hearted tone for First Classs. How did you manage to get him back on the highest level?
A. R. 2023 / 2024 was his entry in his third racing chapter. We really concentrate to get him back as much as we can. He arrived at the end of October to Dubai. Doug made blood analysis to map out a plan. He had a foot injury in Goodwood and needed time for recovery. He was then training pretty decent, and we have done all we can on a physical and mental process. We were taking race after race and he went to be placed in a Group 1 at the end of the season. He spent the summer in Europe, as since he moved to Qatar in 2021, he had no break. He got a full reset in England and enjoyed the beautiful paddocks. We just wanted to make him happy. When I visited him in June 2024 after two months break, he was so happy! You could see it in his eyes. He got another two months there and just went on little hacks & some dressage at the farm 5 to 6 weeks before heading up to Newmarket. He started to blossom. We decided to give him a prep before heading back to Dubai. We really worked on all the aspects: supplements, red light therapy, chiropractor, etc. They are all athletes and deserve it. He run a good race in Abu Dhabi in November. We made another few adjustments after that. To win a second time the Kahayla Classic, it was a very good moment for everyone and for the horse. I have to give credit also to Jenna Viargues( veterinarian & chiropractor), she is so talented! She was just behing us in Dubai during the race. We felt in each other arms after First Classs won. She cares a lot!
G. First Classs has accomplished a great performance by winning twice the Gr. 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic. What does it represent for you?
A. R. Deb said it is indescribable! For me, it was a super proud moment, considering all the journey we and the horse went through. Deb has been in arabian horse racing for 40 years, it is a big investment. We gave everything that we could, not only time, and we have been rewarded. We do thing with integrity, for the horse first. It is historical, only two other horses have won twice this race, and he is the only one to came back 3 years later to won it a second time. It is a real commitment from Deb for horses. It proves that you can reset & rebuild horses. There is no magic, but we are really lucky.
G. And First Classs being awarded Arabian horse of the year?
A. R. It was the cherry on the top of the cake! We got the email on Wednesday after Dubai World Cup. Credit goes to the horse. It is an honour for Deb and for all of us. She bred 27 Darley horse of the year in USA. She also bred the top-class endurance mare, Treasured Moments, who has been awarded WAHO Trophy Winner- USA in 2023. It puts her in the big league! She has done it from 40 years work.
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