There will be plenty of firsts at the world’s richest meet this Saturday as the China Horse Club competes at the Dubai World Cup meeting for the first time. The iconic festival is the latest major event for members of China’s premier lifestyle, business and racing club which has already competed in feature festivals in Britain, Ireland, Australia and Singapore as well as hosting major events in China and Singapore.
Just The Judge
The club’s interests will be carried by Classic winning filly Just the Judge who was purchased in partnership with Sheikh Fahad of Qatar. Sheikh Fahad is one of world’s racing’s most successful owners. Just The Judge is raced in partnership with Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Racing and the CHC and will carry the Sheikh’s well known maroon colours in Saturday night’s USD5 million Sheema Classic at Meydan.
Trainer Charlie Hills is growing in confidence that the additional distance of the 2400m feature will suit the five-year-old.Hills told Racing Post, “She’s been amazing for us, winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2013 and adding another Group 1 in Canada last year before she ran a brilliant race to be third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
“I think the extra distance could be right up her street and I’m expecting a good show from her.”
The filly’s impressive exploits also include the G1 Beverly D Stakes at the Arlington Park and the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh. Hills is hopeful for this Saturday. “I can honestly say that I’ve never had her looking better than she does now. Her work has been very good.”
Acquired in partnership with Qatar Racing at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale in 2014, the five-year-old filly will be making her debut for the partnership in the Sheema Classic. The opportunity to partner with the highly successful Qatar Racing is one that has excited members of the CHC, it also opens up wonderful possibilities between two leading organisations that are growing their presence globally.
“This is a most exciting journey that began late last year and our members are very excited about this weekend’s Sheema Classic, ” said Eden Harrington, General Manager of China Horse Club.
“Just The Judge is in great order and the reports from Charlie are very encouraging. Races of this caliber are always exceedingly difficult to win but our members are enjoying a priceless experience that could not only include Dubai but perhaps leading carnivals around the world this year. Time will tell. Right now we are enjoying the build up to Dubai.”