Akeed Mofeed coupled with Niall McCullagh set to run in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby
Akeed Mofeed, will ride in the capable hands of rider, Niall McCullagh, in the 1 mile, 4 furlong Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on 30th June, 2012.
The jockey usually works for trainer John M. Oxx, and since Akeed Mofeed’s regular rider, Johnny Murtagh will be aboard, Born to Sea in the same event, the trainer has chosen Niall McCullagh for Akeed Mofeed.
The rider seems excited about this opportunity, as he stated to the press that:
"That's the plan at the moment unless things change in the next day. I ride Akeed Mofeed regularly at Mr Oxx's yard. Fingers crossed that's my understanding unless circumstances change. Hopefully it will work out. I know him well,
he's a nice horse and he's back going quite well now."
The son of Dubawi’s seasonal reappearance has been delayed, since he wasn’t ready to make it earlier in the season.
He last competed in the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes in September, 2011, where he finished as a runner-up to the A. P. O’Brien trained, David Livingston.
In the three starts that he has competed in, the three-year-old colt claimed two placed positions, and finished once in fourth place.
Trainer John M. Oxx is pleased with his form, and told the media that he is doing well in his work-outs. The colt did some light exercise, with a gallop over the nine-furlong all-weather track - which left the connections satisfied.
The trainer commented that it has not been easy getting the runner prepared for this race, since he faced a number of problems and had a few setbacks.
Oxx commented that:
“He's taken the work well and did a hard bit of work on Tuesday. We've always liked him. I hope he's fit enough to run a big race. I'd be disappointed if he doesn't prove to be a good one.”
He further stated that running the Jaber Abdullah owned runner in the Derby is not an ideal situation, but hopefully it will serve as a learning experience.
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