Mendip sets new records for Godolphin after winning the Group 2, Al Maktoum Challenge Round II on 9th February
Mendip’s victory in the Group 2, Al Maktoum Challenge Round II sponsored by Dubal on 9th February reset quite a few records.
The win tallied to be fifth for Godolphin through the eighth fixture of the Carnival, made it a tenth time that the Al Maktoum Challenge Round II got credited with Godolphin, and Mendip was the eighteenth Godolphin winner in the 2012 Dubai World Cup
Carnival.
On a field of eleven, the five-year-old brown horse was held back at the rear, settled in tenth with Kieren Fallon riding.
Mendip put in an intense effort in tracking the leaders, and held up firmly with the speeding business by the time only one and a half furlong remained.
Haatheq, and the 6 to 4 favourite of the race, Master Of Hounds were fighting for the lead throughout the race, but could not counter Mendip’s speed, who led by a length and a quarter.
Mendip covered the mile and 1 ½ furlong track in a minute and 56.42 seconds. He was soon followed in by Haatheq, who was riding with Richard Hills, while the third position was reserved by, Master of Hounds, who was the mount of Christophe Soumillon.
The jockey said: "He's a beautiful horse to ride, he needed the run last time but has bounced back. He had a lot in hand."
Saeed bin Suroor was excited with Mendip’s effort: “The extra distance of this race has helped him a lot and he is really suited by racing on Tapeta.
“There are no plans for him at the moment as we will wait and see how he comes out of the race. It has been a very good night for me with four winners.”
Prince Bishop, the second entry of the winning trainer was fifth while his stable mate Pisco Sour completed the order of finish.
Biondetti entered by Mahmood Al Zarooni was fourth and Dubai Prince finished seventh.
Mendip has progressed nicely, having already won the Group 3, Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 sponsored by Longines on 13th January, 2011, where he was the evening’s favourite.
Any further decision or plan regarding his future races has not been considered as yet.
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