SOUTH African bred five-year-old, Sanshaawes, was taken to Abu Dhabi on Sunday for the running of the Gr3 Abu Dhabi Championship over 2200m on turf and almost pulled it off.

Sanshaawes, ridden by jockey Gerald Avranche, was collared late by Dormello (Oisin Murphy), who won the race for trainer Druba Selveratnam.

Sanshaawes (blue silks), in second to Dormello. (Andrew Watkins).

Mike de Kock commented: “Sanshaawes ran a big race, he led from the gates and was only caught in the last 50m.”

This was the stable’s 12th second place in the UAE this term (13 3rds; 16 4ths), somewhat frustrating as there are a number of short-heads among them, but Mike and his team have sent out 10 winners as well with Dubai World Cup night to come.

“There’s still the big night on 28 March and we’ll be hoping for success,” said Mike.