FIVE top runners destined for the Dubai Carnival in 2016 are presently based in Mauritius on their way to the UAE.

Ertijaal, Al Mashooqa, Tellina, Liquid Mercury and Mutamakkin will be in quarantine on the island until 3 November when they will be shipped to Newmarket, UK, for another stint in quarantine before they travel to Dubai.

Liquid Mercury, new acquisition.

A sixth, Majmu, has been earmarked for Shadwell Stud in the UK, she is also holidaying in Mauritius with her stablemates.

Mike de Kock, recently back from Mauritius, reported on Wednesday that his small 2016 contingent is doing very well in the Mauritius sun. He said: “The facilities are very good, we’ve gone via the same quarantine base that Soft Falling Rain and Variety Club travelled through previously. There is an exercise track and a walker, Declan Cronin is overseeing their stint on the island and they’re all in excellent shape.”

Ertijaal.

He commented on individual horses,saying: “Ertijaal is bred for sand, we’re confident he’ll take to the Dubai track and fulfil his potential. Mutamakkin is a solid horse, perhaps better than his rating and Al Mashooqa too is the type we expect to improve in Dubai.

“Liquid Mercury is a smart sort. He was purchased for the stable from Joey Ramsden’s yard by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, while Tellina was given to us for this campaign by Dr Andreas Jacobs.”

Mike added that Mubtaahij was another one who is enjoying his rest and finds himself in super condition at Newmarket, where in due course he will be joined by the new jet-setters from South Africa.

Horse walker: The facilities are good.

(Photos supplied by Diane de Kock)