Magical Land, unlucky loser!

Mike de Kock has reported back on the runs of Magical Land (Frankel) and Celtic Voyager (Vercingetorix), who made their debuts at Meydan in Dubai last Friday.

Magical Land produced a powerful finish under Benny Woodworth and was just touched off by Godolphin’s Silent Film in a handicap over 1400m; Celtic Voyager was beaten 5.75-lengths by Dahawi in a 1000m sprint handicap, needing the run.

Mike commented: “Magical Land ran a helluva good race, he was really unlucky not to have won it. He’s made good progress with us, he’s not a straight forward horse to train. He’s had niggles. He’s impeccably bred, if we can keep him going in terms of soundness we’d expect him to contest a Listed or even a Group race with a chance.

“This is exciting for the young locals in the Blue Syndicate – Mohammed Mardood put together this syndicate from interest in the UAE, UK and Australia, racing with Justin Vermaak’s Gulf Racing Club comprising of South Africans Wilfred Pirzl, Brent Donnelly, Mpho Themba, Suzette and Basie Viljoen, Etienne Braun and Wayne Mealing.

“Magical Land is an exciting horse, he’s going to need a lot of TLC to get him to a level he is capable of. He should be good enough to send to Mathew de Kock and Robbie Griffiths in Dubai after the Carnival.

“Celtic Voyager ran well despite needing it badly. The jury’s out on the ratings of South African horses. We lump a 10 pound penalty on them in South Africa, when they go overseas the 10 pounds stay on, which is contrary to what we were told. But he ran well, I think he wants a 1200m and with a drop in ratings he’ll be competitive.”