Another feature nabbed by Watson

FEATURE race at the second meeting of the season in Sharjah was the HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup, a near nine-furlong handicap inaugurated in 2018. It was won by Far Sky, ridden by George Buckell in the silks of Sky Racing for Doug Watson.

The only thoroughbred race on the card, it was contested by a field of 15, but very few managed to land a blow before Buckell committed for home entering the short straight. A four-year-old American-bred and gelded son of Stay Thirsty, he has represented Sky Racing and been with Watson throughout his career, winning for the second time on his 12th start. He lost his maiden tag in April at Al Ain, his final start of last season.

Watson, who also won the race 12 months ago with Galvanize, was delighted to again win the race named in honour of the man who gave him his chance to train from Red Stables.

He said: “Obviously we are very pleased to win this race again and I owe Sheikh Hamdan so much and will be eternally grateful to him. That was a good performance from both horse and jockey in what looked a decent race.”