31 Mar March ’24 Round Up

March saw the racing world focusing its attention on the Middle East once again with the Dubai Carnival in full swing and the Bahrain season beginning to wind down. Billy was once again in Bahrain to witness Horses-In-Training purchase Isle Of Jura take part in the final leg of the Bahrain Triple Crown. Having already won the Crown Prince’s Cup and Al Khalifa Cup, Isle Of Jura was on course to do what no horse had ever achieved in Bahrain by winning the Kings Cup over 1 mile and 4 furlongs, which was an unknown trip for him.
Having gone off 2nd favourite to Charlie Appleby’s Dhahabi, Isle Of Jura was briefly caught widest of all around the first bend but was eventually settled in behind the pace as usual by regular rider Callum Sheppard. He took a lot of rousing in the home straight and eventually got into top gear with a furlong and half to run, taking The Kings Cup by 2.5 lengths from Sovereign Spirit. He endured a tough campaign of 5 runs throughout the winter and wrote his name in Bahraini history books while giving his local owner Shaikh Nasser a day to never forget.
Isle Of Jura will likely be campaigned internationally throughout the rest of year and could be seen in the likes of Australia towards the end of the year.

Grannie Budgie, who was purchased as a yearling for £18,000 by Billy at the Goffs Doncaster yearling sale in 2022, and was sold privately after her debut win for George Scott, kicked started her career in California with an easy win at Santa Anita for new trainer Phil D’Amato.

Prydwen, a 6-year-old son of Camelot, came to the fore in the All-Weather Championship for trainer George Scott netting connections £78,000 for winning this 2-mile contest by 3.5 lengths. Bought as a yearling from the Goffs Orby Sale for €30,000 by Billy, he’s bred on the same cross as the likes of Group 1 winners Latrobe and Pink Dogwood. Prydwen will likely step up to stakes company throughout the turf season after taking his chances next month in a valuable Southwell handicap.