Phoenix Ladies Syndicate are making a habit of having success with first starters and this time they did it on the biggest stage of all.
The Dubai based all-female ownership group witnessed their first two runners take victory at Meydan last season and now they are celebrating after seeing their first European runner, Forever In Dreams, finish second in the Group One Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
Purchased at the Goffs London Sale on Monday the Syndicate’s administration team worked late into the night to register the filly in their name in time for the race and their determination was repaid in spades with the Aidan Fogarty hope chasing home the Phoenix Thoroughbreds owned Advertise.
Ridden by Oisin Murphy the daughter of Dream Ahead had already shown her class with a listed win at Haydock and the Irish rider was happy enough to ride her close to the pace. Travelling well throughout she she briefly hit the front two furlongs out and for a moment it seemed she might go on and take the prize. But Frankie Dettori and Advertise had other ideas, and although Forever In Dreams was ultimately passed, she stuck on well to secure the runners’ up spot.
“It’s a pinch me moment,” said Phoenix Ladies Principle Pamela Cordina. “I’m dazed but very happy. I was at the sale on Monday, and we studied her page and noticed there was a lot of black-type in her family and many sprinters.
“The Phoenix Ladies were looking for a horse like this, and I’m so glad we bought her. This is our first horse to race outside of Dubai, and what a place to start!”
‘PLS’ have been slowly expanding their reach outside the UAE having recently sent horses to Kark Burke and Ed Vaughan in the UK while Steve Asmussen and Bob Baffert have received horses to train in the US. If this result is anything to go by the member of this pioneering group can look forward to much more success.
If you’d like to get involved in Phoenix Ladies, please contact Pamela Cordina by emailing info@phoneifund.net.