Champion Sprinter SANDS OF MALI will now carry the white and orange silks of Phoenix Thoroughbreds after the Dubai based equine investment fund purchased a stake in the Group One winning colt.
Original owners, The Cool Silk Partnership, retain a share in the three-year-old, who will remain in training with Richard Fahey after he guided the son of Panis to glory in the big Sprint on Champions Day at Ascot.
“We are delighted to have acquired a stake in such a talented horse.” said Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz. “He proved last year to be a true champion and his win at Ascot in the Champions’ Sprint highlighted his potential and class. We are delighted to be entering into this new partnership with such successful owners and we look forward many successful days at the races together.”
Abdulaziz also revealed the North Yorkshire trained horse will be aimed at big races both domestically and abroad. His first major target is likely to be the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan before attentions are turned to the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot.
“It’s been a great ride with Sands Of Mali and we look forward to continuing the journey with Phoenix Thoroughbreds.” Said Peter Swann from The Cool Silk partnership. “We have the same ambitions for this horse and we hope for some more high level success.”
While trainer Richard Fahey added…
“It’s a great pleasure to welcome Phoenix Thoroughbreds to Musley Bank. The colt has been a great horse for us and we hope that we can bring this new partnership even greater success than we have had already. We have some exciting targets and I’d be very hopeful of more great days at the races.”
A talented horse from the beginning, Sands Of Mali was a Group Two winner on just his third start when victorious in one of the top sprints for juveniles, The Gimcrack Stakes at York. Further Black-type wins would come in the colt’s first two starts of his three-year-old campaign landing the Group Three Prix Sigy at Chantilly before heading to Haydock Park and showing great determination to make all to lift the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes. His potential ability to land a race at the very top level came in his next start when he was narrowly denied in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and he again came close to lifting a Group One, when running a stormer in horrible ground in the Sprint Cup back at Haydock. His day would come just over a month later when winning his final start of the year at Champions Day when he again showed his willingness to win fending off the top-class Godolphin runner Harry Angel.
“Richard Fahey has done a remarkable job with the horse to keep him on top form for the whole of last season and we are thrilled to have him as part of the Phoenix Thoroughbreds team.” Added Abdulaziz.
“These types of horses are perfect for us to partner in, already proven at the top level but with plenty of potential to win more top races. Additionally, he already looks a top-class potential stallion, but let’s get some more success on the track first!”
If you require any more information or for any other media enquiries please contact:
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