Mutawaajid heading to famous West Ilsley

APRIL 2007: Emirates Park's exciting racing and breeding prospect Mutawaajid is soon to be transferred to the historic stables of Mick Channon in Berkshire, England, in preparation for a European campaign during the second half of 2007.

A dual Group winning son of Redoute's Choice unbeaten in his first five visits to the racetrack, Mutawaajid has been in training at Emirates Park's Murrurundi headquarters for the past month and is scheduled to leave for England during the last week of June on the same flight as fellow overseas campaigners Takeover Target and Bentley Biscuit.

One of the leading trainers in England and a larger-than-life figure in world thoroughbred racing, Channon has mapped out a host of possible assignments for Mutawaajid on arrival.

These begin with the Golden Jubilee at the Royal Ascot meeting on June 23, and also include the Newmarket July Cup (July 13), Deauville Prix Maurice de Gheest (August 23), Haydock Sprint Cup (September 8) and Longchamp Prix de la Foret (October 6).

Indeed, the list comprises all of the major Group One or Two sprints staged in England and France from midway through the current northern hemisphere season right through to the end of the recognised flat racing year.

A regular visitor to Australia, Channon holds high hopes for his stable's impending addition, especially following his travels Down Under and around the racing world.

"I have always had great respect for the Australian horses like Choisir and Takeover Target that have swept all before them here in the UK, and for those I have seen racing in Dubai and on my visits to Australia," claims Channon.

"So, I am thrilled that His Excellency has been kind enough to give me the opportunity to train Mutawaajid.

"He is a very exciting horse and I am really looking forward to campaigning him here."
Mutawaajid's home in England for the second half of 2007 has housed some of the greatest racehorses in thoroughbred racing history.

These include the likes of Epsom Derby winners Troy, Henbit and Nashwan, as well as the legendary Brigadier Gerard, all of which were prepared by the late, great Major Dick Hern.

And waiting for Mutawaajid on his arrive at Channon's West Ilsley stables will be regular partner Hugh Bowman, who began a three-month stint with the outfit at the end of April.