Mawj to Prepare for Winter Campaign in Dubai Following Breeders’ Cup Defeat
After suffering a heartbreaking defeat at the Breeders’ Cup, Mawj is set to embark on a winter campaign in Dubai. The talented daughter of Exceed And Excel secured trainer Saeed bin Suroor his first British Classic victory in 14 years when she triumphed over Tahiyra in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this year. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined her for part of the season, but she made a triumphant return after five months off the track with a win in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland last month.
In her quest for further glory, Mawj faced tough competition as she took on colts in the recent Breeders’ Cup Mile. Jockey Oisin Murphy positioned her perfectly and it seemed victory was within reach as they surged towards the final furlong at Santa Anita. However, fellow Godolphin runner Master Of The Seas proved to be an equally formidable opponent and managed to snatch victory by just a nose.
Despite the narrow loss, Saeed bin Suroor gracefully accepted defeat and commended both horses on their exceptional performances: “She ran an incredible race and we truly believed she would secure another win. Nevertheless, she was bested by Master Of The Seas – also from Godolphin – so I am genuinely happy for Charlie Appleby.”
The resilience and determination demonstrated by Mawj showcased her ability to compete against colts for the first time: “Our filly showed great strength and grit throughout this race. It was challenging competing against male counterparts, but she proved herself worthy of being among them.”
Moving forward, Mawj will now head back home with Bin Suroor as they prepare for Meydan’s winter carnival in Dubai. The trainer plans to enter her in races such as the Jebel Hatta and the Dubai Turf before eventually returning to Britain for more prestigious competitions next season.
Bin Suroor believes that Mawj thrives over a mile distance, although finding suitable races can be challenging at times: “I believe a mile is where she truly shines. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find races that cater to her strengths. Despite this, I am confident we will navigate our way through and find the perfect opportunities for her.”
Mawj’s journey has only just begun, and with her talent and determination, there are surely many more major victories on the horizon.