Bahrain and Saudi Arabia trips proved rewarding in the red and white of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Spirit Dancer will make the same trip that led to his triumphant Middle East campaign last winter, stopping at Newmarket for a refresher before setting out on his global tour.
The seven-year-old, who races under the red and white silks of breeder and part-owner Sir Alex Ferguson, earned nearly GBP 1.7 million in lifetime earnings after winning the Bahrain International Trophy in November and going on to win the much more prestigious Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh in February.
The Frankel gelding, who was last seen at Meydan for the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic in March, was unsuccessful on Dubai World Cup night, placing 11th out of 12 horses.
It's Fergie time in Saudi!! 🇬🇧
SPIRIT DANCER powers home in G2 Howden Neom Turf Cup at #TheSaudiCup.
👏 @RichardFahey @OisinOrr pic.twitter.com/V8y6LFNuIA
— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 24, 2024
Spirit Dancer did have an injury during his most recent performance, which has caused a delay in his return. Richard Fahey, the stable star's trainer, has laid up a plan for him, nevertheless.
The Musley Bank handler stated that his charge, who placed fourth last year in the Group Three Darley Stakes at Newmarket, will be returning there in October. Last year, the charge finished five and a half lengths behind Highland Avenue.
However, Fahey and Spirit Dancer are mostly focused on the Middle East to hold onto their lucrative titles.
"He's competent. He's been back cantering for two months, but he's been a little easygoing. We gave him a break because it was the idea to give him one, and he's got a nice night's sleep," added Fahey.
"He is going to return to the Middle East, most likely to run at Newmarket before returning to Bahrain."
"To be honest, the Middle East is his main concern. We'll see; he's had a difficult year already. He needed a vacation because he had been so busy. We'll most likely race him in the Darley Stakes, the Group Three at Newmarket, before moving on to Bahrain.
"I tried him at a mile and a half, but it's a little inconclusive because he suffered a little setback in that run. Right now, I fail to understand why we would switch from a mile and a quarter."
