Unbeaten Defence Minister Set for Mill Reef Showdown as Al-Jehani's Star Aims to Keep Record Intact
Hamad Al-Jehani’s juvenile has scored at Newmarket and Haydock.
The unbeaten Defence Minister has been officially supplemented for the highly anticipated Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes, set to take place at Newbury on Saturday. The promising son of Too Darn Hot is generating significant excitement after an impressive start to his racing career, winning his first two outings and proving himself to be a rising star.
Trained by the up-and-coming Hamad Al-Jehani, the Qatari handler who is making waves in European racing, Defence Minister broke his maiden in style at Newmarket before returning to Haydock to defy a penalty, maintaining his unbeaten record. His performances thus far have captured the attention of the racing community, positioning him as a key contender in the Group Two contest this weekend.
Richard Brown, racing adviser for Wathnan Racing, shared his thoughts on the horse’s rapid progress. "He's still quite green for a breeze-up horse and I think he has plenty to learn," Brown said. "That Haydock run will have brought him on, and while he’s still developing, he defied the penalty in style. I believe he had plenty left in the tank at the line, so there's more to come."
As Defence Minister gears up for his next challenge, he won’t be short of competition. Among his potential rivals are the highly-regarded Gimcrack Stakes winner Cool Hoof Luke and Aidan O’Brien's Round Tower Stakes victor Ides of March. Both colts bring serious credentials into the race, ensuring a fiercely competitive affair at Newbury.
But it’s not just Defence Minister who has put Al-Jehani's name in the spotlight. His horse Diego Ventura turned heads with a striking victory at Ascot, marking his first start for Al-Jehani after transferring from Gavin Cromwell’s yard. Diego Ventura’s win followed an impressive debut at Naas, where he defeated the highly-fancied Magnum Force from the Ger Lyons stable.
Reflecting on Diego Ventura’s win, Brown was full of praise for the horse's tenacity. "A lot went wrong at Ascot, but Diego Ventura still managed to win, which was incredibly impressive. We haven’t made any decisions on what’s next for him yet, but Hamad and I will sit down and map out a plan."
While Defence Minister and Diego Ventura are leading the charge, Al-Jehani’s stable continues to grow in reputation. With only 10 horses under his care, the Qatari trainer’s ability to extract such high-level performances has drawn admiration from across the racing world. Brown was quick to commend the trainer’s dedication and sharp learning curve.
"Hamad has done an absolutely tremendous job. Coming in from Qatar and having to learn the ropes of the European racing scene is no small feat," said Brown. "He’s surrounded himself with an excellent team, and they’re all doing a fabulous job. To achieve what he has with just 10 horses is nothing short of phenomenal."
As Al-Jehani’s stable flourishes, it’s clear that the Mill Reef Stakes represents a significant opportunity for both trainer and horse. Defence Minister’s unbeaten record is on the line, but the horse’s connections are confident that he has what it takes to perform on this bigger stage.
Newbury’s racecourse will provide the backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling contest, with Defence Minister aiming to cement his place among the elite of his generation. But with top-class rivals like Cool Hoof Luke and Ides of March in the mix, victory won’t come easily. Still, the buzz surrounding Al-Jehani’s star colt suggests that this could be another chapter in the remarkable rise of a trainer whose stock continues to rise.
With the backing of Wathnan Racing and the guidance of Richard Brown, Defence Minister looks primed for a big performance on Saturday. And if his past outings are anything to go by, this is a horse that thrives under pressure, with plenty left in reserve when it matters most.
As the countdown to the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes continues, all eyes will be on Defence Minister to see if he can maintain his flawless record and deliver another statement victory for Hamad Al-Jehani’s burgeoning operation. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the racing world is paying close attention to a young trainer and his talented colt, both of whom are proving that they belong in the upper echelons of the sport.
