Newmarket run on the cards for Spirit Dancer before Middle East adventure

Josh Luckhurst
September 8, 2024 12:19 pm

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia trips proved rewarding in the red and white of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Spirit Dancer is set to follow the same route to his successful campaign in the Middle East last winter, with a tune-up run at Newmarket before heading off on his globetrotting adventure.

The seven-year-old, who carries the red and white silks of part-owner and breeder Sir Alex Ferguson, took his career earnings to over GBP 1.7million following victory in the Bahrain International Trophy in November before landing the even more lucrative Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh in February.

He was last seen in Meydan for the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic in March, but the Frankel gelding was unable to land a blow on Dubai World Cup night, finishing 11th of 12 runners.

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 sustain an injury on his last appearance, which has seen a delay to his reappearance. However, trainer Richard Fahey has set out a path for his stable star.

The Musley Bank handler confirmed his charge will travel to Newmarket for the Group Three Darley Stakes in October, as he did last year when finishing five and half lengths behind Highland Avenue in fourth.

Attention is mainly on the Middle East for Fahey and Spirit Dancer, though, as they aim to retain their money-spinning titles.

“he’s good. He’s had a bit of an easy period, but he’s been back cantering for two months. He’s had a good rest and the plan was to give him a break so we’ve given him one,” Fahey said.

Highland Avenue and William Buick coming home to win the Earthlight Darley Stakes at Newmarket — Spirit Dancer, second left in red, will return to Newmarket before travelling to the Middle East (Nigel French/PA)

“He will head back to the Middle East, probably run at Newmarket before and head back to Bahrain.

“To be honest his focus is the Middle East. We will see, he’s had a tough enough year this year. He’s had a such a busy time that he needed a break. We’ll probably run him at Newmarket in that Group Three, the Darley Stakes, and then head to Bahrain.

“I did try him at a mile and half, but he had a bit of a setback in that race so it’s a bit inconclusive. I can’t see why we would change it from a mile and quarter at the moment.”