Gitano
Hernando, who finished sixth as the favorite in the 2010 Dubai World
Cup (UAE-I) n the United Arab Emirates, has arrived in Dubai from
England to be prepared for the 2011 renewal of the 1 1/4–mile race at
Meydan race course.
According to a release from Team Valor International, which owns the 5-year-old son of Hernando
in partnership with Gary Barber, British-based trainer Marco Botti has
outlined a schedule of three races for Gitano Hernando in Dubai. He has
also secured the services of Hong Kong-based jockey Weichong Marwing to
ride the horse.
“We wanted a top-class international rider that we had faith in and
with whom we had enjoyed some good fortune in the past,” Team Valor CEO
Barry Irwin said. “Weichong has always been a favorite of the stable,
and he has enjoyed considerable success for us in Hong Kong, Dubai, and
South Africa. When we put Weichong up, we do so with a feeling of
confidence.”
Gitano Hernando will prep for the March 26 World Cup by first
competing in two legs of the Maktoum Challenge that are part of Dubai’s
Racing Carnival.