3 minute read

Another big footballing name hit the scoresheet at Bahrain on Friday, as Roman Dragon produced a surprise success in the Hawar Cup for owner Michael Owen.

Despite the Hugo Palmer-trained gelding appearing to be the second choice of Owen's two runners in the six furlong contest, Roman Dragon travelled well through the race for jockey Ebrahim Nader and kept on strongly in the closing stages to record a half-length success.

It was a particularly poignant success for Owen, as he also bred the five-year-old.

"We're absolutely delighted. He has got speed to burn but we often think he's better round a turning track than a straight track, so today is a lovely surprise," said Owen.

"We thought beforehand Box To Box (unplaced in the Anchorman Cup) would be in the first three and this horse (Roman Dragon) would be in the last three, but it happened the other way round!

"Me and Nick (Hughes) own the horse; I bred him and we've owned him all his life.

"It's my first time here and I am really enjoying it. My old boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, was stood here not so long ago having won the big race, the Bahrain International Trophy, so it's clearly a lucky spot."

Elsewhere on the card, George Scott and Callum Shepherd continued their international success with Isle Of Jura in the Listed His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup. The twelve furlong contest, worth £70,000, was dominated by UK and Irish runners but the Bahrain specialist Isle of Jura proved too good for rivals, adding a second victory at the track.