Godolphin targeting South African feature

Godolphin are aiming to break new ground by sending Vespone for the J&B Met at Kenilworth in South Africa next year.

The Dubai outfit have already registered winners in 12 countries and success in the January 31 event would see them notch up successes on five continents.

Movement of horses to and from South Africa has been restricted in the past due to the deadly African horse sickness.

But after lengthy negotiations between the authorities in Dubai and South Africa, Godolphin have decided to target the 10-furlong race.

Racing manager Simon Crisford told the Racing Post “The UAE Department of Agriculture and the South African Veterinary Service have agreed protocols for horses from the UAE to compete in international races at Kenilworth which is in an area free of African horse sickness.”

The Godolphin runners would have to spend two weeks in quarantine before travelling and they must arrive a minimum of a week before the race. They must then also stay at least six days after the race.

Sights On Gold and Naheef have also been entered for the race but Vespone, winner of the Prix Jean Prat and Grand Prix de Paris when trained by Nicolas Clement but disappointing last time in the Champion Stakes, is the most likely runner.

Crisford added: “Vespone is training towards the race. He was disappointing in the Champion Stakes but he ran too freely. He has very good European form, having won two Group Ones in France.

“It will be the end of the month before we make a decision, but he is going well.”