De Kock to aim Russian Sage
at Dubai Duty Free
UAE/SOUTH AFRICA: A big name has been added to Mike de Kock's team for next year's Dubai Carnival in the shape of top South African three-year-old Russian Sage, a dual-Grade 1 winner.
Owners Team Valor, who had a bust-up with De Kock a couple of years ago, are transferring the horse from original trainer Justin Snaith to De Kock's Dubai-based stable, with the Duty Free as the ultimate target.
Snaith, who saddled Russian Sage to win the Cape Derby and the Daily News 2000, had been considering setting up his own Dubai base.
But he abandoned those plans when the decision was taken to keep stable star Dancer's Daughter at home, hence the decision to send Russian Sage to De Kock.
“It doesn't make sense for me to go to Dubai with a single runner, although Russian Sage is a fantastic horse,” said Snaith.
Team Valor spokesman Barry Irwin added: “I know that our team is really excited to be back with Mike and we really look forward to racing this colt not only in Dubai, but internationally as well.
“Team Valor tried to buy both Jay Peg and Sun Classique last year and failed in both instances. They went on to Dubai to win the $5 million Sheema Classic and Dubai Duty Free, which served only to further whet our appetite for more international glory.
“We hope that we are giving Mike a tool that he can employ to make an impression in the Duty Free.”
De Kock added: “Russian Sage is an exciting prospect that will strengthen our already formidable Dubai team for 2009.”
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