Bahrain Turf Series: Spangled Mac strikes for Boughey

Bahrain-based jockey Rosie Jessop teamed up with Newmarket trainer George Boughey to guide 16-1 chance Spangled Mac to success in the $80,000 Al Riffa Cup (sponsored by BBK) in round two in the sprint division of the Bahrain Turf Series on Friday.

In a 1-2-3 for internationally trained horses, Spangled Mac was in the front rank throughout and chased home by previous Turf Series winners Rocket Rodney (George Scott) and Roman Dragon (Hugo Palmer).  

Spangled Mac had clearly improved for his debut run in Bahrain three weeks ago and relished stepping up to six furlongs. Boughey went close in the preceding contest with Mr Alan but it was Spangled Mac who provided him with a third success in the Kingdom following the exploits of Thunder Moor last season.  

The card also featured  the $80,000 Al Dana Cup, over 10 furlongs, the second round in the middle-distance division of the Bahrain Turf Series.

Under an audacious ride by Seamie Heffernan, Majestic came from last to first in the sixteen-runner contest following a slow start from a wide draw, with an irrepressible run down the outside in the straight powering the seven-year-old to victory and win going away. 

A runner-up three weeks ago, the victory was a first win in Bahrain for trainer Jack Channon and a first win for Majestic since landing the 2022 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket, when the gelding was trained by Jack’s father, Mick. On this occasion, Channon senior was the winning owner as his yellow and black silks were carried to victory. 

Finishing in second was the long-time leader and locally-trained Merlin’s Beard, followed by Boughey’s Mr Alan. In a tight finish for the minor honours, Snellen - winner of round one in the middle-distance division of the Bahrain Turf Series - was a close-up fifth with Lion Of War in sixth, both being denied clear runs in the closing stages.

The Bahrain Turf Series continues next Friday with two conditions races - the first over five furlongs and the other over nine - with all the action live on Racing TV.