Sheikh Hamdan will bid to continue 'fantastic year' in Middle Park with Minzaal

After another big-race double on Saturday, Hamdan Al Maktoum will bid for a fifth British Group 1 win of a remarkable year at Newmarket this weekend.

Middle Park Stakes hope Minzaal will step up to the highest level for a man whose Newbury successes with Alkumait and Elarqam on Saturday means he has won 16 Group races in Britain in 2020 and is clear at the top of the owners' table with £1.94 million in prize-money.

The Owen Burrows-trained Minzaal earned a crack at the Middle Park with victory in last month's Gimcrack Stakes at York's Ebor meeting, and Sheikh Hamdan's racing manager Angus Gold said: "He looked the right sort of horse at York and all being well he should have a live chance."

Minzaal: Gimcrack winner is all set for the Middle ParkCredit: Edward Whitaker

Alkumait could also have a Group 1 target after his win in the six-furlong Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury for Marcus Tregoning.

"The trainer would like to have a go at the Dewhurst," Gold said. "He's not entered in the Dewhurst and the jockey's not convinced he's going to stay so there's a lot to discuss.

"He has a short, sharp action on him like a sprinter and he quickened well to win yesterday, but having said that he settled well and you never know until you try.

"If Sheikh Hamdan is happy to supplement him and Marcus wants to run him then we could give him a try in the Dewhurst, although all his close-up family is more speed than anything."

Alkumait: impressive winner of the Mill Reef Stakes at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Reflecting on the owner's season, whose highlights have included six winners at Royal Ascot, Gold said: "It's been fantastic. Through all this horrible time we've been very lucky on the track.

"We didn't go into it thinking we were going to have a fantastic year. At the start of the year I thought we were light in the three-year-old department but the older horses in particular have done us proud and now there are some nice two-year-olds coming along."

However, Covid-19 restrictions mean Sheikh Hamdan has not been present to enjoy his success in person, and Gold said: "It's hard for everybody, but it's been hard for Sheikh Hamdan not to be able to be there because you don't get the same feel for it if you're not there."

Trainer William Haggas, who has won valuable prizes for the owner with Montatham and Al Aasy this year, added: "He had six winners at Royal Ascot and goes every year, but this year he couldn't. That was so sad for him because he loves it and he's so enthusiastic.

"Sheikh Hamdan has been a fantastic supporter of a good number of trainers and of racing and breeding in general. He's consistently been the leading purchaser at European yearling sales and no-one begrudges him his success. He's had a fantastic year and long may that continue."

Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes card

Read more about Hamdan Al Maktoum's big winners of 2020:

Another Mohaather? Alkumait powers to Mill Reef glory for Tregoning and Crowley

'Horse of a lifetime' Battaash has his day of days after battling success

Older and wiser Battaash saunters to record-breaking fourth King George success

Marcus Tregoning back in the big time with exceptional miler Mohaather

Gosden admits to some surprise after Nazeef beats Terebellum to Group 1 honours

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