Ron the Greek Romps to Win in Saudi Arabia
Description:
Iron horse Ron the Greek, a former multiple grade I winner in the U.S., notched a fourth consecutive win Feb. 14 in Saudi Arabia as he romped to a seven-length triumph in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup at Al Janadriah Racecourse in Riyadh.
Racing under the name of Wattani, which means "my country," the 8-year-old son of Full Mandate dispatched his overmatched rivals in the stretch and coasted to the emphatic victory with Jose Lezcano at the reins.
Gone Dutch, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and Fly Solo, guided by Olivier Peslier, were second and third, respectively. Ron the Greek covered 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) on dirt in 2:31.47.
The race, a group I contest in Saudi Arabia but not a black-type event, was marred by a horrific spill in which seven horses in the18-horse field did not finish, including King of The Danes, who was ridden by U.S.-based Eddie Castro.
According to a Saudi television race presenter, Castro was taken to a hospital and reportedly was not seriously injured.
Ron the Greek was formerly trained by Bill Mott for the partnership of breeder Jack Hammer, Brous Stable, and Wachtel Stable. Sold to race in Saudi Arabia, the Florida-bred is trained by Nicholas Bachalard for the sons of the late Saudi King Abdullah. According to Jockey Club data, he has a 5-0-1 record from six starts in that nation, including the Crown Prince Cup, a group II race, in his previous start Jan. 3.
Ron the Greek's North American career concluded with a victory in the 2013 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational (gr. I). He was set to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), but missed that race with a hoof quarter crack and subsequently was sold.
His U.S. record also includes victories in the 2012 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I). His dam is the Fortunate Prospect mare Flambe'.