Channel Cat in 'Great Shape' After Fall in Turf Cup
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Photo: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia / Mahmoud Khaled
Channel Cat trains Feb. 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse
Trainer Jack Sisterson tweeted out the morning of Feb. 27 that grade 1 winner Channel Cat exited his fall in Saturday's Neom Turf Cup (G3) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in 'fine shape'. The son of English Channel was settled well off the pace under jockey Joel Rosario during the race's early stages before appearing to clip heels at the top of the lane, sending both horse and rider tumbling to the ground.
Pleased to report Channel Cat is in great shape this morning. He’s sound, alert, and happy. Fortunately both him and Joel are fine, and no one was injured. Thanks @thesaudicup for the invite and congratulations to all the winning connections! pic.twitter.com/M994HKLnvm
— Jack Sisterson (@JackSisterson) February 27, 2022
After the fall, Channel Cat jumped up and was caught by the outrider while Rosario also got to his feet and although bruised, continued to ride the rest of his mounts on the card. He later rode Midnight Bourbon to a third-place finish in the $20 Million Saudi Cup (G1).
Japan's Authority was a 1 1/4 length winner of the Turf Cup, one of three Japanese-based horses to sweep the Saudi Cup turf stakes races along with Songline, and Stay Foolish.
The Turf Cup was the second start of the year for Channel Cat. The Calumet Farm homebred had previously finished ninth in the Jan. 29 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational presented by Baccarat (G1T) in his 2022 debut. Last year, the earner of nearly $1.5 million scored the biggest victory of his career when landing a dramatic victory in the Man o' War Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park.