Qatar Racing Relocates Horses to New Trainers, Marking a Strategic Shift

Apr 18, 2025 at 5:28 PM
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A significant change has occurred in the equine world as Qatar Racing announces the relocation of its horses from trainer Andrew Balding. Among these horses is the Grade 1 victor, New Century, who is anticipated to compete on American soil. The decision was disclosed last Friday by Peter Scargill and David Carr through Racing Post. This move signifies a pivotal moment for both parties involved.

New Century's racing journey under Balding saw him secure a victory in the Summer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine last year and narrowly miss out on a top-three finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. However, his recent performance in the Craven Stakes (G3) at Newmarket did not meet expectations. According to official records, New Century has been transferred to James Ferguson's care. Interestingly, Ferguson revealed that within the coming week, New Century would embark on a transatlantic journey to continue his racing career in the United States.

Operated by Sheikh Fahad and his siblings Sheikh Hamad and Sheikh Suhaim, Qatar Racing has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Andrew Balding since 2011. During this collaboration, they achieved remarkable success with horses like Kameko, who triumphed twice at the highest level, including the prestigious 2000 Guineas (G1). Additionally, their association produced global competitors such as Side Glance and Elm Park, further enhancing their reputation. As Qatar Racing embarks on this new chapter, it underscores a commitment to exploring fresh opportunities and maintaining excellence in international horse racing arenas. This transition reflects an ongoing pursuit of innovation and success in the ever-evolving sport of horse racing.