Ramzan Kadyrov’s G1-winning North America, one of the brightest stars of UAE racing over the past few seasons, is closing in on his return to racing. About to turn nine, the Satish Seemar-trained elder statesman of Group-level Dubai-based dirt runners was last seen finishing off the board in the $20 million Saudi Cup over nine furlongs–an effort that was preceded by only one other run in 2020, a head-bob third when injuring his hoof in a defense of the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (G2) at Meydan. Briefly considered for a Russian campaign by his connections this fall, he was quickly returned to Zabeel Racing Stables in the heart of Dubai after a brief respite.
“He just went into quarantine for two days, but then came back after a quick little holiday and break,” said Bhupat Seemar, assistant trainer. “He’s training really well and all is good. He’s just had his first gallop (breeze) the other day and will have another soon. The aim was to go to the (Group 2) Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (on Jan. 21), but we’ll probably go for the (Group 3) Firebreak (on Feb. 4). We don’t want to push him and we have a few other horses, if all goes well, who could go in the Maktoum Challenge.”
Third twice and a breakout winner two years ago of ‘Round 1,’ the gingerly campaigned seven-time winner from just 20 starts over seven seasons actually made his first Group start and victory in the 2017 Firebreak, romping by seven lengths and earning favouritism for the subsequent Godolphin Mile (G2). A three-time Dubai World Cup night alumnus, seven-time Meydan winner and four-time Group victor, the son of Dubawi is currently rated 115.
Seemar continued: “Obviously, he’s older and is a hard horse to keep sound and last year he stepped on something in the (Al Maktoum Challenge R1) and that foot just bothered him all of last year. In fact, it’s taken him a year to actually completely get that foot healed up. If he stays sound, he’s the horse to beat in Dubai.”
Among those under consideration from the Seemar yard for Round 1 are G3 winner Secret Ambition, multiple G2 winner Quip and South American G1 winner Roman Rosso.