Post race quotes from the Al Quoz Sprint, sponsored by Emirates NBD

Derek Cruz, trainer, Joy And Fun, 1st: “I haven’t got the words to express it hardly. I feel really proud, he pinged out of the gates and was more prominent than I thought he would be and Brett kept him there all the way and with a great ride and I guess at home he is more of a 1400 meter horse, so his stamina for this straight told in the end.”

Brett Doyle, jockey, Joy And Fun, 1st: “That was great, the horse deserves it, as he has bumped into Sacred Kingdom a few times. There is no straight six furlongs in HK and that is what he needs. Derek Cruz, his trainer, chose the right race. He stays 1400 meters and he outstayed the American horse.”
Ahmed Ajtebi, jockey, Fravashi, 2nd : “I drove him to get there but he was never quite quick enough, he is a sort of one action horse who lacked the pace of the winner but it was a great effort.”

Joe Talamo, jockey, California Flag, 3rd : “He broke well and he relaxed, he just got outrun in the end. They just out quickened him in the last 16th.”

Olivier Peslier, jockey, War Artist, 4th : “I had a good ride. We were right behind California Flag, I just followed them. He changed leads better than last time for me and he fought very well. I was very pleased.”

Corey Brown, jockey, All Silent, 5th: “Just didn’t have the finish that we know. Kept wanting to be there, but wasn’t travelling.”

Kieren Fallon, jockey, Judd Street, 6th: “I’d had been a bit closer with a better draw, I could never get any cover.”

Lanfranco Dettori, jockey, Sirocco Breeze, 7th : “He is not a sprinter.”

Christophe Lemaire, jockey Mariol, 9th: “It’s difficult for horses that need to be held up, as they go quick. He runs well, but we couldn’t get placed.”

Ted Durcan, jockey, Asset, 10th : “No excuses.”

Richard Mullen, jockey, Terrific Challenge, 11th : “He travelled well and two down I thought I might sneak through but younger horses were just too strong for him at the end. This was a step up in performance anyway.”

Ryan Moore, jockey, Sir Gerry, 12th: “They went too quick around for my horse, we couldn’t keep up.”

Kevin Shea, jockey, Our Giant, 13th: “He was never in the race, this trip was too short for him.”

Tadhg O’Shea, jockey, Prince Shaun, 15th: “The grass is riding quick and very competitive race. He ran a real good gallop and I’m sure the best horse won.”

Pat Smullen, jockey, Dohassa, 16th: “Just ran a bit flat today. It’s the end of a long season.

Royston Ffrench, jockey, Star Crowned, 14th: “He travelled really well but petered out from half way.”