If asked to think of racing nations around the world, probably the last place you would suggest is the tiny Middle Eastern nation of Israel. Even though they have no racecourse and currently no breeding industry, one Israeli bred horse continues to fly the flag as his owners strive to become the first to produce a locally bred horse to win on the British stage, writes Elliot Slater.
Royal Torbo, trained by George Baker, has been with the Moreton Morrell handler since he was a yearling, sent over by owner/breeders Arik and Betty Rayzner at an early stage of his career in order to give him the opportunity to acclimatise to British conditions after growing up in the searing heat of the desert.
The only horse in training by the Rayzner's German bred stallion Tabari (by Sadlers Wells), a close relative of the great Sea The Stars, the three-year-old gelding is definitely no world-beater but has gone close to landing that elusive first Israeli win, including when beaten a neck in a Wolverhampton maiden in January. Not seen since running third in a handicap on a return visit to Dunstall Park, Baker's charge is due to reappear shortly after a spring break, as the quest to get the Israeli-bred's head in front continues.
As Israel's Stud Book is currently inactive there seems little possibility according to Irish horse racing tips of any other compatriots trying to follow his lead, so, should he manage to win at any level, Royal Torbo could well become the first, and last Israel bred horse to manage such a feat. That is, unless his unraced four-year-old half-brother Royal Tiger (by Tiger Hill), also in training with Baker, can get his head in front in bumpers or over hurdles this winter.
Should either of the Israeli 'Royal's' win it will probably go unheralded by the Irish racing press, but back in their homeland, the country with no racing or breeding infrastructure whatsoever will have achieved something very special.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment