Tom Clover is planning a winter of international racing for Al Nayyir following his strong performance in the Lonsdale Cup at York.
The six-year-old, making his debut for Clover, finished a close second to Vauban, which has boosted the Newmarket trainer's optimism for future outings. Previously, Al Nayyir placed fourth in the Red Sea Turf Handicap in Riyadh and was runner-up to Tower Of London in the Dubai Gold Cup.
Clover is considering a return to the Middle East in early 2025, given Al Nayyir's solid performances and potential. “He ran a huge race, and I was hopeful he would perform well,” said Clover. “He’s an exciting prospect by Dubawi, and we’re looking at a winter campaign that could include Dubai and possibly Saudi Arabia.”
Before heading overseas, Al Nayyir may run in several European races. The Betfred Doncaster Cup (September 13) and the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot (October 19) are potential targets. In France, races like the Prix du Cadran (October 5) or Prix Royal-Oak (October 27) could also be considered.
Clover added, “He’s still in a few races this year and came out of the Lonsdale Cup well. We’ll take some time to decide his next steps. He’s been lightly raced this year and has shown he can handle both quick and soft ground. We’ll explore all options and plan accordingly.”