Saudi Trainer Al Monif Out to Impress in Dubai
Mdmar – Dubai
The Dubai Racing Carnival has long served as a platform for emerging talent from around the world, and this season 34-year-old Saudi trainer Abdullah Al Monif is embracing the opportunity to test himself on an international stage.
Representing AMM Racing and owner Ayman AlRajhi, Al Monif has brought a pair of runners, Allajayn and Brave Vekoma, to Meydan Racecourse for the Carnival, with both entered on Opening Night, 6 November,
While his journey in horses began away from the racetrack, horses have always been part of his life.
“Horses have been a passion of mine,” says Al Monif. “I actually started with showjumping, where I participated in both local and international competitions. Over time, my interest developed towards horseracing, and I became increasingly involved in the industry.”
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Keen to broaden his knowledge of the sport, Al Monif sought experience across several of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions, spending time in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“I have always believed in learning from different racing environments, so I took opportunities to gain experience in countries such as Ireland, the UK and the USA, including learning from established trainers such as Bob Baffert,” he says.
“Eventually, I decided to take the next step and establish myself as a racehorse trainer. It has been a very rewarding journey, and I am still learning and developing every day.
“We currently have around 30 horses in training in Saudi Arabia, including a mixture of experienced racehorses and promising young horses that we are developing for the future.”
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His decision to target the Dubai Racing Carnival reflects a desire to continue learning while exposing his horses to a new level of competition.
“Dubai has always been an important destination in international racing,” he explains of his decision to venture overseas. “I saw the Carnival as a great opportunity to challenge myself, gain international experience and give our horses the chance to compete against different levels of competition.
“I also believe it is important to keep developing as a trainer, and bringing horses to Dubai is a big step in that direction.”
So far, Al Monif has been pleased with how his team has adapted to life in Dubai.
“Both horses, Allajayn and Brave Vekoma, have settled in very well. They have adapted nicely to their new environment, and the team has done a great job with them.
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“They are training well and recovering nicely. However, we also need to respect the time they require to recover from travelling and adapt to their new surroundings. Ultimately, their races will give us a much clearer picture of their true ability and how they perform here.”
Beyond the racetrack, Al Monif has been impressed by the environment created around the Carnival and the support received since his arrival.
“I have really enjoyed it. Dubai has a fantastic racing environment, excellent facilities and a very great racing community,” he says. “I would particularly like to thank the DRC team, David O’Farrell, John Nicholls and the wider team for their support and hospitality since our arrival.
“Moving horses and establishing a team in a new country always comes with challenges, but everyone has been very helpful, and I genuinely appreciate that.
“We are here to learn, compete and build something for the future,” he continues. “Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a successful journey in Dubai.”
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The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
