Page 60 - Majestic Vol.03
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Sheikh Fahad professed to being Sheikh Fahad with further understanding time for workouts. As one can imagine,
obsessed with thoroughbred racing. He of thoroughbred horses. the odds of success are slim in these
said, “I became deeply immersed and circumstances. The result therefore,
addicted to the racing and breeding S T R AT E G I S E A N D B O L D LY was beyond expectation. The photo
of horses.” Perhaps the question on CHARGE FORTH finish result showed Dunaden’s nose
everybody’s mind is: Who influenced touching the finishing line, winning
Sheikh Fahad to foray into the Sheikh Fahad’s approach to horse racing the race by a mere millimetre. Sheikh
world of thoroughbred breeding and is reminiscent of General Tian Ji from Fahad was elated, and so were his family
racing? Who is instrumental in aiding the Warring States period in ancient members who were following the race
Sheikh Fahad in his decision-making China, who was well known for his on television and were cheering him on.
process with regards to his bloodstock horse racing strategies. Sheikh Fahad The result of this race saw the closest
operation? believes that horse racing is a sport and most thrilling finish in Melbourne
that requires strategising, “There are Cup history, and possibly in world
“I do not have a mentor. I choose to learn many crucial aspects to thoroughbred history.
and observe on my own accord. After all, racing that needs consideration. You
when it comes to learning, not everything need to understand the horse’s pedigree, To the observer, strategy and luck may
can be taught. At times, having a mentor temperament and strength. The race have contributed to the win, but one can
can inhibit learning. When you seek the track and running style are equally also see that their victory was guided by
advice of a mentor, you will feel obligated important in deciding what race to the bold vision and calm adaptability of
to follow the advice given. Rather than place a horse in.” Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and his team.
relying on someone to teach you, you It was not all rosy though, as Sheikh
need to listen to your heart.” Having Horse racing is a battle of wits, in which Fahad quipped with a laugh, “Facing
come from a prominent family and having considering all things being equal, the the uncertainties that we did before the
undergone life’s experiences beyond that one who makes the least error has the race gave me sleepless nights!”
of the common man, 26-year-old Sheikh higher probability of winning. Having
Fahad displays incredible maturity and won numerous races, winning the 自言是“纯血马痴”的谢赫·法哈德
wisdom beyond his years. During his Melbourne Cup at his first attempt 说，“研究纯血马让我上瘾。”也许大家
student days, Sheikh Fahad learnt as remains the most memorable and 都很好奇：谁是那个带领他进入纯血马世
much as he could about the horse racing thrilling day for Sheikh Fahad. Before 界的名师呢？谁在谢赫·法哈德背后帮助
industry by collecting video footages and the race, his family members did not 分析有关赛马的一切呢？
data from renowned flat racing events. hold high hopes for him winning. “I was
“Through systematically observing relatively inexperienced. Dunaden was “我没有老师，我选择自己去观察学习。
racing events, I analysed and summarised shipped from Europe to Australia for 毕竟不是学习所有的事情都需要有老师；
winning strategies, and learnt to judge a the race, and he was not in top form to 有时拜师反而会是一种障碍，很多时候你
horse’s performance and form. ” race. Nevertheless, my family gave me 必须听从自己的内心，而不是找一个老
their full support and cheered me on”, 师，因为你会无可避免地陷入必须听从
By the time Sheikh Fahad met up with recounted Sheikh Fahad. Even though ‘一个人’指示的迷思。”显赫的家世和
stud manager and bloodstock agent Dunaden was one of the first horses 非一般的阅历，造就了年方26岁的谢赫·
David Redvers, he had already spent he had bought, and he had only been 法哈德有着超乎年龄的稳重与睿智。据说
four years researching, observing, and racing horses for a year, Sheikh Fahad 谢赫·法哈德在念书时期，就以各种著名
learning about the sport. In 2010, upon was fearless in facing the challenge of a 的国际平地竞速赛事为学习标靶，收集许
Redvers’ advice, Sheikh Fahad bought top-class race event. 多视频和资料。“通过系统化地观察各项
his first thoroughbred racehorse and 赛事，我整理及归纳出各种胜出的因素，
made his first foray into the bloodstock The Melbourne Cup was an extremely 包括马匹的表现与演变。”
business with the formation of Pearl thrilling victory. Unexpected twist of
Bloodstock. It was time to put Sheikh events led to Australian jockey Craig 后来，谢赫·法哈德遇上了一位极为
Fahad’s knowledge gained from his Williams being ruled out of the race 合拍的相马顾问大卫·雷德，2010年
extensive study of thoroughbred racing through suspension. Sheikh Fahad had 在他的建议下买进人生第一匹纯血马。
and racing strategies into practice, and to make a last minute decision to fly in 此时谢赫·法哈德已对纯血马有了4年
the partnership with bloodstock agent substitute French jockey Christopher 的观察研究，也是他进军纯血马产业的
David Redvers, gave him the opportunity Lemaire, who touched down in 第一步。如果自学是在修练自身对解读
to do just that. Redvers, with his years Melbourne barely 24 hours before the 赛马的谋略，那么与大卫·雷德(David
of experience and expertise in the race. Lemaire piloted Dunaden for Redvers)的搭档，就是学会辨别纯血马
bloodstock business, was able to provide the first time in the race event, with no 的生理与特色，也就是从策略研究进入相
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