A special extension probably will be employed to help statuesque Kelly’s Landing feel more comfortable in the starting gate for Saturday’s US$2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr.1).
Exercise rider Gerry Carwood steered Kelly’s Landing into the gate while it was positioned on the backstretch of Nad al Sheba on Monday morning and declared that the huge gelding needs some more space.
“He was good in the gate, but it’s a little bit tight,” Carwood said. “The gate closes on his hock.”
Dubai officials have said the type of starting gate used at Nad al Sheba is a bit smaller than the typical gates used in the United States.
The extension will give Kelly’s Landing, a Churchill Downs track record setter, that bit of extra room that could help him relax and not feel so confined before the break. The bar-like piece of equipment attaches to the sides of the back doors on the starting stall to allow them to be more open for the hind end while still keeping the doors locked so the horse cannot back out before the start.
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