UAE press.....
Marwing returns home early
(no author listed)
Weichong Marwing will not be attempting to follow up Asiatic Boy’s UAE Derby win in the Juddmonte International Stakes on Tuesday week (copyright Dubai Racing Club)
Top international trainer at Nad Al Sheba, Mike De Kock, faces a huge fortnight with stable stars Asiatic Boy and Irridescence facing the starter - but not under regular jockey Weichong Marwing.
Jamie Spencer is to replace Marwing aboard Asiatic Boy when he takes on Authorized, Notnowcato and George Washington in the Juddmonte International.
And Johnny Murtagh rides Irridescence in the Beverly D at Arlington in the US on Saturday.
The news comes as a surprise as Marwing was not due to return to his native South Africa until after the York race on August 21.
According to De Kock’s website: “Marwing’s decision came as a surprise to Mike de Kock and his patrons and De Kock said he was disappointed.
“Marwing, in turn, would not be drawn into lengthy comment, saying that he will be taking a short break.”
Marwing was aboard Asiatic Boy when he finished fourth, beaten just two lengths, by Ramonti in the Sussex Stakes last week, the Argentinean-bred colt’s first outing since he hacked up by nine and a half lengths from Jack Junior in the UAE Derby at Nad Al Sheba at the end of March.
De Kock told the Racing Post: “Asiatic Boy definitely goes for the Juddmonte and I think he has come on for his run in the Sussex. He was a bit ring rusty at Goodwood and Jamie Spencer will ride him at York.”
Murtagh was the architect of Irridescence’s downfall in the Falmouth Stakes when he gave Simply Perfect a canny front running ride to beat the Marwing-ridden Irridescence at the July meeting.
De Kock commented: “I have always been impressed with Johnny Murtagh. He rode Asiatic Boy to win for me in Dubai this winter and I have always admired him as a jockey.
“Irridescence has travelled well,” de Kock added.
“She is a quirky filly
and lost a little weight but her her work has been good backing up to this race.”