Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Qatar Racing has bought a half-share in leading Oaks candidate Secret Gesture ahead of the Classic at Epsom on Friday.
Sheikh Fahad, owner of 2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden, and his brothers who are partners in Qatar Racing, celebrated a first European Classic when Just The Judge won Sunday’s Irish 1000 Guineas.
Secret Gesture was an impressive winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial and is currently favourite to give trainer Ralph Beckett a second win in the race he won five years ago with Look Here.
David Redvers, the owner’s racing manager, said the filly would race in the sheikh’s colours in the Oaks.
“We’ve bought a 50 per cent share and Newsells Park Stud will retain the other 50 per cent,” Redvers said.
“Nothing else will change apart from she will run in our colours.
“She looks to have a big future, she was very impressive at Lingfield so you’d think that she will handle Epsom OK.
“She’s not too dissimilar to Ralph’s other Oaks winner, so hopefully we’ll have the same result.”
