Phoenix Thoroughbreds buys into top sprinter Sands Of Mali and targets Dubai

Phoenix Thoroughbreds has bought into Group 1-winning sprinter Sands Of Mali, who will stay in training with Richard Fahey and be targeted at the Al Quoz Sprint in March.

The big-spending operation, which in its short existence has already enjoyed a Royal Ascot winner and made a mark on the global stage, has splashed the cash again to acquire a stake in the Qipco Champions Sprint winner.

Sands Of Mali, who won the Gimcrack as a juvenile last year, achieved his Group 1 breakthrough when springing a 28-1 surprise to beat Harry Angel by a length on British Champions Day last month.

While original owners the Cool Silk Partnership will retain a share in the colt, he will race in the Phoenix Thoroughbreds' silks made famous by Belmont Stakes runner-up Gronkowski, Group 1 Phoenix Stakes scorer Advertise and Queen Mary winner Signora Cabello, who will be offered at next week's Tattersalls December Mares Sale.

Gronkowski: one of the big names under Phoenix ThoroughbredsCredit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz said: "We're delighted to be entering into this new partnership with such successful owners and we look forward to many successful days at the races together.

"Richard Fahey has done a remarkable job with the horse to keep him on top form for the whole of last season and we're thrilled to have him as part of the Phoenix Thoroughbreds team."

Prior to winning the Champions Sprint, Sands Of Mali had finished second in the Commonwealth Cup and connections are already plotting a return to Royal Ascot for next year's Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The first major target is likely to be the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan.

Fahey said: "It's a great pleasure to welcome Phoenix Thoroughbreds to Musley Bank. The colt has been a great horse for us and we hope that we can bring this new partnership even greater success than we have had already. We have some exciting targets and I'd be very hopeful of more great days at the races."

Peter Swann, chairman of Scunthorpe United FC, runs the Cool Silk Partnership with his mother-in-law Barbara Wilkinson, and said: "It's been a great ride with Sands Of Mali and we look forward to continuing the journey with Phoenix Thoroughbreds. We have the same ambitions for this horse and we hope for some more high-level success."

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