UAE- Coaxing and cajoling

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A group of men and women in work clothes are seen at the starting gates of horse race events and the attention they give to the minute details for both the equipment and the horse requires a lot of experience and expertise.

Seldom visible to the spectator who sits far away across the tracks these experts are on their toes right through the sequence of events making sure the jump after the start button is pressed goes smoothly for all the 16 horses.

Leading these men and coordinating matters for the past years at the Dubai World Cup is Shane Ryan who has a varied experience in equestrian sports.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on Friday during the early morning workouts at the Meydan Ryan said: "I have had a wonderful run here with my greatest joy being able to get the approval of the owners riders and trainers. Been here 16 long years I have come through the mill including being a professional flat and jump jockey in England."

"Eye for detail is of utmost importance as the 16 hands get to be as friendly and welcoming as possible for each horse. Long before the races the exercise jockey and later the main jockey go through the 'getting used to' routine in the allotted gate of the entry. Practically a full mockup process there is lots of coaxing and pats from the gate handlers which is part of the routine. It cannot drag even if some may initially be hesitant to enter the gate" Ryan said.

"We are fortunate to have a great team and four of them - Tino Berninger David Trow Michael Turnbell and Brian McDonnell are here today (Friday) morning for the day's routine for some of the horses" Ryan said as we saw DWC pre-event favourite California Chrome and the exercise jockey being introduced to Gate 11.

"Our job covers five courses in the UAE where we train hands and horses in gate procedures. It starts with horses from two-year olds the riders and the trainers. Each entry is a character by herself/himself. We have to know the basic character lines of the horse and help in them getting used to the starting gate" he added "We have to coax and encourage the entry right through the max period given to us."

Overall the picture has been one of positives right through the years Ryan reckons. "No restarts here and in major events elsewhere. Why think of negatives when we have hands who are thoroughly trained and equipped to handle possibly as many situations as possible" he said "Good starts for everyone and there is no looking back."

"It is great to see so many good runners as usual this time too. The rivalry is keen always here making the occasion one to remember year after year. All of us are lucky to be doing what we enjoy as bread winner. The bug catches on once you start riding and the love for the sport continues thanks to my profession" he said.

"The starter's profession varies in places. Here and in Europe we train horses for pre-gate procedures as well while many are exercise riders when not into the gate part. In the US it is a full time job with gate starters into the trade full time" he said.

A fine touch to the big occasion

Parade stewarding may appear to be a cool job to have with plenty of exposure and glamour attached to it especially when the person on horseback ushers the winners to the parade ring from the finish line area.

The scenes of the steward in two-way radio contact with the organisers and race managers are quite audible in the live broadcasts these days.

Ghrainne Clancy has been carrying out this vital job function for the past many years at the Dubai World Cup and she is a regular in almost all the major equestrian-based events in the UAE.

"Lots of prep work to do familiarity with the local conditions and the horses and the peculiarities attached to each event are just some of the factors we have to keep in mind" said Ghrainne who was having a well earned Friday off when Khaleej Times caught up with her.

Her travel began at a young stage of her life after she began her line in equestrian sports as a trainee jockey at an Irish academy from where she ventured to the US for further experience in the field.

"I left as a trainee jockey while at the academy and what America offered me was the big exposure in the variations of how the sport is managed and run on bigger scales. The learning curve was very appreciable and I picked up so many finer points during my stint there."

Her next stop was Australia another nation deeply engaged in the sport and with a lot of pedigree and reputation. "Australia was yet another story of approaching the sport with an element of local element to it. One is able to pick up so many things if we have an open mind" Ghrainne continued.

Her latest stop - the UAE - here in Dubai has seen her through six seasons so far. "I joined Dubai Stables under John Hyde and has been involved in all kinds of training and grooming work thanks to the vast experience gained when in the States and Down Under. Work in Dubai has been an enjoyable one all along and is proving to be another great learning stint" she added.