Kempton remains the aim for Shuwari despite ‘small setback’

Ollie Sangster is hoping to win the race against time to return one-time Classic prospect Shuwari to the track at Kempton in December.

The daughter of New Bay was the leading light of the Manton handler’s first season in the training ranks, winning Sandown’s Listed Star Stakes as a two-year-old before going down on her shield in both the Rockfel Stakes and the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket at the latter end of the 2023 campaign.

She was being prepared to try to make it third time lucky on the Rowley Mile in the 1000 Guineas early this year before meeting a setback that kept her sidelined throughout the 2024 Flat turf season.

Having been brought along steadily by Sangster and his team, the handler had his sights set on a return in the Hyde Stakes at Kempton early next month before possible overseas ventures to the Middle East in the New Year.

However, a further slight setback leaves the trainer now fighting against the clock if Shuwari is to make her Kempton comeback date.

“She’s been back doing some work and I was hoping to work back from the Hyde Stakes at Kempton, which is in early December, before possibly considering going to Dubai,” said Sangster.

“She’s just had a small setback and a strained muscle and missed a little bit of time, so it could be touch and go whether she makes that race. That’s still the plan, it will just be touch and go if we make it.

“She’s doing well at the moment and will stay in training next year, we’re very happy with how she’s progressing.”