HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is set to field ‘tough filly’ Tajaanus at this weekend’s Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials, 20-21 April.

Last year’s Sweet Solaro Stakes winner at Newmarket makes her return to Newbury Racecourse for the hugely popular Dubai Duty Free (DDF) stakes, with more than half of the 20 confirmations for the Saturday’s event holding entries in the first fillies’ classic of the season, the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas.

Run over seven furlongs (Fred Darling Stakes), it features as the second race on day two (Saturday) of the Spring Trials weekend and is among three Group three events on the card.

Potential rivals to the Richard Hannon-trained Tajaanus include unbeaten fillies Teppal and Worship, both trained by David Simcock and Ed Vaughan’s Himaa, running in the colours of Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum.

LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY

Beginning on Friday, the event kickstarts an exciting programme of summer runs estimated at a value of more than €2.5m ($3.1m) supported by the leading airport retailer.

On-track action is complemented by DDF’s legendary hospitality, courtesy of Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin; Executive Vice-President Corporate Services Salah Tahlak; and Senior Vice President-Marketing Sinead El Sibai, who will present trophies to winners of each of the races.

Complimentary dates and traditional Arabic coffee will be available in the DDF marquee situated next to the parade.

Visitors can also take part in the DDF Finest Surprise and DDF Millenium Millionaire draws.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is due to take place at The Curragh, Dublin in June.