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GRA DE 1 WI NN ING OWNE RS Not even a pandemic could prevent Thoroughbred racing from bringing people together.
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TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 58
SHEIKH FAHAD AL THANI, STATON FLURRY, AUTRY LOWRY JR. - SHEDARESTHEDEVIL ow does a sheikh from Qatar, a parking lot owner in Hot Springs, Ark., and a fire captain from Benton, La., wind up partners on Shedaresthedevil—the Brad Cox-trained stakes-record winner of the Gr1 Kentucky Oaks? They all bought in. “At the end of the day, I’m happy to partner with anyone,” Sheikh Fahad said September 24th. “I haven’t met them, but they seem like nice people.” Lowry said, “It’s definitely a unique relationship.” Sheikh Fahad’s love of horses began as a child. “I’ve grown up with horses—a lot of Arabians,” he said. “I’ve always loved the horses. Not the Arabians that much. I dreamed of Thoroughbreds.” He made that dream real after studying in England. He tuned in to watch a steeplechase race on television in 2008, and liked it so much he watched it every week. In 2010, he saw his first live race. “I said, ‘I better try that,’’’ Sheikh Fahad said. “When I started, it was just myself. Then my brothers joined me. I had my first win in 2011—a great thrill. I definitely caught the bug.”
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