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Vineyard Haven (USA)
©Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club
VINEYARD HAVEN (USA)
- Age: 4
- Colour: Grey/Roan
- Gender: Colt
- Sire: Lido Palace (CHI)
- Dam: Princess Aloha (USA)
- Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Vineyard Haven landed his first Grade One event for Godolphin when successful in the Frank J De Francis Memorial Dash at Laurel Park on October 24. Settled in fifth place as a furious pace was being set up front, Alan Garcia came off the rail in the straight but then returned to the fence. As a gap appeared Vineyard Haven responded gamely and produced a strong late run to score by half a length in the six furlong event run on a sloppy dirt track in a time of 1m.9.62s.
Vineyard Haven was gallant in defeat when finishing third in the Grade One Hill “n” Dale Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, New York on November 28. Taking over the lead with three furlongs to run Vineyard Haven was still in front with a furlong to run but could not sustain his effort and was beaten a length on the line.
Vineyard Haven made a triumphant return to racing, winning on his seasonal debut in the James Marvin Stakes at Saratoga on July 23. As is his custom, Vineyard Haven was soon in control of the seven furlong contest on dirt and powered clear in the straight under Alan Garcia to win unchallenged by a length and three-quarters in a time of 1m.22.30s.
On on his next outing at Saratoga in early September, Vineyard Haven finished third in the Grade One Forego Stakes over seven furlongs on the dirt. Vineyard Haven, partnered again by Alan Garcia, made progress turning in for home and but could not manage to find the extra gear needed in the final furlong and kept on in third, two and a quarter lengths behind the fast-finishing winner Here Comes Ben.