Koukash Eyeing Melbourne Cup With Angel Gabrial

Angel Gabrial was unable to return to winning form in the Coral Marathon at Sandown Park on July 4, but owner Marwan Koukash is still eyeing the 2015 Melbourne Cup with the talented stayer.

Marwan Koukash is chasing his first Melbourne Cup victory after previously finishing fifth and third with Mount Athos. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Marwan Koukash is chasing his first Melbourne Cup victory after previously finishing fifth and third with Mount Athos. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Angel Gabrial failed to fire behind fellow Melbourne Cup hopeful Trip To Paris in the Chester Cup on May 6, but he produced an improved performance when he finished third in the Listed Grand Cup (2816m) at York on May 30 before he finished fourth in the Northumberland Plate (3236m) at Newcastle on June 27.

Trainer Richard Fahey opted to back Angel Gabrial in the Listed Coral Marathon and the Hurricane Run gelding hit the line strongly, but was unable to catch Eye Of The Storm in the final stages of the race.

Koukash was still happy with the Coral Marathon performance of Angel Gabrial and he confirmed that the six-year-would likely have his next race start in the Goodwood Cup before he heads to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

“I would hope that both of my runners at Sandown might be able to go to Australia, and the race on Saturday was not run to suit either of them,” Koukash told Racing.com.

“The horse I am sweet on and most hopeful for this year’s Cup is Angel Gabrial.

“He was in the wrong place throughout the Sandown race and he is a keen horse who needs cover and Paul Hanagan could not get any.

“You have to remember that his run came just seven day after running again in the Northumberland Plate.

“He won that race last year and was carrying a lot of weight this time.

“He was unlucky at Newcastle this year and did well backing up in the space of a week.

“There are a couple of race options for him, including the Goodwood Cup (July 30), so we will look at where to go next and then see where we are.”

Koukash is famously desperate to win the Melbourne Cup after he was narrowly denied with the now retired Mount Athos, who had little luck when fifth behind Green Moon in 2012 and third behind Fiorente and Red Cadeaux in 2013.

The colourful businessmen has achieved a great deal throughout his business career and has plenty of success as an owner, but the Melbourne Cup is clearly the prize that he believes would cap off his time in racing.

“I love to think that if I win the Melbourne Cup then I will have achieved all I want to in terms of my life in racing,” Koukash said.

Koukash could also send Sueigoo to Australia for the 2015 Melbourne Cup and he is eyeing the 2016 edition of the race with Gabrial The Duke and Our Gabrial.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.