The crack South African sprinter, JJ The Jet Plane, sent a warning shot across the bows of accomplished Golden Jubilee Stakes contenders, winning his listed preparation race at Windsor by a breezy four lengths on Monday.
JJ The Jet Plane, a son of Jet Master, is trained by Mike de Kock and was ridden by the champion jockey, Ryan Moore.
The five-year-old gelding, carrying top weight, made like his namesake and accelerated away from the field halfway down the straight after being asked by his jockey. De Kock now expects him to improve still more for his outing among world-class company at the Royal Ascot showpiece in three week's time.
De Kock's assistant trainer, Ka Ming Ma, who accompanied the horse to Windsor, said JJ The Jet Plane had come out of his run sound.
All the best stories in racing seem to begin with an undersized, knock-kneed youngster in a small horse sale and follow a path not a million miles from the plot of the ugly duckling fable; JJ The Jet Plane's tale is no different.
Bought for Dh32,000 three years ago in South Africa by Hennie du Preez, the horse was taken to the yard of jockey-turned-trainer, Lucky Houdalakis. "He wasn't much to look at," admitted Houdalakis yesterday.
"His legs didn't seem quite straight and he was almost too small to see in the stable. I didn't do much with him to start with."
But it wasn't long before JJ The Jet Plane gave notice of his talent. "I got him in August and stood off him until November because I don't like to push them," said Houdalakis, who maintains part-ownership. "He grew and we had a filly who was lightning fast and nothing could work with her. But the way he gave her a beating one morning I knew he had something."
Just how much he has will only become apparent when he takes on proven sprinters, Takeover Target and Sacred Kingdom, both with their own interesting histories, under regular jockey Kevin Shea.
"I'm impressed with this horse," said de Kock, yesterday, who masterminds JJ The Jet Plane's international training. "I don't think Lucky or Coenie Strydom and the other owners will recognise him. He has matured and grown into something quite imposing."
stregoning@thenational.ae
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
BABYLON
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