Kadyrov Sets Sights On Gitano Hernando

Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov, who recently scooped up American 3-year-old Sweet Ducky to race in the UAE Derby (UAE-II), is working to complete a deal to buy Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) contender Gitano Hernando from Team Valor and Gary Barber.

Winner of the 2009 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park, Gitano Hernando will continue to be trained by Marco Botti through the World Cup, assuming the transaction is completed. However, plans call for the 5-year-old son of Hernando to eventually be transferred to Herman Brown Jr., Kadyrov’s primary conditioner.

While watching Sweet Ducky train at Meydan on March 21, Brown confirmed the purchase was in the final stages and that Gitano Hernando would be joining his stable in the future. Lucia Botti, who has ridden Gitano Hernando in his morning exercise and is the wife of Marco Botti, also said the sale was pending only final arrangements.

Team Valor chief executive officer Barry Irwin said he could not comment.