Mick Appleby’s star sprinter Annaf stays in Dubai due to pneumonia ahead of World Cup race.

Appleby recently shared the news that the horse Annaf contracted pneumonia during a flight to Dubai, where he is currently recuperating. It is expected that Annaf will be returning home the following week, as he is showing signs of improvement. Unfortunately, this setback will impact the horse’s performance for the season. Annaf, purchased by Appleby as an unraced two-year-old, concluded the previous season on a high note, winning the Portland at Doncaster and the Group 3 Bengough Stakes at Ascot.

In addition to Annaf’s situation, it was noted that Appleby’s stable star, Big Evs, secured a victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. However, the trainer also faced another setback when Raasel, a Group 3-winning sprinter, had to be retired due to an injury sustained during a routine training session. Raasel was part of the Horse Watchers syndicate.