Rizeena to Return at Four

Trainer Clive Brittain received a considerable boon Monday by the news Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) is likely to stay in training as a 4-year-old. This season’s G1 Coronation S. winner turned in another fine effort in Ireland this weekend when she finished an honorable second behind Fiesolana (Ire) (Aussie Rules) in the G1 Matron S. at Leopardstown. Rizeena has already had a busy year, with Brittain keen to protect his prized asset with a view to next season. 

“She keeps running at a high level every time she runs,” commented Brittain. “We were just beaten by a good one on the day, so there are absolutely no regrets about going there. The owners are keen to have her in training again next season so why empty the tank now? We’ve seen that happen to a lot of good horses over the years.” 

Rizeena still holds entries in the G1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot S. at Newmarket Oct. 4 and the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot Oct. 18, should Brittain and owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum opt to go to the well once again.