SEEMAR'S LAUREL RIVER WINS DUBAI WORLD CUP
In presence of Sheikh Hamdan, trainer Bhupat Seemar and Tadhg O'Shea celebrate with the trophy after winning the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.
Laurel River capped off the Dubai World Cup in style after dominating rivals to secure an impressive eight-and-a-half-length victory, guided by the inspired front-running tactics of Tadhg O'Shea.
The six-year-old surged out of the widest gate and never looked back, leaving the entire field in his dust to claim the coveted $12 million prize.
As the race unfolded, Laurel River steadily widened the gap, leaving the rest of the field trailing behind.
This victory marks the biggest win yet for the 11-time UAE champion jockey O'Shea and trainer, Bhupat Seemar. Last year's champion, Ushba Tesoro, settled for second place, with Senor Buscador finishing third.
“I have to pinch myself. I've been very fortunate out here to win multiple championships and to ride any winner on this stage is special,” said the Irish in his post race interview.
“And I've been fortunate enough to ride this fellow. I sensed the other morning after his gallop but I didn't want to jinx it. I didn't tell anyone.
Laurel River ridden by T P O'Shea celebrates winning the Dubai World. Reuters
“I have never ever ridden a horse to feel like it. There were question marks on his stamina and whatever but hats off to Juddmonte Farm. They are a worldwide recognized organization and could have any jockey in the world. They kept faith with me.”
Seemar expressed his gratitude, stating, "I extend my sincere thanks to Juddmonte for entrusting me with this horse. While I had concerns about the pace, Tadhg managed to set the perfect fractions and even allowed the horse to catch his breath.
“Winning this race is an incredible feeling. Observing his performance during training sessions left me in awe, wondering about the potential of this horse. His pedigree boasts immense stamina, and his training regimen exceeded all expectations."
Rebel's Romance rules supreme in the Dubai Sheema Classic for Godolphin
Under the watchful gaze of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Rebel's Romance delivered an electrifying performance, carrying the Godolphin silks to triumph in the Dubai Sheema Classic. Guided by William Buick, the multiple Group 1 winner and 2021 UAE Derby hero maintained a steady position behind the early leader, Point Lonsdale. When Buick urged him forward, Rebel's Romance surged to the front, securing victory ahead of the Japanese duo Shahryar and Liberty Island.
It was a record fifth win in the race for jockey Buick, who was able to keep it pretty simple. Point Lonsdale bounced into the lead from the outset and dictated a steady pace as Buick tailed him in second, with Shahryar following at a respectable distance.
With 600m remaining, that trio had a sizeable advantage from the chasing pack and Rebel’s Romance appeared to be travelling the best, swiftly kicking clear over the final 300m and ultimately passing the post two lengths in front.
Shahryar clung on for second with keenly-anticipated fellow Japanese challenger Liberty Island doing best of the closers in third. Derby winner Auguste Rodin was always to the rear and finished last.
Rebel’s Romance, a winner of the UAE Derby at this fixture in 2021 as well as the following year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, had been returning to an approximation of his best for trainer Charlie Appleby over the last few months and had warmed up for his Meydan challenge by winning a Group 3 race in Qatar. He won in a time of 2:26.72.
"He showed in Qatar what a versatile horse he is," said Buick. "His best form has usually been when he’s held up but in Qatar I tried something new. I was keen today to adopt a similar tactic and I got a lovely slipstream from the leader.
"He’s a very good horse on his day and he showed that today. I’m absolutely delighted; he’s a great horse and I’m so glad he’s back to his best."
Facteur Cheval ridden by M Guyon wins the Dubai Turf
Facteur Cheval ridden by M Guyon celebrates winning the Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World. Ecurie J. Reynier, racehorse trainer for Facteur Cheval said, "The distance was not a problem."
Reynier was simply in dreamland after Facteur Cheval showed such courage in the Dubai Turf. It was another big-race winner for Team Valor.
Tuz wins Dubai Golden Shaheen
Tuz ridden by TP O'Shea shows an electric shift of gear to win Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored By Nakheel. Tuz went through an eye of a needle to claim victory. Oshea's faith in Tuz has been vindicated by his ruthless display in the Dubai Golden Shaheen.
Forever Young dominates UAE Derby
Forever Young, under jockey Ryusei Sakai, dominated UAE Derby. Despite racing wide throughout the race, the Real Steel colt displayed ample reserves of energy to surge past the long-time leader, Mickael Barzalona on Auto Bahn, extending his unbeaten streak to five races. Pandagate secured third place ahead of Mendelssohn Bay.
California Spangle steals show in Al Quoz Sprint
Hong Kong's California Spangle, ridden by Brenton Avdulla, secured victory in the Al Quoz Sprint. Despite a determined effort by Frankie Dettori on Charlie Appleby's Star Of Mystery, the Starspangledbanner gelding held on tenaciously to thwart the challenge from the Godolphin filly. Diligent Harry crossed the line in third place.
Avdulla, guiding California Spangle to a record-setting time of 1 minute and 7.5 seconds, expressed his elation, saying,"It's truly remarkable. If you had asked me a year ago whether I'd be here, representing Hong Kong on World Cup night with a horse like him... I've cherished my time in Hong Kong, and when I pulled up, Frankie (Dettori) congratulated me. I still vividly recall being a child watching Frankie shine on the global stage."
Tower of London takes Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup
Tower Of London, ridden by R L Moore, wins the Dubai Gold Cup. Reuters
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore, the formidable trainer-jockey duo, clinched victory in the opening turf race with Tower Of London representing Ireland. Moore skillfully guided the Galileo colt with his trademark late surge from the rear of the pack, edging out Al Nayyir.
O'Brien hailed the brilliance of Moore, whose masterful performance aboard Tower Of London stole the spotlight in the Dubai Gold Cup, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors.
Moore said: "He performed even better today. When the pace slowed down along the backstretch, I had to push him forward, and he responded with a remarkable burst of speed. His performance was truly impressive."
Two Rivers Over triumphs G2 Godolphin Mile
Two Rivers Over, ridden by Edwin Maldonado, surged with a late burst of speed to overtake the locally-trained duo Isolate and Walk Of Stars and secure victory in the Godolphin Mile for the United States. Despite being a pre-race favorite, Saudi Crown faded away in the final stretch after racing prominently.
"I am extremely happy about how it’s worked out for us and it’s amazing that we have won the Godolphin Mile in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum," said Leandro Mora, who supervises trainer Doug O'Neill's travelling challenge in the United Arab Emirates.
"I actually asked Edwin to stay closer to the pace but it did not work out that way. He knew he was in a little bit of trouble but the horse responded for him.”
Maldonado has known plenty of injury ups and downs during his career in Southern California and produced a ride of rare quality here.
Tilal Al Khalediah wins Dubai Kahayla Classic
In a stunning upset, Al Khalediah Stables’ Tilal Al Khalediah under Abdullah Al Furaydi conquered the Dubai Kahayla Classic!
The duo dominated the field of 13 horses, securing a resounding victory for the Saudi Arabian owner. Barakka with Connor Beasley came in second, while Asfan Al Khalediah, boasting an undefeated streak of 14 races, was surprisingly edged out for third place.
"Tilal Al Khalediah and Asfan Al Khalediah are the best horses in my stable," said winning trainer Nasser Mutlaq Alkahtani. "Asfan Al Khalediah faced a lot of traffic today and went very wide. He won ten times in Saudi Arabia last year including six Group 1s so maybe he was a bit tired today.
"Tilal Al Khalediah has been quietly campaigning so it was more fresh for today. For one year, he was sick so he started back only in the Al Mneefah Cup in February. When the jockeys asked me last night, I told Adel that Tilal Al Khalediah looks better and that he was going to win."
"This is the second time for me in Dubai. Tallaab Al Khalediah won in 2018 for us and I hope we can come again next year."
