SEEMAR'S LAUREL RIVER WINS DUBAI WORLD CUP
- 30 Mar 2024
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."
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."
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Reynier was simply in dreamland after Facteur Cheval showed such courage in the Dubai Turf. It was another big-race winner for Team Valor.
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California Spangle steals show in Al Quoz Sprint
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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."
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"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.”
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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."
