Fort George breaks the hegemony of Appleby in the Dubai Millennium Stakes

The son of Roaring Lion held off the siege of Arabian Light throughout the entire stretch; the Argentine Giustino flew low in the closing stages

Fort George, on the inside, came back on top and defeated Arabian Light / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).- The tenth meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival was a true party for international visitors, on a vibrant night that had as its culminating point the victory of Fort George in the Dubai Millennium Stakes (G3), a race as electrifying as it was symbolic of the great moment that European horses are going through in Meydan.

Trained in England by Ed Walker, the chestnut was determined from the start in the 2,000 meters on turf, alternating the lead with Arabian Light (Kingman). In the last 100 meters, he seemed to yield when his rival escaped by 3/4 of a length, but an outward drift by the leader allowed Fort George to charge back and capture him on the wire, in a photo finish.

The success represented the third victory of the Carnival for jockey Kieran Shoemark, who celebrated with enthusiasm: “I’m delighted. Ed sent two horses and both won. Fort George has improved a lot since being here. Today we changed tactics because he usually starts slowly and last time I was left too far back. He showed a lot of will at the finish and I think he can even run over more distance again.”

Owner Dr. Jim Hay confirmed that the plan is to continue in Dubai until the big night: “It was always the idea to keep him here until World Cup Night. Now the team will define the next steps.”

The evening also had a Nordic accent. Denmark celebrated a brilliant double, starting with Taifuu (Japan), who pulled off an upset in the Mawj Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. With a lethal late run, the pupil of Soren Jensen defeated Fairy Oak (A'Ali) by three-quarters of a length and achieved her third consecutive victory.

“I am surprised and very happy. She hadn’t raced for three months and yet she responded wonderfully. She will be even better in 1,600 meters,” commented jockey Oliver Wilson, who achieved his first success in the Carnival.

There competed Miss Yechance (Cotai Glory), under the care of Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga, finishing a close fifth after leading. The journey proved a bit long for the little one, but she left a positive impression. In the future, surely, she will return to shorter distances.

The Danish party was completed when Great Wish (Night of Thunder), prepared by Bent Olsen, prevailed in the Dubai Sprint (L) under the guidance of Mickaël Barzalona, beating Two Tribes (Rajasinghe) by 1/2 a length.

Among the colts, Title Role (Too Darn Hot) confirmed his projection by winning the Jumeirah Guineas Trial. The Coolmore representative, ridden by James Doyle, settled despite a slow pace and pulled away with authority in the last 300 meters.

“He handled the distance without problems. The way he galloped beyond the wire was very encouraging,” highlighted the rider, while Ed Crisford announced that he will go straight to the Jumeirah Guineas on Super Saturday.

Another who ignited hope was Salloom, who dominated with ease the JAFZA Logistics Park Maiden on dirt, leaving a margin of nearly seven lengths. The son of Authentic, trained by Bhupat Seemar and ridden by Tadhg O'Shea, was forceful and is already being mentioned as a candidate for the UAE Derby.

The Russian Tap Leader (Tapiture), a G1 winner in his country, had an ideal debut in Dubai by prevailing in the JAFZA Handicap over 2,000 meters of dirt. “He didn’t like the kickback at first, but when he came out of the screen he showed his quality. There is more to come,” explained Pat Dobbs.

The Crisfords also celebrated with Telemark (Night of Thunder), who under William Buick won the DP World Logistics Handicap in a tight finish. “He is not big, but he has a huge heart,” described the British champion.

The difference was just a nose over the gray Mount Kosciuszko (National Defense), under the care of Cintra and Olascoaga, who fell in the head-bob in a notable effort.

The finishing touch was provided by The Fingal Raven (Mehmas), who responded to the work of Jamie Osborne and the riding of his daughter Saffie to take the Dubai Auto Market Handicap.

“We always believed he could be a group horse. He has a fantastic change of gear,” highlighted the young rider.

For the Argentine Giustino (Full Mast), it was another disappointment, weakening around the 300-meter mark after leading and finishing eighth, a bit more than 3 1/2 lengths back.

The Dubai Racing Carnival will continue on Friday, February 6, with the Lord Glitters Handicap and the Dubai Trophy as the main attractions, in a season that is already starting to heat up toward the spectacular World Cup Night.