The son of Dubawi won the Al Maktoum Challenge (G2) at Meydan by several lengths, securing his spot in the prestigious race in April
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario) – The winner's circle at Meydan barely had enough space for the 14 delighted owners of Imperial Emperor (Dubawi) after the Bhupat Seemar trainee dominated the Al Maktoum Classic (G2, 2000m, dirt) (sponsored by Emirates Airline) and secured his spot in the Dubai World Cup (G1).
The gelding, acquired for AED 300,000 at the Racing in Dubai Sale last March, was the favorite for the AED 1.7 million race, although he had to overcome the challenging barrier 15 over the 2000 meters. However, Tadhg O’Shea expertly positioned him outside the leaders, setting up his attack in the final stretch. Once in the lead, he powered clear and crossed the line with an impressive 8 1/2-length advantage over stablemate Artorius (Arrogate), while Global Hit (To Honor and Serve) from Korea completed the podium with a solid performance from the front.
“Wow, what a horse!” exclaimed Ryan Tongue, director of the British syndicate Deva Racing. “This horse owed us nothing before this race, we just wanted him to come back safe and sound. This is a dream come true. I can’t believe we’re in the Dubai World Cup!”
O’Shea added, “This horse is still improving. I’ve only ridden him three times, and I’ve won on all of them. I think this was his best performance to date. It was a tough race, with no room to hide. He’s very, very brave.”
Nations Pride Returns to the Top
Four-time G1 winner Nations Pride justified his favoritism in the Singspiel Stakes (G2, 1800m, turf) (sponsored by Emirates Airline) and did not disappoint his followers.
The Teofilo colt had suffered losses in the Bahrain Trophy (G2) and the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), but put those behind him with a convincing victory. Ridden by William Buick, he stayed close to the pace over the 1800 meters of turf, took control in the straight, and held off the challenge of Holloway Boy (Ulysses), who finished second by a length and a quarter, while First Conquest (Teofilo) was third, three lengths behind.
“We arrived confident that he was in the right shape to win,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “He had valid excuses for his last two losses, as he had only run twice in Bahrain, both losses. Then, in Gulfstream, the travel worked against him and the conditions didn’t suit him.”
“We hope he still has room for improvement and we’re looking towards Dubai World Cup Night and the Dubai Turf. But if Romantic Warrior (Acclamatio) shows up, we’ll all be racing for second.”
Buick and Appleby repeated their success in the Dubai City of Gold (G2, 2410m, turf) (sponsored by Emirates Airline) with Silver Knott (Lope de Vega), who showed his best form.
With a campaign in the U.S. G1 races, the Godolphin 5-year-old led from start to finish, winning by two lengths over stablemate Passion And Glory (Cape Cross), with See Hector (Counterattack) from Britain completing the top three.
“He spent most of last season in the U.S., and we learned that he performs very well when he’s up front,” said Buick. “He’s a professional horse with a lot of quality. I’m thrilled with his performance, and we’re confident he’ll keep improving.”
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