Search
where the horse is always the hero
Article Item
Posted 2024-03-30 19:02:01  
Laurel River in front running World Cup win

Laurel River shattered records with a commanding performance in the Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, a $12,000,000 Group 1 event.

In what could rival Arrogate's legendary 2017 victory, Laurel River, a homebred son of Into Mischief owned by Juddmonte Farms, delivered a breathtaking front-running spectacle at Meydan. Despite an uncertain start with a disappointing seventh-place finish in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint, Laurel River redeemed himself with a resounding win in the G3 Burj Nahaar, earning his spot on World Cup night.

Bucking conventional wisdom, trainer Bhupat Seemar and the Juddmonte team redirected Laurel River to the Dubai World Cup, a race of greater value and challenge. Despite drawing the 12th post position, Laurel River defied expectations, surging to an eight-and-a-half-length victory, surpassing the record set by the iconic Dubai Millennium.

Reflecting on the triumph, Seemar expressed disbelief and gratitude, emphasizing Laurel River's exceptional natural pace and the honor of training for Juddmonte Farms. Jockey Tadhg O'Shea praised Laurel River's explosive ability and credited the team's unwavering faith in the horse.

The caliber of horses trailing behind Laurel River underscored the magnitude of his victory, with last year's winner Ushba Tesoro and recent Saudi Cup victor Senor Buscador trailing in his wake.

O'Shea emphasized the importance of commitment and forward momentum on the dirt track, highlighting Laurel River's relentless drive to victory.

O’Shea: “I’ve been fortunate enough to have had Dubai World Cup night winners but you don’t get many opportunities and I’m going to be forever grateful to Juddmonte for keeping me on the horse, they could use anyone and they’re a worldwide operation that’s really successful.

“When he had his first run for the stable we thought he’d disappointed, but we never lost faith. He was explosive last time and I said the other morning to Bhupat, I pulled him aside and said I’d never ridden a horse with his ability ever. And he’d just done an easy work on his own.

"With the dirt you can’t be half-hearted, you have to go forward. If he didn’t stay, he didn’t stay. We were aware of that. The main thing that won the race, it’s easy to say when you win, but I was able to keep filling him up and filling him up.”

Image DRC

Rate:
Email link to a friend | Printable Version
  • Dubai
    Displaying 10 ResultsSee All
    meshtri toughs out creek mile success2024-11-22

    The Listed Dubai Creek Mile has a history of throwing up some good horses and Meshtri is the latest ...

    View | Add Comment
    old favourites and new potential on show as dubai racing carnival returns2024-11-07

    The wait is over! Live racing returns to Meydan Racecourse for the first time since March, as the Du...

    View | Add Comment
    dubai world cup 2025 - date announced as saturday, 5 april2024-07-19

    The prestigious Dubai World Cup meeting, recognised worldwide as one of horseracing’s premie...

    View | Add Comment
    dubai carnival stars head to belmont at saratoga2024-06-05

    The 2024 Dubai Racing Carnival might be consigned to a glorious memory but several of its runners wi...

    View | Add Comment
    dubai world cup winner moves stables 2024-04-13

    After over thirty years of success, Zabeel Stables is embarking on a new chapter at Meydan, bidding ...

    View | Add Comment
    godolphin's rebel's romance reigns supreme in sheema classic2024-03-30

      Rebel’s Romance showcased his prowess with a commanding victory, extending Godolphin's...

    View | Add Comment
    masterful moore towers over competition in gold cup2024-03-30

     In an electrifying showcase of speed and tactical acumen, Tower Of London, guided by the maste...

    View | Add Comment
    hong kong's spangle breaks dubai drought2024-03-30

    Hong Kong's dry spell in Dubai came to a resounding halt over the weekend, as California Spangle, th...

    View | Add Comment
    nation behind kazakhstan horse2024-03-29

    The countdown is on to the Dubai World Cup meeting, which begins in just under 24 hours $12,000,000...

    View | Add Comment
    mature defending champ aims for more success 2024-03-28

    Ushba Tesoro, the reigning champion of the 2023 Group 1 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlin...

    View | Add Comment