The last-out winner of the GIII Sunland Derby, the homebred was beaten for speed and settled just off the pace in fourth as Tapalo (Tapiture) set the pace from Imagination and E J Won the Cup (Omaha Beach). Content to allow those up front to do the dirty work as they went a good gallop, Stronghold was held together on the turn by Antonio Fresu, who went for his mount in earnest at the quarter pole and split horses in upper stretch. As E J Won the Cup and Tapalo began to back out of it, Imagination and Stronghold were left to settle it, and though neither gave an inch, Stronghold surged by in the shadow of the wire.

“We thought we needed a top three performance to get to the Kentucky Derby,” winning trainer Phil D'Amato said. “We were definitely hoping to get on the winning end here. I think this was a great education for him, and a nice test that he's going to need to win a race like the Kentucky Derby.”

The win was the first at Grade I level in America for Antonio Fresu.

“I loved the way Phil D'Amato was training him the last couple of works,” the Italian said. “The horse was getting so much confidence and he was getting so much better than before. Today he proved to be a very good horse. Still, when he hit the front, he didn't want to stay alone, he was waiting for some company. He got the job done and I want to dedicate this to my friend that passed away. I felt like he was there with me today. Stefano Cherchi was an amazing guy and I want to dedicate this to him.”

A maiden winner at second asking going Churchill's one-turn mile Oct. 1, Stronghold was a distant runner-up to 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) in the GIII Bob Hope S. at Del Mar Nov. 19 before just getting reeled in late by Wynstock (Solomini) in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 16. Sent to the Land of Enchantment for his sophomore debut, Stronghold proved too strong for his rivals at Sunland Park, taking that track's repositioned Derby by 2 1/2 widening lengths Feb. 18.

Pedigree Notes:

Hill 'n' Dale's Ghostzapper, the veteran son of Awesome Again out of Broodmare of the Year Baby Zip, may be among the elder statesmen in Kentucky's sire ranks, but he still cranks out top horses, among them 55 graded winners and 100 black-type winners worldwide. While Stronghold marks his only stakes winner of 2024 to date, Ghostzapper's other best runners most recently have included 2022-23 Eclipse champion female sprinter Goodnight Olive, 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year Moira, 2021 G1 Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide, and triple Grade I winner Guarana. No fewer than nine of Ghostzapper's stakes winners are out of Distorted Humor mares, with GISWs Guarana and Molly Morgan, as well as 2023 GSWs Rhyme Schemes and Two Ghosts, all bred on the same cross as Stronghold, who is the first stakes winner for Distorted Humor's son Jimmy Creed as a broodmare sire. Jimmy Creed stands at Spendthrift.

Stronghold is a fourth-generation homebred for the Waller family. Eric and Sharon Waller lost his dam, Spectator, after she foaled Stronghold–her only produce–in 2021. They had sold her dam, the unraced Diva's Tribute, to Richard Barton Enterprises in 2015 at Keeneland November for just $4,700. After Spectator won the 2017 GII Sorrento S. and placed twice in Grade Is, Diva's Tribute went through Keeneland's ring again in 2022 and hammered for $175,000 to Calvin Nguyen. She produced a Maxfield filly last year for Nguyen and partner Joey Tran before being bred to Idol for 2024. –Jill Williams

#3 STRONGHOLD ($6.40) holds strong, getting the best of favored Imagination on the wire to win the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1)!

The Eric and Sharon Waller homebred was ridden by @Antonio1Fresu for trainer @PhilDamato11. Congratulations to the connections! pic.twitter.com/P8YzIqeQ75

— TVG (@TVG) April 6, 2024

Saturday, Santa Anita
SANTA ANITA DERBY-GI, $751,500, Santa Anita, 4-6, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:49.98, ft.
1–STRONGHOLD, 124, c, 3, by Ghostzapper
                1st Dam: Spectator (GSW & MGISP, $323,551),
                                by Jimmy Creed
                2nd Dam: Diva's Tribute, by Henny Hughes
                3rd Dam: Swiss Diva, by Swiss Yodeler
1ST GRADE I WIN. O/B-Eric & Sharon Waller (KY); T-Philip
D'Amato; J-Antonio Fresu. $450,000. Lifetime Record: 6-3-3-0,
$827,200. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Imagination, 124, c, 3, Into Mischief–Magical Feeling,
by Empire Maker. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($1,050,000 Ylg '22
KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables
LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Robert E.
Masterson, Waves Edge Capital LLC, Catherine Donovan and
Tom J. Ryan; B-Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Bob
Baffert. $150,000.
3–E J Won the Cup, 124, c, 3, Omaha Beach–Firsthand Report,
by Blame. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1
BLACK TYPE. ($150,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $95,000 Ylg '22
KEESEP). O-Superfecta King Stable (Margolis); B-Hoolie Racing
Stable, LLC (KY); T-Doug F. O'Neill. $90,000.
Margins: NK, 3 1/4, 4HF. Odds: 2.20, 1.00, 23.40.
Also Ran: Curlin's Kaos, Tapalo, Wynstock, Mc Vay, Tessuto.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

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“I would have liked to stay third or fourth and not wide,” said Fresu. “Unfortunately I was caught wide around the first turn and I didn't have any place to go, so I just tried to reduce pace, just to hold her there to save some energy and just give her a breather. At the quarter pole, I asked her because at Del Mar she had an exceptional turn of foot, so I just wanted to see if today at a mile she would have the same. When she switched leads, she just flew home.”

One of 18 stakes winners for sire Honor Code, Medoro is the first foal out of a half-sister to the dam of Perryville S. record-setter and new sire Nashville (Speightstown). Further back in the family is GI Kentucky Derby upsetter Giacomo (Holy Bull) along with MGISW Tiago (Pleasant Tap) and GSW/MGISP Stanwyck (Empire Maker). The winner has a Speightstown yearling half-brother and a weanling half-brother by Honor A.P. while her dam is pregnant to Not This Time. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

#7 MEDORO ($6.80) by Honor Code kicks it into high gear coming to the stretch to get up and win the $100,000 Blue Norther Stakes at Santa Anita. @Antonio1Fresu was in the irons for @EurtonRacing. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/SmpZO5F7Cf

— TVG (@TVG) December 29, 2023

BLUE NORTHER S., $102,000, Santa Anita, 12-29, 2yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.80, fm.
1–MEDORO, 118, f, 2, by Honor Code
                1st Dam: Achira (MSP, $151,852), by English Channel
                2nd Dam: Styler, by Holy Bull
                3rd Dam: Set Them Free, by Stop the Music
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Parks Investment
Group, LLC (KY); T-Peter Eurton; J-Antonio Fresu. $60,000.
Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $96,600
2–Chatalas, 122, f, 2, Gun Runner–Indian Safari, by Indian
Charlie. O-Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners, Dan J.
Agnew and William Chatalas; B-Dan Agnew (KY); T-Mark Glatt.
$20,000.
3–Mo Fox Givin, 120, f, 2, Mo Town–Givine (Fr), by Blackdoun
(Fr). ($2,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). O-Woo Pig Stables; B-Liberty
Road Stables (KY); T-Leonard Powell. $12,000.
Margins: NK, 2, HF. Odds: 2.40, 8.40, 3.70.
Also Ran: Zona Verde (Ire), Antifona (Fr), April Vintage, Highlands, Hattie T, Blue Oasis.

The post Medoro Stays Perfect In Blue Norther appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

The TDN also posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These include decisions from around the country.

California
Track: Del Mar
Date: 09/10/2023
Licensee: Antonio Fresu, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension
Violation: Exceeding number of designated race rides
Explainer: Jockey Antonio Fresu is suspended for 1 additional suspension day (October 14, 2023) pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races – participated in more than one designated race on September 9, 2023).

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

This does not include the voided claim rulings which were sent to the TDN directly. Some of these rulings are from prior weeks as they were not reported contemporaneously.

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Violations of Crop Rule
Colonial Downs
Ismerio Villalobos – violation date Sept 8; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Miguel Angel Perez – violation date Sept 6; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Richard Edgardo Eramia – violation date Sept 6; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

Remington Park
Jane Pamela Elliott – violation date Sept 5; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 08/17/2023
Licensee: Norm Casse, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Intra-articular injection
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Mo Flight. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 08/13/2023
Licensee: Jennifer Nunnally, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Seraphimzale. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/12/2023
Licensee: Robert Klesaris, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Battalion, who won at Laurel Park on 8/12/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/10/2023
Licensee: Carlos Lopez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Intra-articular injection
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3313–Use or Attempted Use of a ControlledMedication Method and/or Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period–on the horse, I said Hey. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4221–Alkalinization or Use of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)

Date: 08/10/2023
Licensee: Carlos Lopez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Intra-articular injection
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3313–Use or Attempted Use of a ControlledMedication Method and/or Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period–on the horse, Brodytheoxman. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4221–Alkalinization or Use of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)

Date: 08/08/2023
Licensee: Michael Pappada, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Tapentadol–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Truckin Tommy, who finished third at Presque Isle Downs on 8/8/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 08/06/2023
Licensee: Cesar De Alba, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Scary Fast Smile, who finished seventh at Del Mar on 8/6/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of a Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Date: 08/04/2023
Licensee: Devarus Douglass, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Pickle Feet. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/04/2023
Licensee: Jaime Cruz, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Detomidine–Controlled Medications (Class B)–in a sample taken from Animal Princess, who finished third at Delaware Park on 8/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/03/2023
Licensee: James Toner, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Commandeer, who won at Colonial Downs on 8/3/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 07/18/2023
Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medications (Class B)–in a sample taken from Wait A Minute. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 07/14/2023
Licensee: Carla Gaines, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medications (Class B)–in a sample taken from Summer Lake. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 07/01/2023
Licensee: Domenick Schettino, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Levamisole–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Fast Study, who finished second at Belmont Park on 7/1/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 06/18/2023
Licensee: Chris Allen Hartman, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medications (Class B)–in a sample taken from Necker Island, who won at Ellis Park on 6/18/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 08/04/2023
Licensee: Jorge Maravilla, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on September 12, 2023; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points.
Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin–Controlled Medications (Class B)–in a sample taken from Stretch Run, who finished seventh at Santa Rosa on 8/4/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 07/29/2023
Licensee: Andy Mathis, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of the Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a $500 fine; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from Like No Other, who finished eighth at Del Mar on 7/29/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/13/2023
Licensee: Christophe Clement, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene–Controlled Medications (Class C)–in a sample taken from My Royal Vow. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 07/09/2023
Licensee: Jackie Riddle, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of the Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a $500 fine; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Drinkroundthetruth, who finished second at Ruidoso Downs on 7/9/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

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The suspensions came in the form of six separate rulings from the California Horse Racing Board, including two issued Sept. 4. According to CHRB spokesman Mike Marten, while the CHRB issued the rulings, it was only enforcing rules set forth by the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). Fresu's agent Tom Knust said an appeal will be filed with HISA on Thursday.

The Daily Racing Form was the first to report the story.

Fresu is from Italy and began riding in Southern California in late April.

Under HISA rules, a jockey is limited to six strikes of the whip and only in increments of two strikes at a time. For each violation, a jockey is given points according to how many times he or she went over the six-strike limit.

“I am new in the country and where I rode before, you can use the crop more times,” Fresu said. “When I came here, I needed to change my style and keep count. Most of the times, I was just one over the limit. It's not so easy to keep count, especially when you are fighting for a win and are head to head with another horse. It's my own fault. The other jockeys adapted to these new rules. In the last couple of weeks, it happened three times in three days and I won every one of those races by a nose. It shouldn't have happened, but I don't think it's really fair. It's not like you're riding in a way where you get other people in trouble or in a bad spot. It's not doing something dangerous. So I think the penalty is a little harsh. Still, I want to change and I want to improve. I want to do my best and not make mistakes like this anymore.”

In the Sept. 4 ruling, Fresu was suspended 15 days for compiling 18 violations points. He was given another seven days in a Sept. 1 ruling for another 15 violations points and in an Aug. 31 ruling, he was suspended seven days for having 12 points. He was also given three one-day penalties for three other rides at Del Mar in which he violated the whip rules.

The days are served as calendar days and not racing days and Fresu will be allowed to ride in some designated stakes races during his suspension.

The post Southern California Jockey Fresu Suspended 32 Days for Whipping Violations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Zenden, a 5-year-old who was winning a graded/group race for the first time in his 15th career start, turned in a career best performance under UAE-based jockey Antonio Fresu, going straight to the front and never seriously being threatened while winning by open lengths. He sustained the injury just after Fresu gave the horse a celebratory slap on the neck, stumbling and throwing his jockey to the ground. Fresu dodged trailing horses and escaped unharmed. In the day's finale, the Dubai World Cup, Fresu was dislodged from Military Law when that horse broke through the starting gate and ran off before being scratched.

Owned by LLP Performance Horse LLC, Zenden is trained by Carlos David, a former assistant to indicted horseman Jason Servis. David won his first race as head trainer in November 2018 and had a breakout season in 2020, winning 52 races from 231 starts (23%) while compiling earnings of $1.6 million. The $1.5-million Golden Shaheen was his first graded/group win.

Zenden began his career racing for owner Pichi Investments LLC and trainer Victor Barboza, placing second in the 2019 G3 Swale Stakes and then finishing off the board in a pair of Kentucky Derby preps. When the Kentucky-bred son of Fed Biz returned to competition that fall to win a Gulfstream Park West allowance race, he had changed hands, with Todd Pletcher listed as trainer and LLP Performance Horse as owner.

Zenden had three more starts for Pletcher in the winter of 2020, finishing fourth in the G3 Mr. Prospector Stakes, second in the G3 Fred W. Hooper Stakes and ninth in the G2 Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes, then went to the sidelines again.

When Zenden returned on Oct. 9, 2020, it was in the barn of David. He won a Laurel Park allowance, then ran ninth in the Frank Y. Whiteley Stakes at the Maryland track on Nov. 28. He surfaced at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 19, finishing last of 12 runners in the G3 Mr. Prospector. Zenden then was beaten a head by Edgemont Road in an allowance race at Tampa Bay Downs on Jan. 15. He returned to the Oldsmar track to win the listed Pelican Stakes by a head over Souper Stonehenge on Feb. 13. Zenden breezed once in the U.S. following that race, going three furlongs in :38.38 on March 6, prior to his departure for Dubai.

Following are the recaps provided by the Dubai Racing Club for each of the Dubai World Cup undercard races:

DERYAN LANDS KAHAYLA CLASSIC FOR FRANCE
French-trained Deryan (FR) broke the track record when he lifted the US$750,000 Dubai Kahayla Classic Sponsored by Mubadala, the opener on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan, in 2 minutes 11.87 seconds.

Ridden by former French champion jockey Ioritz Mendizabal, the 6-year-old had secured a perfect position on the rail, just off the pace, and easily picked up the leader AF Alwajel 200m from the winning post to win by three-quarters of a length from the Ernst Oertel-trained AF Alwajel, while Mubasher Al Khalediah finished a further three and a half lengths back in third.

“He did it really well this time,” said winning trainer Didier Guillemin, who had lifted the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on the same card with The Right Man in 2017. “He was quite nervous last time when he ran in Riyadh. This time, he was much calmer and we rode him differently, a little further back. I'm extremely proud to win a Group 1 here and to win it for owner Sheikh Mansour is just amazing.”

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nayan is not only the owner but also the breeder of the chestnut and wins this race for the second time after Rabbah De Carrère lifted the trophy in 2014.

For Ioritz Mendizabal it was a first victory in this dirt race and he said: “Last time in Riyadh, I was outside and he didn't gallop and relax. Today I spoke to the trainer and he said it was important, after (leaving) the gate to stop him and relax behind horses. He galloped and relaxed and after the first corner, I was in the (right spot). Turning (into the straight), I knew I would win.”

SEEMAR'S AMBITION IS TOO GOOD IN GODOLPHIN MILE
Secret Ambition (GB) hardly saw another rival when availing of a perfect front-running ride from Tadhg O'Shea in the Group 2 $750,000 Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One. 

The Satish Seemar-trained 8-year-old made full use of his barrier position in stall 2 to lead the field from early in the race and clock a very quick time of 1:35:36 while recording a six-length success. 

Secret Ambition was one of only three course and distance winners in this 15-runner renewal of the Godolphin Mile and it was another course and distance winner in Golden Goal who finished second, while Avant Garde was back in third. 

O'Shea, who afterwards dedicated the success to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was keen to follow similar tactics to when the pair were impressive winners of the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes at Meydan back in February and those tactics certainly paid off as the horse recorded a career best. 

Winning trainer Satish Seemar said afterwards: “All week I've been saying that in this race there was no more experienced horse for this distance. At the post position draw, he was prominent in every race they would show him in the videos. He's the most deserving horse in this field and most experienced and it's perfect. With us they improve as they get older and this has worked out well. As planned, Tadhg did it by the book. This is what we live for here in our jobs. Nothing better than having a winner on this night.”

Bursting with joy after the success was jockey Tadhg O'Shea, who paid tribute to the team at Zabeel Stables.

“I'm only a small part of big team, and it's great for all the team and credit must go to them. Satish told me the other day he was the best horse in the race and how right he was,” said O'Shea. 

“We tried 2000m with him last time and that didn't work. I had a lovely gate today and luckily Secret Ambition was on his best behaviour and he wasn't on the back foot jumping, so he broke well. I wanted to get to the lead if at all possible and luckily I was able to and it worked out good. I filled him up before I kicked. He went for his wind and had a nice breather, so I had plenty left and I felt if anyone came to me, he would pull out again.”

Dedicating the win to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the multiple champion jockey in Dubai added: “The whole racing world sadly lost Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum this week and I want to dedicate this to him. It was when I was champion apprentice in Ireland in 2001 that Sheikh Hamdan sponsored a trip to Dubai and I'm coming back here ever since. I have been here a long time and it wouldn't have been possible without him.”

SUBJECTIVIST TAKES GOLD FOR JOHNSTON
Last year's Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak winner Subjectivist (GB) ended a 22-year hiatus on Dubai World Cup night for Britain's winning-most trainer of all time, Mark Johnston, with a brilliant victory in the US$750,000 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors.

Johnston's longstanding stable jockey Joe Fanning tracked the early leader For The Top before hitting the front around 1200m from home and powering clear to a five-and three-quarter lengths success from German-trained runner Walderbe. Away He Goes was a head further back in third. The winning time was 3:17:77.

“We've had Carnival winners but this is the first success on World Cup night for 22 years,” said Johnston, whose last success was Fruits Of Love in the 1999 Dubai Sheema Classic.

“But frankly, we hadn't been bringing the right horses. We came here today thinking surely he was the one to beat. He was a Group 1 winner on his last outing, he didn't have to improve – he just had to run up to his best.

“People doubted him on the ground but he'd just never run on anything this fast. When I walked the course I didn't think I'd seen a turf track in the world in a better condition than this.

“All the ducks were in a row and there was no reason he shouldn't run up to his best, which he has done.”

For Fanning it was a first success on Dubai World Cup night from his first mount. “He's a good horse and there was a bit of juice in that ground, which suited him,” said the jockey.“He settled well and I was always going so easy before the turn in. He stays very well. I rode him out here yesterday and thought the ground was good. I think he'll go on any surface. He's a good horse and has loads of ability and I think he's a better horse this year.”

EXTRAVAGANT AL QUOZ WIN FOR US CHALLENGER
The Brendan Walsh-trained Extravagant Kid (USA) became the first American-trained winner of the US $1m Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Azizi Developments when he burst through the ranks to beat the Godolphin filly Final Song by half a length, followed in third place by Acklam Express.

The field had initially split into three groups and Ryan Moore produced an inspired ride when he took the son of Kiss The Kid towards the stands' side from where he launched his attack to take the lead in the final 50m. 

The 8-year-old Extravagant Kid not only created history for the USA by winning the race in 01:09:26 but also produced a personal best, as he had been placed in Graded races before but had never actually won one.

“What an unbelievable race,” said his owner David A Ross. “His trainer Brendan Walsh had a good feeling about him, he came into the race well, Brendan had him prepped well. He really liked the venue here and we thought we would take advantage. As an 8-year-old, what about that?”

Irish-born Brendan Walsh, a former assistant to Godolphin who is based in the United States, has a perfect record at Meydan where he has now won 2 races from 2 starts after the victory of Plus Que Parfait in the 2019 UAE Derby.

He said: “No credit must go to me, I just put the saddle on. My lad here looked after him and he was very pleased with him.”

And Ryan Moore, who recorded his first success in this 1200m sprint, commented: “It was a very messy race. The speed looked like it was going to be stands' side but we had to make a decision. Space Blues and Khaadem were going, they were the best horses and gave me a bit of toe. The horse ran a super race at Keeneland (in the Breeders' Cup). He is a very talented horse. You'll have to watch out for Brendan when he comes back here!”

WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT UAE DERBY WINNER REBEL'S ROMANCE
Rebel's Romance (IRE) realised the promise that his connections hoped he would when the son of Dubawi ran out an emphatic winner of the US $750,000 UAE Derby Sponsored by Emirates NBD. 

Trained by Charlie Appleby, ridden by William Buick and carrying the familiar blue colours of Godolphin, Rebel's Romance opened up a world of opportunities for himself when coming from off the pace to reel in the front-running Panadol and draw an impressive five and a half lengths clear as they flashed past the winning post. 

It was a first UAE Derby success for Appleby and Buick and a first success on the night for Godolphin. Charlie Appleby admitted talk of a possible tilt at the Kentucky Derby next was “a nice conversation to be having” after Rebel's Romance put his first career defeat in Saudi Arabia behind him in the best possible fashion and looks set to be a horse who will write many more headlines in 2021. 

This UAE Derby success certainly looks set to be a springboard to a bright future for Rebel's Romance with Appleby saying after the race: “We'll be working back from the Dubai World Cup next year” when speaking about future plans. 

Reflecting on his latest big race win on Dubai World Cup night, Appleby said: “He is still very much a work in progress and he looked much better tonight than he did in Saudi Arabia. I think the biggest attribute to him today is that he was going to stay. We were always confident he was going to stay. Stepping up in trip was going to be his forte.”

Rebel's Romance had won both his starts in Britain on the all-weather surfaces at Newcastle and then Kempton late last year before beginning a lucrative campaign by winning the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial at Meydan back in January. 

Appleby continued: “We've all seen year-in and year-out here, you can't do well with your European horses until they start racing on [dirt]. It's invaluable the experience they gain on it and he had his two starts on the surface and it was always our plan. When you see your horses wide on the back of that turn, you start to worry, but he was always travelling so well into it. Down the back straight I saw half of them coming under the pump and I thought 'don't worry, he's just coming good at the right time now.' It's great for the team. Most importantly it's good for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who has a lovely horse win on Dubai World Cup night. I'm just delighted we've managed to put one into the back of the net.”

Buick said: “I was always where I thought I would be. He breaks a little bit slow, so I never thought I would be up there. He doesn't have much speed early and I was quite happy with the draw because I knew I could control where I would be and I did. Once I got out, he just bolted. I was a little bit worried I was getting there a little early; a little too quick, but that was some performance tonight. He's really come on and he's a big horse, but he's still a shell. He really knows how to use his power now.”

POIGNANT WIN FOR ZENDEN IN GOLDEN SHAHEEN
American raider Zenden (USA) ran out a brilliant victor of the US $1.5m Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Gulf News but there was a sad postscript when the winner suffered a fatal injury after the finishing post. 

Winning Rider Antonio Fresu was unshipped from the horse although he was able to walk away after the fall.

A first Dubai winner for trainer Carlos David, the Fed Biz entire came to the race on the back of a successful prep run at Tampa in Florida. He looked to have an unfavourable draw in 14 of 14 but Fresu made a swift move early in the race to take a rail position and they were soon leading the field.

Zenden powered clear of his competition as he turned into the home straight, eventually winning by three and a quarter lengths.

Red Le Zele, trained by Japanese handler Takayuki Yasuda, finished second. The Doug Watson-trained Canvassed was two and three-quarter lengths further back in third. The winning time was 01:09:01.

LORD NORTH RULES SUPREME IN DUBAI TURF
The stands might not have been filled as usual at Meydan, but that didn't stop Frankie Dettori from making his traditional flying dismount after the John Gosden-trained Lord North (IRE) lifted the US $4m Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World in great style.

As expected, First Contact had gone to the lead in this 1800m race, while Dettori had positioned his son of Dubawi one off the rail towards the back of the field.

Coming out of the final bend, he kicked on and Lord North responded immediately, absolutely flying home all the way to the line to beat Japanese raider Vin De Garde, who produced a very good performance himself, by three lengths, while the Marco Botti-trained Felix finished an excellent third.

It was an impressive reappearance by the 2020 Prince of Wales's Stakes winner at Royal Ascot and Thady Gosden, who has just entered a training partnership with his father John, said: “We were always hoping he would run well as he was in brilliant form out here. But he definitely put that race to bed very well from pretty far back. We will take him home now and then maybe give him a break and target the race he won last year at Ascot.”

Dettori, who was recording his second victory in the race that he won last in 1997 with Tamayaz, was equally impressed with the performance of the 5-year-old, who won the race in 01:46:46.

He said: “It was a nice pace. I had plenty of horse and I know he stays really well. So I kicked early and he flew. I didn't do much else after that, he did the rest.”

Owned by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing, the 5-year-old made his debut in handicaps before graduating all the way up to Group 1 level and his jockey added: “He was a handful in the early days, so he got gelded and he is much more focussed now. He is a horse for all the good races this year. I'm sure the Gosdens will have a plan.”

VERSATILE MISHRIFF ADDS LONGINES DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC TO GROWING PORTFOLIO
Meydan's commentator Craig Evans predicted a “crackerjack of a finish” as the runners turned for home in the US $5m Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and he certainly wasn't wrong as Mishriff (IRE) came from the widest starting point and from behind the entire field to see off the challenge of the Japanese pair of Chrono Genesis and Loves Only You in a vintage renewal of the Group 1 race.

Mishriff, confidently ridden by 21-year-old David Egan, was completing a unique double by adding the showpiece 2410m event to the Saudi Cup he claimed last month and showed an admirable versatility on the Meydan turf for trainer John Gosden and his son Thady. 

Two necks separated the first three horses home as Mishriff showed great courage to oblige and Gosden added his name to the roll of honour for a third time following the 2010 victory of Dar Re Mi and the 2017 success of Jack Hobbs. The winning time was 2:26:65. 

The Prince Faisal-owned Mishriff's quest for more big race honours will now turn to Europe for the summer, where he will attempt to add to his win in last year's Prix du Jockey Club, while for the Gosden family, it was a memorable double on the night following Lord North's Dubai Turf win. 

Mishriff's jockey David Egan, a former champion apprentice in Britain, was unsurprisingly full of praise for his willing partner. Reflecting on the latest major win in his short career and looking to the future months Egan said: “This horse has brought me to the next level by winning the Saudi Cup and this is just the icing on the cake. After winning the mile and a half around here hopefully he will have an exciting summer campaign around Europe.

“He's a champion. It was a strong battle inside the final two furlongs. I was just glad I was able to do my job and get him to settle and we know he's got an immense turn of foot. He showed that in Riyadh. I thought he had to dig deep today in the final furlong. I thought he was going to curl up on me, but it just shows how good he is. Over 12 (furlongs), if he's ridden with restraint and put in a rhythm, he could be deadly in Europe this year.”

Thady Gosden, who just this week joined his father John as a joint licence holder in Britain, said: “We thought before the race that if he was too 'on it' the whole way around, it wouldn't be good to send him up there to get position and that would be for the worst. So David just dropped him in there, where he's relaxed, and David just switched him off beautifully.

“He made his move when he had to around the bend and (David) gave him such a brilliant ride to get him to the line. He's such a tough horse and he's shown his versatility. He's a brilliant horse and obviously really talented. Hats off to everyone at home. They do all the hard work and take care of these horses every day doing such a fantastic job.”

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