Under Maxime Guyon, who won this race in 2015 with Solow (Singspiel {Ire}), Facteur Cheval bided his time far back, midfield but in the clear, as Feb. 25 G2 Nakayama Kinen winner Matenro Sky (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) went to the early lead with three-time Group 1 heroine Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) a close second. The field was cluttered up early with Japanese hope and multiple Group 1 scorer Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) unlucky and in receipt of a rough trip.

Facteur Cheval tipped out into the lane, hooking up with diminutive Japanese Group 1 heroine Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), who commenced an even-wider run from even further back than the eventual winner. The two finished so close a photo was required to determine the gold medallist, who got there by a short head. Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), runner-up in this event last year, finished third. The final time for the 1800 metres was 1:45.91.

“It's just amazing, I have no words,” said trainer Jerome Reynier, a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program. “I see a horse here that has been prepared the best way possible by [work rider] Gregory [Davignon] and it's just amazing, I can't believe it.

“I said to Maxime I've never seen this horse go backwards at the finish, he is always going forward and giving his best. I had no doubts about the distance and Maxime has given him a perfect ride; he had Lord North to follow and he switched off during the race.

“He switched him to the outside and then waited long enough to save something for the end and that's just amazing. I am so happy for all my team.”

Reynier also said Facteur Cheval would likely stay in Dubai, where he has reportedly thrived, and would possibly train up to the Apr. 28 G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Hong.

The Dubai Turf winner won the first four starts of his career in France in 2022 before finishing that year with his first group score in the G3 Prix Perth at Saint-Cloud. Although he failed to visit the winner's circle in 2023, he was never worse than third and placed in four consecutive Group 1 events. He was last seen finishing second in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot Oct. 21. The Dubai Turf victory marked the kickoff of his 2024 campaign.

With a fourth Dubai Turf not in the cards, Lord North appeared to exit his eighth-place finish well.

“He had a great spot, great cover,” said regular Dubai partner Frankie Dettori. “He travelled great into the straight, but he just didn't have the gears that he had in the past. We are all getting older, right?”

Pedigree Notes

Facteur Cheval is the first Group 1 winner for France's Ribchester, a resident of Darley's Haras du Logis, and one of nine black-type winners for the son of Iffraaj (GB) worldwide, which include two group winners in Australia. A four-time Group 1 winner himself between England and France, Ribchester also was third in the 2017 Dubai Turf. Facteur Cheval, one of 102 stakes winners out of a daughter of the late Shamardal, is a member of his sire's first crop.

The unraced Jawlaat, a Shadwell-consigned 18,000gns purchase in 2016 at Tattersalls February by McCracken Farms–breeder of Facteur Cheval–has a yearling colt by Sottsass (Fr). She is a half-sister to multiple group winner Tantheem (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) and hails from the same family as Shadwell's multiple Group 1 winner Tamayuz (GB) (Nayef).

Jawlaat was a third-generation Shadwell-bred whose fifth dam, Allegretta (GB) (Lombard {Ger}), produced both 2000 G1 2000 winner King's Best (Kingmambo) and the immortal Urban Sea (Miswaki). The latter–herself winner of the 1993 G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe–is responsible for a breed-shaping dynasty, not least through her sons Galileo (Ire) and Sea The Stars (Ire).

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
DUBAI TURF SPONSORED BY DP WORLD-G1, AED5,000,000, Meydan, 3-30, 3yo/up, 9fT, 1:45.91, gd.
1–FACTEUR CHEVAL (IRE), 126, g, 5, by Ribchester (Ire)
                1st Dam: Jawlaat (Ire), by Shamardal
                2nd Dam: Riqa (GB), by Dubawi (Ire)
                3rd Dam: Thamarat (GB), by Anabaa
1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (145,000gns Wlg '19 TATFOA;
€120,000 Ylg '20 ARDEAY). O-Team Valor International & Gary
Barber; B-McCracken Farms (IRE); T-Jerome Reynier; J-Maxime
Guyon. $2,900,000. Lifetime Record: GSW & MG1SP-Fr, G1SP-
Eng, 14-6-4-3, $3,748,163. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Namur (Jpn), 121, m, 5, Harbinger (GB)–Sambre Et Meuse
(Jpn), by Daiwa Major (Jpn). O-Carrot Farm Co Ltd; B-Northern
Farm (JPN); T-Tomokazo Takano. $1,000,000.
3–Danon Beluga (Jpn), 126, h, 5, Heart's Cry (Jpn)–Coasted, by
Tizway. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (¥160,000,000 Wlg '19
JRHAJUL). O-Danox Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm (JPN); T-Noriyuki
Hori. $500,000.
Margins: SHD, 3/4, HF.
Also Ran: Measured Time (GB), Do Deuce (Jpn), Straight Arron, Calif (Ger), Lord North (Ire), Nashwa (GB), San Donato (Ire), Real World (Ire), Cairo (Ire), Voyage Bubble (Aus), Luxembourg (Ire), Matenro Sky (Jpn). Also Ran (DNF): Catnip.
Click for the ERA chart & video.

O-Team Valor International LLC and Gary Barber; B-McCracken Farms (Ire); T-Jerome Reynier.

Facteur Cheval just denies Namur in the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World.

A French winner for Jerome Reynier and Maxime Guyon. pic.twitter.com/dC3Nw7VZSt

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 30, 2024

The post Facteur Cheval Upends Dubai Turf, Lord North Off the Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The fields and post positions for the evening's four non-Group 1 races–including the Dubai Kahayla Classic for the Purebred Arabians–were announced Monday, while stalls for the five elite-level contests were allotted during a ceremony Wednesday evening emceed by Rishi Persad and Laura King at the Armani Hotel at the iconic Burj Khalifa in Central Dubai.

Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) will look to join Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) as the only two-time winners of the World Cup, and his trainer Noboru Takagi was first to the stage, where he selected barrier five. The 7-year-old had gate eight a year ago and was off to an awkward start before steaming home to peg back Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) close to home. The commonly owned Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), second to Ushba Tesoro in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten over the World Cup distance in December, drew 11.

Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) ran down Ushba Tesoro in the final jump of the G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh five weeks ago, and the two square off for the third time at the weekend. The likeable 6-year-old was represented on stage by trainer Todd Fincher and co-owner Joe Peacock Jnr looked on as Senor Buscador was assigned barrier 10.

Last year's G2 UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) was at a fitness disadvantage when a sound fifth in Riyadh first-up for better than four months and figures to have come on for that reappearance. He will begin from stall eight.

Kazakh-owned Kabirkhan (California Chrome) will look to complete a fairy-tale season while trying to emulate his World Cup-winning stallion Saturday evening. Purchased for the bargain price of $12,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, the chestnut will break from post position two for jockey Pat Dobbs and trainer Doug Watson.

Trainer Bob Baffert and Frankie Dettori teamed to take out the 2022 World Cup with Country Grammer (Tonalist) and will look for history to repeat itself with Newgate (Into Mischief) from the six hole. He exits a victory in the GI Santa Anita H. Mar. 2.

Juddmonte Farms' Laurel River (Into Mischief) ran up the score in the G3 Burj Nahaar over 1600 metres on Super Saturday Mar. 2, but sensing that it could be a paceless renewal of the World Cup, connections have rolled the dice. He will have to be on his best behaviour, as any misstep from the widest stall in 12 could prove his undoing.

In the other Group 1 tests:

• Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has drawn seven and Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) nine for the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, where 10 Group 1 winners from eight nations vie for a $6-million pot.

• Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) will go for a fourth straight $5-million G1 Dubai Turf from gate 11, with Japan's Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in five, Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) drawn three and stablemate Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) out in 16.

• Defending champion Sibelius (Not This Time) has gate six for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen where he faces G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint hero Remake (Jpn) (Lani), Bold Journey (Hard Spun), a late-on-the-scene third in the same race, and the capable locals Mouheeb (Flatter) and Tuz (Oxbow).

• Hong Kong's California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) will start from gate five in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint against the smart 3-year-old filly Frost At Dawn (Frosted), the veteran Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal) and defending champion Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}.

The full field for the 2024 Dubai World Cup:

1 (7) Clapton (Brethren)

2 (1) Crupi (Curlin)

3 (9) Defunded (Dialed In)

4 (8) Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits)

5 (3) Dura Erede (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn})

6 (2) Kabirkhan (California Chrome)

7 (12) Laurel River (Into Mischief)

8 (4) Military Law (GB) (Dubawi {Ire})

9 (6) Newgate (Into Mischief)

10 (10) Senor Buscador (Mineshaft)

11 (5) Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn})

12 (11) Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn})

It's all set!

The final post position for the 28th running of the #DubaiWorldCup!#DWC24 pic.twitter.com/gYdTv4BGu9

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 27, 2024

The post Dozen To Do Battle In Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The Ballydoyle septet slowly ambled out of the tunnel near the 1600-metre starting point on the the dirt surface, led by G3 Red Sea Turf H. hero Tower of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}, G2 Dubai Gold Cup), with dual Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}, G1 Dubai Sheema Classic ) and Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}, G1 Dubai Turf) close in tow. They were followed next in line by Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}, Sheema Classic), the G2 UAE Derby-bound Henry Adams (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Navy Seal (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), and Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road, Dubai Turf) caboosing the group.

The seven made their way down the chute in front of the international press and did one circuit of the main tack in the wrong direction before then turning around to canter a lap. As can be the case on their first visit to the track, a few–including Auguste Rodin–appeared a bit warm under their saddle cloths on a morning that was equal parts muggy and breezy, with 'widespread dust' headlining the weather conditions at the time.

“They arrived early on Sunday and they're all in great form,” said Pat Keating, ever at the fore on foreign soil. “They just trotted a lap, then cantered for seven furlongs or so. They might go a little bit further as the week goes on but they're here healthy and well and that's the main thing.”

About the same time the Ballydoyle contingent was spotted, the three Andre Fabre participants jumped onto the turf course at about the 1400-metre marker. Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), the somewhat surprising winner of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase and bound for the Sheema Classic led his longer-winded stable companions Sober (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) and Sevenna's Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in a light gallop. The latter pair go in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup over two miles.

Runners representing John and Thady Gosden did their Tuesday morning trackwork over the Tapeta track. Four-peat Dubai Turf seeker Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) had steady canters, as did the Sheema Classic-bound Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Gold Cup entrant Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}).

Thady Gosden said: “They all got here about 2am on Sunday. They just had an easy day and we might bring them over to the main track on Thursday.

“Lord North is in good form, this is the fifth year–he's actually been over here, he also came in 2020–and he's won the race three times. He's travelled over well, he's an older horse and he's in good order.

“Nashwa had a great season and has done well during the winter. She seems in good form in what will be a competitive race.”

The post Euros Here, There and Everywhere Tuesday At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The main event has attracted a field of 15 that is led by its defending champion Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), one of 24 runners set to ship in from Japan for the meeting. Looking to become the first 7-year-old World Cup winner since Gloria de Campeao (Brz) back in 2010 and just the third overall, the recent G1 Saudi Cup runner-up is joined by three compatriots, including last year's G2 UAE Derby hero Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits). The American challenge numbers five and is topped by Saudi Cup upsetter Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) and GI Santa Anita H. hero Newgate (Into Mischief) for four-time World Cup winner Bob Baffert, while the exciting Kabirkhan (California Chrome) has been the talking horse of the Dubai International Racing Carnival and the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge victor will have his supporters to become a first World Cup winner for perennial leading trainer Doug Watson. Laurel River (Into Mischief) won the G3 Burj Nahaar over a mile on Super Saturday Mar. 2, but opts for the World Cup over the Godolphin Mile for trainer Bhupat Seemar.

The $6-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, won in imperious fashion by Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) last March, was the second highest-rated race in the world in 2023, and if the field assembled for this renewal is any indication, it could go one better. A likely field of 12 has been revealed, fully 10 of which have succeeded at Group 1 level, and features a mouth-watering clash between G1 Betfred Derby, G1 Irish Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Japan is also represented by 2022 Sheema Classic victor Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), while Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is set to make her first appearance beyond the borders of the UK and is one of four on the evening for John and Thady Gosden. Godolphin sends out Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), impressive in taking out the Listed HH The Amir Trophy in Qatar last month.

Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) also represents the Clarehaven operation as he goes in search of an unprecedented fourth victory in a row in the G1 Dubai Turf, where he squares off with G1 Arima Kinen hero Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), the would-be 2023 favourite who was scratched leading up to the race. Also in the field is Lord North's hard-knocking stable companion Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}); Godolphin's progressive G1 Jebel Hatta winner Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}); treble elite-level scorer Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) for Aidan O'Brien; and Hong Kong's Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), victorious in this year's G1 Stewards Cup at Sha Tin.

Godolphin's Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) will look to avenge a tough defeat in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, where he'll surely face a stiff challenge from recent G3 Longines Red Sea Turf H. winner Tower of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and runner-up Enemy (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}); G2 British Champions Long Distance Cup conqueror Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}); and G2 Yorkshire Cup winner Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {GB}).

Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) proved a somewhat unlikely winner of the 2023 G1 Al Quoz Sprint for local trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri and will have to dig deep if he is to defend against the Jamie Osborne-trained veteran Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal), a recent winner in Qatar; the nails-tough US raider Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed); Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), so game up the rail to scoop the G2 1351 Turf Sprint Feb. 24; Hong Kong's G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup winner California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}); and the 3-year-old fillies Star of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) and Frost At Dawn (Frosted).

America's Sibelius (Not This Time) will have Ryan Moore back in the saddle as he defends his title in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen against the likes of G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint winner Remake (Jpn) (Lani) and the locally trained Tuz (Oxbow), while Isolate (Mark Valeski) is certain to face a strong challenge from Saudi Cup close third-placegetter Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), who drops back in trip for the G2 Godolphin Mile.

The G2 UAE Derby features a budding star in the form of the Yoshito Yahagi-conditioned Forever Young (Jpn), a son of 2016 Dubai Turf hero Real Steel (Jpn), whose undefeated run includes a razor-thin victory in the 1600-metre G3 Saudi Derby Feb. 24. G3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn) and Listed Al Bastakiya S. scorer Killer Collect (Collected) front the local challenge, while Ballydoyle is set to be represented by G3 Tyros S. winner Henry Adams (Ire) (No Nay Never). The Derby offers 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Click here for the full fields.

The post Star-Studded Fields Announced For Dubai World Cup Meeting appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Successful on his sole two-year-old start at Redcar in October 2018, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing's Lord North embarks on his seventh year in training at Clarehaven Stables with relatively few miles on the clock for one of his age, boasting a career record of 10 wins from 20 starts.

After climbing through the ranks in handicaps as a three-year-old, notably winning the prestigious Cambridgeshire at Newmarket, Lord North took his form to a new level altogether during the 2020 campaign when he won the G3 Brigadier Gerard S. at Haydock and G1 Prince of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot, beating the multiple top-level winners Addeybb (Ire), Barney Roy (GB) and Japan (GB).

That remains Lord North's only Group 1 victory on European soil, but his subsequent exploits in the Middle East have guaranteed his place in history as the first three-time winner of the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan. His £6.3 million in career earnings also makes him the richest-ever racehorse by Dubawi ahead of Benbatl (GB) (£5.9 million), whose three Group 1 wins included the 2018 Dubai Turf.

Lord North–who had the Lord North H. run in his honour at Meydan on Friday, January 12–has been on the sidelines since March last year when his trademark turn of foot sealed him his third straight win in the Dubai Turf, beating Danon Beluga (Jpn), previously Group 1-placed in Japan, by three quarters of a length.

A few weeks earlier Lord North had returned from eight months off with an emphatic success in the Winter Derby, while his dead-heat with Panthalassa (Jpn) in the 2022 Dubai Turf followed a runner-up finish when returning from an even longer absence at Lingfield.

All roads surely lead back to Meydan for the eight-year-old Lord North, who could try to complete a remarkable four-timer in the Dubai Turf on Saturday, March 30, though it won't quite be the usual tried-and-tested path if he takes up his entry in the Winter Derby along the way, with that Group 3 set to be run at Southwell for the first time this year.

The other Group 1 winner among the 22 entries is the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride of Dubai {Aus}), who won the G1 Ranvet S. and G1 Queen Elizabeth S. in Australia in the first part of 2023, while there would arguably be no more fascinating runner than the long-absent Eydon (Ire) (Olden Times {GB}), last seen since finishing fourth in the 2022 G1 2000 Guineas when trained by Roger Varian.

Now in the care of Andrew Balding, Eydon needs to prove that he retains all his ability after such a significant absence, but there is certainly nothing wrong with his Newmarket form which saw him chase home a trio of multiple Group 1 winners in Coroebus (Ire), Native Trail (GB) and Luxembourg (Ire).

Balding said, “Eydon has a very high level of form, although it has been some time since he was last on the track. He has had a few niggles, but we are really pleased with him at the moment and the Winter Derby is very much the plan. The intention is to go straight there without a run–we feel that is the right thing to do.”

The post Lord North Looking to Build on Historic Exploits appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

“She ran a huge race in the Oaks when just beaten there and had a nice swansong (at Ascot) at the end of last year,” Thady Gosden told Racing TV's Luck On Sunday. “She was heading towards Dubai but with the cold weather in the spring, it didn't quite work out. Obviously she would have been taking on Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) which would have been an interesting one. The Coronation Cup would be a nice early one to start with if she's ready in time, but we'll see how she is and she'll tell us.”

Another star filly from the Gosden string staying in training as a 4-year-old is G1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois winner Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who could head to Newbury on May 20 for the G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge S., with all the top mile races on her radar this term.

“She's wintered well and is in good order, enjoying her training and looks great,” continued Gosden. “She is obviously a top-class miler and all these mile races will be the ones for her. She is certainly an independently minded filly. She has plenty of character but is exceptionally talented.”

A return to Royal Ascot could be on the cards for three-time G1 Dubai Turf winner Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The 7-year-old could bid to repeat his G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes success of 2020 when running on home soil this summer.

“He had a slightly curtailed one last year and it was fantastic to get him back for the Dubai Turf–it was a good team effort there,” Gosden said. “He won the Prince of Wales's Stakes two years ago and he is a horse you could look towards that with.”

The post Coronation Cup Eyed for Emily Upjohn Comeback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The $12 million feature, won by Japanese raider Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), drew the highest handle of the night, with pari-mutuel organisations from over 20 countries betting HK$54,521,829 (approx. $6.9m) on the race. It became World Pool's highest turnover race of 2023 so far, surpassing the HK$48.4m (approx. $6.1m) wagered on the G1 Saudi Cup in February.

The two races that preceded the Dubai World Cup–the G1 Dubai Turf won by Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic won by Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) also saw large turnover, with HK$46,031,449 (approx. $5.8m) and HK$46,460,790 (approx. $5.9m) wagered, respectively.

Equinox's win was selected as the World Pool Moment of the Day and his groom will receive a prize of HK$40,000 as well as entry into the World Pool Moment of the Year competition, which rewards the winner with a VIP trip to Hong Kong.

World Pool is next in operation on G1 2000 Guineas Day at Newmarket on May 6.

The post World Pool Wagering on Dubai World Cup Shows Increases appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The John and Thady Gosden-trained gelding, who races in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed's son Sheikh Zayed's racing banner, launched his attack under Dettori with just over a furlong left to run, coming wide down the home straight from way off the pace to relegate fellow late challenger Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) to second. Godolphin's Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) faded to third having taken the lead from front-running El Drama (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) after turning for home.

Another triumph for longevity on the World Cup card, the 7-year-old Lord North landed his first stakes success late in his 3-year-old campaign, but it was the following year when the extent of his talent was first properly exhibited when he bounced straight from success in the G3 Brigadier Gerard S. to Group 1 glory at Royal Ascot in the Prince of Wales's S. He was five when he made his first foray to Meydan, setting up what would transpire to be a Dubai Turf hat-trick with his three-length victory over Vin De Garde (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who reopposed him this year but finished last of the 14 runners.

That first win in the Turf was Lord North's sole appearance in 2021, with illness keeping him off the track until his prep run for a repeat bid last year. His runner-up spot behind Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in a strong renewal of the G3 Winter Derby had him perfectly primed for Meydan but, famously, Lord North had to settle for a dead-heat with Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), who went on to win this year's G1 Saudi Cup and finished down the field in 10th in the Dubai World Cup later in the evening.

A winning return to the Winter Derby last month again saw Lord North arrive in perfect shape to provide Dettori with a memorable top-flight success at Meydan in his final year in the saddle.

The 52-year-old, who has had a long association with Dubai throughout his former role as Godolphin's retained jockey, said as he returned to scale, “Amazing. To win once, but three times. Thady [Gosden] has done an amazing job because this horse can get sick quite easily, that's why he doesn't run that often. But the boys get him ready for the race and full credit to everyone. They've done an amazing job, and credit to Lord North himself. What a star.”

Dettori, the most successful jockey at the Dubai World Cup with 23 wins since the inaugural meeting of 1996 and four in the Sheema Classic, added, “I came here with some decent rides and to get one on the board in this beautiful place which has been my home for so many winters, it really is special.”

Lord North had provided Thady Gosden with his first Group 1 success after he joined his father John as co-trainer early in 2021. Back at Meydan with his parents and sister Thea, Gosden, Jr. said, “The first time he won the race he showed a nice turn of foot, but last year it wasn't quite as straightforward a preparation as it was this year. We were very happy with him coming into the race, but obviously you can't say that before in case it all goes wrong.

“It was a little bit messy in the mid-part of the race coming into the bend, but he got out of trouble and showed a great turn of foot to get to the front. The strong pace up front definitely helped him and he got a nice tow into it and picked up like we know he can.”

He added, “It's fantastic, and thanks to everyone at home in the yard, to the horse and to Frankie as well. He's a homebred gelding and it's fantastic for him to come here and win a race of this quality three times on the trot.”

Pedigree Notes

Bred by Godolphin, and by a sire who is synonymous with success at the Dubai International Racing Carnival, Lord North is out of the Giant's Causeway mare Najoum, a half-sister to GI Blue Grass S. winner Bandini (Fusaichi Pegasus) and G3 Sweet Solera S victrix Discourse (Street Cry {Ire}). A dual winner at two for Saeed bin Suroor, Najoum ran her final race at Meydan in 2011 when eighth in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial. Lord North was her third foal and one of only two winners to date. The mare died last year, having foaled a full-brother to Lord North on May 1. She also has a 3-year-old filly by New Approach (Ire) and a juvenile filly from the first crop of Dubawi's Darley-based son Too Darn Hot (GB).

Saturday, Meydan, Dubai
DUBAI TURF SPONSORED BY DP WORLD-G1, $5,000,000, Meydan, 3-25, NH 4yo/up & SH 3yo/up, 9fT, 1:47.39, gd.
1–LORD NORTH (IRE), 126, g, 7, by Dubawi (Ire)
                1st Dam: Najoum, by Giant's Causeway
                2nd Dam: Divine Dixie, by Dixieland Band
                3rd Dam: Hail Atlantis, by Seattle Slew
O-HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing; B-Godolphin (IRE);
T-John & Thady Gosden; J-Frankie Dettori. $2,900,000.
Lifetime Record: Hwt. Older Horse-UAE at 7-9 1/2f, G1SW-Eng,
20-10-3-1, $8,054,571. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Danon Beluga (Jpn), 126, c, 4, Heart's Cry (Jpn)–Coasted, by
Tizway. (¥160,000,000 Wlg '19 JRHAJUL). O-Danox Co Ltd;
B-Northern Farm (Jpn); T-Noriyuki Hori. $1,000,000.
3–Nations Pride (Ire), 126, c, 4, Teofilo (Ire)–Important Time
(Ire), by Oasis Dream (GB). O/B-Godolphin (Ire); T-Charlie
Appleby. $500,000.
Margins: 3/4, HD, 2.
Also Ran: Shirl's Speight, Serifos (Jpn), Junko (GB), Alfareeq (Ire), El Drama (Ire), Real World (Ire), Sir Busker (Ire), Order Of Australia (Ire), Glorious Dragon (Ire), Master Of The Seas (Ire), Vin De Garde (Jpn). Scratched: Do Deuce (Jpn), Shelir (Ire). VIDEO.

Lord North – three-time winner of the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World. He proves too good under @FrankieDettori for team Gosden to create history at Meydan!

2021
2022
2023#DWC23 | #RacingDubai | #DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/a2o1VHzMt9

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 25, 2023

The post History-Making Lord North Secures Third Dubai Turf Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

But back in 2018, when not many were in a hurry to get behind the little-known Adlerflug (Fr) (In The Wings {GB}), one of the ill-fated sire's most talented sons went through the ring at Arqana for that paltry sum.

It was Gerry Burke's eye and pocket who saw something in Alenquer (Ger) long before the horse confirmed himself a colt of the highest standard in winning the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on Sunday, not that the man behind Glidawn Stud will take much credit. 

“Normally, when these horses end up becoming Group 1 winners, it's because they have been fortunate enough to have been in good hands, particularly when it comes to the trainer,” said Burke, deflecting the praise towards William Haggas.

“It's lovely when something like this happens as it gives people hope that you don't have to spend hundreds of thousands to find a Group 1 winner. 

“He [Alenquer] was a relatively inexpensive foal and was lucky for everyone he was associated with. He left me a few quid and has done very well for his new connections.” – Gerry Burke

Torquator Tasso (Ger), last season's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, and In Swoop (Ire), had yet to fly the flag for Adlerflug by the time Burke re-offered Alenquer as a yearling, not that it mattered much.

Such was the quality of animal Burke was dealing with, Alenquer was accepted into Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Sale, and despite admitting to knowing next to nothing about the colt's sire, popular bloodstock agent Armando Duarte went to 80,000gns to secure him.

Picking up the story, Duarte, who purchased Alenquer on behalf of MM Stables, recalled, “Within three strides of seeing Alenquer walking out of his box, I thought 'wow, he is absolutely unbelievable.' He'd a great walk, a great shoulder, a lovely head with good ears and good eyes. “I went and looked at every other horse in that sale but he was the one who kept coming back to my mind. I think I looked at him 13 times. I had no clue who Adlerflug was but I just loved Alenquer.”

He added, “Bill O'Gorman, who taught me everything I know, always said to me that horses don't know how much they cost and it's a fact. He was a great mentor to me and taught me to look for the triangular shape between the withers, shoulders and the hip. Alenquer had that triangular shape that I look for.”

The Tattersalls Gold Cup has at times been rendered a damp squib, a soft touch if you like, but not Sunday's edition. 

Alenquer beat globetrotting stars State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) and Group 1 scorers Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Helvic Dream (Ire) (Power {GB}) in recording his finest hour on the racetrack and Duarte believes the 4-year-old has more to offer at the highest level.

“To be honest, sometimes I have to pinch myself. Things like this don't happen very often so you have to enjoy it,” he said.

“It was as good a Tattersalls Gold Cup as I can remember. We like to give him a little break between races so I think we will go to the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown next. After that, we could look at the King George at Ascot, the Juddmonte, the Irish Champion Stakes or even the Arc. There are so many options. He's improving all the time and is exciting.” 

Brilliant finish to a thrilling @Tattersalls1766 Gold Cup!

Alenquer strikes for the red-hot William Haggas and @TomMarquand combination in a race to remember at @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/DHtd13G1Vq

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 22, 2022

Alenquer was the only foal that Burke brought home from Arqana in 2018 and he counts himself “blessed” to have found him. Whether it was fate, or just sheer luck, Burke explained that Duarte was the first man to pull Alenquer out of his stable at Tattersalls and that Sunday's triumph marked the anniversary of another special day. 

The renowned pinhooker said, “I knew that Armando loved him. He was the first man to pull him out of the box. The horse was well liked by a lot of very good judges at the sales and it was nice to see the experts back up what we thought of him at home. 

“He was the only foal I bought at Arqana that year. I was blessed to find him. We sold Hula Angel (Woodman), who won the Irish 1,000 Guineas 23 years ago to the day of Alenquer's Gold Cup win, so that's how long it took me to find another one. We have been very blessed to have had him.”

Many good things come to those who deserve them least but in the case of Gwen Monneraye and Lucie Lamotte of La Motteraye, who consigned Alenquer at Arqana on behalf of Michael Andree, they have earned their place in the third and final chapter of the Alenquer story. 

Gwen and Lucie, who welcomed their first child Olivia into the world just three months ago, were zipping down to the south of France for a mini holiday when they pulled over to watch Alenquer storm to Curragh glory. 

Alenquer came from just the second crop of foals born at La Motteraye, the fast-developing stud in Normandy, with the broodmare band more than doubling since 2018 from 20 to 50 currently. 

Among them is Alenquer's dam Wild Blossom (Ger) (Areion {Ger}), happily in foal to Victor Ludorum (GB) (Shamardal), which provided the young family with extra reason to celebrate over the weekend. 

Monneraye said, “Alenquer was born and reared on our farm. Michael Andree, of Gestut Romerhof, is the Coolmore representative in Germany and is also a very good client of ours. He sent the mare [Wild Blossom] in foal to Adlerflug and she has remained on our farm ever since.”

He added, “I can remember asking Michael about the stallion as I didn't know a lot about Adlerflug. He was a nice horse to be bringing to the sales but people were not aware of Adlerflug and he made only €18,000. His statistics are looking very smart now.

“We work hard every day and to get a result like that was amazing. We were actually on the road to go on a little holiday when we pulled over to watch the race on our phone. It was the best start ever to a holiday and we drank a lot of champagne when we arrived.”

Rare are days where a horse like Alenquer comes along. They need to be celebrated and Burke, Duarte, Andree, Monneraye and Lamotte certainly have.

The post ‘I Had No Clue Who Adlerflug Was But I Just Loved Alenquer’  appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Mishriff, owned by His Royal Highness Prince A A Faisal, went on to win the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York last summer by an impressive six lengths.

If he wins the G1 Saudi Cup – run at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday, Feb. 26 – he will become the highest-earning horse of all time.

Gosden said: “He's a year older, he's done a bit of growing so he's a little bigger. He's got a great athletic physique and he's definitely strengthened a bit from last year.

“He's a little flamboyant on occasions but he's very tough. He's incredibly versatile and he travels very well, he makes it all look quite easy. He's been training well.”

The defending champion is likely to face another strong American challenge in the shape of Mandaloun and Midnight Bourbon, but Gosden believes the track is well suited to the European raiders.

He said: “The one turn makes a big difference, the longer straight is especially an advantage to the European horses.

“The American horses are used to using a lot of speed to get forward and then having a short straight to get home in.

“The surface is also a bit kinder – the kickback is not as bad. It rides a bit softer, a bit fluffier – it's a brilliant track.

“The Saudi Cup has obviously become a huge meeting on the international racing circuit. Everything runs very smoothly – the quarantine facilities are top class, the track is top class and we have no concerns with taking any horse out there.

“It's definitely something that will become a fixture for us if we have the right horses.”

The Gosden father-and-son training partnership could also be represented by Lord North in the Neom Turf Cup presented by Jahez. He could line up for the $1.5 million Group 3 contest on his first run since landing the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March.

Gosden added: “He had a bit of an issue so, being a horse of his caliber, we gave him all the time he needed. He's bouncing around the place now and I think he's pretty determined to get out there.”

Fellow British joint-trainers William Muir and Chris Grassick have opted for the Neom Turf Cup presented by Jahez for their stable star Pyledriver. They had also received an invitation to run in The Saudi Cup.

After watching Pyledriver work around Kempton on Tuesday morning, Muir revealed he thought the 2100m contest would suit the G1 Hong Kong Vase runner-up better.

He said: “We brought Pyledriver to Kempton to let him have a blow over the surface, so he's covering the distance.

“It was just getting him away from home for something different, a change of scenery to perk him up and keep him in good shape.

“Martin (Dwyer) got off him and said he's been riding horses all winter and to get on one like Pyledriver around there it felt like they broke the track record.

“I've got the others in the family and they all get stronger and stronger. He looks a monster now.

“He's strong and where he should be. I think this horse has everything in front of him – he's now at his peak so you'll see him at his best this year.”

The Lambourn-based trainer is expecting last year's Group 1 Coronation Cup hero to have improved for his Hong Kong experience last December and regular rider Dwyer will fly out to partner him again.

Muir added: “It was his first time out of this country. He never worried about anything but everyone said once he's done it once he'll thrive on it.

“It was just a few things we picked up from the boys that do it all the time, the little tips that help.”

Yorkshire-based trainer Mark Johnston and his son Charlie have had runners at The Saudi Cup meeting in each of the last two years. They will send Nayef Road to contest the G3 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap this time.

The six-year-old warmed up for the $2.5 million race, run over 3000m, by finishing fourth at Kempton on Saturday.

Joint-trainer Charlie Johnston said: “Perhaps things weren't really run to suit – he was boxed-in in a slowly-run race.

“We gave him a break through November and December. It probably showed at Kempton as he was a little bit ring rusty and we'd be hopeful he'd come forward for that.

“I think the trip, fast ground and quite positive, verging on aggressive, riding leads to his best performances, as we saw when he won the Rose Bowl at Newmarket at the back end of last year.

“He's a relentless galloper and there should be no excuses regarding the conditions he's going to face over there.

“Given the money on offer in Saudi this is the priority for him – if you finish anywhere in the first six you can pick up significant prize money and we'll be looking to pick up some of it.”

Johnston already has one eye on a return to The Saudi Cup meeting in 2023 with Subjectivist. He was the impressive winner of the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last season before injury struck ruling him out until next year.

Johnston added: “It was a very tough decision we had to make – biting the bullet and leaving our best horse on the sidelines for this season, but we felt to give him the best chance of standing training going forward we would rule this season out.

“He'll come back into training in September with The Saudi Cup meeting of 2023 his primary target.”

There is also likely to be a strong challenge from France at the meeting.

Sealiway, winner of the G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot in October, is on course for The Saudi Cup. It will be his first race since joining trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.

He said: “He's very classy and he has a lot of personality. The first morning he came to me he was like 'I am the boss'.

“He's a tough horse and he can adapt very easily – adapt to the pace of the race and the ground. He's a nice horse to be around and it seems like he does everything very easily. My worry is, will he be ready as he does everything so easily?

“He was not over-raced last year and he came to me in very good shape. I'm very, very happy with the way he looks, the way he behaves and the way he works, so I'm keen to go.”

Ebaiyra will also be having her first run for Graffard, who is now combining running his own Chantilly yard with overseeing the private stables of the Aga Khan, if she makes it to The Neom Turf Cup presented by Jahez.

Graffard said: “She looks really well – so far everything is going right. She's due to work on Saturday morning and a decision will be made after that.”

Source of original post