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Dramatic Finish As Veteran Edges Out Three-Year-Old
Sir Alex Ferguson's homebred gelding Spirit Dancer created history at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club on Friday, becoming the first horse to win consecutive renewals of the US$2 million Bahrain International Trophy with a determined victory under Oisin Orr.
The Richard Fahey-trained 7YO had to dig deep to reel in the long-time leader Lead Artist, eventually asserting his dominance in the final furlong to record a famous victory that sparked emotional scenes in the winner's enclosure.
The son of Frankel, who followed up last year's Bahrain success with victory in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia, tracked the leaders as Lead Artist and Kieran Shoemark set the early pace. Travelling smoothly in third under Orr, Spirit Dancer was angled out for his challenge in the home straight before powering past Lead Artist to win with Calif in third and Alflaila fourth.
Trainer Praise For Historic Victory
For trainer Richard Fahey, who had carefully plotted a path back to Bahrain following Spirit Dancer's prep run in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket, the victory was a testament to the horse's resilience and class.
"He's a remarkable horse," said an emotional Sir Alex Ferguson in the winner's enclosure. "I think some of us thought we had too much to do to catch the leading horse, but he got there. I'm really proud of him, proud of the jockey because he sat very patiently and didn't panic at all."
Ferguson's Emotional Triumph
The former Manchester United manager, who bred Spirit Dancer, has enjoyed remarkable success with this durable campaigner who has now won two of the Middle East's most prestigious races. Last year's victory had provided solace following the loss of Lady Cathy Ferguson, and this year's triumph clearly meant just as much to connections.
The winning ride from Orr drew praise from all quarters, with the jockey keeping his cool despite Lead Artist opening up what looked like a decisive advantage under Kieran Sheemark. "He was cool as you like," noted Ferguson, "and ran down a real talented Lead Artist."
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Heartbreak For Gosden Team
For the Gosden team, it was heartbreak as Lead Artist, who had dominated much of the race, had to settle for second - remarkably the yard's fourth runner-up finish in this prestigious contest. The three-year-old lost nothing in defeat, putting up a bold showing before being caught late by the more experienced winner.
Thady Gosden, representing the stable, was magnanimous in defeat: "Obviously he's run a very good race there. Travelled well through it, hit the front and it's a good show. He's only a three-year-old as we know, but it was a great decision by the family to bring him here. He still a young horse. He's unexposed. He will learn plenty from coming out here.”
Future Plans And Celebrations
The scenes of celebration at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club matched the historic nature of the achievement, with Sir Alex Ferguson visibly moved by his homebred's feat. The victory also highlighted the growing international prestige of Bahrain's flagship race, which attracted a high-class field from multiple racing jurisdictions.
For Fahey and his team, the successful defence of the crown validates their patient approach with a horse who has now firmly established himself as one of the most effective international performers in training. The victory also underscores the growing importance of Bahrain in the international racing calendar, with the quality of both the facilities and competition continuing to attract top-class runners from around the globe.
As Spirit Dancer entered the winner's enclosure to rapturous applause, there was a sense that this was more than just another big race victory - it was a moment of racing history being made. For Sir Alex Ferguson, no stranger to sporting success, this latest triumph with his homebred champion clearly ranked among his most cherished achievements in racing.
The final word perhaps belongs to those gathered trackside, who witnessed what the race caller described as "wild scenes here at the Bahrain Turf Club." For Spirit Dancer, the horse who was "good last year" but "great this year," a place in racing history is now secure.