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The penultimate race worth US$6 million was the Gr.1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and with a field of 10, it had attracted some quality runners.
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Shahryar returned to defend his title from last year but the Tetsuya Kimura-trained Equinox came in with a bulk following for the race.
The favourite Equinox came out of the gates and straight to the lead with a handy start under Lemaire with Mostahdaf in the second spot.
Once the 4YO Kitasan Black colt hit the lead Equinox held off challenges to take the win for Silk Racing Co Ltd showing why he was so heavily favoured with a dominant display stamping his authority on global middle-distance turf racing. With the performance and Equinox broke the track record in running 02:25.65 to make the result even more impressive.
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"I knew he was the best horse and so I was happy to make the pace. I'm really happy about all of the connections. It's been a long time since I won the Sheema, the last time was with Heart's Cry and he passed away two weeks ago. So, I am very grateful for this horse and he has allowed me to pay tribute to Heart's Cry,” jockey Lemaire said.
"Race after race, he's going up the rankings of the horses I have ridden. It was a great, great performance against these kinds of horses at the top level. I couldn't be happier."
Mostahdaf ran fourth by jockey Jim Crowley and said that the winner here was something very special.
"I was in second behind the winner. He’s broken a track record on the bridle. My guy ran well as he could but Equinox is something else. I think he's the best Japanese horse we have seen over here in many years."
| RACE REPLAY |
Winner Race 2023 |