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| Staff Writer |
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Cristian Demuro, the jockey who won the Dual Arc, is aiming to seize the opportunity of riding with top local connections to secure more rides in the UAE. The Italian rider has already made two wins in 13 starts and is looking forward to his temporary winter base with renewed energy, which allows him to travel for work to different parts of the world.
Last week, he was booked for two rides on the Hong Kong International Races programme at Sha Tin, riding Mad Cool in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint and Divina in the Longines Hong Kong Mile. Even though things didn't go as planned, Demuro is optimistic that Dubai will provide him with more opportunities.
Demuro, who is wearing the colours of Godolphin, has already ridden four times for Saeed bin Suroor. Although he narrowly missed out on a win with Big Team, who was denied in the final strides of a handicap at Meydan Racecourse on Friday, the 31YO rider is determined to make the most of his time in Dubai and explore further.
“It was very close, but I am looking forward to riding in Dubai as it’s been an absolute pleasure for me to come here and have this opportunity,” said Demuro, whose victories aboard Jazeelah (Musabbeh Al Mheiri) and HM Alchahine (Helal Alalawi) at Abu Dhabi on 3rd December have taken his UAE score to five.
That tally also includes his famous victory aboard Shahryar in the 2022 running of the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.
'everything new for me'
“They (agents) got me in contact with Saeed Bin Suroor to come here and I took this opportunity. I know a bit about Dubai from riding here in the past. I got a chance to see the Godolphin training centre and everything is new for me.
“I rode on dirt here in the UAE Derby last year (second on Dura Erede) and I rode in Japan on dirt and it’s a bit similar; more deep here but I hope I have good horses to ride on dirt.”
“This is a good opportunity and all the good horses will come for the big day so hope I can make an impact with the rides I have and get more contacts to ride big names. It’s just good to be here.