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| Staff Writer |
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Garrett O'Rourke, General Manager of Juddmonte Farms, is still basking in the afterglow of a momentous victory.
"On top of the ‘Dubai’ World!" he exclaims, his voice brimming with excitement. The reason for his elation? The Juddmonte homebred, Laurel River, has just conquered the prestigious Dubai World Cup, etching his name and Juddmonte's breeding prowess into racing history.
This win holds a special significance for Juddmonte. While their 2017 World Cup win with Arrogate was undeniably impressive, it came with a purchased horse. Laurel River, however, represents the culmination of meticulous breeding efforts undertaken by the entire Juddmonte team. "It was very satisfying for all the Juddmonte team that have been invested in his mating, conception, birth, development and training," says O'Rourke, highlighting the collective effort that led to this exceptional athlete. He further emphasises the symbolic nature of the win, stating, "Laurel River...also represents the new management under Prince Khalid’s family."
Bred for stamina, with both his first two dams sired by Belmont Stakes winners, Laurel River's aptitude for distance racing seemed preordained. However, whispers suggest a potential tilt at the shorter Saudi Cup next year. O'Rourke acknowledges the versatility hinted at by Laurel River's sireline, stating, "He has a lot of speed akin to the Storm Cat sireline from which he descends".
Ultimately, the final decision rests with the ownership group. "The family is discussing future plans for him, but his versatility gives options for sure," O'Rourke confirms.
Laurel River is the result of a conscious breeding strategy set in motion by Khaled Abdullah several years ago when Juddmonte became a supporter of the multiple leading national sire, Into Mischief, early on.
“When we invested in breeding to Into Mischief it was because we had a lot of well-bred Empire Maker mares and that was emerging as a strong cross,” noted O’Rourke.
The strategic use of the sire has been lauded over the years as the strategy has been a great success, with O'Rourke admitting, "Getting results from the cross like Mandaloun and now Laurel River is satisfying and somewhat of a relief as we banked heavily on the cross”.
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The 6YO Juddmonte star’s 13YO dam, Calm Water remains a vital part of Juddmonte's breeding program while his second dam, Soothing Touch, now 20, is has also done well over the years.
“On the Empire Maker cross, Emollient was a better racehorse than Calm Water who now has one up as a producer.
“Soothing Touch has obviously done well with Tapit too and has a very nice 2YO by Curlin but like a lot of good broodmares, she allows the stallion to express himself in the foal and she has been bred to top stallions.
"She is in foal to Flightline so maybe there is another Dubai World Cup candidate in utero in her future," O'Rourke reveals with a hint of optimism.
He elaborates on Juddmonte's approach to breeding Soothing Touch, stating, “She has a classic pedigree and is the type of mare who is mated with classic distances and races in mind.”
While O'Rourke hasn't met Laurel River’s winning trainer, Bhupat Seemar in person yet, he acknowledges the importance of maintaining continuity. "Douglas Erskine-Crum is our CEO and has been in Dubai with Bhupat a couple of times and as superstitious as horse people are, we had better not change a winning formula," he jokes. However, a meeting is planned soon, and O'Rourke describes his interactions with Seemar so far as "very easy and pleasant”.
While O'Rourke refrains from naming specific horses to watch in upcoming seasons, citing the need for further evaluation while assuring that Juddmonte's quest for the next champion continues.
Underlines Juddmonte's unwavering commitment to excellence, O'Rourke declares, "I think we are all motivated to keep Prince Khalid’s high standards as continuing goals.”
The Dubai World Cup victory marks a significant milestone for Juddmonte. Laurel River's win is not just a testament to his own talent, but also a validation of Juddmonte's meticulous breeding program and their dedication to upholding Prince Khalid's legacy. With a new generation at the helm and a renewed focus on classic distances, Juddmonte seems poised to write many more chapters in the storied history of thoroughbred racing.