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| Staff Writer |
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From British Racing School graduate to Dubai carnival contender, Ryan Tongue's meteoric rise in Thoroughbred racing reflects a journey fuelled by ambition and precision. The Managing Director of Deva Racing has emerged as a significant force in international racing, with his latest sensation, Imperial Emperor, not just dominating Dubai's competitive racing scene but announcing himself as a serious Godolphin Mile prospect after clocking a time faster than this year's winner of the prestigious race.
"When he won Meydan last Friday the clock was actually quicker than the Godolphin Mile this year. There's no point going back to the turf, we'll stay on the dirt. Whether it's a Godolphin Mile or the Dubai World Cup, we'll see how he capitalises on 24 January in the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge."
Tongue's journey began at the British Racing School in Newmarket, where he cut his teeth working for trainer Oliver Greenall during a three-year stint that would lay the foundation for his future success. His natural aptitude for studying form and engaging with people led him to Channel 4 Racing, where he honed his communications skills, hosting racegoers at prestigious venues from Cheltenham to Windsor.
Today, his syndicate collaborates with an impressive roster of elite trainers across three countries, including six-time Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson, Hugo Palmer at Michael Owen's Manor House Stables, and UAE Champion Trainer Bhupat Seemar. The syndicate has expanded to include exciting young trainers Olly Murphy, Ben Pauling, and Christian Williams, creating a diverse portfolio that spans both flat and National Hunt racing.
"I'm still learning, and I will always learn," Tongue says, reflecting on his journey. "With experience around the world, I've been fortunate. I bought a Grand National winner, I Am Maximus, who won the Grand National this year to then Imperial Emperor. We're going to be Group One quality."
The acquisition of Imperial Emperor at Godolphin's Meydan sale marked a turning point for Deva Racing. "His breeding is just exceptional. When Godolphin had their yearly sale at Meydan in April, I saw Imperial Emperor. I liked him straightaway as he had the stamp of Dubawi, his dam, and has got bloodlines to phenomenal career wins. He was the second favourite for the UK Derby as a 3YO."
Originally trained by Charlie Appleby, Imperial Emperor's pedigree speaks volumes - he's a full brother to the Listed-placed First Ruler and out of the Gr.1 Man O'War Stakes winner Zhukova. The 4YO made an impressive winning debut over a mile at Newmarket's Rowley Mile course on his only outing as a 2YO, followed by a winning comeback on the July Course at three.
"Speaking to Bhupat, he loves the Dubawis who capitalise on going on the dirt, and that's what he relished. We think he's going to keep improving. He's not been with Bhupat for long - he's been there since April. We've had two career wins over a mile.”
Tongue's expansion into Dubai racing began with Royal Mews, their first Dubai venture. "We travelled over, and we met Bhupat at Zabeel stables. What an amazing place that was. Royal Mews also took us to Godolphin Mile and Super Saturday, and that's how I linked up with Bhupat. He's been a fantastic trainer. Stats tell you all - he's just doing incredibly well," he enthuses.
His approach to selecting horses for Middle East racing demonstrates deep market understanding: "Other horses in the UK might be lower-grade horses. There's no point in them going to the Middle East because it's very competitive racing. I would always look first at the pedigree of the horse; look at the sire. Have they done well in Dubai and the Middle East? I like to get the trainer's approval first because two minds are better than one. And I always believe that."
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With 28 horses across the world, including one with Wesley Ward in the US targeting Royal Ascot, Tongue's ambitions extend beyond Dubai. His syndicate management approach prioritises owner engagement through the Racing Manager app. "Each horse has its page where owners receive notifications for various updates, including race performances, gallop sessions, breeding activities, declarations, entries, and race-free plays. Because that's all about the experience of racehorse ownership. And that's hopefully what Deva Racing did."
The contrast between racing jurisdictions has helped shape his international strategy. "The difference is in the prize money in Dubai," Tongue explains. "Godolphin's Sheikh Mohammed put those horses in the sale because they want to boost the whole caliber of racing in Dubai."
Beyond Dubai, his horizons continue to expand across the Gulf region. "We had a horse in Bahrain. Unfortunately, he didn't win gave us a great experience. They looked after us really well - the Bahrain authorities were just fantastic. And the incentives over there with the prize money is just phenomenal."
Imperial Emperor's recent performances have particularly showcased Deva Racing's growing prominence in Middle East racing. In November, he clinched victory in the Emirates Airline Handicap, demonstrating his versatility by overcoming a challenging wide draw. This was followed by his impressive Palm Jebel Ali Handicap triumph, where under Tadhg O'Shea, he did all the running to win convincingly despite carrying top weight.
"Racing is expanding to a huge degree. The Middle East definitely is a key player in that industry. I totally value that."
Alongside his commercial success, Tongue has maintained a strong commitment to racing's charitable causes. His fundraising efforts, including raising US$28,125 for the Injured Jockeys Fund alongside Professional Jockey David Crosse, demonstrate his dedication to giving back to the industry that shaped him. He continues to support various causes, including St Richards Hospice, Primrose Hospice, and the Midlands Air Ambulance.
Deva Racing's vision extends beyond traditional syndicate models, embracing a future where technology, transparency, and international opportunities converge. With partnerships spanning from Nicky Henderson's prestigious UK yard to Bhupat Seemar's powerful Dubai operation, Tongue has created a syndicate structure that offers owners unprecedented access to global racing opportunities. The success of Imperial Emperor has validated this innovative approach, demonstrating that well-selected horses, placed strategically in the right jurisdictions, can compete at the highest levels of international racing.
"We're not just selling shares in horses," Tongue reflects, "we're offering partners an opportunity to participate in racing across the world's most prestigious venues." This global vision, combined with real-time digital updates and hands-on management, represents a new era in syndicate operations. With plans for expansion across the Gulf region and a growing reputation for identifying top-class talent, Deva Racing is redefining what is possible for modern racing syndicates.
As Imperial Emperor continues his march toward Dubai World Cup night, he carries not just the hopes of his connections but also serves as a standard-bearer for this innovative approach to international horse racing ownership. The future looks bright for Ryan Tongue and Deva Racing as they continue to bridge the gap between traditional syndicate values and the exciting possibilities of global racing.
Looking ahead, expansion plans are already in motion. "We're very lucky. I've got some great homes in Dubai that already said they want to have a couple more horses for next year. We're already on the lookout over the next few months to put a couple more syndicates together over there." This growth is carefully managed, with each horse selected to meet the specific demands of racing in the Middle East.
"I like to go worldwide," Tongue concludes. "I like to share great racing across the world, and Dubai is one of the best. We will be using that to full advantage." With Imperial Emperor's continued success generating increasing interest - "some are asking if Imperial Emperor's for sale, but he's not for a while, not quite yet." It certainly seems that Ryan Tongue and Deva Racing are names we'll be hearing much more of in international racing circles.
The story of Ryan Tongue and Deva Racing represents the changing face of modern Thoroughbred racing, where traditional expertise meets global ambition and where success is measured not just in winners but in building lasting international partnerships. As Imperial Emperor prepares for his next challenge in the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge, it's clear that this is just the beginning of Deva Racing's global racing adventure.