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| Staff Writer |
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Laurel River, joint winner of the 2024 Longines World's Best Racehorse award, has been ruled out of the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup following a training setback. The news about the Bhupat Seemar-trained star emerged through racing broadcaster Nick Luck on February 12.
The Juddmonte homebred remains on course for a defence of his Gr.1 Dubai World Cup crown at Meydan on April 5, where he will bid to follow up last year's spectacular triumph.
"He had a small setback in training and missed his intended workout for the Saudi Cup," Seemar said in a statement posted on X by the Dubai Racing Club. "We will keep him in Dubai and aim him at the Dubai World Cup."
The 7YO's remarkable journey began in America under Bob Baffert, where he clinched four victories from seven starts, including the Gr.2 Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar in 2022. His Dubai career commenced in January 2024, progressing through a Gr.3 Burj Nahaar victory before his devastating 8 1/2-length World Cup rout.
Following a well-earned rest, the champion returned to action on January 24 at Meydan, finishing second in the Gr.3 Firebreak Stakes after setting the pace, only to be caught on the line. Despite this Saudi Cup setback, connections remain focused on maintaining his status as one of the world's premier dirt performers.