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Former Assistant Trainer Achieves Dream Of Dubai World Cup Night Success
Rookie trainer Ahmad bin Harmash fulfilled his long-held ambition of saddling a Dubai World Cup night winner as Dark Saffron stormed to victory in the US$2,000,000 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan on Saturday.
The Emirati handler, who made headlines when securing his maiden training victory with just his second runner back in 2018, has steadily built his reputation in the intervening years and achieved the pinnacle of UAE racing when his progressive 5YO sprinter, ridden by Connor Beasley, outbattled American raider Nakatomi to land the prestigious 1200m dirt contest.
"This is beyond my wildest dreams," said an emotional bin Harmash, who previously served as assistant to Mubarak Bin Shafya at Al Aasfa Stables. "When I started training, I told reporters my goal was to have a runner on Dubai World Cup night. To not only participate but win a Group 1 is simply incredible."
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Tactical Masterclass Secures Golden Prize
Beasley delivered a perfectly-judged ride aboard Dark Saffron, settling his mount in midfield as the American-trained favourite blazed a trail through the early fractions. Angled wide turning for home, Sultan Ali's charge showed tremendous courage to run down Nakatomi, trained by Wesley Ward and ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, in the final furlong.
The winning margin of 0.34 lengths belied the authority of the performance, with Tuz from Bhupat Seemar's yard a further two lengths back in third under Tadhg O'Shea.
"He's improved with every start this season," explained Beasley, celebrating his first Group 1 success at Meydan. "We knew the pace would be hot with the Americans in the field, so I just wanted to get him balanced and give him a chance. When I asked him for his effort at the top of the straight, he really picked up and showed tremendous heart."
From Modest Beginnings To Global Glory
Dark Saffron's rise to the pinnacle of international sprinting represents a remarkable training achievement for bin Harmash. The gelding had shown promise when landing the Longines Spirit Zulu Time Stakes over course and distance just three weeks ago, but this performance represented a significant leap forward.
"We've always believed in this horse's ability," revealed bin Harmash. "After he beat Elusive Trevor last time, we felt he deserved his chance at the highest level, but realistically we were hoping for a placing. To actually win against this calibre of opposition is beyond our expectations."
The victory holds special significance for bin Harmash, who in a 2018 interview following his maiden training success, specifically mentioned his ambition to saddle a Dubai World Cup night winner, naming his then-stable star Jamr as a potential candidate.
While that particular dream didn't materialise with Jamr, the emergence of Dark Saffron has propelled bin Harmash onto the global stage and vindicated the faith shown in him by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum when granting him a training licence.
"This result demonstrates the growing strength of Emirati trainers on the international scene," reflected bin Harmash. "From assistant trainer to Group 1 winner on the world stage – it's been quite a journey, but we're only just getting started."