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| Staff Writer |
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The veteran Lord Glitters is heading to Meydan to attempt a repeat of last year’s Gr.1 Jebel Hatta success. The nine-year-old is a public favourite, will likely leave a big hole in his Upper Helmsley yard when he eventually retires.
The master of David O’Meara Racing Stable, with over 1,000 winners, was sent the son of Whipper as a 4YO, after which he won the prestigious Balmoral Handicap in only his second start. He went on to win seven more races over the next five years, in UK, Bahrain, and Dubai and he continues to perform extraordinarily at the ripe old age of nine in the Dubai world cup and has all eyes on him for the Super Saturday and upcoming Dubai Turf.
The 116 rated colt is right up there with his best ever, so despite his age he's not slowing down.
"He's been a brilliant horse for us and he'll be a hard horse to replace but as long as he enjoys his racing, and all the signs are he is, long may it last."
“It's unlikely that he's better (than last year) as he's getting older. He's nine. But he looks like he might be as good as last year,” said O’Meara of his stable hero who has upstaged many younger horses.
Lord Glitters enjoyed a successful stint in Dubai last winter, winning the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta and the Gr.2 Singspiel Stakes from five starts in the region. He has already topped the score by winning the Bahrain International Trophy as well as the Gr.2 Singspiel Stakes this season.
“He's going to follow the same route as last year. He's going to run in Jebel Hatta on Saturday.
All doing well, he will be going to the Dubai Turf,” said O’Meara.
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The son of Whipper out of the Homme de Loi mare Lady Glitters, Lord Glitters already has over US$2.3 million in career earnings. His biggest career victories were in the Gr.1 Queen Anne Stakes (2019) at Ascot Racecourse and the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan Racecourse.
The entire seems firmly on the same route as the past year.
“After we take him back to the UK, we plan to give him a little break for a week or two. He's nine now and it will be a similar program that he's followed before,” said the conditioner.
Saudi was under consideration for Lord Glitters in the winter, but the trainer decided to forego the trip, choosing to stick to more known racetracks.
“I feel that the Saudi track wouldn't suit him as well as Meydan. As I believe the straight in Saudi is too short.”
“We've been very lucky out in the Middle East. We've won in Qatar, Bahrain, and Dubai. If we have suitable (other) horses, we're very keen to take them out to race in the Middle East, as well.
“Saudi should be our next target".
Lord Glitters faces his old foes like the Godolphin owned duo Barney Roy and Zakouski, as well as Niels Petersen trained King David and Kick On among others.