Dubai's Master Trainer: Bhupat Seemar Takes Aim At Saudi Glory

World's Highest-Rated Dirt Horse Returns

The jewel in Seemar's crown, Laurel River, heads to Saudi seeking redemption after his narrow defeat in the Gr.3 Firebreak Stakes. The Juddmonte-owned 7YO’s peculiar pattern of needing a run after a break doesn't concern his handler, who has witnessed this trait since the horse's days with Bob Baffert.

"That wasn't the plan, but this is how it's happening," Seemar explains. "Last year for us, he didn't win first up, and then he won his next two. This year he was very close . He put in some good early fractions and then just got tired at the end. He carried a penalty as well for winning a Group One."

The preparation has gone smoothly since his comeback run. "He doesn't have to do much now — he's ready. I'm just hoping he will travel well and everything will go right from here to then," Seemar notes.

Irish jockey Tadhg O'Shea shares the stable's optimism. "He's the highest-rated dirt horse in the world, has only turned seven and is very lightly raced. We're happy with him, he looks great and the engine is still there," he enthuses.

The track condition in Riyadh is the trainer's only concern. "The track in Saudi is a little bit deep and slow.”

Stars Rising For Home Connection

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline surrounds Walk of Stars, whose transformation from Godolphin Mile runner-up to Group One winner has coincided with a deepening relationship between Seemar and Saudi Arabia's Athbah Racing. His recent domination of the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge, leading home a stable quinella, showcased his evolution into one of the region's premier dirt performers.

"Walk of Stars is a very talented but quirky horse," Seemar notes, reflecting on his Godolphin Mile performance. "In all fairness to him, he beat the horse next to him, who was the previous year's Godolphin Mile winner. But he got beat by a horse he couldn't see, who was on the further side."

The trainer is candid about the challenges ahead. "The only concern is that Walk of Stars is like a 2YO horse . He looks at everything and gets spooked by everything. So I'm hoping that he will be straightforward in Riyadh."

O'Shea , who has developed a strong partnership with the son of Dubawi, describes him as "a front-runner, but not a runaway." This tactical versatility could prove crucial in the Saudi Cup, where adaptability often determines success.

"In fact, I think he would like that track because he has been a grass horse and would probably go on that deep track better,"O'Shea explains.

French Import Joins Elite Squad

The newest addition to Seemar's arsenal, Trafalgar Square, arrives with sterling European credentials and a US$1.25 million price tag from the Arqana Arc Sale. The French import, purchased by emerging Libyan owner Omar Esmil Ghrghar, brings Group-level form and a pedigree steeped in classic potential through his relation to Group One-placed Times Square.

"He's a very classy horse," Seemar reflects, outlining ambitious plans that stretch beyond the Red Sea Handicap. "Though we haven't known him that long, like most horses in the Zabeel stable, they improve once we get to know them and get a handle on them." While acknowledging that ideally, they would have given him a preparatory run, Seemar remains confident about going straight to Saudi, with the Dubai World Cup pencilled in as the next target.

The partnership with Libyan owner Ghrghar has already begun bearing fruit, with five horses now under Seemar's care. Deep Hope tackles Meydan despite a challenging wide draw, while Bad Desire and The Camden Colt represent the stable at Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi, respectively. The Camden Colt, in particular, has shown promise with an impressive second behind a highly-rated Godolphin runner. "He's a young horse, and I think he can come back in distance to 7 furlongs as he's won over 6." Bhupat asserts.

Building Global Partnerships

Beyond the immediate pursuit of Saudi Cup glory, Seemar's role in developing new powerhouse owners in the region emerges as a fascinating subplot. His partnership with the Ghrghar family and Saudi Arabia's HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Athbah Stud represents the changing face of Middle East racing.

"Omar is a young man and a very enthusiastic owner," Seemar says of Ghrghar, who has quickly built a significant string across Libya, France, Ireland, and the UAE. "His whole family is very enthusiastic and passionate. I met his father, who's a real gentleman, and his brother. I think if they keep going the way they're going, they will be prominent owners."

Similarly, his success with Athbah Stud's transition from Arabian racing to Thoroughbreds marks a significant milestone. " HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is a big owner in Saudi Arabia. They mainly have Arabian horses, and then they ventured into Thoroughbreds. I think their first Thoroughbred was with me, and now they have one or two in Saudi Arabia as well."

The success of Walk of Stars holds special significance for these connections. "I'm glad I was able to win their first Group One race with a Thoroughbred," he reflects. "It's going to be a long road. Hopefully, from now on we'll acquire some right horses, and going forward, I think they could be a force to reckon with."

The Saudi Cup meeting represents more than just another international racing challenge for Seemar. It's a testament to his ability to source, develop, and place horses at the highest level while nurturing relationships with emerging forces in global racing. The bloodstock acumen demonstrated in acquiring horses like Walk of Stars, whose pedigree traces back to Group One winners Nathaniel and Playful Act, speaks to a deep understanding of both pedigree and performance.

As the final preparations are completed and shipping arrangements finalised, Seemar's measured optimism speaks volumes about his evolution from successful local trainer to international force. The Saudi Cup meeting may well prove to be another defining moment in that journey, with the potential to cement further his position among the global elite of Thoroughbred handlers.