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In a performance that sent shockwaves through the Dubai racing scene, Imperial Emperor produced a devastating display to claim the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Classic by eight lengths at Meydan. The Bhupat Seemar-trained runner, owned by Deva Racing, seized control of the AED 1,700,000 contest with consummate ease, securing a coveted berth in the US$12 million Dubai World Cup in the process.
Ridden with supreme confidence by Tadhg O'Shea, Imperial Emperor hit the front with devastating authority, powering clear of his rivals to register one of the most impressive victories of the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The magnitude of his success was emphasised by the calibre of opposition left trailing in his wake, with pre-race favourite Artorius, a son of 2017 Dubai World Cup winner Arrogate, only able to claim second place.
"Great position to be in. The horse is in tremendous form. I feel very privileged. Horses like this (Imperial Emperor) make my job very easy," remarked a delighted O'Shea after the race, paying tribute to the winner's exceptional performance.
Korean raider Global Hit, the sole representative from his country under jockey Hyesun Kim, ran a creditable race to finish third, outperforming several more fancied contenders in this prestigious dirt contest for 4YOs and upward.
Last year's Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge hero Kabir Khan endured another disappointing outing, finishing unplaced despite trainer Doug Watson's pre-race optimism. The son of California Chrome, who had been seventh when defending his Al Maktoum Challenge title in January, was drawn wide in stall nine in an effort to avoid the kickback that had troubled him previously.
"We thought we had him in good shape for his last race, off a ten-month layoff," Watson had commented before the contest. "I think that he just got in the kickback and then he lost his action. I like the draw, a little wide, to keep out of the kickback. I think he will run a nice race."
Unfortunately for connections, the 5YO entire was unable to recapture his best form despite the tactical approach.
Other notable performances came from Gr.2 Firebreak Stakes winner King Gold, while Guns And Glory, owned by Mrs Fitriani Hay and winner of the Emaar South Cup, and Go Soldier Go, who claimed the 2023 Al Bastakiya for trainer Fawzi Nass, both failed to make a significant impact.
The victory represents a remarkable achievement for Deva Racing's Managing Director Ryan Tongue, who acquired Imperial Emperor at Godolphin's Meydan sale. The horse, originally trained by Charlie Appleby, boasts an exceptional pedigree as a full brother to the Listed-placed First Ruler and out of the Gr.1 Man O'War Stakes winner Zhukova.
With Dubai World Cup night firmly on the horizon, Imperial Emperor has established himself as a genuine contender for the main event, continuing the remarkable rise of both his syndicate owners and trainer Bhupat Seemar. As the most valuable race of the night, the Al Maktoum Classic has once again served as a perfect stepping stone to World Cup glory, with this year's impressive winner now poised to take his place among the global elite on racing's richest night.