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Imperial Emperor is carrying the hopes of Worcester-based Deva Racing as they prepare for their biggest day on the international stage in the US$12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan.
While racing fans focus on Aintree's April festivities, the Deva Racing syndicate will be firmly fixed on the dazzling finale of Dubai's racing calendar, where their improving dirt performers take centre stage against global opposition.
The son of Dubawi has flourished since switching surfaces, transforming from Classic prospect to dirt specialist under the care of trainer Bhupat Seemar.
Once considered a Derby candidate when trained by Charlie Appleby in Newmarket, winning his first two starts, Imperial Emperor has found his true calling on the Middle East circuit. The 5YO has secured three victories from four outings for his new connections, most recently producing an eye-catching performance on Super Saturday.
"It's what dreams are made of and we never thought this would happen," said Ryan Tongue, Deva Racing's director and bloodstock agent, who was born and raised in Worcester and worked at the racecourse in his early days.
Imperial Emperor now faces his toughest assignment, challenging Japanese stars Forever Young and 2023 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro in the prestigious contest.
"Our first horse in Dubai, Royal Mews, took us to the Godolphin Mile, which was fantastic, but for our second horse out there to take us to the Dubai World Cup is a dream and we're competing against the best," Tongue continued.
"It's going to be an amazing day and who would have expected it? We paid around US$81,000 for him and we love buying horses over there, the incentives are fantastic, the weather and the prize money is great and you get so well looked after by the Dubai Racing Club."
The syndicate's bargain purchase boasts an enviable bloodline, being out of Zhukova, a Group One-winning mare related to superstar Ghaiyyath.
"He was second-favourite for the Derby at one stage and he is by Dubawi, who does exceptionally well on the dirt, which is why we liked him," explained Tongue, who previously purchased future Grand National hero I Am Maximus as a 3YO.
"His dam Zhukova was a Group One-winning mare and related to Ghaiyyath and it was just a fantastic pedigree. He looked fantastic at the sales, and we couldn't believe we got him for that price."
The thrill of international competition has inspired Deva Racing to expand their global footprint, with an exciting American venture already in motion.
"We've joined up with Wesley Ward in America and have one lovely 2YO there which we own with John Magnier and fingers crossed he will be Royal Ascot-bound," added Tongue.
The promising colt, by No Nay Never out of Girl Friday, is generating considerable buzz ahead of his planned debut at Keeneland next month.
"He will make his debut at Keeneland next month, but I know they are very adamant he's a very good 2YO, so hopefully we get to mix it up with the big boys at Royal Ascot as well."