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| Staff Writer |
In a stunning upset, Facteur Cheval (22/1) emerged victorious in the Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World, defeating a field filled with top contenders.
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Facteur Cheval, who boasted an impressive record of five wins out of seven starts as a three-year-old but had experienced a drought in victories since then, made a remarkable comeback on Saturday. He stunned a field of high-caliber competitors by triumphing in the US$5 million Gr.1 Dubai Turf at Meydan.
The 5YO progeny of the Godolphin-owned stallion Ribchester, showcased his pedigree when he unleashed a powerful surge of speed in response to jockey Maxim Guyon's urging. This impressive display enabled him to outpace the Japanese-trained duo of Namur and Danon Beluga.
As they crossed the finish line, only a short head and three-quarter lengths separated the triumphant trio.
Measure Time, under the guidance of two-time British champion jockey William Buick and trained by Charlie Appleby, appeared poised for victory as he surged to the lead with one furlong remaining in the thrilling Dubai Turf. However, he was overtaken in the final 50 meters of the race in yet another electrifying renewal.
Lord North, aiming to etch his name in history by clinching a fourth consecutive victory in the 1,800-meter contest, displayed admirable effort under the expertise of big race jockey Frankie Dettori. Yet he ultimately had to settle for eighth place.
Despite Lord North's attempt to secure a historic fourth victory on World Cup Night, the favourite, ridden by Frankie Dettori, failed to impact the outcome.
Most comprehensively, Nashwa led the field under Hollie Doyle's guidance but was overtaken by the late chargers in the straight.
The most intense battle unfolded in the middle of the track, where Facteur Cheval and Namur raced neck and neck. Ultimately, the French runner, ridden by Maxime Guyon, crossed the finish line just ahead of the Japanese challenger.
Facteur Cheval made his debut since finishing behind Big Rock on his preferred soft ground in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last October. However, he demonstrated exceptional adaptability by performing well in faster-track conditions.
Guyon, who won the Dubai Turf nine years ago aboard the brilliant Solow, was ecstatic with his latest victory, which lengthened the odds.
"This is his first run this year, and he runs well fresh," said the Frenchman. Everybody knows he is a champion. But you never know how good the ground is for him because he usually loves the soft ground, like when he finished a good second in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Ascot," added Guyon, who has ridden in the UK, Japan, and Hong Kong.
"He gave me a great turn of foot and wanted to fight to the line. I didn't want to go too early because he's been running over 1600 metres and was stepping up in trip slightly. For all that, I think he'll stay 2000 metres. I always had this thought at the back of my mind that it was his first run of the year, and it was further than he'd been running over. But I never felt like he would crack," emphasised Guyon.
Trainer Jerome Reynier expressed joy and pride in Facteur Cheval's performance, praising the horse's determination. He highlighted Guyon's flawless ride, which ensured the entire’s success.
"It's just amazing; I have no words. You know, 16 years ago, we were here with [Darley] Flying Start, and that was at Nad Al Sheba. I see a horse here that has been prepared the best way possible by Gregory [Davignon, work rider], and it's just amazing; I can't believe it," trainer Reynier said.
"I told Maxime I've never seen this horse go backwards at the finish; he always goes forward and gives his best. I had no doubts about the distance, and Maxime gave him a perfect ride; he had Lord North to follow and switched off during the race."
"He switched him to the outside and then waited long enough to save something for the end, and that's just amazing. I am so happy for my team. "It depends on how he recovers, but he can stay here and take it easy. He's adapted very well here and seems very happy, so maybe we could try Hong Kong next for the QE II Cup at the end of April," he added.
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Facteur Cheval was acquired for 145,000 gn at the Tattersalls November foal sale and later for €120,000 at the Arqana Deauville Select Yearling sale. He emerges as the standout performer among the two winners from the unraced Shamardal mare, Jawlaat. Jawlaat is a half-sister to Tantheem (Teofilo), a triple French Group III winner. Notably, Facteur Cheval marks a significant milestone as the first Group 1 victor sired by Ribchester (IRE), himself a triumphant figure in three Group 1 events, stepping into the esteemed lineage once held by his sire, Iffraaj at Haunui Farm.
Namur's jockey, Cristian Demuro, expressed disappointment at the narrow loss.
Demuro said, "It was very close. We had a good race; it went fast. We were going to win but couldn't get it."
Joao Moreira, who came in third behind Danon Beluga, commended his horse's performance despite narrowly missing out on victory.
Moreira said, "Danon Beluga didn't begin that well; we just had to give him a chance from there. He hugged the rail, saving ground. He took a little while to wind up and hit top speed towards the last furlong and a half. He dashed home like he could have arrived, but the finish line was too soon. I'm extremely proud of his performance. As I told the connections, it's a shame he didn't come home today as the winner, but I'm very proud of him."
The Dubai Turf showcased the captivating blend of athletic prowess and tactical acumen that defines horse racing at its finest. As the dust settles, all eyes turn towards the future, eager to see what triumphs await Facteur Cheval and the sport's other rising stars.
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