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From Power Lunch To Powerhouse
A remarkable journey that began with a chance lunch meeting five years ago culminated in glory at Meydan as Raging Torrent stormed to victory in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile. The California-based gelding, owned by Zhang Yuesheng and Great Friends Stables, powered home under the masterful guidance of Lanfranco Dettori to claim the US$1,000,000 prize.
Trained by Doug O'Neill, Raging Torrent built on his impressive Gr.1 Malibu Stakes victory at Santa Anita last December with a commanding performance on the Dubai dirt. The 5YO tracked the leaders through the early stages before unleashing a devastating turn of foot in the final furlong to pull clear of his rivals, winning by an emphatic 3.5 lengths. King Gold stayed on for second, with Kazu Petrin finishing a further length behind in third.
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Dado's Dream Realised
For Craig Dado, co-founder of Great Friends Stable, this international triumph represents the pinnacle of a racing journey that began during his 30-year executive career at Del Mar and Santa Anita. "To win on the global stage is beyond anything we could have imagined when we started Great Friends Stable in 2007," Dado remarked post-race.
The victory holds special significance for Mark Davis, a key figure behind Raging Torrent's success story. Despite being allergic to horses, Davis dove headfirst into racing ownership five years ago following that fateful lunch with a horse-obsessed teenager named Gillian Guerra – a meeting arranged by Dado himself.
Dettori Delivers Again
Age continues to be merely a number for the evergreen Dettori, who delivered a tactical masterclass aboard Raging Torrent. Securing his fourth victory in the Godolphin Mile, the Italian maestro timed his challenge to perfection, waiting patiently behind the French-trained King Gold before pouncing at the optimal moment.
"He's a proper dirt horse with a magnificent turn of foot," Dettori explained. "Doug had him in peak condition today, and I just needed to find the right position. When I asked him for his effort, he responded immediately. These California horses are tough competitors on the dirt."
With this Dubai triumph adding to victories at Del Mar and Santa Anita, Raging Torrent has established himself as a genuine globetrotter. Connections hinted that South Korea could be the next international target, continuing an extraordinary journey that began with a simple lunch conversation in California.