 |
|
| Superadmin |
Dramatic Finish
In a heart-stopping conclusion to one of the most anticipated races of the Dubai World Cup meeting, Japanese raider Soul Rush produced a performance of tremendous courage to claim the $5,000,000 Gr.1 Dubai Turf by the narrowest of margins. Trained by Yasutoshi Ikee and ridden with consummate skill by Cristian Demuro, the 7YO son of Rulership showed tremendous resolution to resist the late surge of Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in a pulsating finish.
 |
Tactical Masterclass
The race unfolded at a strong, even gallop with several runners keen to establish a prominent early position. Demuro settled Soul Rush in mid-division, allowing the Japanese stallion to find his rhythm while keeping the leaders within striking distance. As the field turned into the straight, Demuro began to wind up his mount, navigating a clear path through the pack with expert timing.
Meanwhile, James McDonald aboard Romantic Warrior had the Hong Kong champion perfectly positioned to strike, while Tom Marquand on William Haggas' Maljoom was beginning to make headway from further back. The stage was set for a dramatic finale as the principals converged inside the final furlong.
Fierce Battle To The Line
Soul Rush hit the front with 150 metres to race, but was immediately joined by Romantic Warrior, who had powered alongside under McDonald's urgings. The pair engaged in a titanic duel through the closing stages, with neither horse willing to yield. As they flashed past the post locked together, the packed Meydan grandstands held their collective breath awaiting the judge's verdict.
When Soul Rush's number was announced as the winner by a nose, the Japanese contingent erupted in celebration. It was a tremendous performance from a horse who has developed into one of Japan's premier middle-distance performers, adding this prestigious international success to his impressive domestic record, which includes last November's Mile Championship at Kyoto.
For trainer Ikee, who is based in Hong Kong, this triumph represents another significant international achievement, while for owner Tatsue Ishikawa, the victory marks the pinnacle of his involvement in the sport. Romantic Warrior lost nothing in defeat, confirming his world-class credentials with another tremendous display for trainer Danny Shum and owner Peter Lau Pak Fai.
Maljoom ran a tremendous race in third for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, finishing strongly to suggest he will be a force in Europe's premier middle-distance events this season.
The 7YO has now won six races from his career starts, has proven a remarkably consistent performer at the highest level. This victory, worth $2,850,000 to connections, takes his career earnings past the US$7 million mark and further enhances his value as a future stallion prospect.
As winner of the Dubai Turf, the son of Rulership has now secured an automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Mile, giving connections an exciting target later in the year should they choose to campaign him in America.
For racegoers who have followed the Japanese star throughout his career, this success represents another profitable outcome, with his overall ROI now standing at an impressive 48 percent. On this evidence, Soul Rush remains at the peak of his considerable powers and will be a formidable opponent wherever he appears next.