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| Staff Writer |
Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior dominated proceedings at Meydan's prestigious Fashion Friday meeting, cementing his status as one of the world's finest with a commanding victory. The nine-time Gr.1 winner's triumph was, however, overshadowed by the tragic loss of Measured Time, who suffered a fatal injury just before the finish line. The evening showcased nine high-class races with several track records falling, serving as both a crucial dress rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup and a significant pointer towards the upcoming Saudi Cup meeting.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai attended the spectacular evening which featured 99 horses competing for a total prize pool of AED10.53 million. The presence of the UAE's leader highlighted the significance of the meeting as a key stepping stone towards both the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup.
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In Gr.1 Jebel Hatta, Romantic Warrior delivered a devastating performance under James McDonald, overcoming Measured Time's bold front-running tactics to score by four and a half lengths from Poker Face. Trainer Danny Shum said: "He's a really good horse - he's talented, smart and easy to look after. He's one of the best in the world." The champion, who has now won at the highest level in four different countries, could make his dirt debut in the Saudi Cup, though connections remain cautious about the surface switch.
The Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge saw Walk Of Stars continue his remarkable dirt transformation with a dominant front-running display under Tadhg O'Shea. The Bhupat Seemar-trained 6YO powered clear to defeat stablemate Imperial Emperor by three lengths. "He's a big, powerful galloper," said O'Shea. "It was a great performance on the night and it's great to get a Group 1 under his belt." The Saudi Cup appears next on the agenda before a potential tilt at the Dubai World Cup.
The Gr.3 Firebreak Stakes produced the evening's biggest upset as World's Best Racehorse Laurel River suffered a shock defeat on his return. Despite establishing a clear lead, the Dubai World Cup winner tired late as French raider King Gold swooped under Adrie de Vries to score by a head. "I was shouting for second and so happy to be second to the world champion and then I couldn't believe it, I won!" said an elated Marine Henry, wife and assistant to trainer Nicolas Caullery. King Gold will target the Gr.3 Burj Nahaar on Super Saturday before the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile.
George Scott's West Acre smashed the track record in an impressive display in the Gr.2 Blue Point Sprint. The 3YO gelding, ridden by Callum Shepherd, showcased explosive speed, prompting Shepherd to say: "It was a very special performance. He's got a potent turn of foot." Scott outlined plans targeting the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint on Super Saturday before the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night.
The Gr.2 Al Fahidi Fort saw world-class jockey James McDonald make a perfect start to his Meydan career aboard Marbaan. The Michael Costa-trained gelding set a new track record in defeating last year's winner Mysterious Night. "He's done so well since his run at Abu Dhabi," said Costa. "I think we've found his niche distance now." Costa will plot a path towards World Cup night for his improving charge.
Golden Vekoma stamped his classic credentials with a professional victory in the Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas under Connor Beasley. The Ahmad bin Harmash-trained colt overcame a wide draw, with Beasley noting: "He's a horse we've always thought a lot of and he's a horse who's only going to get better. The world's his oyster." A trip to the Saudi Derby awaits where his connections believe he can continue his progression.
The Gr.3 Al Shindagha Sprint confirmed Tuz's dominance of the local sprint division as he secured his fourth consecutive victory. The Seemar-trained 8YO, ridden by O'Shea, powered clear of Colour Up, with O'Shea declaring: "He's a machine around here. He's playing games with the opposition at the moment." The champion sprinter remains on course to defend his Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen crown.
In the Gr.3 Al Khail Trophy, Keffaaf provided McDonald with a treble, battling gamely to hold off King Of Conquest by a neck over the stamina-testing 2810m. The Costa-trained 6YO showed tremendous courage in a finish that points towards an exciting Dubai Gold Cup challenge on World Cup night.
The opening Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 for Purebred Arabians saw Unleashed continue his meteoric rise with another track record performance. Richie Mullen's mount made all the running to score impressively for trainer Jaber Bittar, with Mullen stating: "He's very uncomplicated... The Kahayla Classic is only another half a furlong so I think he will stay."
Looking Ahead
This spectacular evening of racing not only provided crucial insights for both the Saudi Cup meeting and Dubai World Cup night but also showcased the truly international appeal of UAE racing, with winners representing multiple racing jurisdictions and several track records falling throughout a memorable card that served as a perfect preview for the upcoming international racing festivals.