Cindy's Horse Racing Website Index

2009 UAE Derby Results


Jockey Alan Garcia smiles aboard Regal Ransom as they return after winning the UAE Derby.

Dubai World Cup results
Dubai Sheema Classic results
Dubai Duty Free results
Dubai Golden Shaheen results
Godolphin Mile results
Daily workout photos for the week

Date: 03/28/2009

The $2 million UAE Derby (G2) is the final leg of the UAE Triple Crown, and is used by Godolphin to determine which of their 3-year-olds earns a trip to the Kentucky Derby. However, unlike other Derbies, this one is open not only to 3-year-olds but also to Southern Hemisphere 4-year-olds. A field of 12 went to post in this 1800 meter (about 1 1/8 mile) trip on the main track at Nad al Sheba. As expected, Godolphin's main Kentucky Derby hope Desert Party was sent off as the 2-5 favorite, having won the Ford Flex Trophy in January and the UAE 2000 Guineas in February. In to challenge the stable star included 10-1 second choice Naval Officer, third in the Meydan Classic on the turf after winning the Prix de Conde at Longchamp, and 14-1 Jose Adan, second in the Al Bastakiya last time out.

Regal Ransom wins the UAE Derby over Desert Party

16-1 Regal Ransom and 25-1 So Shiny went to the front soon after the start and dueled for the lead for the first 7 furlongs, through fractions of 24.64, 48.15, and 1:13.06 over the fast main track, while Desert Party sat in mid-pack saving ground down on the rail early. Turning for home, So Shiny tired allowing Regal Ransom to take over the undisputed lead, getting the mile in 1:37.39. Jockey Frankie Dettori took Desert Party out and asked him for run at the 5/16 pole, as the favorite closed strongly on his stablemate. However, Regal Ransom held him off by just 1/2 a length at the line, getting the distance in 1:50.00. It was a long 15 lengths back to late running 16-1 Soy Libriano in third.

Results Chart for the race from Emirates Racing Authority. Results for US wagering:

3rd RACE NAD AL SHEBA - UAE DERBY (Group 2) 
 1 Regal Ransom          $28.80    $6.80    - 
 5 Desert Party                    $2.10    - 
11 Soy Libriano (ARG)              $7.80    - 
Running time - 1:50.00

$1 Exacta 1-5                $20.60
$1 Trifecta 1-5-11          $166.20
$1 Superfecta 1-5-11-7    $2,515.70


Left: Regal Ransom returns after the race.

Right: Regal Ransom heads for the winner's circle with trainer Saeed bin Suroor on the far right. Suroor said, "I always said this horse could be a surprise horse, I am happy with that, and we will see (about the Kentucky Derby) as there is no plan yet for him."


Left: Regal Ransom heads out of the paddock before the race.

Right: Regal Ransom returns to the barn in his new winner's blanket. Winning jockey Alan Garcia said, "I am so happy that I got the opportunity to ride and the plan worked perfectly. He relaxed in front and when the other horse came to him, he dug deep and found a bit more. This is my first experience of the Dubai World Cup and it is awesome."


Left: Second place finisher Desert Party in the post parade. His jockey Frankie Dettori said, "He ran flat. We beat the winner 4 3/4 lengths last time, but tonight I just could not get to him."

Right: Third place finisher Soy Libriano. His jockey Ahmed Ajtebi said, "I am very happy with third, I kicked him in the straight and he responded. The horses that came first and second are class. He stayed quite well, but he needs a shorter trip." Ajtebi had an excellent day as he went on to win both the Duty Free and Sheema Classic later in the card.

Dubai World Cup Links:

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