        |
|
 |
|
|
 Sterling City's owners Gary Ling Kay Wai (left) and Ling Chiu Shing (right) kiss the trophy after winning the Dubai Golden Shaheen
Dubai World Cup results |
There are two sprints held on Dubai World Cup night, one on the "dirt" and one on the turf. The $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) is the feature sprint event on the card, contested at 1200 meters (about 6 furlongs) around one turn of the Tapeta main track. Sterling City was sent off as the 5-2 favorite in the field of 13 off his close third in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1) in Hong Kong. In to challenge him included 7-2 second choice Rich Tapestry, winner of the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3), the main local prep for this race, and defending champion and 4-1 third choice Reynaldothewizard, second in the Mahab Al Shimaal last out.
 The cavalry charge down the stretch in the Golden Shaheen |
Results Chart for the race from Emirates Racing Authority which includes a link to the video replay. Results for US wagering:
6th RACE Maydan Racecourse - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN (Group 1) 4 Sterling City $7.40 $3.00 - 12 Rich Tapestry - $4.00 - 7 United Color - $15.60 - Running time - 1:10.88 $1.00 EXACTA 4-12 $16.60 $1.00 TRIFECTA 4-12-7 $314.40 $1.00 SUPERFECTA 4-12-7-5 $1,840.10
Left: Sterling City in the winner's enclosure. Winning trainer John Moore said, "I didn't expect it to unfold like that. He was closer than I thought he'd be, but it is all about the rider. He is a magician. I am ecstatic to win here in Dubai, it's every trainer's dream. This has been a Team Moore effort as my daughter Caroline is the groom and my son George the work rider. Rich Tapestry's facile win the other day made me think my fellow had a chance today. The jockey said he didn't like it early on the all-weather, but once he got him clear, he flew home. It's one International meeting at a time, but his next target could be the Singapore Krisflyer Sprint in May and then we can think about Ascot."
Right: Sterling City warms up before the race. Jockey Joao Moreira said, "Last time he ran to his best but he couldn't handle the surface. When he gets kick back in his face, he comes off the bit. Without kickback in his face, he finishes strong. Once I gave him a clear run he just showed off. He's a very good horse. Rich Tapestry had the experience of racing here before and my horse didn't, but once I got to his outside, I knew my horse was going to kick in. He's lovely and such a pleasure. There is more to come."
Left: Second place finisher Rich Tapestry in the walking ring. Jockey Olivier Doleuze said, "I got run down by a good horse. I had the trip I wished to have. When I asked him under pressure, he gave me his kick. He travelled very well throughout the race but he went from going very good to full power without it making much difference. He gave me a short burst but then he stopped a little bit after that."
Right: Third place finisher United Color heads out for the post parade. Jockey William Buick said, "They have gone very fast and he got a little outpaced. He ran on so well, though, and it was the race of his life. I am thrilled for him and his connections."
 Down the stretch in the Al Quoz Sprint with winner Amber Sky on the outside. |
The $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (G1) is contested at 1000 meters (about 5 furlongs) on the turf straightaway at Meydan. A field of 12 older horses went to post with defending champion Shea Shea sent off as the 4-5 dfavorite off his win in the Meydan Sprint (G3), the local prep for this event. In to challenge him included 5-2 second choice Amber Sky, winner of the Century Sprint Cup (G1) in Hong Kong, and 8-1 third choice Sole Power, fourth in the Meydan Sprint after finishing second in the Hong Kong Sprint (G1).
Jockey Joao Moreira sent Amber Sky to the lead immedialy and he got the opening quarter in 23.39 over the firm course while stalked by 17-1 Berlino di Tiger and 11-1 Ahtoug. With a furlong to go, through 1/2 in 44.55, Amber Sky continued to hold a short lead on Ahtoug. Shea Shea, last early, put in a strong rally but Amber Sky was able to hold off Ahtoug by a neck in gate-to-wire style, getting the trip in a course record of 56.21 seconds. It was just a head back to Shea Shea third.
Results Chart for the race from Emirates Racing Authority which includes a link to the video replay. Results for US wagering:
5th RACE Maydan Racecourse - AL QUOZ SPRINT (Group 2) 8 Amber Sky $7.80 $3.20 - 11 Ahtoug - $5.80 - 12 Shea Shea - $2.10 - Running time - 56.21 $1.00 EXACTA 8-11 $101.50 $1.00 TRIFECTA 8-11-12 $476.60 $1.00 SUPERFECTA 8-11-12-4 $3,880.70
Left: Amber Sky in the winner's enclosure. Winning trainer Ricky Yiu said, "It was always the plan to come here and win an international race. The King's Stand at Royal Ascot is a possible target but I will talk to the owners first. It's a stiff five furlongs uphill at Ascot so it would be a new challenge but he's an improving horse. I'm just very relieved he won. It was tough. They were all coming at him in the last 100m and I was worried that he might get tired but he fought really well."
Right: Amber Sky in the paddock. Jockey Joao Moreira said, After winning a race like this, I couldn't be any better. He's a fast horse and very easy to ride. He proved himself worldwide. He's a very special horse. I was able to not let him go too fast in the early stages. When I asked him to kick, he just gave me another gear and kept going to the line. Near the line, there were a few horses attacking me but he was just too good for them."
Left: Second place finisher Ahtoug heads out to the track before the race. Jockey TMickael Barzalona said, "He ran very well. He has run well here all year and has done so again tonight. I am thrilled with him." Trainer Trainer Charlie Appleby added, "He has thrived out here and has been so consistent all Carnival. He has improved with each run and we'll aim towards the King's Stand at Royal Ascot. He deserves a chance there after that."
Right: Third place finisher and beaten favorite Shea Shea in the walking ring. Jockey Christophe Soumillon said, "He jumped slow from the gate this time. The pace was very strong and could get no other position than last. By the time I got him running, the winner had gone. The winner must be a very good horse to break the track record."
Dubai World Cup Links:
Back to Horse-Races.Net main page