[ALL RACES] Dubai World Cup Carnival 2020 Opening Night

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Dubai World Cup Carnival - 02 January 2020.
Thursday’s first meeting of Meydan Racecourse’s eagerly awaited 2020 Dubai World Cup Carnival was highlighted by the Group 3 $200,000 Dubawi Stakes sponsored by Emirates NBD Private Banking. Over 1200m on the dirt track, the prep for the $2.5 million Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News was won in gritty fashion by G3 Hutcheson Stakes-winning American import Gladiator King, who gave trainer Satish Seemar an unprecedented sixth win in the race, which was inaugurated in 2011.
Making his local debut and first start in the colours of Ajman’s Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the 4-year-old Curlin colt chased the early pace under Mickael Barzalona before powering to the front about 250m from home and then finishing his race off in good style. Last-out Garhoud Sprint (Listed) winner Ibn Malik rallied gamely for second, but fell a neck short at the wire. Off slowly under Pat Dobbs, favourite Drafted finished a game third another 1½ lengths back. The final time was 1:11.29.
“We knew the race wasn’t going to be easy, but he was sharp and looked great,” Barzalona said. “I think he will come on a lot from this race, so I’m looking forward to next time. On the bend, I was travelling really comfortably and I knew he was a danger. I knew Drafted would be coming from behind, but he found an extra gear. He travels strong.”
Seemar added: “You know, when you first get a horse, there’s always a little worry and a little doubt, but this horse was training so well and really coming around. It feels great to get a win for Sheikh Rashid.”
Crowley and Dobbs were pleased with their mounts’ efforts, while both are likely to have a rematch with the winner in four weeks’ time in the Al Shindagha Sprint (G3) over the same trip.
“He ran really well,” Crowley said. “Obviously, he had the worst draw in nine and he probably covered a bit more ground than the winner did. Good run. It is nice that he is back in here and we’ll look ahead to some nice runs together.”
Dobbs added: “He ran super and was just a bit ring-rusty early. He got away slow and they got away from me. He took loads of kickback, which he doesn’t like. I thought I could maybe still get there, but he got tired the last furlong. He picked up really good, but he obviously missed a few weeks and felt that in the last furlong.”
Two $175,000 Listed races on turf sandwiched the Dubawi, the 1400m Meydan Challenge sponsored by Emirates NBD Asset Management and 2410m Dubai Racing Club Classic sponsored by Emirates NBD Wholesale Banking.
The Meydan Challenge was won in impressive style by 2019 DWC Carnival winner Major Partnership, carrying the Godolphin blue with jockey Pat Cosgrave for Saeed bin Suroor. Riding the rail through the lane after patiently waiting for room, the grey Irish-bred son of Iffraaj pushed clear to win by 1½ lengths over Zainhom, with G1 winner Suedois running admirably in third under top weight.
“I think he’s a better horse this year,” Cosgrave said. “He looks better, feels better and moves better. I had a lovely run down the fence and it worked out nicely.”
Bin Suroor added: “That was a great ride from Pat and we are obviously very happy. This horse has plenty of speed, so we thought this 1400m was ideal and so it worked out.”
Capping the evening was the DRC Classic, which was won in impressive late-running style by David Simcock-trained Universal Order by 1¼ lengths. Finishing a game second was favoured William Haggas pupil Pablo Escobarr, while well-fancied multiple DWC Carnival winner Mountain Hunter could only manage fifth. Richard Mullen was up on the winner.
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