Dubai World Cup round-up: Shea Shea beats own Meydan track record in Al Quoz Sprint

Cavalryman makes it five on the trot for Godolphin in Dubai Gold Cup, while Rynaldothewizard wins US$2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, writes Amith Passela.

March 30, 2013 (Dubai) Jockey Richard Mullen (5) in Yellow riding Reynaldo The Wizard owned by Zabeel Racing International, Corp wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen at the Dubai World Cup March 30, 2013. (Sammy Dallal / The National)Show less

Dubai Golden Shaheen

Reynaldothewizard signed off the season with his biggest career prize, the US$2 million (Dh7.34m) Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. The Satish Seemar-trained seven year old, ridden by Richard Mullen, completed a hat trick on the Tapeta at Meydan. The "wizard" won over the course and distance on January 14 and repeated it on Super Saturday, three weeks ago, before last night's triumph. "I had the perfect trip. He was always travelling well," Mullen said. "He gave me everything in the straight. This is the best win of my career. It's unbelievable and I'm so happy for Satish and all his team, and Zabeel Racing, his owners. I'm overjoyed."

See a picture gallery of yesterday's action on the track and outfits in the stands at Meydan Racecourse.

Al Quoz Sprint

Shea Shea blazed the Meydan turf track to win the Al Quoz Sprint and complete a double for the trainer Mike de Kock. The son of National Emblem broke his own course record, 57.02 seconds set on Super Saturday three weeks ago, by clocking 56.41 under Christophe Soumillon. "I'm not surprised to win a race like this, after his last run, because that race was as good as this one," the winning rider said. "I was confident. He likes to come late and catch them on the line and it worked out perfectly." De Kock said Shea Shea will go to Royal Ascot for the King's Stand Stakes.

UAE Derby

Having broken the Saeed bin Suroor-Mike de Kock domination of the UAE Derby last year with Daddy Long Legs, Lines Of Battle provided the trainer Aidan O'Brien with a second win in the race for three year olds. "We wanted the race to be a true test but it wasn't because of the slow pace, which made it a good win in the circumstances," O'Brien said. "We are very pleased with him and we'll go to the Kentucky Derby with him." Secret Number, the Godolphin runner, was third. Silvestre de Sousa, the jockey, said: "I was further back than I wanted to be. I had to come wide and then he ran on well but it wasn't his day."

Dubai Gold Cup

Cavalryman kept the Dubai Gold Cup in Godolphin's hands for the fifth year since the 3,200m race was introduced in 2009. "Everything went to plan for me," Silvestre de Sousa, the winning jockey, said. "It was a bit slow to halfway and I was happy when the pace quickened. My horse travelled well and quickened up nicely." The seven year old pulled away on the home stretch to win by three lengths from stablemate Ahzeemah.

Godolphin Mile

Soft Falling Rain extended his unbeaten run to seven when winning the Godolphin Mile, his third win on the Tapeta at Meydan. "It was an amazing race and a great thrill," said Paul Hanagan, the jockey. "It ranked with my best-ever wins. Before this, my best was on Mayson in the July Cup last year." Mike de Kock added: "I always liked this horse. I thought he could win, but in the race I was worried. I knew he'd won when he crossed the line." Soft Falling Rain will go to Royal Ascot and enter the Queen Anne Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

* Amith Passela

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