Laurel River turned the Dubai World Cup into a procession when running out a wide-margin winner for local trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O’Shea.
Formerly trained by Bob Baffert, the Juddmonte-owned six-year-old was trying the 10-furlong trip for the first time but with two furlongs to run had the race won.
The likes of Derma Sotogake, Ushba Tesoro, Newgate and Kabirkhan had garnered most of the pre-race talk, with Laurel River almost sneaking in under the radar.
It looked a brave decision to step him up in trip, despite winning a Group Three by almost seven lengths over a mile last time out.
O’Shea was allowed to dictate the race from a long way out and under no pressure, he went further and further clear.
Entering the final furlong, he was still 10 lengths ahead and while Laurel River understandably got tired late on, he crossed the line well ahead of Ushba Tesoro and Senor Buscador.
The winning trainer said: “I would like to thank Juddmonte and His Royal Highness for sending me the horse. I was worried that they might be going too fast but Tadhg got the right fractions and also a breather into him.
“It’s the greatest feeling to have won this race, but what he was doing in the mornings made me think, ‘what has this horse got?’
“There is so much stamina in his pedigree but his training was out of this world.”
O’Shea added: “I tell you one thing, I have never ridden one as good as him. I never dreamed I would win the Dubai World Cup, it really is the stuff of dreams.
“He behaved like a pony; he hit the gates and did everything from the front, it was unbelievable. He gave himself every chance to get the distance, it’s an amazing feeling.”
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Beautiful!!!!! Fire in the wind.
Well done ,it had it coming,the horse is improving rapidly, well done Tagh 👏 ✔️
What a one sided race
doping 💪😅😅
Why were the Dubai races today so underwhelming smt just didn’t seem right
Won a Grade One sprint, won the World Cup, only Judgment! Congratulations 💕🏇🍾
The Saudi cup 1-2 rounded out the trifecta verifying the strength of the winner.
Either he is a late improver of mega proportion or the other jockeys were asleep for the first half ot the race.
Then again after watching it a few times they were all pushing their mounts along.Maybe they not much cop.
He looked good though must admit.
Laurel River completely outclassed this field. Must be the best horse on the planet.
The richest race of the meeting seemed rather cheap and tacky.
That was seriously impressive, wow.
It's beaten nothing
Well that was very suspicious the whole field of non triers it’s shocking
Another Frankel 🐴🐴🙏🏻🙏🏻
Horse drugged for sure…it is more prevalent in Dubai World cup than you think. This horse will not win a Group 3 race in UK.
Congratulations owners, trainer, jockey and horse. Massive win. Tadhg O'Shea had a great day. Well done connections for sticking with Tadhg O'Shea, and not putting up a more fashionable jockey. Best of luck in future whatever you all decide to do.
A loquacious jockey – no lost breath – after this massive win…maybe the horse did all the ‘work’ 😀
💉💉💉💉💉💉💉💉💉
No other into mischief has run this fast that far the other horses were not even trying to catch him and this horse has soundness issues think about it
Doping??🤔🤔🙆♂️
Well!! The time has arrived!! Laurel River is the 2024 Dubai World Cup Champion!! The Connections are LIVING THE RIVER OF DREAMS!! Congratulations!!❤😊❤😊!!
Absolutely hilarious!
Kawada made a horrendous ride