Latest news with #DevaRacing
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
James Doyle suffers broken collarbone as 'horrendous' fall leaves horse fatally injured
The top Flat jockey broke his collarbone in a racing spill at Chelmsford when his mount Forever Proud fell and will miss key rides for Wathnan Racing Top Flat jockey James Doyle is facing three to four weeks out of action as a result of 'pretty horrendous' racing fall. Doyle is retained by Wathnan Racing, the racing team owned by the Emir of Qatar which is becoming an increasingly powerful force in the horse racing world. The 36-year-old was riding Forever Proud, from the Newmarket stable of James Owen, at Chelmsford on Friday when the mare went wrong approaching the furlong pole and suffered a fatal injury. Doyle was taken to hospital and later posted on social media, 'Thanks to everyone who has wished me well following my fall at Chelmsford today. My thoughts go out to James Owen and the connections of Forever Proud. 'I've unfortunately sustained a broken collarbone and while this is obviously sore, I'm otherwise ok. Looking forward to being back on a racecourse soon.' Forever Proud was owned by Deva Racing and had won six times and four times in the last six months. The syndicate posted: "With great sadness, we share that Forever Proud sustained a fatal injury this afternoon at Chelmsford. A wonderful mare who gave us four wins this AW season and so much heart. Our deepest sympathies to her owners and James Owen's team who cared for her so lovingly.' Doyle will miss an important week in the calendar for Wathnan Racing horses with Royal Ascot winner Haatem due to return to action on Friday at Sandown where Derby contender Damysus will also run. On Sunday Doyle would have been aboard Map Of Stars in the Group 1 Prix Ganay. Giving an update on the jockey, Wathan's racing manager Richard Brown told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, 'We're just waiting for a full prognosis in the next 24 hours and then we'll know whether he requires surgery or not, but he's certainly going to be out for three of four weeks which is a big blow for us at this time of year. 'I think having seen the fall, if you'd said 60 seconds afterwards, would you take a broken collarbone, I think all of us would have said yes. It was pretty horrendous watching. It was a nasty high speed fall.' Brown said William Buick would deputise for Doyle on Haatem in the bet365 Mile with Kieren Shoemark on Damysus if Buick is claimed by Godolphin in the bet365 Classic Trial.
Gulf Today
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Yahagi welcomes middle draw for DWC contender Forever Young
The G1 Saudi Cup winner Forever Young drew stall five for Saturday's $12 million G1 Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline). A relaxed Yoshito Yahagi said of his stable star: 'We thought [beforehand] that the wider we got, the better. I didn't want stall one or two for him so he gets a fair race, though it's not a big matter anyway. 'He is the best horse I have trained so far. He's got a sound mind and a great attitude. He should be comfortable with the middle draw, and hopefully all goes well for him on the race night.' Yahagi believes that Forever Young has taken a step forward from his epic defeat of Romantic Warrior in Riyadh last month, while jockey Ryusei Sakai is determined to make up for some heartbreaking near-misses in 2024. Forever Young finished a narrow third in both the G1 Kentucky Derby (2000m) and the G1 Breeders' Cup Classic (2000m) during his three-year-old season The 2023 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro will break from stall four. He drew eight when successful two years ago. His stablemate Wilson Tesoro will emerge from stall three in a bid to reverse Saudi Cup form with Forever Young and Ushba Tesoro. Trainer Noboru Takagi said of Wilson Tesoro that he was 'happy to avoid a wide draw' while the habitually slow-starting Ushba Tesoro would 'run his own race, regardless of the draw.' Front-runner Walk Of Stars will have the ideal draw from stall one when he bids to follow up January's success in the Al Maktoum Challenge. His trainer Bhupat Seemar said it was a 'great draw' and expects his horse to be 'rocking and rolling' with Forever Young. His stablemate Imperial Emperor finished second that day and he will have to defy a high draw in ten to avenge that defeat. That fate proved no issue for last year's winner Laurel River, who succeeded from the widest gate in 12 last year. Ryan Tongue, representing owners Deva Racing, said: 'When there was two and ten left, I was hoping for two of course, but he's a very uncomplicated horse. He was stall 14 last time and he's done very well from that draw, so I'm not really concerned.' Seemar added he was 'uncomplicated' and 'straightforward'. Seemar is well aware of the formidable Japanese challenge in Dubai, particularly Forever Young. 'He's probably one of the best horses in the world,' Seemar said. 'But he can have a bad day as well. Absolutely, this is horse racing. You've got to be in the race to win it.' Ramjet, who has chased home Forever Young on his last three starts, will break from stall nine, though trainer Shozo Sasaki feels that won't be any inconvenience. Sasaki said: 'We won't go forward and with only 11 horses it doesn't really matter.' Rattle N Roll, who is bidding to become the first American winner since Country Grammer in 2022, will exit the gates from stall two. His trainer Kenny McPeek said: 'The inside draw was good. It's a long run to the first turn and he can tuck in and find his way from there. In these races you need to save as much ground as possible.' Trainer Antonio Sano said he 'would have preferred the middle to inside or outside' and was granted that wish for Il Miracolo in six. His owner Eduardo Soto added his horse was a 'competitor' and said there was 'no better position to be in'. Leandro Mora, assistant to trainer Doug O'Neill, said stall 11 was the 'perfect position' for Katonah, while he had been 'hoping for five or four' for Mixto, who will emerge from gate eight. Hit Show will break from stall seven. Of the stars on show elsewhere, Romantic Warrior drew barrier nine in his bid for a 11th Group 1 win in the Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World). The Hong Kong champion was a dominant winner of the Jebel Hatta over the same course and distance in January, when he broke from gate one. His rider James McDonald said: 'I'm hoping nine is going to be my lucky number on Saturday [his other mount Howdeepisyourlove is also in nine for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint]. I'd rather nine than one. He'll be able to do his thing from there.' A berth of four looks unlikely to cause any issues for Godolphin's superstar Rebel's Romance in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. He defied stall 11 when victorious a year ago and will bid to become the first back-to-back winner of the race.
Khaleej Times
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Forever Young leads star-studded field in $12m Dubai World Cup
For the first time in its storied history, the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) will see just two locally trained contenders attempt to repel a formidable international challenge in the 29th edition of the prestigious race, set for Saturday, April 5, at Meydan Racecourse. With a field of 11 elite thoroughbreds confirmed by the Dubai Racing Club on Monday, e xcitement is reaching fever pitch as the final field is confirmed for the latest chapter in one of the world's most prestigious races. Dubai's hopes rest on Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars, both conditioned by UAE champion trainer Bhupat Seemar, who is aiming for back-to-back victories after triumphing last year with Laurel River. Their presence marks a significant moment in the race's history, as it is believed to be the first time only two locally trained horses have taken on the world's best in this marquee event. Historically, the Dubai World Cup has been a fortress for American-trained dirt specialists, boasting 14 victories since its inception in 1996, including Country Grammer, most recently in 2022. True to its legacy, the US is represented by five contenders eager to reaffirm their dominance. However, Japan, whose rapid ascent in global thoroughbred racing has been impossible to ignore, sends a powerful four-horse squad, including 2023 champion Ushba Tesoro, who is making his third consecutive appearance in the race. Japan's challenge is led by Forever Young, the ante-post favourite and the electrifying winner of last month's $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh, where he fought off a fierce challenge from Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in a thrilling showdown. The rising four-year-old star has demonstrated exceptional class throughout 2024, adding marquee victories to his resume, including a dominant performance in the Tokyo Daishoten (G1) last December. His campaign also includes a third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar and multiple Class 1 wins at Ohi, reinforcing his status as the horse to beat. Dubai's Homegrown Hope With Meydan form often proving pivotal in the Dubai World Cup, Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars carry the weight of local expectations. Both horses have thrived on their home turf, and Seemar is optimistic about their chances against international opposition. Imperial Emperor enters the race in peak form, having delivered a breathtaking performance in the Al Maktoum Classic (G2) on Super Saturday, where he stormed home by an emphatic 8 1/2 lengths. Jockey Tadhg O'Shea believes the Dubawi gelding is improving with every run and will be a serious contender in Saturday's showcase. Seemar, assessing his two charges, said: 'Imperial Emperor is an uncomplicated horse and has done very well this year. His only loss came against Walk of Stars in the Al Maktoum Challenge in February, but he bounced back brilliantly in his last race.' For British syndicate Deva Racing, which owns Imperial Emperor, the Dubai World Cup is the culmination of a dream journey. Ryan Tongue, Deva Racing's director, expressed his excitement after the gelding's last win: 'This horse owed us nothing before this race. We just wanted him to come back safe and sound. This is a dream come true. I can't believe we're in the Dubai World Cup!' Meanwhile, Walk of Stars, runner-up in last year's Godolphin Mile, has had a mixed campaign, but Seemar remains confident in his ability to step up on the big night. 'He's immensely talented. The Saudi trip didn't work out for him, but now he's back on home ground, where he thrives,' said Seemar. 'Hopefully, both of them will run well on the big night.' The American challenge is a blend of proven veterans and rising stars, including Hit Show (Candy Ride), Mixto (Good Magic), and Katonah (Klimt). With five representatives, the US contingent brings depth and experience, seeking to reclaim the trophy that has historically been theirs to lose. Dubai Racing Club CEO Ali Al Ali underscored the exceptional standard of this year's contest, stating: 'The depth of talent in this year's Dubai World Cup is extraordinary. We are thrilled to welcome top-tier horses from around the world, and we look forward to an unforgettable night of racing.' As race day approaches, Meydan takes center stage for another historic showdown. Will the American powerhouses extend their dominance? Can Japan's rising force take centre stage? Or will Seemar's hopefuls seize the moment and deliver another victory for Dubai? The answers await on racing's grandest stage this Saturday. Field for the 2024 Dubai World Cup Forever Young (JPN) – The Saudi Cup champion and ante-post favorite. Hit Show (USA) – A powerful contender trained by Brad Cox. Il Miracolo (USA) – Representing Antonio Sano's stable. Imperial Emperor (IRE) – The local hero seeking to make history for Dubai. Katonah (USA) – One of Doug O'Neill's two runners. Mixto (USA) – Another strong US challenger from the O'Neill barn. Ramjet (JPN) – Adding depth to Japan's challenge. Rattle N Roll (USA) – A top-tier American competitor. Ushba Tesoro (JPN) – The 2023 champion aiming to reclaim his crown. Walk of Stars (GB) – Another local hopeful trained by Bhupat Seemar. Wilson Tesoro (JPN) – Rounding out Japan's formidable quartet. Prize money With a staggering $12 million prize purse, the Dubai World Cup remains one of the richest races on the planet. The breakdown is as follows:
Khaleej Times
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Imperial Emperor fuels syndicate's Dubai World Cup dreams
There almost wasn't space on the presentation stage for the 14 delighted owners of Imperial Emperor after Bhupat Seemar's gelding stormed home in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic (sponsored by Emirates Airline) and gained entry to the G1 Dubai World Cup. The gelding, an Dh 300,000 Racing In Dubai Sale purchase in March, was favourite for the Dh 1.7million contest but had to deal with draw 15 for the 2000 metres. Jockey Tadhg O'Shea was able to secure a spot to the outside of the leaders and was in the perfect position from which to strike in the straight, leading off the final turn and storming home by eight and a half lengths from stablemate Artorius and Korean raider Global Hit, who ran a superb race from the front. 'Wow, what a horse!' said Ryan Tongue, Director of British-based syndicate Deva Racing. 'This horse didn't owe us anything before tonight, we just wanted him to come home safe. 'This a dream come true. I can't believe we're in the Dubai World Cup!' O'Shea added: 'This horse is on the up. I've only thrown my leg over him three times and I've won all three. That was probably a career best for him. It was a true run race and there was no hiding place out there. He's very, very genuine.' As a four-time Group 1 winner, Nations Pride was rightly sent off favourite for the G2 Singspiel Stakes (sponsored by Emirates Airline) and he didn't let his supporters down. The six-year-old arrived off the back of defeats in the G2 Bahrain Trophy and G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf but put those well in the past. Ridden by William Buick, he was settled close to the pace in the 1800metre turf contest and pushed into the lead off the home turn. However, he had to find plenty to see off the determined Holloway Boy, second, and First Conquest, third, by a one and a quarter lengths and three lengths. 'We came here confident that he was where he needed to be to win this race,' said trainer Charlie Appleby. 'He had valid excuses for his last two defeats as he's only ever run twice right handed around Bahrain and been beaten twice. Then at Gulfstream he had a torrid shipping, it took a long time to get there and conditions weren't really suitable. 'Hopefully there might be a bit of improvement to come and we'll look towards World Cup night and the Dubai Turf. But if Romantic Warrior turns up we're all running for place money!' Buick and Appleby celebrated a second Group success on the night when Silver Knott charged home in the G2 Dubai City of Gold (sponsored by Emirates Airline). The five-year-old had been campaigned at Group 1 level in the US and is likely to head back there later this season. He made no mistake here, leading all the way and beating Passion And Glory by two lengths, with British challenger See Hector third. 'Last season he spent most of the year in the States and we learned that he is very effective from the front,' said Buick. 'He is very professional and he has a good level of ability to go with it. I was delighted with that and hopefully he can improve from it." The presence of Japanese challenger American Stage made the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (sponsored by look a little tougher for Tuz than his three previous races this season, but no matter – he trounced them anyway. Seemar's sprinting star also made history, becoming the first horse to sweep the Listed Garhoud Sprint, G3 Dubawi Stakes, G3 Al Shindagha Sprint and this race all in one season. He did it in his usual style, contributing to blistering fractions up front, especially when taken on by Al Shibli, but was still much too good, bolting up by five lengths from American Stage, with Eastern World, winner of this race in 2022, in third. 'He's a streetfighter, he just keeps coming back – he's like Muhammad Ali!' said Seemar. 'He's made history by becoming the first horse to win all the big dirt sprints. 'There will be some good sprinters here for the Dubai Golden Shaheen, but we have home turf.'
