Latest news with #Tuz
Al Etihad
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
How Dark Saffron lit up Meydan for stunning home delight
7 Apr 2025 00:13 KUUMAR SHYAM (DUBAI)The 29th Dubai World Cup had a surprise main winner – Hit Show – while also dishing out an equally stunning local delight when Dark Saffron dazzled in the spotlight at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday. Not only did the gelding son of Meadow Saffron take home the winner's purse of Dh1.16 million for owner Sultan Ali, he became the first three-year-old to defeat a race for usually horses at least twice his age. Trained by Ahmed bin Harmash, the Emirati horse defied expectations in winning the race in 1:11:41 minutes, ahead of Nakatomi and the defending champion Tuz. The cream of the horse racing world has descended in the UAE for the showpiece event, carrying a total prize money of $30.5m, with Hit Show proving a surprise winner for the main prize among nine races on the card. While a couple of horses only justified their favourite tags, one of the most notable and pleasant good news came from the hosts' very own fraternity in the sixth race when Connor Beasley kept him in the front for most of the 1,200-metre sprint. Tuz got stuck behind the eventual winner and with Nakatomi on the right even as the most fancied Straight No Chaser never got started when the gates presence of two three-year-olds in the race for the first time since 2006 was already a talking point pre-race when Dark Saffron and American Stage were entered. Only five three-year-olds had ever contested in the history of the competitors like Tuz and Straight No Chaser, it looked even less likely when Dark Saffron drew stall 11 after couple of non-runners. But Beasley managed to straighten his head at the right time and mustered speed only horse able to stay in touch with the three-year-olds was Tuz, who landed in the box seat and appeared likely to capitalise once they punctured. However, he also came under riding approaching the 600m and his bid for back to back wins appeared though, is all heart and tried to rally up the rail. This is where Beasley's tactical masterpiece came to the fore as he shut the door on Tadhg O'Shea aboard Tuz on a number of occasions. Nakatomi charged late, Tuz made ground when it was all over but Dark Saffron, with a 3.5kg swing in the weights, was able to fend them off. He gave Beasley his second win of the night following First Classs's Kahayla Classic success. The Dubai Golden Shaheen was contested as a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint on Nov. 1 at Del admitted he was "a bit speechless" about his willing partner. "He's one of them, he's just kept improving and he was in up against good competition on the turf. He's got speed to burn and to do what he's just done is incredible. "It's just a big relief. This is what it's all about. We've got a good bunch of horses and to get a big winner like this on a night like this, it's just fantastic. He's got plenty of natural speed and it was probably a blessing being drawn out wide because I only had one option."Bhupat Seemar, the handler for Tuz, said: "This is horse racing and these things happen. Tactically they got the race on us, so it is how it is. They went fast and maybe we could have gone a bit faster, but the door wasn't open. I don't think he couldn't lie up." Straight No Chaser finished a miserable eighth and jockey John Velazquez said: "He jumped, I asked him but he didn't go. That's not his style, his style is 'come and get him'. At least if he lays close he's fine, but he just didn't even do that."
Gulf Today
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
DUBAI WORLD CUP LIVE: The curtain rises in splendor on a night of racing riches
With a total prize purse exceeding $30 million and the ultimate prize of global supremacy at stake, the 29th edition of the prestigious Dubai World Cup is set to deliver electrifying drama under the dazzling lights of Meydan Racecourse. A spectacular cast of the world's finest equine superstars will thunder down the track, each strides carrying the weight of ambition and racing immortality. Join us as we immerse you in the electrifying atmosphere, delivering live dispatches that capture every thrilling stride and dramatic turn. RACE 6: Dark Saffron stuns favourites, storms to Dubai Golden Shaheen glory In one of the most dramatic upsets on Dubai World Cup night, it was the unheralded Dark Saffron—a fiery local three-year-old—who lit up the Meydan dirt with a performance for the ages, guided by a masterclass of timing and tenacity from jockey Connor Beasley in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Pre-race talks had already focused on the unusual inclusion of two three-year-olds—the first such occurrence since 2006—in a race historically dominated by hardened older sprinters. Only five juveniles had ever dared to line up in the Shaheen before, and of those, just two had been Northern Hemisphere-breds: My Catch and Dios Corrida, who faded into the background with finishes of 12th and 11th respectively. Expectations for this year's sophomore entries were modest at best. Jockey Connor Beasley with Dark Saffron reacts after winning the $2 million Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. AP Among them, the spotlight was firmly fixed on Japan's American Stage, the seemingly superior of the two, while few gave any real chance to Dark Saffron, trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash and largely overlooked by the racing elite. Most eyes were instead locked on defending champion Tuz, or the formidable American sprinter Straight No Chaser, expected to dazzle under the desert lights. As tension peaked at the gates, Dark Saffron gave every indication of inexperience, rearing and resisting in stall 11. But Beasley, composed and calculated, straightened his mount just in time for the break, launching the colt forward with electric speed. In a flash, both three-year-olds were in front, stealing the early initiative. Almost immediately, it was clear something was amiss with Straight No Chaser. The American flyer struggled badly with the fierce kickback, swallowed up by the dirt and pressure, and was quickly running on empty. The race had turned on its head within the first furlong. Only Tuz looked capable of mounting a serious threat. He stalked just behind in the box seat, waiting patiently for the leaders to crack. But as the field thundered past the 600m, the champion found himself toiling—his challenge fading as quickly as it had formed. Still, the brave bay refused to go down quietly. Under Tadhg O'Shea, Tuz summoned every ounce of heart to launch one last assault up the inside rail. But it was here that Beasley's brilliance shone brightest. Reading the move before it unfolded, he shut the door with quiet authority—not once, but several times—closing off O'Shea's momentum and sealing Dark Saffron's unlikely path to glory. RACE 5: Admire Daytona grabs Kentucky ticket with thrilling UAE Derby victory Japan's grip on the UAE Derby tightened further on a balmy evening at Meydan, as Admire Daytona summoned every ounce of courage to hold off a surging Heart Of Honor in a heart-stopping, photo-finish climax. With just a short head separating triumph from heartbreak, it was the Japanese colt who emerged victorious, earning his ticket to the Kentucky Derby and sending waves of elation through the Japanese camp. Jockey Christophe Lemaire with Admire Daytona reacts after he won the $1 million Group 2 UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. AP A son of the illustrious triple Grade 1 winner Drefong, Admire Daytona carried not just pedigree but poise, leading from the break under the ice-cool hands of Christophe Lemaire. Straight from the gates, he seized the initiative, dictating the pace with fluid strides as Rafid loomed at his flank and Galactic Star tracked closely in third. A gap opened to the rest, but the danger was quietly building behind. From the shadows came the stalking duo of Heart Of Honor and Don In The Mood, each beginning their menacing advances as the field approached the home bend. The pressure mounted on the leader, and with every stride down the stretch, the contest grew more desperate, more breathless. In the final furlong, it became a battle of will and spirit. Don In The Mood, last year's winning silks carried by Ryusei Sakai, was the first to falter. The outside challenge faded, leaving Admire Daytona and Heart Of Honor locked in a fierce duel, their heads bobbing, nostrils flared, hearts pounding beneath the floodlit sky. The blinkered challenger surged right-handed, rallying with defiance in the dying strides, threatening to snatch victory from Japanese hands. But Lemaire, with steel in his reins and belief in his mount, drove Admire Daytona forward with urgency and trust. The colt, game to the core, responded with a last gasp of resolve—stretching, straining, and finally, clinging on by the slimmest of margins. The result flashed on the big screen: Admire Daytona, by a short head. It was Japan's third consecutive triumph in the UAE Derby, following the memorable victories of Crown Pride, Derma Sotogake, and the magnificent Forever Young. And once more, the rising sun of Japanese racing shone brightly over the desert. For Lemaire and the connections, it was joy unrestrained. For Heart Of Honor and the British team, it was defeat by inches—a haunting near-miss in a race for the ages. But above all, it was a testament to Admire Daytona's heart—a colt who led from the front, fought to the finish, and refused to yield when it mattered most. Heart Of Honor's trainer Jamie Osborne won the race in 2014 with Toast Of New York, who was denied in his own photo-finish to the Breeders' Cup Classic that November. This time his daughter Saffie, who in February became the first woman to win a race at Meydan, was in the saddle. Lemaire said: 'Honestly, I thought I'd won but it was very tight so you never get too happy, too early. The Japanese horses come here with quite a bit of experience at home. For us, they arrive near their best this early in the season - not too much racing but also with plenty of experience. I think they like the Meydan dirt track too. For sure he can go to Kentucky, but it is such a difficult race to win. It is one of the most iconic races in the world and we have to go if we can.' RACE 4: Believing justifies Boughey's faith in Al Quoz Sprint In a heart-pounding crescendo to the Al Quoz Sprint, it was Believing—guided with ice-cool precision by William Buick— who summoned a breathtaking late surge to capture Group 1 glory in one of the most thrilling finishes of the night. In a race that demanded heart, timing, and a touch of magic, it was the aptly named Believing who rose above all, storming down the turf with wings on her hooves to seize a dramatic Group 1 triumph in the final strides. Jockey William Buick with Believing reacts after he won the $1.5 million Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. AP Under Buick, the George Boughey-trained filly sat quietly in the early stages, biding her time as the field stretched across the pristine Meydan straight. With the pace blistering and challengers looming from all angles, Buick waited — calm, measured — before igniting the afterburners with less than 300 metres to go. What followed was nothing short of electrifying. Like a whisper turned roar, Believing began to devour the ground, her stride lengthening, her intent unmistakable. With every bound, she closed on the leaders, her silks glinting in the floodlights, and just when hope began to flicker, she surged past Win Carnelian and Regional in the final heartbeat of the race. The winning margin may have been narrow, but the statement was immense: Believing had arrived, and in unforgettable style. For Buick, the victory marked a poignant return to the top of the Al Quoz podium. Having last tasted success in the race aboard Godolphin's iconic Blue Point in 2019, this latest triumph carried the weight of memory and mastery. With the Godolphin blue once again stitched across his silks, he delivered a ride that blended patience with precision, turning pressure into poetry at the perfect moment. "George was really bullish about her before the race, her prep has been faultless," said Buick. "This is a lucky spare ride for me. Ryan [Moore] was meant to ride her, obviously he was in Australia this morning, I stepped in" "The filly was very tough. She really deserved to get that Group 1. She showed there what she's all about, she really knuckled down. Fair play to George in his team for having her in tip-top shape for tonight." Believing was withdrawn before the start of the Breeders' Cup Sprint last November after giving trouble in the gate. With Boughey and his partner at home awaiting the birth of their first child, assistant trainer Henry Morshead was on duty and said: "Her preparation into this has been very strong and her gate-work has been good all winter, which was a concern coming from Del Mar last time. "But God she's tough, she really sticks her head down, she's a real testament to the hard work everyone puts in at home." Morshead added: "It's hugely special and Coolmore are unbelievably straightforward to deal with. We're hugely honoured to have her in the yard this year as a five-year-old." RACE 3: Raging Torrent powers legend Dettori to eighth Godolphin Mile victory American Grade 1 winner Raging Torrent stormed to a resounding victory in the Godolphin Mile, gifting trainer Doug O'Neill a second consecutive win in the race—and his third overall—on a glittering night at Meydan. With an electric burst at the top of the stretch, the four-year-old colt turned away the determined challenge of Mufasa before striding clear to hold off France's King Gold and Japan's Kazu Petrin with consummate ease. The triumph marked a historic milestone for the incomparable Frankie Dettori, who piloted Raging Torrent to his eighth win in the Godolphin Mile—further cementing his legacy as the undisputed king of this race. It was also his astonishing 24th Dubai World Cup winner, a total that towers over all others in the sport. Jockey Lanfranco Dettori with Raging Torrent reacts as he won the $1 million Group 2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. AP Breaking smartly from a middle gate, Raging Torrent slipped smoothly into stride and took up the early lead, shadowed closely to his outside by the pace-pressing Mufasa, the American import making his UAE debut for Bhupat Seemar and RRR Racing—the same connections who claimed this title with Isolate two years prior. As the pair locked horns through the middle stages, Dettori kept his mount perfectly poised, allowing Raging Torrent to settle into a fluent rhythm beneath the floodlights. Approaching the home turn, the legendary jockey gave the signal, and the colt responded with a powerful surge. Edging clear as they straightened for home, Raging Torrent stretched his lead with every stride, seizing the moment and the race in a commanding time of 1:36.69. Delighted Dettori said: "He's such a lovely horse and he did the rest. You need the horse to lead like he did, he was quick away and I was able to do my own fractions. In fairness, he's always been a sprinter in America. So I was thinking of that, I didn't want to kick too early." O'Neill said: 'I was confident, but that's why you run these races, you never know. He had a good, clean break, got the lead, got a little breather mid-race. Speed was always going to be his strength. I'm on cloud nine and I've got to thank everyone here." Dettori, reflecting on his Dubai record, said: "Eight Godolphin Miles, that's a hell of a record. I think it's fair to say I grew up here. It's great satisfaction coming back and winning - and hopefully I can win the World Cup again.' RACE 2: Dubai Future wins Dubai Gold Cup to give Godolphin first win of the card Godolphin's Dubai Future, ageless and resplendent at nine, scripted a fairytale comeback under the Meydan, storming to victory in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup after a lengthy absence from the track. With Silvestre De Sousa guiding him in a ride full of bold intent, the son of Dubawi surged to glory in the iconic Godolphin blue silks, rekindling memories of past triumphs. Jockey Maxime Guyon with Dubai Future reacts as he won the $1 million Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. AP For celebrated Emirati trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, it marked a fourth triumph in this storied race — his first since the gallant Cavalryman soared to victory under the same rider over a decade ago, in 2013. Behind the winner, France's Double Major, trained by Christophe Ferland and ridden with determination by Maxime Guyon, stayed on bravely for second, just ahead of the tenacious Epic Poet. Suroor holds the record for the most wins in the Dubai World Cup, with nine victories (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019). He is also the only trainer to have saddled the same horse, Thunder Snow, to win the race twice (2018 and 2019). "Congratulations to Saeed, he got him a spot on today and this sets the horse up for the season," said De Sousa. "I told Saeed last time he only cantered round, just to take the freshness out of him. "Today my concern was just to get him relaxed and for the first half of the race I had him just the way I wanted. He was breathing well and relaxed and he just took me there. I'm delighted for His Highness [Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum] and thankful for having the opportunity to ride this horse." Suroor said: "He has improved this year, even though I know he's nine years old but this year he came to Dubai a month ago and I know the way to train him. I told Silvestre to keep him behind and the key is to keep him relaxed. "He is a mile and a quarter or mile and a half horse but we tried him over a mile and six and now two miles and he's done well. " RACE 1: Watson secures full marks with First Classs in Dubai Kahayla Classic Defying the odds and rewriting history, First Classs stormed to victory in the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (2000m), joining an elite club of multiple winners that includes Madjani and Alanudd. The eight-year-old son of Dahess trained by Doug Watson became the first horse to reclaim the prestigious crown, having previously triumphed in 2022 under different connections. It marked a remarkable turnaround for First Classs, who had finished third in the 2023 edition before a disappointing run last year. Despite a challenging draw in stall 14, which forced jockey Connor Beasley to navigate a wide path on the first turn, First Classs settled into a comfortable rhythm just behind the leading pack while favourite and last year's winner Tilal Al Khalediah watching it all unfold right behind the leading group down the back stretch. As Tariq faded around the home bend, First Classs seized the initiative, hitting the front 400m from the finish. He bravely withstood a determined and sustained challenge from Tilal Al Khalediah, who appeared poised to snatch victory in the final straight under Adel Al Furaydi. Mubeed, ridden by Ray Dawson, finished a distant third. Jockey Connor Beasley with Frist Class reacts as he wins $1 million Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. AP A gritty performance from the winner saw the jockey-trainer combo bag their first G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic victory. Widely recognisable for his striking grey appearance, the eight-year-old had gone strength-to-strength all through the domestic season posting a comeback victory in the G1 Abu Dhabi Gold Cup (2200m) in February before finishing second in the G1 Emirates Championship (2200m) in the Emirati capital last month. Jockey Connor Beasley said: 'Big credit goes to Doug (Watson) and his team because it's only the third time I've ever sat on this horse. He won me a big one down at Abu Dhabi and then ran a massive race there a couple of weeks ago. To get him here in peak form is a big job to do. "He jumped pretty smart and got a lovely position going down the back there. He was travelling so good, the race collapsed in front of me and I had to get him on his way. He was very determined and gritty all the way to the line and Doug and his team have done a fantastic job to get him through the season. 'Dubai is special for me, I wouldn't be getting these sorts of animals at home. I've had a great season all winter, obviously this has just topped it off nicely. It would be great to do it again later on but we've got one on the board which is great.' Trainer Watson said: 'Amazing, I'm so happy for Deb (owner Deborah Mihaloff). I'm so happy for the team. I'm so happy for the horse. Just seeing him come back like this after last season, it's amazing. He's tough as they come and we've been second in this a couple of times, this is fantastic. The key has been keeping him fresh. He's just been perfect all year, he's been happy and his coat's come right. I'm so pleased for everyone. It's been a rough year for me so this means so much. "He's a tough horse, I think that's his fourth race winning a million-dollar race, he's a pure racehorse and it's lovely to see him come back from an off season and do something like that. "I've been here 32 years and I've been to every World Cup. Worked the first one as an ambulance driver and now we're winning races. It's our first Arabian win, we used to have some extremely nice ones for the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid, finished second a couple of times and never won it. It's just super to win on the night any time." Dubai World Cup's raceday schedule: 4:35(pm) - Dubai Kahayla Classic 5:10 - Dubai Gold Cup 5:45 - Godolphin Mile 6:20 -Al Quoz Sprint 7:00 - UAE Derby 7:40 - Dubai Golden Shaheen 8:15 - Dubai Turf 8:50 - longines Dubai Sheema Classic 9:30 - Dubai World Cup
Khaleej Times
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai World Cup: Beasley lost for words after Dark Saffron's stunning win in Dubai Golden Shaheen
In a major upset, Dark Saffron stunned the favourites to win the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen at Dubai World Cup on Saturday. Tuz, one of the big favourites and the defending champion, finished third as Nakatomi took the second position. Dark Saffron, a rank outsider, was undeterred by the challenge of facing some very big names on Saturday. And jockey Connor Beasley was lost for words after guiding Dark Saffron to a stunning victory at the majestic Meydan racecourse. "To be fair, he is one of them who keeps improving. To do what he has just done tonight is just incredible. I am just speechless now," Beasley said. Dark Saffron shifted gears in the brilliant fashion on the home stretch to break away from the pack, leaving Tuz in an unenviable position of chasing the leader. It was Nakatomi who mounted a challenge, but it was not enough to keep pace with Dark Saffron. "He has got plenty of natural speed, and the way he has done it today was fantastic," Beasley said. The highlight of today's nine-race card is the $12 million Dubai World Cup which will see 11 thoroughbreds vying for glory on the dirt. Japanese sensation Forever Young, who delivered a stunning run to win the $20 million Saudi Cup early this year, is the overwhelming favourite tonight at Meydan. But don't write off Bhupat Seemar's chances of finding a place in the pantheon of racing immortals. Having guided Laurel River to victory last year, the Dubai-based Indian trainer is pinning his hopes on Walk of Stars and Imperial Emperor, two formidable equine athletes, to land him another Dubai World Cup trophy.
Khaleej Times
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Drew's Gold aims to shine in Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan
Being universally liked is a rare thing in racing, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with a bad word to say about Julio Olascoaga. The young Uruguayan trainer has been steadily making his mark in the UAE, and now he's eyeing a breakthrough as Drew's Gold takes on heavyweights Tuz and Straight No Chaser in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. A former US-based runner, R Racing's five-year-old showed promise when finishing second in the G1 Woody Stephens Stakes under previous trainer James Chapman. Since arriving in Dubai, he placed third behind Tuz in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint before an unfortunate start saw him finish ninth in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal. Olascoaga, however, remains confident. 'Gelson [Ribeiro], one of our work riders, has been working with him in the gate, so I'm confident he won't miss the break this time,' he says. 'We were happy with his first run here, and if he can repeat or improve on that, he'll be tough to beat.' For Olascoaga, a win on Dubai's biggest night would mark a significant milestone. The 33-year-old's path to the top has been anything but conventional—starting as an equine veterinarian before a stint as a flying groom led him to work with multiple Brazilian and Uruguayan Champion Trainer Antonio Cintra. That experience eventually brought him to Dubai, where he has spent nearly five years honing his craft at Grandstand Stables. 'I came here in 2019 with Antonio and three horses,' he recalls. 'At first, it was just for a week, then a month, and now almost five years later, here I am.' With 30 stalls at Meydan and strong backing from owners and supporters in Uruguay, Olascoaga's operation continues to grow. 'Everyone back home with a good horse eventually dreams of running overseas, and Dubai is a natural option. The prize money and exposure here are huge,' he explains. 'We could bring more horses, but there wasn't room this season. If the right conditions are there, we'll expand.' His record already boasts multiple Listed-level wins, including this season's National Day Cup in Abu Dhabi with Daramethos. But for Olascoaga, a defining moment came in 2022 with Quality Boone's victory in the Listed Al Bastakiya. 'That win was a game-changer,' he says. 'It changed the way local owners saw us.' Another standout was Atletico El Culano's triumph in the Listed Entisar, a sentimental win for Uruguayan racing fans, as the horse had previously captured the nation's most prestigious race—the 2021 G1 Gran Premio Jose Pedro Ramirez. Olascoaga has earned a reputation for revitalizing horses with past issues, something he embraces. 'We've had good results with horses that came from other trainers, like Desert Peace and Mount Kosciuszko,' he says. 'It's a challenge, but I enjoy it. Maybe they don't win big races, but seeing a horse come back from setbacks and compete again—that gives me a lot of joy.' While many his age might be soaking up Dubai's nightlife, Olascoaga is fully immersed in his work—living onsite at the stables and zipping between tracks on an electric scooter every morning. 'I believe you have to give 120 per cent in this business,' he says. 'The competition is intense, and the margins are small. I'm here 24 hours a day, looking for those little edges that turn second-place finishes into wins.' That relentless drive is what fuels him. 'My goal every day is simple—to be the best I can possibly be the next morning,' he says. 'That's how I live, and that's how I like it.'
Gulf Today
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Straight No Chaser out to fulfill trainer Blacker's Dubai dream at World Cup
If attention to detail is what makes a good racehorse trainer, then Dan Blacker has it in abundance. The California-based trainer flew 16 hours to Dubai last week to watch his superstar Straight No Chaser work at Meydan Racecourse ahead of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel) on 5 April. 'I came in for four days,' he explained. 'It was his first work there so I just wanted to see him go over the track and talk to my assistant, Juan Landeros, who gets on him every day. He's a big part of this horse's success.' In a sense, it was a return to the start for Blacker, who graduated from the Godolphin Flying Start programme in 2007. The two-year course involved a stint in Dubai, which Blacker remembers fondly. 'Dubai was a lot different then to what it is now,' he says. 'It's always had a special place in my heart and I've always hoped to have a horse good enough to compete on World Cup night. I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to do it with this horse.' Also on that 2007 course was soon to be Bloodstock Agent Conor Foley, who later purchased Tuz for just $7,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale back in 2018. Seven years later, Tuz will be the main rival to Straight No Chaser in the Golden Shaheen. Ever thorough, Blacker has done his research on the local sprinting star, who is unbeaten in a year, including this race in 2024. 'I've watched his win in the Golden Shaheen last year and we respect that horse a lot,' he says. 'Bhupat [Seemar, trainer] does a great job and he's on his home turf – I think that's the main thing. This is a new surface for us, a new challenge. We'll just have to see who's best on the big night.' New challenges don't seem to faze Straight No Chaser, who followed his G1 Breeders' Cup Sprint success at Del Mar in November with a blistering win in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi a month ago. 'Saudi was a great experience personally,' says Blacker. 'The horse really thrived there and he's thriving in Dubai too. What's remarkable about this horse is not only his talent and his desire but that he just takes everything in his stride – all the travel is no trouble to him - that's what makes him so special.' The Straight No Chaser journey hasn't always been smooth however, and the six-year-old son of Speightster required plenty of patience early on in his career. '[Owners] My Racehorse purchased him at the Fasig-Tipton [Midlantic] Breeze-up Sale in Maryland,' explains Blacker. After that he needed a bit of time, just immaturity stuff, nothing major. He came into my barn at the end of his two-year-old year and was a little bit of a late bloomer. But as he trained and grew, he just got stronger. We had a minor issue with him at the beginning of his three-year-old year so he didn't start until July. But he always showed a lot of talent - right from the word go.' Blacker, who is married to well-known racing TV host Christina Blacker, is originally from the UK and perhaps still has his British sense of reserve, despite 18 years in California. Even so, he admits that Straight No Chaser has broken new ground for him. 'He's the best horse I've ever had, so of course he's changed my life,' he says. 'I've got to follow him in his races around the world and any horse that does that is very special. To compete on the global stage has always been an ambition of mine, so to have a horse that can do that and win is very exciting. I'm thankful to be his trainer.' Should Straight No Chaser win the Shaheen, even Meydan's spacious winner's stage could become a little crowded. Through micro share company My Racehorse, he has 946 owners, plenty of whom will be making the trip. 'The more owners, the bigger the party!' says Blacker, with a little US-inflection on the last word. 'I don't feel any pressure. I think the micro share syndicates like My Racehorse are a great addition to the industry. It encourages people to get into ownership when they might not have before. I think it's a really positive thing and I'm proud to be a part of that. 'I enjoy sharing my love for the game and my love for horses with people who are less exposed to horses and horse racing, I believe that owners get more of a thrill when they are part of the process leading up to every race. One of our challenges in the industry is promoting the sport in a positive way and they can see firsthand the care these horses get and spread that message.' In addition to being grateful for his part in the Straight No Chaser story, Blacker is thankful for a lucky escape earlier this year when his family home was scarily close to the California Wildfires. 'We evacuated for about a week,' he explains. 'We live in Pasadena and could see the fire from our backyard on January 7th. The winds were like nothing I've ever felt before, and I've lived in California for 18 years. Our house wasn't burned but we had to replace a lot of things due to smoke damage and ash. Overall, we were very lucky.'
