Dubai Gold Cup winner Vazirabad three-peats on World Cup night

The Alain de Royer Dupre-trained Vazirabad entered the history books when becoming the first Thoroughbred ever to win on three Dubai World Cup nights.

The 6-year-old captured his third consecutive US $1 million Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors title when motoring down the Meydan straight to score by a length from the fast-finishing Sheikhzayedroad. Rare Rhythm finished third ahead of front-running Frontiersman.

Christophe Soumillon was in the saddle as they took the 3200m event in a new course record time of 3:17:92.

“How the race was run was perfect for him,” De Royer Dupre said. “I always said that we never had him better than today. He was so relaxed and calm before the race and the pace was very strong. And the more pace, the better for him. They went as fast as if they were going over a mile  (1600m) and that really helped my confidence. He nearly came too early. There is no doubt that this is his best ever performance, but as I said, I am not surprised, he was so well in the run-up to the race. When you come every year to Dubai, you learn what to do. It is very hot and you have to adapt to that. We will now target the Ascot Gold Cup in June.”

It was a 14th lifetime win from 21 starts for the Aga Khan’s home-bred and the winning rider is hoping that Vazirabad continues to rewrite the record books.

“He was making history and I hope there is more to come in future and that we can be back next year for even more,” Soumillon said. “He’s a good horse. He got beat on his first run here, but Alain knows how to get him fit and he has done a great job. All the wins have been different but to do it three times is history.”

The order of finish was completed by Sheikhzayedroad, Rare Rhythm, Frontiersman, Gold Star, Red Galileo, Parviz, Prince Of Arran, Natural Scenery, Janszoon, Al Sahem, Big Orange, Run Time, Los Barbados, Dal Harraild and Torcedor.