Dullahan Seeks Encore Performance in Pacific Classic
Mark down Dullahan, whose TVG Pacific Classic victory propelled him to honors as Del Mar’s Horse of the Meeting and top 3-year-old for 2012, for an encore engagement in the $1 million race on Sunday, August 25.
“Dullahan will defend his title at the Pacific Classic,” Jerry Crawford, president of Donegal Racing confirmed in an e-mail earlier this week.
“Dullahan's win last year was one of the greatest wins ever by Donegal Racing and we are eager to defend the crown. Being able to run against Game on Dude, one of the best horses in the world, adds to the attraction.”
Dullahan, a now 4-year-old son of Even the Score, prevailed by a half-length under Joel Rosario over Game On Dude and Chantal Sutherland in the Pacific Classic to highlight a 2012 campaign which produced two wins in eight starts, a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby and more than $1.3 million in earnings.
Dullahan opened 2013 with two 11th-place finishes in big money races in Dubai, the second being the $10 million Dubai World Cup, won by Animal Kingdom. Returned to the U.S. and rested, Dullahan returned to racing with a third-place finish in the Arlington Handicap on July 13.
“We used the Arlington Handicap as a prep race for Dullahan and he showed he is nearing peak condition in that race.” Crawford wrote. “ Except for Rahystrada "swerving sharply" in front of Dullahan (as the chart described it) he would have won the race easily.
“We were thrilled to see Dullahan returning to his own self after the grueling trip to Dubai where he became quite ill.”
When Dullahan, who is trained by Dale Romans, will ship to Del Mar, is still to be determined. But Crawford is enthused at the prospect.
“Last year's Pacific Classic was a spectacular time for Donegal and we could not have asked for warmer hospitality. We very much look forward to our return!”